New UAE Entry Visas 2022

The new UAE visa regulations include various visa options for visiting the country with sufficient flexibility and multiple entries. These visas can be valid for up to 1 year and do not require sponsorship.

Among the new UAE visit visa types, for example, there is a visa designed for job seekers. It aims to attract qualified professionals and young talents and allow them to explore employment opportunities in the country. One of the benefits of this UAE visa is that it does not require a host or sponsor.

There is also, for example, an exploration visa for investors. It will allow potential investors to get acquainted in detail with investment opportunities within the UAE. Like the previous visa, it does not require a sponsor or host.

His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, has issued Cabinet Decision 65/2022 for the executive regulations of Federal Decree-Law 29/2021 on foreigners’ entry and residence.

The decision will take effect on September 5, 2022. It stipulates that the provisions set forth in the appendix attached to this decision will apply to the ‘golden residency’ as well. The decision, published in a recent issue of the Official Gazette, sets the rules and procedures for UAE visas issuance by embassies and consular bodies representing the UAE abroad.

UAE entry visa types

The decision stipulates that a UAE visa issued to a foreigner determines the purpose of the holder’s entry into the country. These entry visas include a visit visa, temporary or emergency UAE entry visa, employment visa, residency visa, and entry visa for the GCC residents and their foreign escorts.

The decision also states that the Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs and Ports Security (ICP) is authorized to issue UAE visa after the approval of the competent authorities. This visa allows a foreigner to enter the country for a temporary stay, whether for single or multiple entries.

UAE entry visa is classified according to the visit purpose, such as tourism, visiting a relative or friend, work assignment, exploring job opportunities, exploring business opportunities, medical treatment, study, training or qualification, and courtesy visa.

UAE visit visa may be issued by a decision of the ICP head or their authorized representative for other purposes, provided the seriousness of the purpose of coming to the state.

Validity of multiple entry visa in UAE

The decision states that the duration of the visitors’ stay for the purpose of their coming to the country is determined by the ICP in this regard. In all cases, the duration of stay should not exceed one year, with the necessity of paying the prescribed fees. The decision also specifies that part of a month is considered a full month when determining the amount of the fee payable.

The ICP head or their representative is authorized to extend the UAE entry visa for a similar period/periods, subject to confirmation of the seriousness of the extension reason and payment of the relevant fees.

UAE visit visa is valid for 60 days from the date of issuance to enter the country. It can be renewed for similar periods upon payment of the prescribed fees.

The ICP may also grant UAE entry visa to a foreigner for the purpose of tourism, provided the guarantor or host is one of the establishments operating in the tourism industry in the country upon payment of the prescribed fee and financial guarantee.

UAE visit visa fees

The ICP has set fees for UAE entry permits for various purposes ranging from AED 200 (USD 55) to AED 1,500 (USD 409) when applying for the issuance service through the ICP’s website or a smart app.

The ICP stated that:

• the fee for a residence entry permit for the family of a partner or investor is AED 250 (USD 68);
•  the fee for a residence entry permit for the family of a resident working in government agencies is AED 200 (USD 55);
•  the fee for a residence entry permit for the family of a resident working in the private sector or the free zone is AED 250 (USD 68);
• the fee for UAE long-term single visit visa (work or entertainment for a national sponsor or resident) is AED 550 (USD 150);
•  the fee for a business or entertainment entry permit for a partner or investor is AED 550 (USD 150);
•  the fee for a long-term multiple entry visa in UAE for work or entertainment for a partner or investor is AED 1,500 (USD 409);
•  the fee for an entry visa for work or entertainment for a national sponsor or resident is AED 1,500 (USD 409);
•  the fee for an entry permit for a single long-term visit (tourism) is AED 550 (USD 150).

The ICP added that fees should be paid only using a credit card or e-dirham and that the application form should be submitted via the website or the smart app.

Visa requirements for UAE employment visa

Pending the approval of the competent authorities, the ICP may grant an employment visa for the following categories:

•  a foreigner employed under an employment contract
•  a holder of the ‘green residency’.

UAE ‘green residency’

The ICP may grant the ‘green residency’ to a foreigner coming to the country to reside as an investor or partner in a commercial project if the following conditions are met:

• obtaining the authority’s approval of the investment
• the value of investment or partnership complies with the standards established by the ICP chairman.

In addition, the ICP may grant a foreigner an employment visa without needing a sponsor/employer in the country if they are a skilled worker. Requirements for this are:

• the minimum educational level is a bachelor’s degree or its equivalent
•  the monthly salary is not less than AED 15,000 (USD 4,087) or equivalent in foreign currencies.

The government’s decision also stipulates that a resident visa of UAE granted to a foreigner will be canceled if the period of their residence outside the country has exceeded 180 consecutive days. The residence permit remains valid until the end of its term for the following categories:

• investors holding valid residence permits
• students enrolled in educational facilities abroad who have valid residence permits in the country
• UAE citizens’ non-Emirati wives
• domestic workers accompanying citizens on scholarships to study abroad
• domestic workers of Emirati patients traveling for medical treatment abroad
• foreign patients and their companions traveling for treatment abroad, who have valid residence permits, provided they submit a medical report certified by the competent authorities in the UAE
• domestic workers for members of diplomatic and consular missions and their employees holding UAE residence permits
• foreigners delegated by public sector institutions to join training or specialized courses
• employees working in overseas offices of such institutions abroad and their families holding valid UAE residence permits
• domestic workers for members of the ruling families working in their homes abroad and who hold valid UAE residence permits
• people sponsored by diplomatic and consular representatives and their escorts
• any other categories pending a decision by the ICP, provided they hold a valid residency permit.

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