New UAE visas for both residents and tourists come into place today, after six months of planning and preparations.
Officially called the UAE Entry and Residence Scheme, the new UAE visa rules feature 10 types of visas, which come into effect on Monday October 3.
The scheme promises greater options and flexibility for those coming to the United Arab Emirates with one unified platform on which to apply.
You might also like: New UAE Labour Law 2022: Everything you need to know
They also offer more options to people who are already UAE residents who might be keen to extend their residency.
There are benefits both residents and tourists need to be aware of. Here’s a quick summary to make all the changes easier to digest.
New UAE visas: updates for UAE residents
Something we’ve all been looking forward to with the new UAE visa Entry and Residence Scheme is updates to green visas and golden visas.
The UAE golden visa residence rules have been expanded under the new UAE Entry and Residence Scheme, essentially meaning there’s more opportunity for more people to get involved.
Criteria for eligibility for the golden visa has eased, with more professions now able to apply, plus accessibility for types of resident, such as investors, entrepreneurs, scientists and exceptional talents.
For all the eligible groups for golden visas, click here.
The programme has also been broadened with more benefits, including a 10-year renewable residence.
For all the golden visa perks and benefits, click here..
Also new from Monday October 3 is the UAE’s green residence visa programme.
The green residence visa allows its holder to sponsor themselves for five years in the UAE (without the need of an employer) and is designed for self-employed people who wish to reside in the UAE.
New UAE visas: updates for visitors
There are multiple options for new UAE visas for tourists under the new rules.
For tourists, a new UAE five-year multi-entry tourist visa has been introduced.
It does not require a sponsor and enables visitors to stay up to 90 continuous days.
The visa may be extended, provided that the entire period of stay does not exceed 180 days in one year. Applicants must meet certain criteria, including have a minimum bank balance, but as mentioned you no longer require a host as part of the application.
Another major change is 60-day validity on entry visas. Previously, it was just 30 days.
For all the new UAE visa benefits for visitors, click here.
Announced by the UAE Government Media Office back on Monday April 18, the new UAE Entry and Residence Scheme is aimed to support the country’s “competitiveness in the tourism, economic and educational sectors”, and the 10 visa categories are divided by work, investment, education and live. The “live” category covers family member residence, remote work, retirement, real estate owners and humanitarian cases.
They followed the announcement of new United Arab Emirates labour laws which came into effect on February 2, 2022.
The new UAE labour law rules cover annual leave, public holidays, gratuities and much more. Furthermore, the rules apply to both public and private sector workers.
The UAE frequently ranks as one of the top places for expats. In 2021, the United Arab Emirates came fourth for best place for expats to live and work.
The new visa scheme comes into effect on Monday October 3.
More things to explore in the UAE
7 incredible UAE Ramadan 2022 events and iftars
Everything from iftar with lions to a Ramadan arcade.
Read more here.
A new concept wellness resort is coming to the UAE
Zoya aims to help guests live their best lives with a full body MOT and tailored treatment programme.
Read more here.
Hatta is staying open for Ramadan 2022 for the first time
Expect deals and activities happening throughout the month.
Read more here.
