The United Arab Emirates continues to be a beacon for visitors, residents, and business professionals from across the globe. With its latest visa regulations for 2024, the UAE is making strides towards a more digital, inclusive, and accessible environment. Let's break down these updates into easily digestible chunks to help you navigate the new rules with ease.
Multiple Entry Visas: The UAE is set to introduce a five-year multi-entry visa for tourists and business travelers, eliminating the need for a sponsor and permitting stays up to 90 days with the option to extend for another 90 days. This streamlines visits and business operations significantly. Applicants must ensure they have maintained a balance of at least $4,000 or its equivalent in other currencies for six months prior to visa application.
Business Visa: In a move to bolster economic activity, the UAE is simplifying the process for investors, entrepreneurs, and business individuals by introducing a sponsor-free business visa.
Visit Visa (Friends/Family): The UAE is making it easier for foreigners with UAE citizen or resident relatives or friends to apply for a visit visa, eliminating the need for a host. The extension cost for a visit visa is approximately AED 1100, subject to variations, with options to extend the stay for an additional 30 or 60 days within the country.
Temporary Work Visa: Targeted at individuals with short-term work engagements, this visa requires evidence such as a temporary work contract and a proof of physical fitness among other documents.
Study/Training Visa: This visa caters to students and individuals looking to attend academic courses, specialized training programs, or internships, sponsored by educational institutions. A letter detailing the program’s specifics is also required.
Family Visa: The revised family visa rules now permit parents to sponsor their male children up to the age of 25 and female children indefinitely. Special needs children are also included under a special permit.
Job Visa: This new initiative aims to simplify job seeking in the UAE, requiring no sponsor or host. Eligibility criteria include holding at least a Bachelor’s degree, being a recent graduate from one of the top 500 global universities, or being classified under the first, second, or skilled levels by the Ministry of Human Resources & Emiratisation.
Green Visa: Introducing a new level of flexibility for skilled workers, freelancers, and self-employed professionals, the Green Visa removes the need for a UAE-based sponsor and offers a five-year residency. Eligibility criteria include a valid employment contract, a minimum salary requirement, a Bachelor's degree, and health insurance. The standard fee is set at AED 2,280, excluding additional costs.
Golden Visa: The Golden Visa underscores the UAE's commitment to attracting and retaining global talent, offering extended residency up to 10 years for various professionals and investors. This initiative is set to broaden eligibility and enhance benefits for holders in the UAE.
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