The reforms concern the five-year Green Visa, permits for job seekers, and tourists.
The Golden Visa system has been expanded to attract as many people as possible. Among these new reforms are the Green Visa, the multiple-entry tourist visa, permits for job seekers, and more...
Announced in mid-April, this decision by the UAE Cabinet was due to come into effect 90 days after its publication in the Official Gazette. All these new visas will therefore officially come into effect in September 2022. They are part of the most significant reforms ever adopted by the United Arab Emirates regarding entry into and residence in the country.
This new scheme will benefit expatriates already residing in Dubai as well as all new visitors, making the Emirates even more attractive as a destination for living and doing business. Dubai wants to be a destination conducive to investment and attract the wealthiest people to settle permanently in the country.
Visas announced in April
Here is the list of visas that were announced in April. Some have already been introduced, and the rest will come into effect next month.
Multiple-entry tourist visa (Multi-entry tourist visa)
This new type of visa reserved for tourists is a multiple-entry visa valid for five years. It does not require a sponsor and allows the person to stay in the Emirates for a maximum of 90 days, with the possibility of extending it for an additional 90 days.
With this visa, the tourist may stay in the country for no more than 180 days. A tourist applying for this visa must meet certain criteria, namely a bank balance of USD 4,000 (AED 14,700) or its equivalent in foreign currency during the six months preceding the application.
Business visa (Business Visa)
This visa is intended for investors and entrepreneurs doing business in Dubai. They will therefore not need a sponsor or host.
Visa to visit relatives/friends
Any foreign national may apply for this visa if they are a relative or friend of a UAE citizen or resident. A sponsor or host is therefore not required.
Temporary work visa (Temporary work visa)
This visa concerns anyone undertaking temporary work in Dubai, such as a probationary period or an assignment for a specific project. To be eligible for this visa, applicants must provide a temporary employment contract or a letter from their employer (based in the Emirates) and proof of qualification.
Study/training visa (Visa for study/training)
This visa is intended for people or students wishing to attend training courses, academic courses, or internships in the Emirates. This visa may be sponsored by public- and private-sector educational and research institutions. It requires a letter from the entity specifying the details and duration of the study, training, or internship program.
Family visa (family visa)
Under the current scheme, parents could sponsor their children provided that they were under 18. For daughters, the rule is different: as long as they are unmarried, they may remain under their parents' sponsorship.
Under these new reforms, male children can be sponsored until the age of 25 (instead of 18).
In addition, children with disabilities also benefit from a special permit of unlimited duration.
Work visa (job visa)
Job seekers can take advantage of this new visa to explore opportunities in the Emirates. With this visa, individuals do not need a sponsor or host. In addition, this visa will be granted to holders of a bachelor's degree or equivalent qualification, recent graduates of the world's 500 best universities, and individuals classified within the first, second, or third skill levels, according to the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation (MOHRE).
Green Visa
The Green Visa is valid for five (5) years and allows visa holders to bring their families without a sponsor or employer. This visa is available to skilled workers, self-employed individuals, freelancers, and others. Other requirements include a bachelor's degree or equivalent and a minimum salary of AED 15,000.
Golden Visas
The United Arab Emirates has announced the Golden Visa for a range of professional categories and investors seeking to enjoy Dubai's high quality of life for an indefinite period.
For greater clarity, we have updated the list of available Golden Visas and the different eligible categories:
Real estate (real estate)
To qualify for a Golden Visa through a real estate investment, the property must be worth at least AED 2 million. Investors who purchase mortgaged and off-plan properties are now also eligible for the Golden Visa if their combined total investment is equal to or greater than AED 2 million.
Startups
Entrepreneurs can now benefit from the Golden Visa under three categories:
- The startup must be registered in the Emirates,
- It must fall within the SME category,
- And its annual revenue must be equal to or greater than AED 1 million.
Scientists
People who are accomplished in their field may apply for the Golden Visa if they meet the following conditions: a recommendation from the UAE Scientists Council and a doctorate or master's degree from a leading university in life sciences, natural sciences, technology, or engineering.
Exceptional talent (exceptional talent)
If you have exceptional talent in the fields of art, culture, digital technology, sports, innovation, medicine, or law, you may apply for the Golden Visa. To apply for this visa, you will need a recommendation letter or approval from the relevant government entity.
Skilled workers (skilled workers)
Applicants must have at least a bachelor's degree, a valid employment contract, a job classified at professional level 1 or 2 as defined by MOHRE, and a minimum monthly salary of AED 30,000.
Students
Exceptional students may also apply for the Golden Visa. They must have high grades in UAE secondary schools and universities or be from one of the world's 100 best universities.
New updates are available regarding the new visa programs on this page: Golden Visa, Green Visa, Multiple-entry Visa
How can Merritt Middle East assist you?
If you fall into one of the categories mentioned above and wish to obtain your Golden Visa or any other type of visa, our team of professionals can assist and guide you.
We have been experts in residence visas since 2009, and we handle all types of visas: investor, employee, family, Golden Visa, and more.
Please feel free to contact us by email at
support@merritt.group or by phone at +971 4 422 1345.
