Here’s an overview of the new entry and residence visa rules in the UAE, which are designed to offer more flexibility and opportunities for residents, investors, and job seekers:

Published On - August 13, 2024

Xonier Visas Uncategorized

Key Changes and New Visa Categories:

  1. Five-Year Green Visa:
    • Eligibility: Freelancers, skilled workers, and investors.
    • Features:
      • No need for an employer or sponsor.
      • Allows residency for up to five years.
      • Option to sponsor family members (spouse, children, and first-degree relatives).
      • Grace period of up to six months after visa expiration to renew or adjust status.
  2. Jobseeker Visa:
    • Eligibility: Professionals seeking employment in the UAE, particularly those with higher education qualifications.
    • Features:
      • No sponsor or host required.
      • Validity ranges from 60 to 120 days, offering flexibility to find a job.
      • Attracts skilled professionals and recent graduates.
  3. Golden Visa:
    • Eligibility: Investors, entrepreneurs, scientists, outstanding students and graduates, humanitarian pioneers, and frontline workers.
    • Features:
      • Long-term residency (10 years).
      • Allows the visa holder to sponsor family members.
      • No restrictions on the number of years spent outside the UAE.
      • Additional benefits include 100% business ownership and a simplified process for renewals.
  4. Entry Permit for Business:
    • Eligibility: Entrepreneurs and investors.
    • Features:
      • Facilitates entry for those exploring business opportunities in the UAE.
      • No need for a sponsor or host.
  5. Tourist Visa:
    • Features:
      • Multiple-entry visa valid for five years.
      • Allows a stay of up to 90 consecutive days, extendable by another 90 days.
      • No need for a host or sponsor.
      • Attracts visitors and promotes tourism.
  6. Family Visa Rules:
    • Changes:
      • Allows residents to sponsor their sons up to the age of 25, up from 18 years previously.
      • Unmarried daughters can be sponsored for an indefinite period.
      • Disabled children receive a special permit, regardless of age.

Impact and Benefits:

  • Flexibility: The new visa rules provide greater flexibility for residents and businesses, allowing for longer stays and easier renewal processes.
  • Attraction of Global Talent: These changes aim to attract skilled professionals, investors, and entrepreneurs from around the world, supporting the UAE’s economic growth and diversification goals.
  • Family-Friendly Policies: The expanded family visa rules make it easier for residents to bring their families to the UAE, enhancing the country’s appeal as a long-term residence option.

These new rules reflect the UAE’s commitment to becoming a global hub for business, innovation, and talent by offering more inclusive and flexible visa options.