The UAE is making efforts to be the best place for work, investment, entrepreneurship, education, and living by modifying its entry and residence system. This includes the introduction of immigration in Dubai with new visa regulations, the expansion of Golden Visa categories, and the introduction of new types of entry visas and residence permits.
New visa rules in UAE 2023
The United Arab Emirates (UAE) cabinet has given its nod to the executive regulations of the Federal Decree-Law on Entry and Residence of Foreigners, which is popularly known as the Advanced Visa System. The new UAE visa rules have been introduced to strengthen the UAE’s position as a highly desirable destination for living, working, and investing. With the introduction of the new system of immigration in dubai of entry and residence, the UAE has launched around ten types of new entry visas and residence permits, as well as expanded the Golden Visa categories. The new UAE visa system aims to attract and retain highly talented global professionals and skilled workers from around the world, thus improving the competitiveness and flexibility of the job market while fostering a high sense of stability among UAE residents and families.
Moreover, the new UAE visa and entry rules are designed to incentivize and empower Emirati Small and Medium-sized Enterprises (SMEs) while further developing the business sector in the UAE.
The ICA system has also added a new service that enables the issuance of visas for a family group visiting the UAE for tourism, treatment, or accompanying a patient, whether for a single trip or multiple trips for a period of 60 days and 180 days.
The newly introduced visa system is expected to strengthen the UAE’s position as a highly attractive destination for professionals and skilled workers worldwide, which will help the country attain its long-term goals of economic diversification, growth, and stability.
Immigration in Dubai Latest news about new UAE visa rules
The Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs and Port Security recently passed a resolution that permits individuals from neighbouring border countries of the UAE to obtain an entry visa at border-entry points. This entry visa is valid for a 90-day period and allows for multiple entries, as long as the UAE visa is still valid. However, individuals cannot stay in the UAE for a period exceeding 48 hours each time and cannot work in the UAE, with or without payment.
The resolution also clarifies that entry visas remain valid for a period of 60 days from the date of issuance and allow the holder to stay in the country, in accordance with the type of visa issued.
Additionally, the resolution states that the Green visas and Golden visas holders and their families will be exempt from the automatic cancellation of their residence visas, even if they stay outside of the country for more than 180 days.
UAE visa stamping new rules 2023
The government of the United Arab Emirates has recently made significant changes to the process of obtaining residency visas. The traditional practice of stamping visas in passports has been replaced with the use of the Emirates ID. This means that there will no longer be a need to collect passports for visa stamping.
In addition to this, citizens of the UAE can now submit a single application for both their Emirates ID and residency visa, streamlining the process and reducing the time required to complete it. To cover the cost of this smart service, a fee of AED 100 has been added to the cost of visas and Emirates IDs.
UAE visit visa extension new rules 2023
The Federal Authority for Identity, Nationality, Customs and Ports Security (ICP) in the United Arab Emirates has announced a new one-time visa extension facility for tourists visiting the country on a 90-day visit visa. The extension will allow visitors to extend the visas of family members and friends on a single or multiple trips for a period of 30, 60, or 90 days, as well as the pre-entry validity of UAE visas.
However, travel agents have reported that the extension can no longer be applied for within the UAE, and that visitors will be required to leave the country and re-apply for an extension.
The UAE had previously relaxed visa extension rules due to COVID-19, but has now returned to pre-pandemic norms. While no official confirmation has been given by the ICP, it has been reported that visa extension applications made from within the country are being rejected.
UAE visit visa overstay new rules 2023
The UAE government has announced that foreign nationals who have stayed beyond the expiry date of their visa must obtain an out pass or leave permit to exit the country. The out pass can be obtained at the airport, immigration offices at land borders, or the Al Awir Immigration office.
Reports suggest that the Dubai/UAE outpass or leave permit can be obtained for a fee of AED 200 to 300. In addition, overstayers will have to pay overstay fines in full, which are levied at AED 50 per day of overstay. Those holding UAE visit visas will be given a grace period of 10 days from the visa expiry date, after which the overstay fines will start accruing.
It should be noted that visitors who are unable to leave the country due to airport closures and flight cancellations will not be subject to the overstaying fine.
UAE visit visa price new rules 2023
According to a customer care agent at the Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs and Ports Security (ICP), the prices for all types of visas issued in Dubai and the UAE have recently increased by AED 100. For example, the fee for a one-month visit visa issued by the ICA has gone up from AED 270 to AED 370.
UAE visit visa unused new rules 2023
Under the latest process, individuals holding UAE visit visas must enter the country within a specific timeframe after visa issuance, such as 30 days for a 30-day visit visa. If they fail to enter during this period, they must cancel the visa and pay a fee.
The cost of cancelling an unused UAE visa varies depending on the travel agent, but can be up to AED 300. Alternatively, they may extend their entry into the country by 2 months by paying a fee of AED 200.
Authorities have stated that the immigration system will reject any new visa application unless the application for the unused visa has been cancelled.
Golden visa rules 2023
The United Arab Emirates (UAE) has expanded the eligibility criteria for the Golden Visa and made significant changes to the Golden Residence Scheme. The validity of the Golden Visa has been increased to 10 years, and it will be granted to investors, entrepreneurs, exceptional talents, scientists, outstanding students and graduates, and skilled workers. Golden Residence holders can now sponsor their family members and support services laborers without any limit on their number. The grace period after the residence visa expiry or cancellation has also been extended from 30 days to 6 months for Golden visa holders and their family members. Additionally, the UAE has introduced an online quiz that allows aspiring applicants to check their eligibility for the Golden Visa in just two minutes.
Scientists
Hold a PhD or Master’s degree in engineering, technology, life sciences, or natural sciences from the world’s leading universities.
Must receive a recommendation from the Emirates Scientists Council to be eligible for this visa.
Skilled professionals
The job must fall under occupational level one or two as defined by the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation.
The minimum monthly salary must be not less than AED 30,000 (USD 8,167).
The skilled worker must have a bachelor’s degree.
It’s important to note that skilled professionals classified in the first or second occupational level as per the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation classification are eligible for an extended grace period of 6 months.
Exceptional talents
Individuals who possess exceptional talent in the areas of art, culture, digital technology, sports, innovation, medicine, law, and other fields are eligible to apply for the Golden Visa scheme.
The 10-year visa will be awarded based solely on an individual’s talent and will not depend on their educational qualifications, employment status, monthly salary, or professional status. However, a recommendation or approval from a federal or local government entity will be required.
Real estate investors
Under the Golden Visa scheme, real estate investors can obtain a UAE visa by purchasing a property worth at least AED 2 million (USD 544,528). However, the recent amendments to the scheme have expanded the eligibility criteria. Investors can now also qualify for the Golden Residence visa when they purchase a property using a loan from specific local banks or when they buy one or more off-plan properties from approved local real estate companies.
It is important to note that the grace period for expats to amend their status or leave the country after the expiry or cancellation of their residence UAE visa has been extended to 6 months for property owners. This applies instead of the previous grace period of 90 days. During the grace period, fines will not be imposed.
Entrepreneurs
Under the new amendments, startup investors who have registered their companies in the UAE and fall under the small and medium enterprises (SME) category with annual revenues of AED 1 million (USD 2,72,249) or more are eligible to apply for the Golden Visa.
Additionally, entrepreneurs can also obtain the Golden Residence if they are a founder or co-founder of a previous entrepreneurial project that was sold with a total value of not less than AED 7 million (USD 19,05,850.80), subject to the approval of the Ministry of Economy or the relevant local authorities for their projects or ideas.
Students
Under the Golden Visa scheme, students with exceptional academic achievements, who have obtained high scores either in UAE secondary schools or universities, are eligible to apply for the 10-year Visa.
In addition, talented students who have studied at the world’s top 100 universities are also eligible to apply for the Golden Visa scheme. The criteria for eligibility include academic performance/cumulative average, year of graduation, and university classification.
It is worth noting that students who have completed their studies are eligible for the extended 6-month grace period.
Doctors and nurses
In recognition of their efforts and sacrifices as the first line of defence against COVID-19, doctors and nurses have been granted long-term residency in the UAE.
In addition, these unsung heroes are now eligible to apply for the prestigious Golden Visa. To facilitate the application process, seven centres affiliated with the Federal Authority for Identity and Citizenship have been established across the Emirates for doctors and nurses who wish to apply for visas in person.
Green residence 2023
The UAE Green Visa program has undergone significant enhancements to make it more attractive to various groups, such as talented individuals, skilled professionals, freelancers, investors, and entrepreneurs. The program now offers new 5-year residence tracks, which are designed to encourage people to live and work in the country. The program has also been streamlined to make it easier for applicants to meet the requirements of different residence types. Moreover, the program now provides more benefits, including extended grace periods of up to 6 months after the residence permit is cancelled or expired, which allows family members to continue residing in the UAE.
Skilled employees
Under the new amendments, skilled employees can now obtain a 5-year residency period without a sponsor or employer in the UAE. To be eligible for this type of residence, applicants must have a valid employment contract and be classified in the first, second, or third occupational level as per the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation. They must also have a minimum educational level of a bachelor’s degree or equivalent and a minimum salary of AED 15,000 (USD 4,083).
It is worth noting that skilled professionals in the third level of the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation classification are eligible for an extended grace period of 90 days after the expiry of the Green residence.
Freelancing and self-employment
The UAE’s Green Residence program now offers a 5-year residency for freelancers and self-employed individuals without the need for a sponsor or employer.
To be eligible, applicants must obtain a freelance/self-employment permit from the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation, possess a minimum educational qualification of a bachelor’s degree or specialized diploma, and have an annual income from self-employment for the previous two years of AED 360,000 (USD 9,800) or provide evidence of their financial solvency for the duration of their stay in the country.
Investor or partner
The Green residence scheme for investors or partners is designed to encourage investment in the UAE, and provides a 5-year residency for those establishing or participating in commercial activities. The validity period for this category has been increased from 2 years to 5 years
The total invested capital will be calculated for investors (partners) with more than one license.
Approval from the competent local authorities is mandatory.
New benefits for family members
The Golden Visa program now allows holders to sponsor their parents for a 10-year residency, a significant change from the previous one-year stay limit. Additionally, Golden Visa holders no longer have to pay the deposit required to sponsor parents and only need to present a certification proving they are the sole caregivers. The program also enables residents to bring their spouses and children to the UAE for five years and sponsor residency for first-degree relatives. The grace period to leave the country after a residency visa cancellation has been extended to six months for Green visa holders and their families, and fines do not apply during this period. However, if a Green visa holder fails to renew or cancel their dependents’ visa, the dependents may be subject to overstay fines. Family members’ residency duration will be the same as the original residence holder.
Entry visa rules 2023
The UAE has recently launched ten types of entry visas that do not require a host or sponsor for visitors coming to the country for various purposes. The new system offers flexible visa durations that cater to the needs and purpose of the visitors. These entry visas can be single or multiple entries and are valid for 60 days from the date of issuance. Moreover, they can be renewed for similar periods. These improvements aim to streamline the entry requirements for all types of UAE visas and offer a hassle-free experience for visitors coming to the UAE.
Job exploration visa
The Job Exploration Visa has been introduced to attract young talent and skilled professionals to explore job opportunities in the UAE. This UAE visa does not require a sponsor or host, and applicants must meet the following requirements:
Be classified in the first, second, or third skill level as per the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation
Be a fresh graduate of one of the top 500 universities in the world
Have a minimum educational level of a bachelor’s degree or equivalent.
Business entry visa
The Business Entry Visa is for investors and entrepreneurs who want to explore business opportunities in the UAE. It’s easy to get this visa and you don’t need a sponsor or host to apply.
Multi-entry tourist visa
Apart from the standard Tourist Visa sponsored by UAE tourism companies, a new multi-entry tourist visa has been introduced that is valid for five years. This visa can be obtained by people of any nationality and is intended to make the process of visiting the UAE easier for tourists and visitors. With this UAE visa, tourists can visit the UAE multiple times, stay for up to 90 days on each visit, and can extend their stay for another 90 days.
The only requirement for obtaining this visa is to provide proof of having a bank balance of $4,000 (AED 14,700) or its equivalent in foreign currencies during the six months prior to submitting the application. It’s important to ensure that your passport mentions both your first and last names as the UAE no longer allows entry to tourists whose passports only show one of the two.
The tourism body in Dubai is also collaborating with authorities to introduce the five-year multi-entry visa on a larger scale to attract more tourists. Currently, this visa is being gradually introduced, but more initiatives are being taken to make it more accessible via the Dubai Corporation for Tourism and Commerce Marketing digital platform.
Furthermore, as part of the reforms, the UAE has resumed issuing 60-day tourist visas.
