New Visa Schemes in the United Arab Emirates

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New Visa Schemes in the United Arab Emirates

New Visa Schemes in the United Arab Emirates

In April 2022, the United Arab Emirates (UAE) Cabinet has approved a number of new visas to attract and retain global talents and skilled workers. The UAE has announced the significant expansion of the Golden Visa Scheme, the introduction of the 5-year Green Residency, the introduction of a Multiple-Entry Tourist Visa, the introduction of Entry Permits for job seekers, and the introduction of New Visa, that will take effect as from 1st September 2022.

Golden Visa

Back in 2019, the Golden Visa allowed foreign nationals to live, work and study in the UAE without the need for employer sponsorship. These visa types had a validity period of five to 10 years and could be renewed automatically. The Golden Visa was granted for the following categories of applicants:

  1. Investors
  2. Entrepreneurs
  3. Specialized talents and researchers in various fields of science and knowledge
  4. Highly talented students with promising scientific capacities

The new Golden Visa scheme has been amended to simplify eligibility criteria and expand the categories. Holders of the coveted visa can now stay outside the UAE for as long as they need, without it affecting their residence.

The criteria for 10-year Golden Visa UAE eligibility have been expanded to include the following:

  1. Exceptional Talents [Athletes, Doctors, Inventors, Executive Directors, Specialists in Engineering & Science, Dubai Cultural Visa]
  2. Professionals
  3. Real Estate Investors
  4. Humanitarian Pioneers
  5. Frontline Workers

Golden Visa holders can sponsor their family members, including children and spouses, regardless of age, and sponsor support services (domestic help) without restrictions.

The UAE provides benefits for family members, to stay in the country after the death of the primary holder of a UAE Golden Visa until the permit’s expiration.

Green Visa

The new entry and residence system aims to improve the competitiveness and flexibility of the UAE labour market and foster a sense of stability among residents and their families.

A new 5-year residence track has been introduced to provide:

  1. New Residence Types with Unparalleled Benefits.
  2. Green Residence for Skilled Employee.
  3. Green Residence for Freelancing and Self-Employment.
  4. Green Residence for Investor or Partner

New system for Entry Visa

The new system offers several types of visas for visitors to the UAE. In addition, introducing new permits will remove the need for a host or sponsor. They are valid for 60 days from the date of issuance. The different types of visas are as follows:

  1. Job Exploration Entry Visa
  2. Business Entry Visa.
  3. Entry Permit to Visit Relatives or Friends.
  4. Entry Permit for a Temporary Work Mission
  5. Multi-entry tourist visa
  6. Medical Treatment
  7. Diplomatic Affairs
  8. Study or Training
  9. Family visa
  10. Retirement Visa


Do you wish to relocate to the UAE? To find out how JurisTax may assist you in your relocation process, contact our General Manager, Dharshinee Bheenuck, at dbheenuck@juristax.com or call on +971 58 124 8486.