UAE Residence Visas

The UAE government have released new visas expanding the short and long-term residency options, making the UAE an even more attractive destination for expats from all parts of the world.

The new visas are part of the most significant immigration and residency changes the UAE has ever implemented. See below the available visa options, their validity, and requirements.

Search for Investment Opportunity Visa

This short-term visa will allow investors to visit UAE without a sponsor or host for up to 60, 90 or 120 days on a single-entry visa. This visa encourages exploration of the UAE to establish itself as an attractive home for the investors business.

Job Opportunities Visa

The Job Opportunity Visa allows job seekers time to explore job options and find the right job opportunity to excel in their career. This visa is available at 60, 90 and 120 days.

Below are the requirements to apply for the Job Opportunities Visa without a sponsor or host:

• Candidates must be classified under The Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation first, second, or third skill levels.
• Hold a Bachelor, Masters, or PhD from a university accredited by the Ministry of Education in the UAE.
• A recent graduate from one of the world’s top 100 universities

Multiple Entry Long Term Tourist Visa (Valid for 5 years)

A Multiple Entry Long Term Tourist Visa is issued to family of a UAE resident. The visa is valid for a 5-year period and allows the beneficiary to stay in the country for a continuous period not exceeding (90) days and may be extended to but not exceeding 180 days during the year. Before applying, the applicant’s bank account should have a minimum of $4,000 (AED 14,700) or its equivalent in foreign currencies.

Mission Visa

A Mission Visa is a work permit given to experts allowing them to visit the UAE to work in a UAE based organization for a particular momentary undertaking/project. The employee is required to be outside the country when applying for the visa. A letter from Ministry of Labour will be sent to the UAE based organization for signature outlining details of the work, salary and professional title assigned to the employee. The Mission Visa is valid for 90 days.

Green Visa

The UAE Green Visa is the newest visa. It is designed to make it easier for individuals across industries to relocate to the UAE. It is available to investors, business partners, skilled employees, and self-employed/ freelancer professions. The Green Visa is valid for a 5-year period. It can be renewed after the 5 years.

What are the requirements to obtain a Green Visa?

• Freelancer/ Self-employed

Proof of income/salary certificate to be provided with a minimum salary of AED 360,000 for the last two years (equivalent to AED 180,000 per year).

• Skilled Employee

The applicant should have a valid employment contract that is classified as per the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratization in the first, second or third occupational level. Salary should be AED15,000 or higher. Salary requirement will be confirmed by MOHRE depending on occupational level.

• Investor/ Partner

Proof and approval of investment of AED 1 million (Deposit should be evaluated by Ministry of Economy).

Golden Visa

The Golden Visa seeks to benefit both individuals and the UAE economy. The visa offers individuals long term residency in the UAE with great benefits and incentives but is equally beneficial to the UAE economy by attracting and retaining investment and the most highly skilled work professionals.

Various categories can obtain a Golden Visa including:

• Investors

For example, real estate Investments

Investors can obtain a Golden Visa through real estate investment, including the purchase of off-plan properties. Investments of at least AED 2million is mandatory for this category.

• Skilled Workers

The applicant must possess a current job contract in the UAE for a line of work that falls within occupational level one, two or three as established by the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratization. A monthly income of at least Dh50,000 is required.

• Entrepreneurs

Entrepreneurs from different countries planning to run a project in UAE, require an approval letter from a UAE auditor stating that the value of the investment or project is not less than AED 500,000 (approx. US$136,129), or a letter from an accredited UAE business incubator to establish the proposed activity within the country. An approval letter from the relevant authorities in the Emirate, stating that the investment or project is of a technical or future nature in which leadership is achieved, is also required. Other documentation includes proof of housing in the country, a valid passport copy, and valid health care insurance that is not less than one year and can be extended.

• Specialized Talent

The UAE Government recognize talent with remarkable skills in the arts, sciences, digital technology, sports, innovation, medicine, and law. A letter of recommendation or permission from the relevant government body is required.

• Outstanding students and graduates

High performing students within UAE secondary schools and university graduates can qualify for the UAE Golden Visa. The candidate must have achieved excellent academic performance and university classification as per the list by Ministry of Education.

What are some of the advantages of the new visas available in the UAE?

• The UAE is known as a global business hub, which attracts working professionals from across globe. These new visas provide further incentive for individuals, start-ups, SMEs, and multinational corporations, encourage longevity, and attract the best talent to UAE.

• With increased availability of residency options, it will encourage more foreign investment making the UAE a richer economy across more industry sectors.

• Expanded options available for family visiting the UAE. With the Multiple Entry Long Term Tourist Visa (valid for 5 years), families of residents can now travel to UAE on a tourist visa for up to 180 days per year.

How can PRO Partner Group help?

PRO Partner Group has an experienced team with a wealth of experience in the UAE and direct contact with key government departments. We can advise you on the right residence visa, your eligibility and requirements to obtain one.

If you need assistance with visa services in Dubai, Abu Dhabi, the wider UAE, Oman, Qatar or Saudi Arabia, then please do get in touch with us on +971 (0)4 456 1761 for Dubai or +971 (0)2 448 5120 for Abu Dhabi, email us at info@propartnergroup.com or complete the contact form below and we will be delighted to assist you.