The United Arab Emirates (UAE) has recently implemented key reforms to streamline the process for visitors to enter the country, offer long-term residency for select professionals, and expand the Golden Visa scheme to attract more people from around the world. These changes were spearheaded by His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice-President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, who recently shared a list of key milestones the government has implemented on social media.
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1. Golden Visa
The Golden Visa is a 10-year residency visa introduced in 2020 to allow foreigners to live, work, and study in the UAE without the need for a local sponsor. The visa is given to people who possess highly-prized skills or work in key industries crucial to economic growth. Holders of the Golden Visa can renew it for a further decade and enjoy 100% ownership of their businesses.
Read more: UAE Golden Visa Rules Updated ; New Entry Permit Fees Announced
2. Job-Seeker Visa
The Job-Seeker Visa, which came into effect in October 2022, allows people to come to the UAE without the need for a sponsor or host to explore work, investment, and business opportunities. Fresh graduates from the top 500 universities in the world can apply for this visa, with a minimum educational level of a bachelor’s degree or its equivalent.
3. Business Exploration Visa
This visa allows people to explore investment and business opportunities in the UAE without requiring a host or sponsor. It only requires a deposit.
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4. Medical Treatment Entry Visa
This visa is available through sponsorship from a licensed UAE medical establishment, and requires a certified medical report and a letter from the sponsored establishment. Medical insurance and deposit are also required.
5. Study Visa
Sponsored by educational, training, or research institutions in the UAE, this visa is intended for students who want to study in the country.
6. Multi-Entry Tourist Visa
Introduced in March 2021, this five-year visa allows tourists to enter the UAE multiple times during a calendar year for 90 days at a time, which can be extended for another 90 days. The entire period of stay should not exceed 180 days in one year. The visa does not require a sponsor, but the applicant must prove a bank balance of US$4,000 six months prior to applying.
Also read: UAE: These 76 Nationalities Can Get Visa On Arrival For Up To 180 Days
7. Visit Visa
This visa allows people to visit a relative or friend who is a resident in the UAE after providing a document proving the relationship and reasons behind the visit. No sponsor is required, only a deposit.
8. Transit Visa
The UAE issues two types of transit visas: a free 48-hour visa and a 96-hour visa for Dh50. This visa is issued by UAE-based airlines and is not extendable.
9. GCC Residents E-Visa
This visa is available to residents of Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries and their family members, provided the GCC residency is valid for at least three months from the arrival date and the passport is valid for at least three months.
Also read: UAE Visa On Arrival Rules – Here’s The Full List Of Valid Passports Applicable
10. Temporary Work Mission Visa
This visa is intended for temporary workers on projects or probationary periods. The applicant must provide a temporary work contract, medical test, and agreement from the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation if the sponsor is under the ministry’s regulations or if the person is a domestic worker.
11. Diplomatic Affairs Visa
This entry permit is for holders of diplomatic, special, and United Nations passports and can be issued by UAE embassies and consulates outside the country.
With these new entry permits, the UAE hopes to make it easier for people to reside in the country, visit, explore job opportunities, and contribute to the country’s economic growth.
