The UAE Government Media Office has published a pair of circulars with updated information on the country’s visa policy. The new visa types are divided into three categories: entrance, resident permits, and Golden visas.
The UAE Cabinet, led by His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice-President and Prime Minister of the United Arab Emirates and Ruler of Dubai, approved the executive provisions of the Federal Decree-Law on Foreigners’ Entry and Residence.
The executive regulations will take effect 90 days after they have been published in the Official Gazette.
For Golden visa holders, the eligibility conditions and benefit categories have been extended.
The Golden visa provides investors, entrepreneurs, talents, scientists and professionals, excellent students and graduates, humanitarian pioneers, and frontline workers with a 10-year residency. Some applicants must meet the following criteria:
Golden Residence holders can sponsor their entire family, including spouses, children, and an unlimited number of domestic employees, regardless of their age. There are also no restrictions on the maximum amount of time spent outside of the country for residency to stay valid, which was formerly limited to six months. In the event of the death of the original holder of the Golden Residence, family members are also permitted to remain in the UAE until the expiration of their permission.
Professionals
Applicants must have a valid UAE work contract and be categorized in the first or second occupational level, according to the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation classification. They must have a bachelor’s degree or equivalent and earn at least AED30,000 per month.
Investors in real estate
Golden Residence is available to real estate investors who purchase a property worth at least Dh2 million. Investors can now get a long-term visa if they buy a house with a loan from a specified local bank, thanks to new revisions. Investors can also obtain the dwelling by purchasing one or more off-plan properties from recognized local real estate companies for at least Dh2 million.
Entrepreneurs
Must own or be a partner in a startup that is registered in the country as a small or medium firm and generates at least AED1 million in yearly revenue. Getting a startup idea approved by an official business incubator, the Ministry of Economy, or the appropriate local authorities. To be eligible for this residency, the applicant must have been a founder of a previous entrepreneurial project that was sold for at least AED7 million.
Aiming at attracting and retaining talents, the UAE updates the Golden Residence rules as a part of the new Entry and Residence Scheme. The scope of beneficiaries is expanded offering more benefits including 10 years renewable residence pic.twitter.com/WwWWBWh9jY
— UAEGOV (@UAEmediaoffice) April 18, 2022
Exceptional talents
This residency is only given to the best and brightest in critical disciplines. It is given solely on the basis of talent. There are no restrictions on educational qualifications, employment position, monthly income, or professional level. It covers talented individuals in culture, art, sports, digital technology, inventors and innovators, and other key disciplines, and it requires the suggestion or permission of a federal or local government organization.
Outstanding students and graduates
This house is designed for high-achieving students in UAE secondary schools, as well as outstanding graduates from UAE universities and the world’s top 100 institutions, based on specified criteria such as academic achievement (cumulative average), graduation year, and university classification.
Scientists
On the advice of the Emirates Scientists Council, this residence is offered to scientists and researchers with significant achievements and influence in their fields.
