Introducing a multiple tourist visa..and other important amendments announced by the UAE for visitors and residents

Weather of Arabia - The UAE Cabinet has announced amendments regarding the entry and residence of foreigners, with the aim of strengthening the UAE's position as a destination for living, working and investing, and attracting and retaining qualified talent and competencies from all over the world.

Golden Residence:

As for the golden residency, which is granted to several categories and includes investors, entrepreneurs, geniuses of talent, scientists, specialists, early students, graduates, pioneers of humanitarian work and the first line of defense for a period of 10 years, the amendments included new advantages for holders of golden residency, the most important of which are: abolition of the requirement not to be absent from the state to maintain the golden residency, and the abolition of the golden residency requirement. The maximum number of support service workers that can be recruited, and benefits for family members that allow them to stay in the country for the duration of their residency in the event of the death of the breadwinner who obtained the golden residency.

The most important facilities in the golden residency for investors in the real estate sector came upon complete ownership of a property with a value of not less than 2 million dirhams, as an advantage was created that enabled the investor to obtain the golden residency when purchasing the property with a loan from a specified local bank, and another feature was created that enables the investor From obtaining the golden residency when buying one or more properties off the map with a value of no less than 2 million dirhams from approved local companies.

green residence:

The residency permit system has also witnessed updates, the most important of which is the introduction of green residency for a period of 5 years to attract investors, entrepreneurs, high-level skilled workers and self-employees, granting greater benefits to the recruitment of family members residing in the country, and flexible grace periods of up to 6 months after the expiry or cancellation of residency in a way that enhances the feeling To ensure the safety and stability of the resident, in addition to simplifying the requirements and requirements for obtaining residence permits of all kinds.

In order to encourage flexible work patterns, a new path dedicated to self-employment has been developed that provides a 5-year renewable residence permit without a guarantor or an employer with simple requirements, namely obtaining a free work permit from the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation, provided that the minimum educational level is a bachelor’s degree or specialized diploma or what The equivalent, and the annual income from self-employment for the previous two years should not be less than 360,000 dirhams, or the applicant for this residence proves his financial solvency throughout his stay in the country.

The age of sons has also been raised to 25 years from only 18 years, in addition to unmarried daughters, regardless of age, and children of people of determination are granted a residence permit with their families regardless of age.

Additional benefits were introduced for a foreigner who obtained a green residence permit to bring in his first-degree relatives. In all cases, the residence of family members shall be for the duration of the residence of the head of the family.

Entry visas:

The new system of entry visas provides new and multiple purposes and options for those wishing to visit the UAE. It also offers for the first time visit visas without the requirement of a guarantor or host in the country in order to facilitate procedures and requirements. Visas are available for one or more trips, a renewable 60-day entry permit, and an application mechanism within a unified platform.

Job exploration visa:

This visa was created with the aim of facilitating the entry of skills and competencies to explore job opportunities available in the UAE and without a guarantor or host within the country. 500 universities in the world, according to the approved international classifications, provided that no more than two years have passed since the person graduated, and the minimum educational level should be a bachelor's degree or its equivalent.

Exploration of Investment and Business Opportunities Visa:

This new visa aims to facilitate the entry of investors to explore investment opportunities, and it gives investors and entrepreneurs the opportunity to learn about the requirements for establishing a business within simple procedures and without a guarantor or host within the country.

Tourist visa:

In addition to the regular tourist visa granted for a visit, and the guarantor or host is one of the establishments operating in the field of tourism in the UAE, a multi-entry tourist visa for a period of 5 years and without a guarantor has also been offered, enabling the beneficiary to stay in the country for up to 90 continuous days and may be extended for a similar period, provided that The entire period of stay exceeds 180 days in one year, except in exceptional cases.

This visa requires proof of a bank balance of $4,000 or its equivalent in foreign currency during the last six months prior to submitting the application.

Visitor visa for a relative or friend:

Previously, this visa was available if the visitor was a relative of the foreigner and on the foreigner’s sponsorship, or if the visitor was a friend of a citizen. In the new system, it is sufficient for the visitor to be a relative or friend of a citizen or resident in the country to obtain this visa and without a guarantor or host inside the country.

Work assignment visa:

This visa is intended to complete a temporary work assignment or to work on probation for a temporary period of time, so that the guarantor is the employer in the country. It is only required to submit a temporary work contract or a letter from the employer and proof of health fitness for work.

Study, Training or Qualification Visa:

In this visa, the guarantor is one of the universities, institutes, educational or research institutions licensed in the country, and the guarantor can be a government or private entity for training and rehabilitation purposes for a temporary period of time. The visa covers vocational training or work during the study period, and only a letter from the authority is required, including the study or training program and its duration.