2023 New Visa Rules In UAE
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Introduction
New visa rules in UAE have been made by the UAE government.
The Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs, and Port Security (ICP) has implemented some of the biggest residence and entrance permit reforms in the UAE.
UAE’s visit visa system has undergone significant change as a result of the new system, which also brought forth new UAE visa regulations.
In this guide, we’ll cover all of the adjustments that have been made, starting with the October 2022 increase in costs for Emirates IDs and visas for visits and residence in the UAE, up to the most recent revision.
New Visa Rules In UAE
1. New UAE Visit Visa Extension Rule
The UAE Immigration agencies in all Emirates have stopped extending visiting visas without requiring visitors to leave the country. Instead, visitors must leave the nation, seek an extension, and then re-enter.
Airport-to-airport services are one way to extend your visa in the UAE.
To use this service, book a flight through a travel company like Arabiers to the closest Middle Eastern nation, such as Oman, and then wait a few hours at the airport while your visa extension application is processed.
You enter the visa after the extension has been authorized, and then you arrange a ticket back to the UAE.
2. New UAE Visa Stamping Rule
The government of the UAE (UAE) has stopped stamping resident visas on passports in favour of providing Emirates ID cards.
Because of this, it won’t be necessary to gather passports before stamping them, and UAE nationals may now submit a single application to get their Emirates ID and residency visa.
The application procedure will be made simpler and take lesser time thanks to this new rule.
3. New UAE Visit Visa Overstay Rule
You are regarded to have overstayed in the UAE if you stay longer than the number of days permitted by the visa you used to enter the country, and you will be subject to overstaying penalty.
If you wish to leave the nation through Dubai, you must obtain an outpass or departure permission in order to do so.
It’s vital to keep in mind that the outpass is only necessary when leaving the UAE through Dubai; other emirates don’t require you to get it.
At the airport and at the immigration offices at the land borders, you can obtain a Dubai/UAE exit permit. Alternatively, the Al Awir Immigration office is where the outpass or departure permit may be acquired. This outpass costs between AED 200 and 300.
4. Standardization of UAE Visa Overstay Fine
ICP has announced that the overstaying penalty will be standardized at AED 50 per day of overstay.
After you’ve used up the grace period provided after the visa you used to enter the UAE expires, the overstaying fines begin to mount.
If you are unable to depart the nation on time due to airport closures or aircraft disruptions, you won’t be penalized for remaining longer than permitted.
5. New UAE ICP Visa Services Fee
The Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs and Ports Security (ICP) recently announced an increase in all service fees of AED 100.
The increase was mandated by the new regulations and applied to all services provided by ICP, including the issuance of Emirates IDs, visit visas, and residency permits.
6. New UAE 5-Year Multiple Entry Visa
You can enter the UAE on self-sponsorship many times after receiving the visa. When you enter the nation, the visa enables you to stay for 90 days.
If your visa expires and you wish to remain longer, you can renew it for 90 days. It is the best visa for individuals who have a loved one in the UAE since you have adequate time to spend with them.
The following are some of the documents needed when applying for this 5-year visa with multiple entries:
- A bank statement for the last six months that shows a balance of $4,000 or the equivalent in other currencies
- Proof of health insurance in the UAE
- A copy of the applicant’s flight ticket in copy form, and
- A letter of invitation, serving as proof of residency, from friends or family members who live in the UAE
7. Resumption of UAE 60-Day Visa
Following the implementation of the new changes, the ICP resumed the 60-day travel visa on October 3rd, 2022. Tourists are permitted to stay in the UAE for up to two months.
8. New UAE Entry Permits to Visit Family or Friends in the UAE
You are eligible to apply for a UAE entry permit to visit a friend or family if they are a UAE citizen or resident. No travel agency, sponsor, host, or other intermediaries will be required in order for you to obtain permission.
9. New UAE Golden Visa Rules
To make the qualifying requirements simpler and increase the categories of beneficiaries, the UAE has recently enlarged the Golden Visa categories and made significant changes to the Golden Residence Scheme.
For all categories of Golden Visa, the validity period has been extended to 10 years. The Golden Visa is now valid for 10 years and grants the bearer the ability to reside and work in the Emirate for ten years.
Investors, business owners, remarkable talent, scientists, great students and recent graduates, and skilled employees will all be eligible for the long-term, 10-year Golden residency.
According to the new regulations, owners of Golden Residences may sponsor any member of their family, including wives and kids, regardless of the person’s age.
Additionally, they are allowed to sponsor an unlimited number of domestic workers who provide support services.
The grace period following the expiration or revocation of a resident visa in the UAE for expats has been increased from 30 days to 6 months, according to information acquired on the ICP system by typing centre agents.
As a result, foreign nationals have six months to leave the country or change their status and obtain a new residence visa. During the grace period, fines are not applicable.
However, if the bearer of a Golden visa neglects to renew or cancel the dependents’ visas, the dependents may be required to pay an overstay fine.
The UAE recently debuted a new tool that determines if prospective candidates are in fact qualified for the Golden visa in only two minutes. The tool is in the form of an online quiz which you can access here.
Are you thinking of investing in UAE Golden Visa? Talk to a financial planner to guide you.
UAE Golden Visa For Scientists
Scientists and researchers will now be eligible for the Golden Visa if they fulfil the requirements listed below:
- A holder of PhD or Master’s degree in the field of technology, engineering, life sciences, or natural sciences from one of the top universities in the world
- Must be recommended by the Emirates Scientists Council
UAE Golden Visa For Skilled Professionals
The Golden Visa program accepts skilled workers as long as:
- They are holders of a bachelor’s degree
- they are employed in the UAE under a valid contract.
- their job position falls under occupational level one or two as per the Ministry of Human Resources Emiratisation
- they have a minimum monthly wage of AED 30,000 or USD 8,167
Trained professionals are entitled to a longer grace period of six months if they are categorized in the first or second occupational level under the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratization classification.
UAE Golden Visa For Exceptionally Talented Individuals
Talented people in the fields of sports, art, culture, digital technology, innovation, law, medicine, and other professions are eligible to apply for the Golden Visa program under the category of highly talented persons.
In addition, the 10-year Visa will only be granted based on the applicant’s talent. It won’t be influenced by your level of education, your employment situation, your monthly income, or your professional standing. But it will be necessary to obtain the advice or consent of a federal or local government body.
UAE Golden Visa For Real Estate Investors
Real estate investors can receive the Golden Visa for Real Estate Investors by investing in a property that costs at least AED 2 million (USD 5,44,528).
The Golden Residence is still available to investors who buy a house using a loan from a certain local bank, according to the latest changes.
Additionally, investors can purchase the residence by purchasing one or more off-plan properties from recognized local real estate firms for no less than AED 2 million (USD 5,44,528).
The grace period after the expiration or cancellation of a residence visa in the UAE for expats has been increased from 90 days for property owners, as announced by the ICP.
Therefore, foreign nationals now have six months to leave the country or change their status and obtain a new residence visa. During the grace period, there are no fines.
UAE Golden Visa For Entrepreneurs
Startup investors can now apply for a Golden Visa if their business is registered in the UAE (UAE) and qualifies as a small or medium-sized enterprise (SME) with annual revenues of at least AED 1 million (USD 2,72,249).
You can also apply for the Golden Visa for entrepreneurs if:
- the individual was a founder or co-founder of a prior business venture that was sold for a minimum of AED 7 million (USD 19,05,850.80).
- Business projects and proposals are approved by the Ministry of Economy or the relevant local authorities.
UAE Golden Visa For Executive Directors
Applying for this category requires executive directors to have at least a bachelor’s degree from an institution recognized by the Ministry of Education, five years of experience in the same role, a salary certificate for at least AED 50,000, and a current employment contract.
UAE Golden Visa For Doctors and Nurses
As the first line of defence, doctors and nurses have been given a long-term residence by the UAE in “honour of their efforts and sacrifices.”
Recently, nurses and medical personnel—the unsung heroes of the UAE’s COVID-19 battle—became qualified for the famous Golden Visa.
For medical professionals who prefer to submit their visa applications in person, seven centres connected to the Federal Authority for Identity and Citizenship have been set up around the Emirates.
UAE Golden Visa For Cultural Workers
The Cultural Golden Visa category accepts applications for long-term visas from creative professionals such as singers, artists, dancers, performers, musicians, curators, and others who are 25 years of age or older. This applies regardless of their professional level, employment situation, monthly wage, or educational background.
10. UAE Green Residence 2023
New 5-year residency tracks were added to the UAE Green Visa as some significant enhancements, primarily to draw talents, skilled professionals, freelancers, investors, and entrepreneurs.
Along with streamlining and simplifying the requirements for all types of residence, additional benefits are being provided, such as extended flexible grace periods of up to 6 months for individuals to remain in the nation after their residence permit is revoked or expires in order to facilitate the residence of family members.
UAE Green Residence For Skilled Professionals
The recent revisions to the Green residence for skilled employees give skilled workers without a sponsor or employer a 5-year residency tenure.
The only requirements are the following:
- Applicants have an active job contract
- Their job position should be categorized at the first, second, or third occupational level in accordance with the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratization.
- A bachelor’s degree or an equivalent is required as the minimum educational level.
- Salary of the applicant should not be less than AED 15,000. (USD 4,083).
A 90-day extended grace period is available to skilled professionals who fall within the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation classification’s third level after the expiration of the Green residency.
UAE Green Residence For Freelancers And Self-Employed
The new Green residence for freelancing and self-employment offers 5 years of residency for freelancers and self-employed people in the UAE without the need for a sponsor or employer in light of the significant expansion of the flexible work models idea and the freelancing business throughout the world.
The requirements include:
- acquiring a permit from the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratization to work as a freelancer or as self-amployed
- a bachelor’s degree or equivalent diploma as minimum educational qualification
- An annual self-employment income of AED 360,000 (USD 9,800) for the past two years, or
- The candidate must be able to demonstrate their financial stability during their whole stay in the nation.
UAE Green Residence For Investors Or Business Partner
To promote investment, the Green home for partners or investors has been developed. It grants investors who launch or engage in commercial activity five years of residence.
Additionally, the validity period for this category has been extended from the prior 2 years to the current 5 years.
The requirements include:
- Approval and proof of the investment
- The total invested capital will be calculated if the investor (partner) has several licenses.
- It is necessary to obtain the proper local authorities approval for the investment
UAE Green Residence New Benefits For Family Members
For the time being, people with Golden Visas can apply to sponsor their parents for a 10-year stay. Prior to this change, Golden Visa holders could only sponsor their parents for a one-year stay, just as those with regular residency.
Furthermore, the deposit needed to sponsor parents is not required of Golden Visa holders. All that is required of them is a document stating that they are the parents’ only caretakers from their respective consulates.
Family members receive extra benefits under the new scheme. Now, residents can simply sponsor the residency of their first-degree relatives for five years and bring their families, including spouses and children, to the UAE.
The grace period for Green visa holders and their family members to leave the UAE after a resident visa cancellation has been extended to 6 months, per the information the typing centre agents accessed on the ICP system.
Therefore, foreign nationals now have six months to leave the country or change their status and obtain a new residence visa. During the grace period, there are no fines.
The dependents, however, may be required to pay an overstay fine if the green visa holder neglects to renew or terminate the visa of his dependents.
First-degree relatives of the Green Residence holder are welcome to join them, but they must always stay for the same length of time as the original residence holder.
11. 2023 UAE Entry Visa Requirements
The UAE (UAE) has for the first time made available ten different types of entrance visas for visitors to the country who are there for a variety of reasons without the need for a host or sponsor.
The entry requirements for all sorts of visas can be made easier, and flexible visa durations that take into account both the needs of the visitors and their intended purpose for their trip are two significant enhancements.
The validity period for all entrance visas has also been extended to 60 days from the date of issuance, and they are now all accessible for single or multiple entries. The same lengths of time may be added to them.
UAE Entry-level Job Exploration Visa
The primary purpose of the Job Exploration Visa is to entice young professionals and talented workers to investigate job opportunities in the nation.
If the application satisfies the following criteria, the visa will be granted without a sponsor or host:
- is categorized by the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratization as belonging to the first, second, or third skill level.
- recently graduated from one of the top 500 institutions in the world.
- has at least a bachelor’s degree, or the equivalent, in education.
UAE Business Entry Visa
Entrepreneurs and investors can investigate business and investment prospects in the UAE with the Business Entry Visa. The visa allows quick entrance procedures without a host or sponsor is necessary.
UAE Multiple Entry Tourist Visa
In addition to the standard tourist visa sponsored by the UAE’s tourism industry, a five-year visa with multiple entries was also made available.
In a move to simplify the procedure for tourists and visitors, the new multiple-entry tourist visa can now be given to all nationalities.
The five-year visa allows visitors to enter the nation on their own behalf several times and stay for up to 90 days every visit, with the option of an additional 90 days.
The sole prerequisite for this visa is to present a bank statement for six (6) months before applying with a balance of at least $4,000 (AED 14,700) or its equivalent in foreign currencies.
Please double-check that both your first name and last name are included on your passport because the UAE no longer allows travellers with passports that only list one of the two to enter.
UAE Family Visa
In accordance with the UAE’s family visa policy, parents may formerly sponsor their minor children. Parental sponsorship is now allowed for male children up to the age of 25.
Unmarried females are eligible for sponsorship for an unlimited period of time, and disabled children are also eligible for parent sponsorship under a specific authorization.
UAE Entry Permit To Visit Family Or Relatives
If a visitor is a friend or relative of a citizen or resident of the UAE, they may get an entry permit in order to visit those people. A sponsor or host is not necessary.
UAE Entry Permit For Temporary Work Mission
Visitors who are sponsored by their employer and have a temporary work mission, such as a probationary period or project-based mission, may apply for entry permission.
If a visitor is a friend or relative of a UAE citizen or resident, they may apply for this entry permit.
Among the requirements are:
- a temporary contract, or
- a letter outlining the visit’s objectives from the employer
- proof of one’s fitness for job and good health.
UAE Residence Permit For Humanitarian Cases
The following humanitarian situations will be eligible for residence permits in the UAE:
- A female resident who had at least one kid with her spouse of UAE nationality while he was still alive is qualified for a residence permit.
- foreign-passport holders who are the parents or kids of a UAE citizen
- wives and kids of GCC (Gulf Corporation Council) state residents with foreign-issued passports
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