Abu Dhabi: The United Arab Emirates (UAE) on Monday announced a new system for residence visas and entry permits, offering new types of residence permits for skilled employees, investors, self-employed persons, and family members, the UAE media office reported.
This came as the UAE Cabinet, headed by Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice-President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, approved the executive regulations of the Federal Decree-Law on entry and residence of foreigners.
“The new system of entry and residence aims at attracting and retaining global talents and skilled workers from all over the world, boosting the competitiveness and flexibility of the job market and fostering a high sense of stability among UAE residents and families,” the UAE said in a statement.
Here are the details about the new residence and entry permits Golden Residence visa
- 10 years of renewable residence
- Duration of stay outside the UAE does not nullify the visa
- No maximum number of support service labourers
- Entry visa valid for 6 months with multiple entries to proceed with residence issuance
- No sponsor or employer required
- Residence for family members including spouse and children with no age limit
- In the event of the death of the original holder of the Golden Residence, family members can stay in the UAE till the end of their residence permit
New benefits for family members
- The new system provides more benefits for family members. A parent can now sponsor a male child to the age of 25 years, up from 18. A parent can sponsor an unmarried daughter indefinitely.
- Children with disabilities are granted a residence permit permanently, regardless of their age.
- The Green visa residence holder is allowed to bring any first-degree relative into the country and, in all cases, the residency of family members shall be of the same duration as the original residence holder.
Job visa: This visa is introduced with the aim of attracting young talents and skilled professionals to explore job opportunities available in the country. It is granted to those classified in the first, second, or third skill level as per the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation and fresh graduates of the best 500 universities in the world. The minimum educational level should be a bachelor’s degree or its equivalent.
Business visa: Easy entry without requiring a sponsor or host to encourage investors and entrepreneurs to explore business and investment opportunities in the UAE.
Tourist visa: Five-year multi-entry tourist visa has been introduced and it does not require a sponsor; requires proof of having a bank balance of $4,000 or its equivalent.
New entry visas: New types of visas are introduced without requiring a host or sponsor for the first time. In addition, all entry visas are available for single or multiple entries, valid for 60 days from their issuance date, and can be renewed for a similar period.
Entry permit to visit relatives or friends: A visitor can apply for this entry permit if he or she is a relative or friend of a UAE citizen or resident. It does not require a sponsor or a host.
Temporary work mission: This type is intended for those who have a temporary work assignment like probation testing or a project-based mission, and is sponsored by the employer. It requires a temporary work contract or a letter from the employer clarifying the visit purpose and proof of health fitness to work.
Studies or training: This type is intended for those attending training and study courses and/or participating in internship programmes. The sponsor can be universities or educational research institutions licensed in the country, government, or private entities.
Green residence for freelancers, and self-employed individuals: This track provides a five-year residency for freelancers and self-employed individuals without requiring a sponsor or employer in the UAE.
Green residence for investors or partners: Five-year residency for investors establishing or participating in commercial activities. It replaces the previous residence that was valid for 2 years.
