The UAE has long since been a magnet for investment and a highly attractive job market. With this in mind we recently read that there have been some major changes to the entry Visa and resident permits in 2022 – the article below, has everything you need to know about the recent changes.
The UAE authorities have recently announced new types of entry visas, and residence permits, and have expanded the Golden Visa categories.
New UAE visa rules 2022
Aimed at strengthening UAE’s position as an ideal destination to live, work, and invest in, the UAE cabinet has approved the executive regulations of the Federal Decree-Law on Entry and Residence of Foreigners called the Advanced Visa System
The UAE has now introduced a selection of new entry visas, and residence permits, and has expanded the Golden Visa categories.
The UAE has now expanded the Golden Visa categories and added substantial amendments to the Golden Residence Scheme to simplify the eligibility criteria and expand the categories of beneficiaries.
The long-term 10-year Golden residence will be granted to investors, entrepreneurs, exceptional talents, scientists, outstanding students and graduates, and skilled workers.
The new rules will allow the Golden Residence holders to sponsor their family members including spouses and children regardless of their age. Furthermore, they can also sponsor support services (domestic) labourers without having a limit on their number.
Also, there is no restriction related to the maximum duration of stay outside the UAE in order to keep the Golden Residence valid. There are other benefits for family members that allow them to stay in the UAE in the event of the death of the original holder of the Golden Residence until the end of their permit duration.
There have been recent changes to Golden visa for certain groups such as:
- Exceptional talents
- Scientists
- Skilled workers
- Real estate investors
- Entrepreneurs
- Students
- Humanitarian pioneers
- Doctors and nurses
Green residence 2022
Some major improvements for the UAE Green Visa include new 5-year residence tracks, introduced mainly to attract talents, skilled professionals, freelancers, investors and entrepreneurs. In addition to facilitating and simplifying the requirements of all residence types, more benefits are being offered including, longer flexible grace periods that reach up to 6 months to stay in the country after the residence permit is cancelled or expired to facilitate family members’ residence.
The only requirements include:
obtaining a freelance/ self-employment permit from the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation a minimum educational qualification with a bachelor’s degree or specialized diploma. an annual income from self-employment for the previous two years of AED 360,000 (USD 9,800.99), or the applicant should be able to prove their financial solvency throughout their stay in the country.
Green residence for investor or partner
The Green residence for investors or partners has been introduced to encourage investment. It provides 5 years of residency for investors establishing or participating in commercial activities. Furthermore, the validity under this category has been increased from the previous 2 years to 5 years now.
The requirements include:
approval of the investment and proof of investment.
in case, the investor (partner) has more than one license, the total invested capital will be calculated. approval of the competent local authorities is mandatory.
New benefits for family members
The new system provides more benefits to family members. A resident can now easily bring their family members, including their spouses and children to the UAE and sponsor residency for their first-degree relatives for five years.
As announced by the ICP the grace period after the residence visa expiry or cancellation in the UAE for expats has been extended from 30 days to 6 months. Therefore, expats now have 6 months to either amend their status and get another residence visa or leave the country. Fines do not apply during the grace period.
Entry visa rules 2022
For the first time, the UAE has introduced around ten types of entry visas that do not require a host or sponsor, for visitors to the UAE for different visit purposes.
Some major improvements for the entry visas include 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. Additionally, all entry visas will now be available for single or multiple entries and will be valid for 60 days from their date of issuance. They can also be renewed for similar periods.
If you are currently looking to employ global talent, or need support or advice in executing your Global Mobility strategy give us a call. We have years of experience in the field, and can fully support you at every stage of your Global talent management process.
*Original article published https://blog.wego.com/new-uae-visa-rules/
If you are currently looking to employ global talent, or need support or advice in executing your Global Mobility strategy give us a call. We have years of experience in the field, and can fully support you at every stage of your Global talent management process.
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