EVERYTHING TO KNOW ABOUT THE UAE’S NEW VISA SCHEMES

EVERYTHING TO KNOW ABOUT THE UAE’S NEW VISA SCHEMES

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The UAE government announced new visa categories as part of the ‘Projects of the 50,’ a series of developmental and economic projects commemorating the UAE’s 50th anniversary, to accelerate the UAE’s development and consolidation into a comprehensive hub in all sectors, as well as establishing its status as an ideal destination for talents and investors.

GOLDEN VISA:

Investors, entrepreneurs, individuals with outstanding talents, researchers in the fields of art, culture, science, medical professionals, and those in the scientific and knowledge fields, as well as students with promising academic performance, are all eligible for long-term residency (5 to 10 years) under the UAE Golden Visa system. This new visa scheme allows foreigners to live, work, and study in the UAE without the need for a local sponsor or 100% foreign-owned businesses.

Sometimes individuals are nominated for golden visas by senior Emiratis or government bodies, and in other circumstances, people apply online. If an individual is awarded a golden visa, then their spouse and children can also apply.

The greatest advantage would most likely be security; by issuing the Golden Visa, the UAE government has demonstrated its commitment to offering ex-pats, investors, and essentially anyone wishing to make the UAE their home with an extra reason to feel secure about their future.

Here is everything you need to know about the Golden Visa UAE, the current requirements, benefits, application process, and more.

How can you become eligible for a golden visa?

The applicant must fulfill at least one of the below-mentioned requirements

Investors:

Having a public investment of at least AED 10 million, either in the form of an investment fund or a company, At least 60% of the total investment must be in non-real estate assets.

The cash invested cannot be loaned, and in the case of assets, the investors must acquire full ownership. The investor must be able to retain the investment during the term of the visa.

People with special talents:

This comprises professionals with specialized talents and researchers in the fields of science and knowledge, as well as creative individuals in the field of culture and art. The spouse and children are also eligible for the visa benefit. All categories must have a valid employment contract in the UAE in a priority specialized field.

Doctors: 

In “recognition of their efforts and sacrifices,” the UAE will award doctors, the first line of defense, a long-term residency. Between July 2021 and September 2022, all doctors licensed by UAE health regulatory organizations can apply for the Golden Visa via the website.

Coders: 

Coders of all nationalities and ages can apply for the UAE Golden Visa through the UAE Government’s Office of Artificial Intelligence or the Federal Authority for Identity and Citizenship, regardless of whether they are UAE residents or non-residents. Application eligibility extended to graduates of software engineering, computer sciences, hardware engineering, information technology, artificial intelligence, data science, big data, and electrical engineering.

Real Estate Investors:

The requirements for the 5-year visa are largely similar to those of the general investor. The only difference is that the required investment amount is AED 5 million. The visa also extends to their dependents.

Entrepreneurs:

Entrepreneurs can apply for a 5-year resident visa in the United Arab Emirates. Those who have an existing project with a minimum capital of AED 500,000 or who have the approval of an accredited business incubator in the country are also eligible. The spouse and children, a partner, and three executives are all included in the long-term visa.

High School Toppers:

As part of the UAE’s endeavor to build a supportive environment for extraordinary talents and encourage them to participate in future development programs, the golden visa will now be awarded to high school toppers and their families. Students with an excellent grade or an average of at least 95% in ordinary secondary schools or private schools are eligible to apply.

For more information and application submission kindly visit the website of the Federal Authority for Identity and Citizenship— ICA (https://ica.gov.ae/en/), or the General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs –GDRFA (https://www.gdrfad.gov.ae/en) which works under the ministry.

GREEN VISA: 

Green Visa holders, like Golden Visa holders, have self-residency status. It makes a distinction between work permits and residence permits. Under the green visa, foreigners will be able to work in the UAE without being sponsored by an employer. This will be a significant change from the current process, which requires a potential worker to be sponsored by an employer, who then applies to the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation for a work visa.

With the Green Visa, the self-residency status has been extended to investors, entrepreneurs, highly talented professionals, top students, and graduates. Small and medium-sized business owners, scientists, and other skilled individuals will also be considered.

What are the advantages of obtaining a Green Visa?

  • Children are sponsored until they reach the age of 25. (Instead of 18 previously)
  • Sponsorship of parents
  • Extension of the 90-180-day grace period for leaving the country upon job loss or retiring (instead of 30 days previously).

FREELANCER VISA:

Freelancer Visa is a new federal visa for self-employed workers that was announced along with the Green Visa. It is the first federal scheme of its kind and enables self-employers to sponsor themselves.

Who can apply for the Freelancer Visa

Self-employed workers based in the UAE or overseas and for professions such as graphic designer, Web, Mobile, Software Development and Architecture Freelancer, Marketing Specialist, Talented Artists and many more.

You only need a freelancer permit to start working if you are a UAE resident on your spouse’s or parent’s visa. By receiving a permit, full-time working professionals in the UAE can work as freelancers.

To apply for a freelance permit, you’ll need proof of your applicable skill set, as well as approval from any employer if you’re considering freelancing as a side hustle.

If you are not a UAE resident, you will need to apply for a freelancer visa, which is residency permission that allows you to work as a freelancer in the UAE.

MULTIPLE ENTRY TOURIST VISA:

How does UAE Multiple Entry Tourist Visa Works?

The UAE is a major tourist destination, attracting millions of visitors from all over the world. By implementing strategic improvements in terms of recreational amenities and other facilities, the country has been highly effective in attracting visitors and professionals. To further encourage tourism, the government has introduced a new five-year UAE Tourist Visa for all nationalities, allowing for repeated visits into the country.

UAE Multiple Entry Tourist Visa is one of the most helpful prepaid visa types available to assist UAE tourists who want to enter and exit United Arab Emirates cities several times within a certain period with a single visa. Expatriate families and business travelers can visit the UAE as many times as they like over five years. Each visit to the country can last up to 90 days and can be extended for another 90 days. Applicants must pay Dhs 650 to apply for a visa on the ICA website (www.ica.gov.ae)

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