With a revamp of its entry and residence systems, the UAE continues to be a desirable destination for investment, work, education, entrepreneurship, and other activities. New visa rules have been implemented in the UAE that allows for new types of visas and residence permits. They also expand on the Golden Visa categories.
UAE 2022: New visa rules
The UAE cabinet approved the Executive Regulations of the Federal Decree Law on Entry and Residence of Foreigners, which aims to strengthen the country’s position as a desirable destination for living, working, and investing.
There are now ten types of UAE entry visas and residence permits. The Golden Visa categories have been expanded. The new system of residence and entry was implemented on 3 October 2022. It is designed to attract and keep skilled workers and global talent from around the world, increase the flexibility and competitiveness of the job market and foster stability in UAE families and residents.
The new Visa and entry rules were designed to encourage Emirati SMEs to grow and develop the UAE’s business sector.
UAE visa extension new rules 2022
The UAE Immigration department has stopped issuing UAE visitor visas. Visitors Visa holders who want to extend their stay in the UAE should leave the country and then apply again.
COVID-19 had previously made it easier to extend UAE visas. Now that normalcy is back, the UAE’s immigration department decided to restore procedures to pre-pandemic norms.
The Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, and Customs Security (ICP) still needs to confirm the new visa extension rule. However, visa extensions submitted from within the country are reportedly being rejected.
Golden Visa rules 2022
The UAE has expanded the Golden Visa categories to simplify eligibility criteria and increase the number of beneficiaries.
Investors, entrepreneurs, exceptional talents, and scientists will all be eligible for the long-term Golden residence of 10 years.
New rules allow Golden Residence holders to sponsor their family members regardless of age. They can also sponsor domestic laborers (support services) without a limit.
The typing center agents accessed the ICP system details. They found that the grace period following the cancellation or expiry of a residence visa in the UAE has been extended from 30 to 6 months for holders of Golden visas and their families. Expats now have six months to amend their status, obtain a new residence visa, or leave the country. During the grace period, fines are not applicable. The dependents of a Golden visa holder who fails to renew or cancel his Visa could be subject to an overstay penalty.
The UAE has launched a new tool. It is an online quiz that tells applicants whether they are eligible for the Golden Visa in as little as 2 minutes.
Scientists
Scientists and researchers who fulfill the following conditions will be eligible for the Golden Visa.
A Master’s or Ph.D. in engineering, technology, and natural sciences from one of the world’s top universities.
To be eligible for this Visa, you must get a recommendation from Emirates Scientists Council.
Skilled professionals
For the following reasons, skilled professionals may be eligible for the Golden Visa Scheme:
- They have a valid contract of employment in the UAE
- The job must be classified as an occupational level 1 or 2, as determined by the Ministry of Human Resources Emiratisation.
- The minimum monthly salary must be at most AED30,000 (USD 8,167).
- A bachelor’s degree is required for skilled workers.
Note that skilled professionals are eligible for a 6-month grace period.
Exceptional talents
The Golden Visa scheme is open to exceptionally talented individuals in law, art, culture, digital technology, and sports.
The 10-year Visa will also be granted solely on the applicant’s merit. It does not depend on education, work status, monthly income, or professional status. It will, however, require the approval or recommendation of a federal or regional government entity.
Real estate investors
Real estate investors can obtain the Golden Visa for Real Estate Investors when they purchase a property with a value of no less than AED 2 million (USD 5,44,528).
The new amendments allow investors to receive the Golden Residence if they purchase a property using a loan from local banks. The residence is also available to investors who purchase one or more off-plan properties not less than AED 2,000,000 (USD 5,444,5288) from approved local realty companies.
The ICP has extended the grace period for property owners after the cancellation or expiry of a residence visa in the UAE for expatriates to 90 days. Expats now have six months to amend their status, obtain a new residence visa, or leave the country. During the grace period, fines are not applicable.
Entrepreneurs
Investors in startups may now be eligible for a Golden Visa if their company is registered in the UAE and has annual revenues of AED 1,000,000 (USD 2,722,249) or more.
You can also apply for the Golden Residence of Entrepreneurs if you:
The person is either a founder of or one of the founders of a previous entrepreneurial venture that was sold for a minimum of AED 7 million (USD 19,058,850.80).
For any project or idea, it is necessary to get the approval of either the Ministry of Economy (or the relevant local authorities).
Nurses and doctors
In “recognition” of their sacrifices and efforts, the UAE has granted long-term residency to doctors and nurses in the UAE.
All UAE doctors can apply for the Golden Visa through the ICA’s golden residency service for doctors between July 2021 – September 2022.
Since late 2016, nurses and medical personnel, unsung heroes in the UAE’s COVID-19 battle, are also eligible to receive the prestigious Golden Visa.
For doctors and nurses who want to apply for visas personally, seven centers have been set up in the Emirates by the Federal Authority for Identity and Citizenship.
Cultural
Artists, musicians, artists, curators, and other creative professionals over 25 can apply for a long-term visa under the Cultural Golden Visa category. It applies regardless of their education, employment status, monthly income, or professional level.
They will need to get a letter of recommendation (MCY) from the Ministry of Culture and Youth and be present in the country during the application process.
Executive Directors
This category allows for executive directors with at least a bachelor’s degree accredited by the Ministry of Education. They also must have a letter of five years of experience in the same job and a salary certificate of AED 50,000. A valid work contract is required.
Green residence 2022
New 5-year residence tracks for the UAE Green Visa have been introduced to attract talent, skilled professionals, entrepreneurs, freelancers, and investors. To facilitate the needs of all types of residents, the UAE Green Visa offers more benefits, including extended flexible grace periods, which can be up to 6 months, to allow family members to remain in the country after their residence permit has expired or been canceled.
Skilled workers
The Green residence for skilled workers has been updated to provide skilled employees with a five-year residency period without needing a sponsor or employer.
These are the only requirements:
- A valid employment contract should be provided to all applicants
- According to the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation, it should be classified as the first, second, or third occupational level.
- The minimum education level is a bachelor’s or equivalent degree
- The salary of the applicant should not be lower than AED 15,000 (USD 4 083)
Note that skilled professionals (third-level in the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation) are eligible for an extended grace period of 90 days after the expiry of the Green residence.
Self-employment and freelancing
The freelancing sector and flexible work models are experiencing significant growth globally. The new Green residence for self-employment and freelancing provides a five-year residency for self-employed people and freelancers without needing a sponsor or employer in UAE.
The only requirements are:
- Apply for a self-employment/freelancer permit through the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation
- A minimum education qualification is a bachelor’s degree or specialized diploma.
- An annual income of AED 360,000 (USD 9.800) from self-employment in the past two years.
- The applicant must show proof of their financial stability throughout their stay in the country.
Partner or investor
The Green residence was created for investors and partners to encourage investment. Investors can use this residence to establish or participate in commercial activities for up to 5 years. The validity period under this category has been extended from 2 to 5 years.
These are the requirements:
- Approval of the investment and proof.
- The total capital investment will be calculated if the partner (investor) holds more than one license.
- Approval by the relevant local authorities is required.
Rules for entry visa 2022
The UAE introduced different types of entry visas for tourists to the UAE. They do not require any sponsor or host.
There have been major improvements to entry visas. These include the ability to meet all visa requirements and flexible visa durations. It will allow visitors to not only fulfill their needs but also serve the purpose of their visit. All entry visas are now available for single and multiple entries. They will also be valid for 60 days from the date they were issued. They can also be renewed for the same period.
Visa for job exploration
The Job Exploration Visa was introduced to help young talent, and skilled professionals explore the opportunities in the country. If the applicant meets these requirements, the Visa will be granted.
- According to the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation, it is classified as the first, second, or third level of skill.
- You are a recent graduate from one of the top 500 universities around the world.
- A minimum education level of a bachelor’s or equivalent degree is required.
More information can be found in our article entitled Dubai & UAE Job Seeker visa 2022: Everything you Need to Know about the UAE’s job exploration visa.
Visa for business entry
Entrepreneurs and investors can use the Business Entry Visa to visit UAE and explore investment and business opportunities. This Visa allows for easy entry without the need for a sponsor or host.
Multi-entry tourist visa
The UAE tourism establishment also sponsored a regular Tourist Visa. In addition, a multi-entry five-year tourist visa was introduced.
The new multi-entry tourist visa is now available to make it easier for visitors and tourists. Tourists can enter the country multiple times under self-sponsorship for five years. They can stay in the country for up to 90 days, with the possibility of an extension for an additional 90 days.
To be eligible for the Visa, you must submit the following documents:
- You must provide proof that you have a balance in your bank of at least $4,000 (AED 14 700) during the six (6) months preceding the application submission.
- As the UAE bans tourists with only one passport, please ensure that your passport includes your first and last names.
- Dubai’s tourism authority is also working with authorities to expand the 5-year multiple-entry tourist visa to more tourists. The Visa is currently being distributed softly. There are plans to expand the availability of visas and make them available via the Dubai Corporation for Tourism and Commerce Marketing Digital Platform.
- The UAE is now issuing 60-day tourist visas as part of the reforms.
Permit for a temporary work mission
Employers can sponsor temporary work assignments such as probation testing or project-based missions, and visitors can apply for an entry permit to enter the country. This entry permit is available to visitors who are relatives or friends of UAE citizens or residents.
Some requirements include the following:
A temporary contract of employment,
A letter from the employer confirming the purpose of the visit
You must show proof of your health and fitness to work.
Permit to study or train
This permit is for students and interns enrolled in training and study courses. This type of permit is sponsored by universities, educational or research institutions licensed in the country, or private entities.
A letter from the entity describing the internship, training, or study details is required.
Conclusion
Based on above, find the most suitable visa type that you require to work in UAE and accordingly proceed with it. The introduction for new work visas show that UAE government is looking forward to attract more and more talent around the globe and build a contented and productive society
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