2022 UAE NEW VISA RULES

Samantha Simms

Business Setup Consultant

The UAE has gone through massive changes to attract and retain global talents and skilled professionals from all over the world. The new visa and residency guidelines are aimed to boost competitiveness and flexibility by lowering the cost and easing the ability to do business in the country. With 10 types of new entry visas and residence permits coming into effect this September, more residents, entrepreneurs, investors, students, and tourists are encouraged to explore the wide-ranging opportunities in the Gulf Emirates and take part in the diversifying and growing economy. Presented below are 5 types of new and expanded visa categories that are essential for those who wish to reside, work, or invest in the UAE.

Kinds of Visa	Golden Residence Visa	Green Residence Visa	5-Year Multi-Entry Tourist Visa	Entry Visa	Job Exploration Visa
Description	Several amendments have been made to attract investors, business owners, and professionals. The eligibility criteria have been simplified and categories for the beneficiaries have been expanded.	Targets middle-income earners by encouraging them to establish their base in the UAE. Boosts flexibility in the job market and fosters a high sense of stability among UAE residents and families.	Allows tourists to enter the country multiple times over five years on self-sponsorship. The length of time tourists, from certain countries, can stay with a visa upon arrival has increased and more options and flexibility for those coming to the UAE are offered.	For the first time in the UAE, the government has introduced around ten types of entry visas for visitors who want to explore the country for various reasons.	The new job exploration visa has been introduced to those who wish to conduct and attend job interviews, meetings, and business opportunities, such as setting up a company, in the UAE.
Duration	10-year-long term visa. No restriction related to the maximum duration of stay outside the UAE.	5 year long-term visa. Grace period is extended for up to 6 months (90 to 180 days) in the country even if the residence permit is canceled or expired.	Tourists can stay in the UAE for up to 90 days and can be extended for a similar period, provided the entire period of stay does not exceed 180 days in one year. The e-visa is only valid for 60 months from the date of issue; hence the applicant has to travel to UAE within 60 days to validate the e-vis	Available for single or multiple entries that are valid for 60 days from their date of issuance. They can also be renewed for similar periods.	A 60-day job exploration visa will be offered to individuals who want to look for opportunities in the UAE.
Sponsorship	No sponsor required.	No sponsor is required. Foreigners can sponsor themselves. They can live and work in the UAE without any company, employer, or LSA.	No sponsor required.	No sponsor required.	No sponsor required.
Family Benefits	Family members have no age limit. For domestic laborers, there is no number limit. In the event of the death of the original holder of the Golden Resident Visa, the family members can stay until the end of their permit duration.	Green visa holders can issue residence permits for their family members, including their spouses, children, and first-degree relatives with the same duration as the green visa holder.* The age of children is raised to 25 years which was previously 18 years. * There is no age limit for unmarried daughters. * Children of determination are granted a residence permit, regardless of their age.	N/A	Facilitating the entry requirements for all visa types and offering flexible visa durations that not only meet the needs of the visitors but also their purpose of the visit.	N/A
Education	Based of the Categories	Bachelor's Degree	N/A	N/A	The minimum educational level of a bachelor’s degree or its equivalent. Classified in the first, second, or third skill level as per the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratization. A fresh graduate of the best 500 universities in the world.
Investment	Based on the Categories	Based on the Categories	Before applying, there should be proof of having a bank balance of $4,000 or its equivalent in foreign currencies during the last six months.	N/A	N/A
Categories	Investors, entrepreneurs, talents, scientists, professionals, students, graduates, humanitarian pioneers, and first-line heroes.	Talents, skilled professionals, recent graduates, freelancers, investors, and entrepreneurs.	All nationalities can apply for a multiple-entry visa	Visitors can apply for an entry permit if they are a relative or friend of a UAE citizen or resident.	Young talents and skilled professionals to explore job opportunities in the UAE.
Investment	TBA	TBA	Proof of health insurance. Photocopies of the front and last page of their passport. Recent colored passport-sized photographs against a white background.	TBA	TBA

Golden Residence Visa	Criteria	Qualification	Income	Requirements
Scientists and Researchers	Acquired research achievements, accolades, and influence in their field.	Ph. D. or master’s degree holder in the best global universities. Major disciplines: Engineering, Technology, Life Sciences.	N/A	Based on recommendations from the Emirates Scientists Council.
Professionals	Several amendments and expansions have been introduced to this category to attract more professionals to reside in the country	Minimum educational level of a bachelor’s degree or equivalent. Highly skilled workers with professional experience in all disciplines.	The monthly salary should not be less than AED30,000 (USD 8,167.93).	Must have a valid employment contract in the UAE. Classified in the first or second occupational level.
Talents	Granted to top talents in vital fields. Awarded solely based on talent.	No educational qualification is needed. Includes inventors, innovators, and talented individuals in culture, arts, sports, and digital technology.	No monthly salary statement is required.	The only requirement is a recommendation or approval from the federal or local government entity. Does not require employment status on a professional or occupational level.
Real Estate Investors	Under the new amendments, investors can purchase a property with a loan from specific local banks.	Acquired visa through real estate investment worth no less than AED2 million (USD 5,44,528.80).	AED 2 million (USD 5,44,528.80) or more.	Investors can buy one or more off-plan properties of no less than AED2 million (USD 5,44,528.80) from approved local real estate companies.
Entrepreneurs	Own or be a partner in a startup registered in the country in the category of small and medium enterprises SME.	The person is a sole founder or one of the founders of a previous entrepreneurial project that was sold with a total value of not less than AED7 million (USD 19,05,850.80).	Generate annual revenues of not less than AED1 million (USD 2,72,264.40).	Obtain approval for a startup idea from an official business incubator or the Ministry of Economy or competent local authoritie
Students and Graduates	Attained by top students in the UAE secondary schools and exemplary graduates from UAE universities or the best 100 universities around the world.	Academic performance (cumulative average), year of graduation, university classification.	N/A	TBA

Green Residence Visa	Criteria	Qualification	Income	Requirements
Skilled Employees	5 years residency period for skilled employees, without a sponsor or employer.	The minimum educational level must be a bachelor’s degree or equivalent.	Should not be less than AED 15,000 (USD 4,083.74).	Applicants should have a valid employment contract. Classified in the first, second, or third occupational level as per the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratization.
Freelancers and Self-Employed Individuals	Must have a freelance/ self-employment permit from the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratization.	Minimum educational qualification with a bachelor’s degree or specialized diploma.	For self-employed individuals, a yearly income for the past two years must be AED360,000 (USD 9,800.99) or more	Should prove their financial solvency throughout their stay in the country.
Investors or Partners	Replaces the previous residency that was valid for 2 years. Investments in commercial activities.	Show approval of investment and proof of investment	If self-employed, yearly income for the previous two years is AED360,000 (USD 9,800.99) or more.	Mandatory approval is needed from local authorities. If the investor has more than one license then the total invested capital needs to be calculated