The new UAE visa scheme: how it impacts you now

While the UAE’s new visa scheme was announced back in April, it has been confirmed by the government that it will come into effect this week (Monday October 3).

In preparation, The Federal Authority for Identity Citizenship, Customs and Ports Security has launched its ‘advanced services system’ for a trial run.

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This includes the longer tourist visas, residency visas and updates to the golden visa scheme that we explained here, along with a new version of the UAE passport (coming into full effect on October 3).

What do you need to know about the new UAE visa?

There’s a new five-year Green residence visa

The new UAE visa scheme has been created to attract skilled professionals, entrepreneurs, investors and freelancers. The five-year Green Residence visa is an interesting new option for those not able to apply for residency via the traditional employer or sponsor route.

Eligibility will depend on salary and qualification, but this is likely to be an appealing visa category for established freelance workers and small business owners.

Those with Green Residency will be able to extend the benefits to family members for five years and retain their resident status for six months after the visa is cancelled or expired.

The UAE golden visa process has changed

The UAE’S ten-year renewable residence visa, which is awarded (through an application process) to “highly skilled or talented” long-term residents, has been amended to include more skills, roles and other means of qualification. If you own a property or a business, or if you work in education or law, you could be eligible.

Application criteria is now broader and, for the first time, open to students.

There are new humanitarian crisis visas

The UAE government has committed to offering residence visas to people experiencing a ‘humanitarian crisis’. According to the Tweets released by the UAE Media Office, the visas will be given to widowed mothers, parents or children of UAE citizens, along with spouses of GCC citizens.