Updates on Visa as Per UAE Law

The United Arab Emirates (UAE) is making efforts to expand its economy and become a global destination for investors, entrepreneurs, and highly skilled professionals. As part of this endeavour, the UAE has introduced new updates to its existing visa regime, which includes ten new entry visas, residence permits, and an expansion of the UAE golden visa. The Executive Regulations of the Federal Decree-Law on Entry and Residence of Foreigners have made significant changes to the visa regime, which will benefit various categories of people, such as tourists, temporary workers, investors, students, and medical professionals. The introduction of these new visas will make it easier for individuals to visit, live, and work in the UAE, contributing to the growth of the economy and the country's global profile. This article by well-known immigration lawyers in UAE will discuss the latest updates in visa as per UAE law.

The United Arab Emirates (UAE) has announced new updates to its visa regime in a bid to further its globalisation efforts and expand the country's economy. The Executive Regulations of the Federal Decree-Law on Entry and Residence of Foreigners have introduced ten types of new entry visas, residence permits, and the expansion of the UAE golden visa.        

The new changes are aimed at attracting more foreign talent, investors, and entrepreneurs to the country, while also simplifying the visa application process. Here are the ten new types of visas introduced:

1. Multi-entry tourist visa: This new visa allows visitors to stay in the UAE for a maximum of 180 days and is valid for five years. Unlike the previous tourist visa, this new visa does not require a sponsor.
2. Temporary Work Visa: Ideal for individuals working on a project basis or undergoing a probation period. Applicants must provide a copy of their work contract, employment letter, and fitness proof along with their application.
3. Business Visa: Investors and entrepreneurs can acquire this visa without the need for a sponsor.
4. Visit Visa: Individuals with friends or relatives holding UAE citizenship or residency can apply for this visa without the need for a sponsor or host.
5. Family Visa: Male children can now be sponsored until the age of 25, while female children can remain on their parents' sponsorship.
6. Training Visa: Students and those who want to participate in academic courses and internships can apply for this visa. Applicants must obtain a letter of intent from the educational institution, detailing the training or educational program.
7. Green Visa: This visa is for highly skilled professionals, freelancers, investors, and entrepreneurs who want to live and work in the UAE. Holders of this visa can obtain UAE residence for five years and bring their families to the UAE without the need for a sponsor or employer. Applicants must have a valid bachelor's degree and a minimum salary of AED 15,000.
8. Golden Visa: The Golden Visa now extends residency for ten years and includes more categories. Holders can sponsor family members, children of any age, and domestic help. The categories eligible for the Golden Visa include scientists, skilled workers, exceptional talent, real estate investors, students, and medical professionals.

i) Scientists: Those with a PhD or Master's degree from any of the world's best colleges, specialising in technology, engineering, life sciences, and natural sciences, and recommended by the Emirates Scientists Council.

ii) Skilled Workers: Those falling within the occupational level 1 or 2 as determined by the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation (MoHRE), with a bachelor's degree, employment contract, and a minimum salary of AED 30,000.

iii) Exceptional Talent: Any talented individual who specialises in the field of art, culture, sports, medicine, or law can avail of the golden visa irrespective of their educational qualification, employment status, or monthly salary, provided they are recommended or approved by the federal/local government authorities.

iv) Real Estate: Real estate investors who purchase property worth AED 2 million, as well as those who purchase property via mortgage or off-plan property totally to a minimum of AED 2 million.

v) Students: Those students with exceptional academic achievements, obtained high scores in UAE schools and universities, and studied at the world's 100 best universities.

vi) Medical Professionals: Nurses and medical staff who were instrumental in fighting the Covid-19 pandemic may avail of the Golden Visa.

The new updates are expected to attract more foreign investment to the UAE, promote economic growth, and further strengthen the country's position as a global hub for business and innovation.