What is the new visa scheme in the UAE?
The new visa scheme in the UAE, introduced to streamline residency and work permits, offers a range of options for professionals, investors, and tourists. This initiative aims to enhance the UAE’s attractiveness as a global hub for business and tourism by providing more flexible and longer-term visa options.
What Are the Key Features of the New UAE Visa Scheme?
The UAE has revamped its visa policies to include several innovative features designed to attract a diverse range of visitors and residents. Here are the primary components:
- Golden Visa: A long-term residency visa for investors, entrepreneurs, specialized talents, researchers, and outstanding students.
- Green Visa: Aimed at skilled workers, freelancers, and entrepreneurs, this visa allows self-sponsorship and offers a five-year residency.
- Job Exploration Visa: This visa facilitates job seekers in exploring employment opportunities in the UAE without requiring a sponsor.
- Tourist Visa: Now available for up to 90 days, with the option to extend, this visa caters to tourists looking for extended stays.
- Retirement Visa: Designed for retirees over 55 years old, providing a five-year residency for those meeting specific financial criteria.
How Does the Golden Visa Work?
The Golden Visa is a cornerstone of the UAE’s new visa scheme, offering a 10-year residency to eligible individuals. It targets:
- Investors: Must invest in real estate or business ventures within the UAE.
- Entrepreneurs: Required to own or be a partner in a start-up registered in the UAE.
- Specialized Talents: Includes doctors, researchers, scientists, and artists with significant contributions in their fields.
- Outstanding Students and Graduates: Those with exceptional academic performance in UAE schools and universities.
Benefits of the Golden Visa
- Long-term residency: 10-year renewable visa.
- No sponsor requirement: Provides independence from employer sponsorship.
- Family inclusion: Visa holders can sponsor family members, including spouses and children.
What Is the Green Visa and Who Can Apply?
The Green Visa is a five-year residency visa that supports the UAE’s vision of attracting talent and fostering innovation. It targets:
- Skilled Workers: Professionals with employment in specialized fields such as technology, science, and engineering.
- Freelancers and Self-employed: Individuals with a freelance permit in specialized fields.
- Entrepreneurs: Those involved in establishing or managing a business in the UAE.
Advantages of the Green Visa
- Self-sponsorship: No need for an employer to sponsor the visa.
- Extended grace period: Allows a 6-month grace period after visa cancellation or expiry.
- Family sponsorship: Holders can sponsor family members.
How Can Job Seekers Benefit from the Job Exploration Visa?
The Job Exploration Visa is a unique offering that allows individuals to enter the UAE to explore job opportunities without a prior employment offer. It is particularly beneficial for:
- Recent Graduates: Those from the top 500 universities worldwide.
- Skilled Professionals: Individuals with qualifications in specialized fields.
Features of the Job Exploration Visa
- No sponsor required: Allows independent entry to seek employment.
- Multiple entries: Facilitates multiple entries to the UAE during the visa validity.
- Flexible duration: Available for 60, 90, or 120 days.
What Are the Changes to the Tourist Visa?
The Tourist Visa has been revamped to offer greater flexibility and longer stays:
- Extended duration: Available for up to 90 days, with the option to extend for an additional 90 days.
- Multiple entry options: Allows tourists to enter and exit the UAE multiple times during the visa validity.
- Family-friendly: Options available for family tourists, making it easier for families to travel together.
Who Is Eligible for the Retirement Visa?
The Retirement Visa caters to retirees over 55 years old wishing to enjoy the UAE’s lifestyle. Eligibility criteria include:
- Financial stability: A minimum monthly income of AED 20,000 or a savings of AED 1 million.
- Real estate investment: Ownership of property worth at least AED 2 million.
Benefits of the Retirement Visa
- Five-year residency: Renewable visa for retirees.
- Family inclusion: Allows retirees to sponsor their spouses and children.
People Also Ask
How Can I Apply for a UAE Golden Visa?
To apply for a UAE Golden Visa, eligible individuals must submit their application through the official UAE government portal or through authorized service centers. Applicants need to provide necessary documentation, such as proof of investment or professional qualifications.
What Is the Cost of the Green Visa in the UAE?
The cost of the Green Visa varies based on the applicant’s category and specific requirements. Generally, it includes application fees, medical examination costs, and insurance. It is advisable to check the official UAE immigration website for detailed pricing.
Can Tourists Extend Their Stay Beyond 90 Days?
Yes, tourists can extend their stay beyond the initial 90 days by applying for an extension through the UAE immigration authorities. The extension is subject to approval and may require additional fees.
What Are the Requirements for the Job Exploration Visa?
Applicants for the Job Exploration Visa need to provide proof of their qualifications, such as a degree from a recognized university, and may need to demonstrate their intention to seek employment in the UAE.
Is the Retirement Visa Renewable?
Yes, the Retirement Visa is renewable, provided the retiree continues to meet the eligibility criteria, including financial requirements and property ownership.
Conclusion
The new visa scheme in the UAE is a transformative initiative aimed at enhancing the country’s appeal to global talents, investors, and tourists. By offering a variety of visa options, the UAE underscores its commitment to becoming a leading global destination for business and leisure. Whether you are an investor, a skilled professional, or a retiree, the UAE’s visa offerings provide diverse opportunities to experience life in a dynamic and culturally rich environment.
For more information on UAE immigration policies or to explore specific visa options, visit the official UAE government immigration website.
