Introducing

On September 5, 2022 new visa rules were launched in the UAE, which means that getting a long-time permit to stay in Dubai and the whole UAE has just become a lot more accessible to foreigners. New regulations were revealed on April 18, 2022 by the UAE Cabinet, led by Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, the UAE Vice President, Prime Minister, and Ruler of Dubai.

As of September, obtaining a 10-year Golden Residence Visa, 5-year Green Residence Visa, job exploration visas and long-term visas has become a lot easier for professionals and talented individuals, investors, innovators, outstanding graduates and students, as well as entrepreneurs and startup owners. Due to the new changes, children can be sponsored by holders of Golden & Green Visas until the age of 25, whereas before the maximum possible age was 18. Unmarried daughters can be sponsored without any age limits. Children of determination are given a residence permit without any regard to their age.

Our real estate managers do not assist in obtaining visas. However, we are always ready to provide you with the most up-to-date information regarding the latest modifications and regulations, as well as helping you in choosing a property corresponding to your needs, if you are wishing to move to Dubai.

Golden Residence UAE Visa

The Golden Residence Visa programme started in 2019. This type of visa allows foreigners to live in the UAE without any limits, as well as work and study without the need of a local sponsor. Moreover, it allows them to open a business in the country and be its 100% owner.

These new regulations allow more people to apply for a 10-year Golden Visa. For instance, the original holder of the visa can sponsor his/her family members, such as their spouse and children, as well as support any home staff without any limits. In the unfortunate case that he/she dies, family members will be able to stay in the UAE until the end of their visa. Another important change is that now foreigners needn’t worry about losing their Golden Visa status, as the maximum duration of stay outside the UAE to keep the visa valid has been removed.

Among the categories of individuals who have the right to apply for the Golden Visa are scientists and researchers with important achievements in their field based on the recommendation from the Emirates Scientists Council. A candidate should have a master’s degree or a PhD in disciplines such as engineering, life sciences, technology, or natural sciences from one of the top universities in the world.

Highly skilled professionals also have an opportunity to obtain a Golden Visa. They should have specialized education in medicine, information technology, sciences and engineering, business and administration, law, culture, education, or social sciences. Applicants should also prove their professional experience in their sphere, have a valid employment contract in the country, and their salary should start from AED 30K (USD 8K) per month.

Top talents in fields such as culture, art, sports, and digital technology, as well as inventors, and innovators are also welcome to the UAE. Their professional level, education, employment status, and salary are taken into consideration, and a recommendation or approval of a local government/federal entity is needed.

One of the most popular ways to get the 10-year Golden Visa is to become a real estate investor. Purchasing a property with a cost starting from AED 2M (USD 545K) will provide you with an opportunity to obtain a 10-year Golden Visa, which will be prolonged if you continue as the owner of the property. Moreover, such a visa is given even if you buy off-plan property or take out a loan from a local bank.

Graduates from the top-100 universities from across the world, as well as UAE universities and outstanding students of the Emirati secondary schools can be given a 10-year Golden Visa if they correspond to a special criteria and boast high academic performance.

Entrepreneurs and startup owners who are a partner or an owner of a startup in the UAE, corresponding to small or medium sized enterprises, which generate a revenue from AED 1M (USD 272K) per year, whose startup idea is approved by an official business incubator or the Ministry of Economy, or who are a founder or a founding partner of a previous project, which was sold from AED 7M (USD 1.9M).

Humanitarian pioneers, who are distinguished members of international or local organisations, recipients of recognition awards in the humanitarian field, volunteers, as well as frontline heroes, who work in crises, such as Covid-19, have an opportunity to obtain a visa.

Green Residence UAE Visa

If you are a talented and skilled worker, a freelancer or entrepreneur, you have the chance to apply for a 5-year Green Residence Visa, which will also facilitate the residence of your family. After the permit is cancelled or expired, you will be able to stay in the UAE for six months.

Among those who can get a Green Residence Visa, are skilled employees. There is no need for an employer or a sponsor. The applicant should be classified in the first, second, or third occupational level as per the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation, have at least a bachelor’s degree and his/her salary should be from AED 15K (USD 4K) per month.

Freelancers and self-employed individuals can get a Green Visa without the need of an employer or sponsor in the UAE. However, he/she should get a freelance/self-employment permit from the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation. A specialised diploma or bachelor's degree is essential. The income of the individual over the last two years should be AED 360K (USD 98K) or the applicant should prove financial solvency for their period of living in the country.

Other Types of UAE Visas

People coming to the UAE in search of a job and or business opportunities, might be interested in the new job exploration visa, as this allows young talents and skilled individuals to learn more about job opportunities in the UAE without a need for a host or sponsor. Only those classified by the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation at the first, second or third skill level, as well as graduates from the top-500 universities in the world with bachelor’s degree or higher, can get this visa. Investors and entrepreneurs can apply for a new business entry visa, also without a host or sponsor to learn more about business opportunities and investment in the UAE.

A 5-year multiple-entry visa is a new addition to the regular tourist visa which enables foreigners to stay in the country for 90 days, and can be extended for the same period of time. The total number of days in the country should not exceed 180 days a year. A visa is given to those who have proof of USD 4K or its equivalent in another currency in their bank accounts for a period of six months.

If you wish to meet a relative or friend living in the UAE, you can apply for a new entry permit to visit them. A sponsor or host isn’t needed for this type of visa. Foreigners, intending to come to the country for studying or an internship, can apply for a new entry visa for study or training. A university, educational/research institution, having a licence in the country, as well as a government or private entity can be a sponsor for this type of visa. A letter from the entity with the details of the study and its duration is required. In case a person is interested in coming to Dubai or other emirates for a temporary work mission, he/she should be sponsored by the employer. The purpose of the visit should be stated in the letter from the employer, or a temporary work contract is needed. Proof of health is also important to submit with the application.

Dubai continues attracting foreigners from all over the world. This can be explained by the endless job and business opportunities, the Arabian Gulf with its white sandy beaches, warm climate, entertainment activities and much more. Even though it might be difficult to get Emirati citizenship, foreigners can always get a Golden Visa or investor visa by purchasing a real estate unit in the country.