Long-term visas for the UAE and long-term permits to enter and stay in the country have become more accessible for residents and visitors.
On April 18, 2022, 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 administrative regulations to attract and retain top talent in the country.
While the new executive regulations widen the eligibility criteria to apply for long-term visas – including the 10-year Golden Residence Visa and the 5-year Green Residence visa, they also widen the number of individuals who can apply for long–term visas in various categories, professions, and roles.
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 long-term visa privileges will be extended to direct 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, first implemented in 2019, enabled expats to live, work, and study in the UAE without a national sponsor and with 100 per cent ownership of their business on the UAE’s mainland.
With the new rules, the criteria to apply for the 10-year visas have 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.
Several new entry permits and visas that do not need a host or sponsor have also been announced by the UAE Cabinet to benefit visitors, tourists, and job seekers.
For further information, please visit the United Arab Emirates Government Portal.