New Rules for UAE Golden Visa, UAE Green Visa and Long Term Entry Permits

The Cabinet of Ministers of the United Arab Emirates has released a list of new rules that significantly expand the eligibility criteria for 10-year and 5-year UAE visas. At the same time, the authorities announced new long-term entry permits for tourists, visitors, job seekers, and students.

Long-term UAE visas, including 10-year UAE Golden Residence Visa and 5-year UAE Green Residence Visa, as well as long-term entry permits and therefore stay in the country, have become much more affordable for residents and visitors.

On April 18, 2022, the UAE Cabinet led by Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum (UAE Vice President, UAE Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai) released a list of executive regulations aimed at attracting top talents to the UAE and retaining them in the country.

On the one hand, the new rules expand the eligibility criteria for long-term visas applications. But on the other hand, they also expand the number of various categories, professions and roles that can apply for long-term visas.

Long-term visas are available for investors, entrepreneurs, startup owners, exceptional talents, scientists, professionals in various fields, outstanding students and graduates, top humanitarian workers, etc.

Immediate family members will also be able to take advantage of UAE long-term visas. UAE Golden Visa or UAE Green Visa holders can sponsor their children up to the age of 25 (up to 18 under the previous rule). There is no age limit for unmarried daughters. In addition, minor children can obtain a residence permit regardless of their age.

The UAE Golden Visa residency program appeared in 2019. It has allowed expats to live, work and study in the country without the need for a local sponsor. At the same time, they can fully own their business in the UAE, both in free zones and outside them.

The new rules have reduced the criteria for 10-year visas applicants. So, now, more people from a wide variety of professions have the opportunity to get UAE Golden Visa.

5-year UAE Green Visa replaces the previous 2-year visa version. It is suitable for exceptional talents, skilled professionals, freelancers, self-employed residents, investors, and entrepreneurs.

In addition to Golden and Green Visas, the UAE Cabinet has announced a number of new UAE entry permits and visas for visitors, tourists, and job seekers. Now, such persons do not require a host or sponsor to enter the country.

Obtaining UAE Golden Visa under the new rules

Following the new set of executive regulations, The Cabinet of Ministers of the United Arab Emirates has established flexible requirements for entrepreneurs and start-up owners who apply for UAE Golden Visa.

These rules greatly facilitate the procedure of obtaining UAE Golden Residence Visa valid for ten years.

The UAE Cabinet approved the executive regulations of the Federal Decree-Law on Entry and Residence of Foreigners. Their main goal is strengthening the United Arab Emirates’ position as an ideal place to live, work and invest.

UAE Golden Visa key benefits

In addition to securing a stay in the United Arab Emirates for ten years, the new rules will allow UAE Golden Visa holders to sponsor family members, including spouses and children, regardless of their age. In addition, the holder can sponsor home workers without limiting their number.

Also, the authorities have lifted the restriction on the maximum length of stay outside the United Arab Emirates for maintaining UAE Golden Visa validity.

If the original Golden Visa holder dies, family members can stay in the UAE until their residence permit expires.

UAE 10-year visa for entrepreneurs and startup owners

The new rules establish flexible requirements for entrepreneurs eligible for UAE Golden Residence Visa:

• Entrepreneurs must own a start-up registered in the United Arab Emirates (SME category) or be its partner. In addition, this startup must generate an annual income of at least USD 272,250 (AED 1,000,000).
• Entrepreneurs or start-up owners who have received start-up idea approval from an official business incubator, the Ministry of Economy, or the competent local authority are eligible for UAE Golden Visa in this category.
• A founder or co-founder of a previous entrepreneurial project(s) sold for a total value of at least USD 1,900,000 (AED 7,000,000) can also obtain a UAE Golden Visa. This category of projects or ideas will require the approval of the Ministry of Economy or the competent local authorities.

UAE Golden Visa for real estate investors

Real estate investors can qualify for UAE Golden Visa when purchasing a property valued at least USD 544,500 (AED 2,000,000).

Under the new amendments, investors are eligible for UAE economic residency when purchasing a property using a loan from certain local banks.

Investors can also qualify for UAE Golden Visa when they purchase one or more properties under development by approved local real estate companies worth at least USD 544,500 (AED 2,000,000).

UAE Golden Visa for scientists

Scientists and researchers with high achievements and influence in their field can obtain UAE Golden Visa using the Emirates Scientists Council recommendation.

Applicants must have a PhD or Master’s degree in engineering, technology, life or natural sciences from the best universities in the world, as well as significant achievements in the scientific field.

UAE 10-year visa for professionals

The Cabinet of Ministers of the United Arab Emirates announced a significant expansion of this UAE visa category. This expansion goal is to attract highly qualified workers with professional experience in all disciplines, including medicine, natural sciences, engineering, IT, business, administration, education, law, culture, and social sciences.

Requirements for this visa type:

• Applicants must have a valid UAE employment contract.
• Applicants must have a first or second professional level in accordance with the Ministry of Human Resources & Emiratisation classification, which corresponds to the International Standard Classification of Occupations (ISCO) of the International Labor Organization.
•  Applicants must have a minimum education level and hold a bachelor’s or equivalent degree.
• Applicants must have a monthly salary of at least USD 8,167 (AED 30,000).

UAE Golden Visa for outstanding talents

UAE Golden Residency Visa is available to top talents in vital areas.

The visa will be awarded on a talent-only basis, regardless of educational qualification, employment status, monthly salary, or professional level.

Application for such a visa requires the recommendation or approval of the federal or local government body. A visa is available for talented people in the fields of culture, art, sports, digital technology, and inventors in other vital areas.

UAE Golden Visa for outstanding students and graduates

This long-term 10-year visa is available for high-performing UAE secondary school students, as well as outstanding graduates from UAE universities or any of the world’s top 100 universities. Visa eligibility criteria include academic achievement (cumulative average), graduation year, and university classification.

Obtaining UAE Green Residency Visa

As part of the new rules aimed at attracting and retaining talented and skilled workers worldwide, the Cabinet of Ministers of the United Arab Emirates has introduced this new 5-year Green Visa. It will increase the labor market flexibility and promote a high sense of stability among the UAE people.

The new UAE 5-year residence visa is available for exceptional talents, skilled professionals, freelancers, investors, and entrepreneurs. The possibility of obtaining a UAE Green Residence Visa for investors and partners has to encourage investment in the UAE.

Unlike 10-year Golden Visa, Green Visa grants a year UAE residency for investors establishing a business or engaging in commercial activities. This option replaces the previous residency type, which was valid for two years.

UAE Green Residency Visa requires the competent local authorities’ approval.

Following the new rules of the UAE Cabinet of Ministers, Green Visa holders can stay in the country for a 6-month grace period after the residence permit cancellation or expiration.

Green Visa offers more benefits for securing UAE residence for visa holder’s family members.

UAE Green Visa for investors or partners

This UAE residency type aims to encourage investment by granting a 5-year visa to investors starting a business or engaging in commercial activities.

This visa replaces previous visas valid for two years only. The application requires investment approval and investment confirmation.

If an investor or a partner has more than one license, the total invested capital will be calculated. The competent local authorities’ approval is mandatory.

UAE Green Visa for skilled workers

The new rules provide 5-year residency for skilled workers without requiring a sponsor or an employer.

Applicants must have a valid employment contract. Also, they must have a first, second, or third professional level in accordance with the Ministry of Human Resources & Emiratisation classification.

The minimum required education level is a bachelor’s degree or its equivalent. In addition, the applicant’s salary must be over USD 4,083 (AED 15,000).

UAE 5-year residence visa for freelancers and self-employed

In line with the growing importance of flexible work patterns, this option provides a 5-year UAE residency for freelancers and self-employed individuals without the need of a UAE sponsor or employer.

Applicants must obtain the Ministry of Human Resources & Emiratisation permission for freelance or self-employment.

The minimum required education level is a bachelor’s or specialist’s degree. In addition, the annual self-employment income for the previous two years must be at least USD 98,000 (AED 360,000). Otherwise, the applicant must prove financial solvency throughout their stay in the country.

New benefits for family members when obtaining UAE Green Residency Visa

The new system allows UAE visa holders to easily process visas for their family members, including spouses and children.

The age of sponsored children has been raised to 25, and there are no limits for unmarried daughters.

Minor children can obtain a UAE residence permit regardless of their age.

UAE Green Visa holders can issue a residence permit for their first-degree relatives with such a validity period as their visa has.

Long-term visas for visiting the UAE

People from all over the world who plan to visit the United Arab Emirates for business, work, or leisure purposes now can take advantage of various UAE entry permit options. The UAE Cabinet has approved a number of new visas and entry permit types. None of them requires a local host or sponsor.

In addition, all entry visas allow single or multiple entries and are renewable for the same period (generally valid for 60 days from the date of issue).

UAE visa for job search

The UAE job search visa aims to attract young talents and qualified individuals to explore job opportunities available in the country. It does not require a sponsor or host.

It is available to persons with first, second, or third qualification level in accordance with the Ministry of Human Resources & Emiratisation instructions.

New graduates applying for this UAE visa must be from one of the world’s top 500 universities with a minimum education level corresponding to a bachelor’s degree or its equivalent.

UAE entry business visa

UAE entry permits for business purposes make it easy to enter the country without the need for a sponsor or host. In addition, these permits aim to encourage investors and entrepreneurs in exploring the country’s business and investment opportunities.

UAE 5-year tourist visa for multiple entries

In addition to the regular tourist visa sponsored by the UAE tourist agency, a 5-year multiple entry tourist visa is now available.

This visa does not require a sponsor and allows a person to stay in the UAE continuously for up to 90 days. You can extend your visa for the same period if the entire period of stay does not exceed 180 days within one year.

This visa requires you to prove that you have USD 4,000 or the same foreign currency equivalent in your bank account within the last six months prior to your application.

UAE entry permit for visiting relatives or friends

Under the new rules, a guest may apply for this entry permit if they are a relative or a friend of a UAE citizen or resident. This permission does not require a sponsor or a host.

UAE entry permit for temporary working mission

This entry permit type is available for those who have a temporary work assignment such as a project-based mission or probationary period. The employer will sponsor the permit.

This permit requires a temporary employment contract or a letter from the employer explaining the visit purpose and confirming the work suitability for health reasons.

Entry permit for study and professional training

This entry permit is for people attending training and academic courses or participating in internship programs.

Universities, educational or research institutions licensed in the UAE, and government or private organizations can sponsor this type of permit.

To obtain such an entry permit, you need to provide a letter from the organization which explains the study or internship program details and its duration.