The United Arab Emirates has solidified its position as a global hub during the last five years by implementing new projects aimed at bringing the world closer together.
The UAE has been presenting itself as the ideal place to visit, invest, and call home, with long-term visas-particularly the coveted Golden Visa-and legislative reforms.
The UAE government's latest announcement not only outlines new visas, but it also fundamentally overhauls the country's entire immigration system.
There are a number of significant developments to be aware of, including extended visa benefits for families.
In the past, parents could only sponsor male children up to the age of 18 (though this was extended to 21 for university students in certain cases).
The age restriction has been raised to 25 under the new laws.
Unmarried daughters' sponsorship, which has no age limit, remains unchanged, and children with impairments are guaranteed permanent residence regardless of their age.
The rest of the announcements are divided into three groups: visit visas, golden visas, and green visas.
By September 2022, the visa reforms are likely to take effect.
The following are the most important takeaways:
VISIT VISA
A typical tourist visa requires a host or sponsor, who could be a family member who lives in the UAE or a travel agent that arranged the trip.
Tourist and visit visas will no longer require sponsorship under the new regulations; this applies to people visiting the UAE for vacation as well as those looking for work or business opportunities.
The validity of a tourist visa has been extended from 30 days to 60 days.
Employment VISA
This new visa is designed to attract young job seekers who fall into the UAE's first, second, or third competence levels.
It also applies to fresh graduates from the world's top 500 universities.
A bachelor's degree or comparable qualification is the minimum requirement for this visa.
Multiple Entry Tourist Visa
Visitors and tourists can now stay in the country for up to 90 days in a row with the new multiple entry visa.
It can be extended for another 90 days, increasing the total time spent in one year to 180 days.
The visa is valid for a total of five years.
Applicants for this visa must show proof of a minimum bank balance of $4,000 for the six months preceding the application deadline.
Golden Visas are a type of visa that allows you to
Real Estate Investor Visa
A Golden Visa can be obtained instead of a conventional investor visa for investors who purchase a property worth at least AED 2 million.
They can also obtain a Golden Visa by purchasing one or more off-plan properties through an approved real estate company for a total investment of at least AED 2 million.
A Golden Visa can be obtained when acquiring a home with a loan from one of the local banks.
Entrepreneur Visa
Owners or partners of small and medium enterprises (SMEs) having an annual income of at least AED 1 million are eligible for this type of visa.
Owners of businesses or entrepreneurial projects that sell for a total value of at least AED 7 million are also eligible.
Family and Domestic Assistance
The coveted Golden Visa, which grants entrepreneurs, scientists, high-skill professionals, exceptional students, humanitarian workers, and frontline workers a 10-year resident visa, allows for the sponsorship of family members and domestic staff.
There is no limit to the number of helpers who can be sponsored, and unlike a typical residence visa, there is no maximum duration for time spent outside the UAE in order to keep the visa valid.
Families should also be aware that if the original holder of the Golden Visa passes away, their residence permits will remain valid for the remainder of their stay.
Scientists and other highly qualified people
A Ph.D. or master's degree in engineering, technology, or a field of science from a prestigious university is required for scientists and researchers seeking a Golden Visa.
They should be able to demonstrate that they have conducted research in their field.
Candidates will be evaluated by the Emirates Scientists' Council, which will offer recommendations.
Highly trained professionals in a variety of professions (medicine, engineering, business education, law, and science, to name a few) should have a valid employment contract and be classified in the UAE job categories as First or Second skill level.
A bachelor's degree is the minimum educational requirement, and the minimum compensation is AED 30,000.
Outstanding Students and Exceptional Talent
On the basis of a recommendation by a federal or local government body, professionals who demonstrate a high degree of talent in their field—regardless of educational background, employment status, or pay—are eligible for a Golden Visa.
A Golden Visa is available to students from UAE high schools and universities, as well as the top 100 universities around the globe.
Academic performance, as well as the year of graduation (the visa is mostly for new graduates) and, for overseas universities, the ranking and classification of the university where the degree was received, are the major criteria measured.
Green Cards
Employees with specialized skills and freelancers
Without the need for sponsorship or employment, highly talented workers can obtain a 5-year Green Visa, which basically acts as a freelancing visa.
A bachelor's degree and a salary of AED 15,000 are the minimum prerequisites.
Partners and investors
Investors and joint venture partners can now apply for a five-year visa, which replaces the previous two-year investment visa.
Proof of investment is required, as well as authorization from the appropriate authorities.
In the case of several investments, the entire capital value will be considered.
