New UAE Golden Visa rules and long-term visit visas, including permits to enter and stay in the country, come into effect today.
First announced on Monday, April 18, by the UAE Cabinet – led by Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, the UAE Vice President, Prime Minister, and Ruler of Dubai – the sweeping changes are already benefitting the country’s economy.
The long-term visas are being granted to investors, entrepreneurs, startup owners, exceptional talents, scientists, professionals in various fields, outstanding students and graduates, humanitarian pioneers, and frontline heroes.
The benefits of long-term visas and Golden Visas will extend to immediate family members. Children can be sponsored by the Golden Visa or Green Residence visa holder until the age of 25 – an increase from the previous rule of 18 years – with no age limit for unmarried daughters. Children of determination are granted a residence permit, regardless of their age.
The UAE Golden Visa residency programme, which was first implemented in 2019, enabled expats to live, work, and study in the UAE without the need of a national sponsor and with 100 percent ownership of their business on the UAE’s mainland.
With the new rules, the criteria to apply for the 10-year visas have now been eased, as more people across a diverse set of professions will be offered the opportunity to apply for the Golden Visa.
The five-year UAE Green Residence visa – which targets exceptional talent, skilled professionals, freelancers, self-employed residents, investors, and entrepreneurs – replaces its previous two-year version.
A number of new entry permits and visas that – for the first time – do not need a host or sponsor have been announced by the UAE Cabinet to benefit visitors, tourists, and job seekers.
Here’s a detailed overview of everything you need to know about each of the UAE’s new visa types launching on October 3, 2022:
- UAE Golden Visa: Eligibility criteria and benefits
- UAE Green Residence visa: Benefits and eligibility criteria
- UAE job exploration visa, five-year tourist visa, and non-sponsor business permits: All you need to know
UAE Golden Visa: Eligibility criteria and benefits
In addition to securing their stay in the UAE for a period of 10 years, the new rules will allow the Golden Visa holder to sponsor his/ her family members, including spouse and children regardless of their age, and to sponsor support services (domestic) labourers without limiting their number.
Furthermore, the restriction related to the maximum duration of stay outside the UAE in order to keep the Golden Residence valid has been removed.
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.
UAE Golden Visa eligibility criteria:
Eligibility criteria for the UAE Golden Residence Scheme has been simplified and the categories of people eligible to apply for the long-term 10-year visa have been expanded under a new set of executive regulations.
Under the new executive regulations, the UAE Golden Visa will grant 10-year residence to investors, entrepreneurs, exceptional talents, scientists and professionals, outstanding students and graduates, humanitarian pioneers, and frontline heroes, who meet certain eligibility parameters.
- Golden Visa for scientists:
The UAE Golden Visa will be granted to scientists and researchers with high achievements and influence in their field based on the recommendation from the Emirates Scientists Council.
The candidate must have a PhD or a Master’s degree in the disciplines of engineering, technology, life sciences, or natural sciences from the best universities in the world, as well as substantial research achievements. - Golden Visa for professionals:
The UAE Cabinet has revealed a major expansion in this category to attract highly skilled workers with educational qualifications and professional experience in all disciplines, including medicine, sciences and engineering, information technology, business and administration, education, law, culture, and social sciences. - Golden Visa for exceptional talents:
The UAE Golden Residence visa will be granted to top talents in vital fields.
It will be awarded based on talent only regardless of the educational qualification, employment status, monthly salary, or professional level.
It requires the recommendation or approval of a federal or local government entity, and includes talented individuals in culture, art, sports, digital technology, inventors, and innovators in other vital fields. - Golden Visa for real estate investors:
Real estate investors can obtain Golden Residence when purchasing a property worth no less than $544,500 (AED 2 million).
As per the new amendments, investors are also entitled to obtain the Golden Residence when purchasing a property with a loan from specific local banks.
Investors can also obtain Golden Residence when buying one or more off-plan properties of no less than $544,500 (AED 2 million) from approved local real estate companies. - Golden Visa for outstanding students and graduates:
This long-term, 10-year visa will also target high-performing students in UAE secondary schools, and outstanding graduates from UAE universities, as well as from the best 100 universities worldwide, according to specific criteria that includes their academic performance (cumulative average), the year of graduation, and the university classification. - Humanitarian pioneers:
As per the UAE government, humanitarian pioneers are also eligible under the new Golden Visa rules. Such as distinguished members of international and regional organisations, outstanding members of associations of public benefit, recipients of recognition awards in humanitarian fields and distinguished volunteers and sponsors of humanitarian efforts. - Frontline heroes:
Frontline workers with extraordinary efforts in crises, such as the COVID-19 pandemic can also get the Golden visa under the new rules issued by the UAE government. - Golden Visa for entrepreneurs and startup owners:
The new executive regulations have also set flexible requirements for entrepreneurs eligible to obtain the Golden Residence.
Additional Golden Visa eligibility criteria for entrepreneurs and startups owners includes:
- Entrepreneurs should own or be a partner in a startup registered in the UAE under the small and medium enterprises (SMEs) category, and the registered startup must generate annual revenues of not less than $272,250 (AED 1 million).
- Entrepreneurs or startup owners who obtain approval for a startup idea from an official business incubator, from the Ministry of Economy, or from a competent local authority will be deemed eligible to obtain the Golden Residence in this category.
- Entrepreneurs who are founders – or one of the founders – of a previous entrepreneurial project(s) that was sold for a total of not less than $1.9 million (AED 7 million) will be entitled to the UAE Golden visa. For this category, the approval of the Ministry of Economy or competent local authorities will be required for projects or ideas.
Additional Golden Visa eligibility criteria for professionals includes:
- Applicants should have a valid employment contract in the UAE.
- Applicants should be classified in the first or second occupational level as per the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation classification, which is aligned with the International Standard of Classification of Occupations ISCO by the International Labour Organisation.
- Applicants must have a minimum educational level and must have a bachelor’s degree or equivalent.
- Applicants should have a monthly salary of not be less than $8,167 (AED 30,000).
UAE Green Residence visa: Benefits and eligibility criteria
As part of a slew of new rules aimed at attracting and retaining talent and skilled workers from all over the world, the UAE Cabinet has also revealed a new 5-year Green Residence visa, which will boost flexibility of the job market and will foster a high sense of stability among UAE residents and families.
The new 5-year Green Residence visa will be aimed at exceptional talents, skilled professionals, freelancers, investors, and entrepreneurs.
Under the Green Residence visa, more benefits will be offered to facilitate the residence of family members residence.
In addition, longer flexible grace periods will extend up to 6 months to stay in the country after the residence permit is cancelled or expired.
UAE Green Residence Visa eligibility criteria:
- Green Residence Visa for skilled employees:
The new track provides a 5-year residency for skilled employees, without a sponsor or employer.
The applicants should have a valid employment contract, and should be classified in the first, second, or third occupational level as per the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation.
The minimum educational level must be a bachelor’s degree or equivalent, and the salary should not be less than $4,083 (AED 15,000). - Green Residence Visa for freelancing and self-employment:
In line with the growing importance of flexible work models, this track provides a 5-year residency for freelancers and self-employed individuals without requiring a sponsor or employer in the UAE.
It requires applicants to obtain a freelance/self-employment permit from the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation.
The minimum educational level should be bachelor’s degree or specialised diploma, and the annual income from self-employment for the previous two years should not be less than $98,000 (AED 360,000), or that the applicant proves financial solvency throughout his / her stay in the country. - Green Residence Visa for investors or partners:
This residence permit is introduced to encourage investment, providing 5-year residency for investors establishing or participating in commercial activities.
It replaces the previous residence that was valid for 2 years only.
Requirements include approval of the investment and proof of investment.
If the investor or partner has more than one licence, the total invested capital will be calculated. Approval of the competent local authorities is mandatory.
The new system provides more benefits to family members, allowing residents to easily issue residence permits for their family members, including spouse and children.
The age of children who may be sponsored has been raised to 25 years (previously 18 years), with no age limit for unmarried daughters.
Children of determination are granted a residence permit, regardless of their age.
Green Residences holders are allowed to issue residence permits for their first-degree relatives, and in all cases the residency of family members shall be the validity duration as the original residence holder.
UAE job exploration visa, five-year tourist visa, and non-sponsor business permits: All you need to know
People from around the world who are planning to visit the UAE visitors – either for business, jobs, or pleasure – can now avail of a variety of visa options.
The UAE Cabinet has approved a number of new types of entry permits and visas without requiring a host or sponsor for the first time.
In addition, all entry visas are available for single or multiple-entry can be renewed for similar period(s) and are valid for 60 days from their issuance date.
UAE’s new job exploration visa:
The job exploration visa has been introduced with the aim of attracting young talents and skilled professionals to explore job opportunities available in the country and does not require a sponsor or a host.
It is granted to those classified in the first or second or third skill level as per the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation.
Fresh graduates applying for this visa must be from one of the best 500 universities in the world, with minimum educational levels of a Bachelor’s degree or its equivalent.
UAE’s new business entry visa:
The business entry permits enable easy entry without requiring a sponsor or a host.
It aims to encourage investors and entrepreneurs to explore business and investment opportunities in the UAE.
UAE’s new five-year multiple-entry tourist visa:
In addition to the regular tourist visa that is sponsored by the UAE’s tourism establishment, a five-year multiple-entry tourist visa has been introduced.
This visa does not require a sponsor and it allows the person to stay in the country up to 90 continuous days.
The visa may be extended for a similar period, provided that the entire period of stay does not exceed 180 days in one year.
This visa requires proof of having a bank balance of $4,000 or its equivalent in foreign currencies during the last six months prior to submitting the application.
UAE’s new entry permit to visit relatives or friends:
As per the current amendment, a visitor can apply for this entry permit if he/she is a relative or friend of a UAE citizen or resident. It does not require a sponsor or a host.
UAE’s new entry permit for a temporary work mission:
This type of entry permit will be offered to those who have a temporary work assignment such as a project-based mission or probation testing, and will be sponsored by the employer.
It requires a temporary work contract or a letter from the employer clarifying the visit purpose and proof of health fitness to work.
UAE’s new entry permit for study and training:
This entry permit is intended for those attending training and academic courses and/or participating in internship programmes.
The sponsor can be universities or educational or research institutions licensed in the country or government or private entities.
The entry permit requires a letter from the entity, clarifying the details of the study or training or internship programme and its duration.
The executive regulations of the Federal Decree-Law on Entry and Residence of Foreigners shall come into force after ninety days from the date of its publication in the official gazette.
Here’s how the UAE’s new Golden Visa and long-term visa rules are already benefitting businesses and the economy:
- UAE Golden Visa led to the country’s leading global position in the immigration sector
- Dubai Golden Visa push cements ‘global tech hub’ appeal: report
- UAE Golden Visa to help startups in the region: expert
- Golden Visa to enable long-term financial planning and benefit businesses
- UAE’s new Golden Visa regulations will be a ‘game changer’ for real estate
- Golden visa rules will “significantly bolster” interest to work in the UAE
UAE Golden Visa led to the country’s leading global position in the immigration sector
The UAE offers favourable advantages like tax-free incentives, investor-friendly policies and attractive immigration incentives such as the Golden Visa, that continues to attract the largest number of high-net-worth individuals (HNWIs), according to an analysis by Passport Legacy, a leading and globally trusted government-authorised entity that facilitates RBI and CBI programmes.
Geopolitical volatility has caused huge shifts across global sectors, the immigration industry in particular, has seen notable changes including an influx of European investors. This has led to the UAE attracting the largest number of high-net-worth individuals.
Among other immigration incentives, the UAE Golden Visa was launched in 2019 and has enabled expatriates to live, work and study in the country without the need for a national sponsor. Those who avail the residency-by-investment (RBI) incentive are also allowed to maintain 100 percent ownership of their businesses in Free Zones. Over 65,000 people have successfully secured the 10-year residency permit.
The criteria for the extended visa has also been widened to include more professional categories and property investors. Apart from the 10-year Golden Visa, a 5-year Green Visa has also been introduced. This recognises skilled employees, exceptional talent, investors, freelancers and entrepreneurs.
“The UAE’s determination to achieve new success has seen countless individuals benefit from its Golden Visa program and this has led to its leading global position in the immigration sector and appeal as a top destination overall. The introduction of the Green Visa will only elevate the UAE’s stature to help the country maintain its allure through the year,” said Jeffrey Henseler, founder and managing partner of Passport Legacy, UAE HQ.
According to the analysis, as global economics continue to fluctuate and instability persists, the UAE’s display of resilience has seen the world take notice and the country’s upward trajectory is poised to hold steady.
New visa rules launch in the UAE on October 3, opening up access to the Golden Visa, job exploration visa, and other long-term visa options.
Dubai Golden Visa push cements ‘global tech hub’ appeal: report
Dubai continues to attract talent driven by strong client relationships and the Golden Visa scheme across the region since 2019, a new study by Boston Consulting Group showed.
The report, titled ‘Turning a Tech Hub into a Talent Magnet’, highlighted the emirate’s “well-planned, comprehensive strategy for developing a tech hub that deploys both short- and long-term levers,” especially as 96 percent of tech workforce is comprised of immigrants.
“Successful digital hubs need lots of digital talent—an increasingly scarce commodity. The global shortage of technology workers will reach 4.3 million by 2030. And that was before the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, which heightened demand for digital services,” BCG’s managing director and partner Faisal Hamady said, adding the emirate “recognised this appeal very early on, attracting tech experts from every four corners of the world.
Hamady added the country’s Golden Visa scheme has also played a pivotal role in talent attraction.
“These include business visas, under which foreigners can obtain a long-term visa as part of the Golden Visa system but also remote work visas and their assigned virtual working program for start-ups and entrepreneurs wishing to reside in the UAE all the while working outside the UAE,” BCG’s Hamady explained.
The report also highlighted the launch of several initiatives to attract talent with the skills needed by industries targeted by the government.
“Agriculture technology within the city’s 10-point action plan for Dubai Future District, a new space dedicated to the development of the future economy, as well as an AED 1 billion fund to support new economy companies who can power Dubai’s future growth,” were all part of the emirate’s initiatives, the report said.
For the longer term, the government encouraged leading international universities to establish local campuses, attracting top students and encouraging the children of the current workers to remain in the UAE for their higher education.
Among other initiatives, the emirate set up incubators such as Dubai’s Area 2071 and recruited venture capital firms from around the world to establish local offices to act as a sustainable global center of excellence.
“To win the digital talent challenge, policymakers need a clear vision of their hub’s current strengths, the key industrial sectors they aim to develop, and the type of workforce they need. And Dubai has done just that,” BCG’s managing director and partner Juergen Eckel said, adding policymakers can continue working with stakeholders in the local digital ecosystem.
This will enable the emirate “to develop and execute strategies to build and nurture dynamic, resilient tech hubs that can spur innovation and economic growth for decades to come.”
BCG’s partner and director Rami Mourtada added three other key lessons that those other cities and nations can learn from the leading tech hubs we studied include “developing and executing a strategic plan, building on existing strengths, and leveraging anchor companies to build broader hubs.”
The UAE now offers select startups rent-free office spaces for two years, health insurance for employees, all while welcoming talent to attain work visas, the report said.
UAE Golden Visa to help startups in the region: expert
The Golden Visa programme and the long-term UAE residence visas and entry permits will “have a positive ripple effect on the economy,” an expert said.
On Monday, 18 April the UAE Cabinet announced a sweeping set of executive regulations that opened up the Golden Visas to more categories of professionals and skilled workers, and made the eligibility criteria a lot simpler.
“Most importantly, the visa reforms allow the UAE to attract the brightest and the best from the region and beyond. The aggregate gain of that in years to come will be invaluable,” Trevor McFarlane, the CEO of Emerging Markets Intelligence & Research (EMIR), said.
“As future unicorns are born and bred in the UAE, their roots will be traced to initiatives like the golden visa,” he added.
Entrepreneurs and startup owners in the UAE will be able to more easily obtain the UAE Golden Residence visa – a long-term 10-year UAE residency visa – under the set of new executive regulations revealed by the UAE Cabinet.
The new eligibility criteria for Golden Visa offer more flexible options for start-up owners and entrepreneurs to apply:
– Entrepreneurs should own or be a partner in a startup registered in the UAE under the small and medium enterprises (SMEs) category, and the registered startup must generate annual revenues of not less than $272,250 (AED 1 million).
– Entrepreneurs or startup owners who obtain approval for a startup idea from an official business incubator, from the Ministry of Economy, or from a competent local authority will be deemed eligible to obtain the Golden Residence in this category.
– Entrepreneurs who are founders – or one of the founders – of a previous entrepreneurial project(s) that was sold for a total of not less than $1.9 million (AED 7 million) will be entitled to the UAE Golden visa. For this category, the approval of the Ministry of Economy or competent local authorities will be required for projects or ideas.
McFarlane added: “Visa reforms, including the golden visa for startups, will help the UAE meet strategic goals, such as increasing the contribution of the digital economy to the UAE’s GDP from 9.7 percent to 19.4 percent within the next 10 years.”
The reforms, which were necessary for the UAE to achieve its goal of becoming a brain port for top talent, have been received very well be residents, visitors, and expat investors.
Golden Visa to enable long-term financial planning and benefit businesses
To help attract and retain top talent across numerous sectors, the UAE Cabinet recently amended its Golden Visa programme to include professionals from more diverse fields and ease the eligibility criteria.
This programme allows investors, entrepreneurs, startup owners, professionals, and exceptionally talented individuals to apply for long-term residency – for up to 10 years with the option of renewal – to live, work, or invest in one of the most cosmopolitan nations around the world. With a Golden Visa, expats can forego the need of a national sponsor and maintain 100 percent ownership of their businesses on the UAE mainland.
Commenting on the new executive regulations on the long-term residence visa, Roberto Croci, the managing director of Microsoft for Startups – Middle East, Turkey, and Pakistan, said: “The UAE showed a superb management of Covid with open borders, high vaccination rates, and its business-friendly regime. In this context, the Golden Visa can play a critical role in empowering more entrepreneurs to build their business from the UAE at a time where more global players like Sequoia Capital India and Softbank start looking seriously at the region and eventually undertake deals.”
The emergence of many technical startups and big companies looking to invest in Dubai and establish their headquarters in the emirate has also led to an increase in demand for technical skilled labour in the past years.
“Over the past few years, the UAE has positioned itself as an essential business hub connecting the Middle East to the world. Due to its dynamic and robust economy, it has become a destination of choice for business people and wealthy individuals seeking financial success,” Croci added.
“There is also a strong push by the UAE for new-age technologies such as machine learning, artificial intelligence, automation, and e-commerce.”
Innovation, entrepreneurship, and advanced industries remain a clear focus for the UAE as part of its plan to create a diversified knowledge-based economy in line with the UAE Centennial Plan 2071. With this active policy intervention the UAE can emerge as the tech hub of the Arab world with an ambition of becoming home to 20 tech companies worth $1 billion or more by 2031.
“The Golden Visa allow entrepreneurs and technology investors to live in the country for up to 10 years, longer than regular visas, with long-term financial planning and the opportunity to consider the UAE as home.
“The Golden Visa clearly shows how progressive the UAE is when it comes to supporting the entrepreneurial ecosystem. Exciting times ahead for the UAE and its startup ecosystem,” Croci concluded.
UAE’s new Golden Visa regulations will be a ‘game changer’ for real estate
New Golden Visa regulations are a “game-changer” for the UAE’s real estate industry, building on the momentum it’s garnered over the past year and a half.
The flexible regulations to obtain the ten-year residency through real estate will encourage further foreign investments in the country, industry stakeholders told Arabian Business.
“This is yet another proactive initiative from the UAE government, which will certainly entice more foreign investment into the country. In particular, the new visa scheme for property investors is quite appealing to say the least,” said Lynnette Sacchetto, a UAE-based real estate industry consultant.
“The fact that you can get a Golden Visa now when purchasing a secondary or off-plan property for AED2million which can be mortgaged pretty much covers all common scenarios for not only investors but also for UAE residents who own property.
“This is a game-changer, just like so many recent initiatives, and will further push forward the UAE as the central business and investment hub in the region. This will also have a positive impact on the Dubai real estate market, which has been going through record-breaking momentums over the past year and a half,” she continued.
Under the new executive regulations, entrepreneurs, exceptional talents, scientists and professionals, outstanding students and graduates are also among those eligible for the Golden Visa.
“The updated UAE Golden Visa regulation is a great initiative for the country, which has already seen tremendous growth in its real estate sector over the last couple of years, especially with how it recovered after the pandemic. The flexibility that these new rules have to offer, will provide residents with a strong reason to invest in the country long term and allow non-residents to make UAE their second home,” Madhav Dhar, co-founder and COO, ZāZEN Properties, said.
“Specifically, the ability to obtain a Golden Visa when purchasing a property with a mortgage and even purchasing an off-plan property, will help bring in more young professionals who have the ability to contribute positively while also being able to afford a home, since the upfront cash outlay is less,” he continued.
Dubai’s property market has been on an upward trajectory for the past year with the city’s residential market recording more than 52,000 apartments and villa real estate transactions in 2021, totalling $31bn (AED 114.2bn), more than the total for 2019 and 2020 combined.
“Changes in residency requirements in Dubai have had a significant positive impact on the real estate market in the last two years. Yesterday’s announcement is a further step in opening up Dubai to foreign investors and will likely lead to a significant influx in buyers, bolstering an already active market,” said Andrew Cummings, partner – head of prime residential at Knight Frank Middle East.
“The changes to enable off-plan investors to also gain residency will have the biggest impact and we are likely to see an increasing demand for off-plan properties, with buyers no longer being restricted to having to have a title deed of a ready property in hand. Whether or not this will lead to downward pressure on the resale market is more uncertain, with demand in this area predominantly being driven by end users rather than investors.
“Either way, decisions like this further the attractiveness of Dubai as a destination for investors and end users like and we anticipate this will lead to further strengthening of the market in coming years,” he added.
Golden visa rules will “significantly bolster” interest to work in the UAE: expert
Interest to work, live, and invest in the UAE will increase as the latest slew of executive regulations on the 10-year Golden Visa and 5-year Green Residence is expected to “significantly bolster the UAE as a preferred destination,” Linda Fitz-Alan, the registrar and chief executive of ADGM Courts, told Arabian Business.
On Monday, 18 April, the UAE Cabinet – led by Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, the Vice President, Prime Minister, and Ruler of Dubai – revealed a sweeping set of amendments for long-term UAE visas in order to attract and retain top talent in the country.
While on one hand, the new executive regulations widen the eligibility criteria to apply for long-term visas, on the other hand, it also widens the number of individuals – in various categories, professions, and roles – who can apply for the long-term visas.
“The UAE, for many years, has been globally recognised and highly ranked as a progressive, inclusive, and stable economy and environment for businesses, talented individuals, and families to thrive,” Linda Fitz-Alan said.
“And now, with the latest enhancements to the UAE’s visa and Golden Visa programmes, the country’s position will be significantly bolstered.”
The UAE Golden Visa residency programme, which was first implemented in 2019, enabled expats to live, work, and study in the UAE without the need of a national sponsor and with 100 percent ownership of their business on the UAE’s mainland.
With the new rules, the criteria to apply for the 10-year visas have now been relaxed, making it easier for investors, start-up owners, and highly skilled professionals to call the UAE their home.
Fitz-Alan added: “The enhanced UAE visa system is a much welcomed initiative, particularly for Abu Dhabi Global Market as an international financial centre and global business hub.
“We encourage investors, innovators, entrepreneurs and professionals to establish their presence in Abu Dhabi and achieve their ambitious plans and goals. Together, we will build a more prosperous, innovative, and sustainable future for the UAE.”
Fitz-Alan, who has been granted a Golden Visa by the UAE government, concluded: “I am extremely honoured to have received a Golden Visa and will continue to contribute in any way possible, not only to the highly progressive judicial and legal sectors of the UAE in support of the exponential growth of the Abu Dhabi and UAE economies, but also to the cohesion of the commu
