UAE cabinet announces huge overhaul of the visa system
Some new arrivals will no longer require sponsorship, while tourists will be able to stay for 60 days…
The UAE cabinet has announced major changes to the UAE visa system, which will see new entry visas with simplified requirements and more benefits for visitors and residents introduced from September 2022.
One of the biggest overhauls of the UAE visa system, the 10 types of visa is a “step that supports the country’s competitiveness in the tourism, economic and educational sectors” according to a Tweet from the UAE Government Twitter. The changes announced by the UAE Media Office were approved approved by Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid, Vice President and Ruler of Dubai on Monday.
New visas for visitors
The biggest news for visitors entering the UAE is that tourist visas will be valid for 60 days, an expansion from the current 30.
A five-year, multi-entry tourist visa was also introduced, which allows visitors to stay up to 90 continuous days in the UAE. However, they can’t exceed 180 days in a year. For this visa, proof of having a bank balance of $4,000 or equivalent in foreign currency in the last six months is required.
Expansion of the UAE golden visa
Aiming at attracting and retaining talents, the UAE updates the Golden Residence rules as a part of the new Entry and Residence Scheme. The scope of beneficiaries is expanded offering more benefits including 10 years renewable residence pic.twitter.com/WwWWBWh9jY
— UAEGOV (@UAEmediaoffice) April 18, 2022
It will also become easier for residents to be granted a UAE golden visa, with simplified requirements and expanded talents able to apply. Public and real estate investors are covered in the expanded categories, as well as exceptional talents in fields that include art and culture, digital technology and sport. An array of scientists and professionals as well as frontline heroes are also eligible to apply.
Explore job and business opportunities
The new Entry and Residence Scheme offers 10 types of entry visas with simplified requirements and more benefits. New visas require no host or sponsor, offer more flexibility, multi entry, 60 days validity and one unified platform to apply at pic.twitter.com/0PsCJYaoyR
— UAEGOV (@UAEmediaoffice) April 18, 2022
Young talents and skilled talents will be able to explore job opportunities through a new visa that won’t require a UAE host or sponsor. According to The National, this would be granted to those classified in the first or second or third skill level as per the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation who are educated to bachelor’s degree level or equivalent. Fresh graduates of the best 500 universities in the world are also considered.
Similarly, there will be easy entry for those looking to explore investment and business opportunities without needing a UAE sponsor.
Residency permits
The new system for residence visas and entry permits offers new types of residence permits for investors, skilled employees, self-employment and family members. The new types provide customized benefits to each category. pic.twitter.com/7JI8qjMsKm
— UAEGOV (@UAEmediaoffice) April 18, 2022
Several visas, including the one-year remote working visa, five-year retirement visa and two-year real estate owner visa require no sponsor and can be renewed for the same period.
Residents will also be able to sponsor their unmarried sons until the age of 25, rather than 18, and unmarried daughters regardless of their age.