Last Updated on: 7th July 2023, 11:59 pm
All About UAE New Residence Visas From Sept 2022
As part of one of the biggest reforms to the visa system, the United Arab Emirates (UAE) on Monday introduced a new entry and stay program that offers “10 types of UAE new entry visas with simplified requirements and more benefits”.
According to an official statement, the new visas do not require a host or sponsor and offer more flexibility, including multiple entries and a validity of 60 days.
Now, a Gulf States gold residence owner can sponsor their family members, including their spouse and children, regardless of age, and can also sponsor domestic workers with no limit on their number.
Under the new system, approved by the country’s cabinet, there are now no restrictions on the maximum length of stay outside the UAE to maintain the validity of the Golden Residence.
“People entering the country as visitors can stay for 60 days instead of 30 days,” reports The National.
According to the report, parents can sponsor their sons up to the age of 25 (18+) to allow them to stay in the country after school and college. This was first set in September 2021.
He said skilled professionals with salaries of 30,000 dirhams ($8,100) a month or more would find it easier to obtain a golden visa, adding that the system will be further expanded.
The announcement is the Cabinet’s formal ratification of a number of recent visa changes, along with new details and decisions are known as executive regulations.
“The new Entry and Residency System aims to attract and retain global talent and skilled workers from around the world,” the media outlet said in a statement.
The more flexible visas will “improve the competitiveness and flexibility of the labor market and promote a high sense of stability among UAE residents and families”.
Professionals
According to the report, significant expansion is taking place in this category to attract highly qualified workers with degrees and work experience in all disciplines including medicine, science and engineering, information technology, business and management, education, law, culture, and social sciences.
“Applicants must have a valid employment contract in the UAE and be classified in first or second professional level according to the classification of the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratization.”
The minimum level of education must be a bachelor’s degree or equivalent, and the monthly salary cannot be less than 30,000 dirhams (US$8,100).
Extraordinary Talents
This residency is awarded to top talent in key areas. Awarded exclusively for talent. The report states that educational qualifications, employment status, monthly salary, or professional level are not an obstacle.
“It requires the recommendation or endorsement of a federal or local agency and includes talented people in culture, arts, sports, digital technology, inventors and innovators, and other important fields.”
Real Estate Investors
According to the report, real estate investors can get Golden Residence by buying a property worth at least Dh2 million.
Under the new changes, he added, investors are also eligible to obtain a long-stay visa if they buy a property with a loan from certain local banks.
“Investors can also obtain a residency permit by purchasing one or more off-plan properties for at least Dh2 million from approved local real estate companies.”
Business Owners or Entreprenuers
According to the report, the implementing rules set flexible requirements for contractors who are eligible for Golden Residence.
“An entrepreneur must be the owner or partner of a startup registered in the country in the category of small and medium-sized enterprises and have an annual income of at least 1 million dirhams,” the report reads.
In addition, to obtain the Gold Residency in this category, it is sufficient to obtain the approval of a business idea from an official business incubator or from the Ministry of Economy or the relevant local authorities.
In addition, if the person is a founder (one of the founders) of the previous business project(s) sold with a total value of at least Dh7 million, he is eligible for Golden Residence. Projects or ideas require approval from the Ministry of Economy or relevant local authorities.
Outstanding Students And Alumni
This residency is aimed at top-performing UAE high school students and outstanding graduates from UAE universities and the top 100 universities in the world based on specific criteria including their academic achievement (cumulative GPA), year of graduation, and university ranking.
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Scientists or Researchers
This residency is awarded to scientists and researchers with great achievement and impact in their fields based on the recommendations of the Emirates Council of Scientists, the report said.
Previously, the UAE launched the Green Visa Program, which allows foreigners to live and work in the country without corporate sponsorship and sponsor their parents and children up to the age of 25.
This was a big change from the previous system, where a limited number of long-term residency permits were available to those with significant investments in the country or where companies had to jump through hurdles to sponsor foreign workers.
The new visas build on the UAE’s previous “Golden Visa” scheme, which made it easier for investors and highly skilled workers, as well as exceptional students and postgraduates, to move to the country.
Other resource-rich Gulf states have introduced similar visa programs in recent years, albeit none as comprehensive.
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