Adjustment to the duration of standard residence visas
Since October 2022, the 3-year visa validity period will no longer be available for visa applications for investors, employees, etc.
The new visa validity period will be 1 or 2 years for all types of new visas, visa renewals, and visa transfers.
Visa fees remain unchanged, and no refunds will be issued. The administrative procedures remain the same: valid passport, entry visa, medical examination, fingerprinting, etc.
What is the new visa validity period in Dubai?
The United Arab Emirates recently announced a major change regarding the validity of residence visas in Dubai and the Emirates issued by Free Zones. According to an official statement, the validity period, which was previously three years, has been reduced to two years for all new residence visa applications in Dubai and the United Arab Emirates.
The beginning of the 2022 school year brought its share of changes regarding residency in the Emirates.
Previously, visa validity periods differed depending on whether you were affiliated with a company registered in a Free Zone or a company registered in the mainland.
For Free Zone companies: the validity period was 3 years for investors and employees.
For mainland companies: the validity period was 3 years for investors but only 2 years for employees.
From now on, the duration of work permits issued by the Emirates' immigration services has been unified across all visas. The duration has been reduced to 2 years for everyone. This information was specifically confirmed by the Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs and Port Security (ICP).
What will happen to visas with a 3-year validity period that are currently valid?
All visas with a 3-year validity period that were still valid when the announcement was made will remain valid until their expiration.
Those currently being obtained or renewed will have a 2-year validity period in accordance with the government's new conditions.
Reminder: What are the different ways to obtain a residence visa in the Emirates?
In the Emirates, there are different types of residence visas and different ways to obtain one. If you wish to apply for a residence visa and an identity card, you must be in one of the following situations:- Open a company in a Free Zone or the mainland, or obtain a freelance permit
- Be employed by a company registered in the Emirates
- Be sponsored by your spouse
- Be sponsored by your parents
- Be sponsored by your children
How does Merritt assist you?
Our firm assists you in obtaining residence visas for yourself, your family, your domestic staff, and your employees.
We have been established in the Emirates since 2009 and have complete expertise in the entire residence visa application process.
If you would like more information, please contact us by email at support@merritt.group
