New UAE Visa Rules – A Complete Guide

UAE continues to strive to be a top destination for work, investment, entrepreneurship, education, and life with a restructuring of its entry and residence systems. There are new visa rules in the UAE introducing new types of entry visas and residence permits, expanding Golden Visa categories, and more.

UAE Visa Latest News

Starting 1 January 2025, a new healthcare scheme in the UAE makes providing health insurance for employees, including domestic workers, mandatory for employers. To issue or renew a residency visa, employers are also required to cover their employees’ health insurance.

What Is A UAE Visa?

A UAE visa was required for foreigners to enter the country. The documentation allows you to legally fly to the UAE and stay there for a specified period of time. Foreigners traveling to Dubai for any reason must obtain this visa. A legitimate UAE visa would also allow you to transit through the airport’s global terminals.

New UAE Visa Rules

A total of ten entry visas are available without a host or sponsor requirement in the UAE. Visas can be issued for single or multiple entries, renewed for the same period, and are valid for 60 days from the date of issuance.

Job exploration visa

With the job exploration visa, young and skilled professionals can explore job opportunities in the UAE without a sponsor or host. A bachelor’s degree or equivalent is required and you must be a fresh graduate of one of the top 500 universities worldwide.

Business entry visa

Business entry visas allow investors and entrepreneurs to explore business and investment opportunities in the UAE. Without a sponsor or host, the visa provides easy entry procedures.

Multi-entry tourist visa

UAE has reintroduced its 3-month or 90-day visit visa. Previously, the visa was scrapped at the end of 2022, and a 60-day visa was introduced for visitors who wanted to stay longer.

Nonetheless, a call center executive at the Federal Authority For Identity, Citizenship, Customs & Port Security (ICP) confirmed that visitors who wish to stay in the UAE for 90 days can do so. Depending on the service provider, the visa can be extended within the country at an additional cost.

According to authorities, there are two types of entry permits: a tourist visa and a visit visa. The length of a tourist visa is 30 or 60 days, and the length of a visit visa is 90 days.

A new five-year multi-entry tourist visa now allows self-sponsored visits for up to 90 days per entry, extendable for another 90 days. In the past six months, applicants must demonstrate a bank balance of USD 4,000 (AED 14,700). Visa applications can be submitted through the Dubai Corporation for Tourism and Commerce Marketing website. In addition to the multi-entry visa, the UAE is now issuing 60-day tourist visas. Please refer to our article below for more information.

Family visa

Parents in the UAE can now sponsor male children up to the age of 25 and disabled children with a special permit under the family visa rule. Daughters who are unmarried can be sponsored indefinitely.

Entry permit to visit relatives and friends

For visiting friends and relatives in the UAE, visitors can apply for an entry permit. There is no need for a sponsor or host.

Temporary work permit

A temporary work mission entry permit can be obtained by visitors with a temporary work assignment, such as probation testing or project-based missions. Applicants can also be relatives or friends of UAE citizens or residents. In addition to a temporary work contract or a letter from the employer outlining the purpose of the visit, proof of health and fitness for work is also required.

Entry permit for study and training

Study and training permits are intended for students attending training programs, study courses, or internships. Universities, educational institutions, and government/private entities can sponsor these permits. Sponsors are required to submit a letter outlining the details and duration of the program.

Residence permit for humanitarian cases

In the following humanitarian cases, UAE residence permits will be issued:

• UAE national women whose husbands passed away in the country and who have at least one child
• Foreign passport holders’ parents or children
• A spouse or child of a GCC citizen who holds a foreign passport

UAE and Dubai re-entry permits

A Dubai travel and typing center agent confirmed that residency visa holders who have been outside the UAE for more than six months can apply for a reentry permit. By obtaining this permit, residents can reenter the UAE within 30 days of approval and avoid having their residency revoked.

In order to qualify, residents must provide a reason and proof for staying outside the country. If you live in an Emirates other than Dubai, you can apply for the permit via the official ICP website. Visas issued by Dubai will have to go through a slightly different process.

UAE entry permit extension

The UAE can extend entry permits for up to 90 days, depending on the purpose of the trip and other factors. Passports must be valid for at least six months and applicants must apply through the relevant tourism company. By creating an account and paying fees, entry permit extensions can be obtained within 48 hours through the ICP smart service system.

A 30-day extension can be issued twice for AED 610, with GCC residents paying AED 260 and providing a copy of their passport. For healthcare, study, and GCC companion entry permits, extensions may exceed one month. AED 510 permits can be extended to 90 days for healthcare, AED 260 permits for GCC companions, and AED 610 permits for study.

Visitors are granted entry permits for a specified period of time, up to a maximum of one year, at the authority’s discretion. Upon payment of all fees, the authority head may extend visit entry permits for valid reasons.

UAE Visit Visa Rules

UAE visit visa extension

Travelers on 90-day visit visas can extend their visa for a one-time 30-day period, allowing a total extension of 90 days. Furthermore, all types of tourist visas can now be extended for 30 more days within the country. AED 600 (USD 163) is the fee for each extension.

To extend their visas, visa holders do not have to leave and return to the country, but they must make sure that the renewal process can be completed before the visa expires. For an extension, they can also contact their visa-issuing agent.

Additionally, the Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs & Port Security UAE (ICP) has confirmed that individuals can now extend or terminate their entry permits online. Normal visas or green residency visa applications are valid for 2 months, while Golden visa applications allow for a validity of 6 months with multiple entries.

Entry permits can be extended, canceled, and printed using the digital system. At UAE border points, residents of neighboring border countries can obtain a 90-day entry visa with multiple entries and a stay of up to 48 hours per stay. UAE law prohibits working there. Those with Green and Golden visas and their families’ residence visas remain valid even if they stay outside the country for more than 180 days.

UAE visit visa overstay

An out pass or leave permit is required for foreign nationals overstaying their visas in the UAE. Out passes can be obtained at the airport, land borders, or Al Awir Immigration for a fee of AED 200 to 300. Visit visa holders are also subject to overstay fines of AED 50 per day, with a 10-day grace period. Visitors unable to leave due to airport closures or flight cancellations will not be fined.

UAE visit visa price

The fees for UAE and Dubai visas, including the 30 and 60-day tourist visas, have increased by AED 100, according to ICP customer service. A one-month visit visa issued by the ICA now costs AED 370 instead of AED 270.

UAE unused visit visa

A fee must be paid by travelers who wish to cancel unused visit visas in the UAE within the specified time frame, such as 30 days for a 30-day visit visa. Cancelling an unused visa can cost as much as AED 300. The fee for extending a visitor entry into the country is AED 200. In order to avoid the immigration system rejecting new visa applications, it is essential to cancel the unused visa

UAE residence visa rules 2024

The Work Bundle platform, recently launched by the UAE government, seeks to streamline work permits and residency visas. With the goal of reducing government procedures complexity, the initiative aims to simplify the entire process. This results in a significant reduction in processing time from 30 days to 5 days. Visit our dedicated article to learn more about the features and advantages of the Work Bundle platform.

Golden Visa

UAE expands Golden visa categories, simplifies eligibility criteria, and extends validity to 10 years. Sponsorship of family members and support services workers is unlimited for visa holders. Golden Visa holders and their families are granted a six-month grace period for visa expiry or cancellation. Candidates can check their eligibility by taking a two-minute online quiz.

Scientists

Golden visa will now be granted to scientists and researchers who meet the following criteria:

• Hold a PhD or Master’s degree in engineering, technology, life sciences, or natural sciences from a world-class university
• To obtain this visa, you must have the recommendation of the Emirates Scientists Council

Skilled professionals

Professionals can qualify for the Golden visa scheme if they meet the following requirements:

• They hold a valid UAE employment contract.
• The job must fall under occupational level one or two as defined by the Ministry of Human Resources and Emi.
• The minimum monthly salary is AED 30,000 (USD 8,167).
• Skilled workers also need bachelor degrees.

An extended grace period of 6 months is available to skilled professionals (classified in the first or second occupational level according to the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratization classification).

Exceptional talents

Golden visas are now available to individuals with exceptional talent in various fields, including art, culture, technology, sports, innovation, medicine, and law. Qualifications, salary, and professional status are not taken into account when granting the 10-year visa. For eligibility, a government entity must approve.

Real estate investors

Investors can obtain the Golden visa by purchasing a property worth AED 2 million (USD 544,528), either through a loan from specific local banks or by buying off-plan properties of no less than AED 2 million (USD 544,528) from approved local companies. During the grace period, no fines will be imposed on property owners whose visas expire or are canceled. Regardless of the amount of the down payment, investors can now apply for a golden visa.

Entrepreneurs

Startup investors are eligible for the Golden visa if their company has annual revenues of AED 1 million (USD 272,249) or more. The Golden Residence can also be obtained by entrepreneurs who meet one of the following criteria:

• A previous entrepreneurial project with a total value of not less than AED 7 million (USD 1,905,850.80) has been founded or co-founded by you, or
• Obtaining approval for their projects or ideas from the Ministry of Economy or competent local authorities

Students

UAE secondary school and university students, as well as those who studied at top 100 universities around the world, are eligible for a 10-year or Golden Visa. A student’s academic excellence, graduation year, and university classification determine his or her eligibility. A grace period of six months is available to students who have completed their studies.

Humanitarian pioneers

Golden visas are available to humanitarian pioneers such as:

• Members of international and regional organizations
• A group of outstanding members of a public benefit association
• Humanitarian awards recipients
• Humanitarian volunteers and sponsors

Doctors and nurses

Due to their efforts during the COVID-19 pandemic, the UAE has granted doctors and nurses long-term residency. Nurses are now eligible for the Golden visa. Visa applications can be made at seven centers.

Cultural

Artists, singers, dancers, musicians, performers, and curators who are 25 and older can apply for a Cultural Golden visa. Education, employment, salary, or professional level are not restrictions. In order to apply, applicants must submit a letter of recommendation from the Ministry of Culture and Youth (MCY), and they must be present in the country during the application process.

Executive directors

The following requirements must be met by executive directors applying under this category: having at least a bachelor’s degree accredited by the Ministry of Education, providing a letter demonstrating five years of experience, presenting a salary certificate indicating a minimum salary of AED 50,000, and possessing a valid work contract.

Benefits for family members

Golden visa holders are now able to sponsor their parents for 10 years of residency without having to give a deposit, as long as they present a certification that they are the sole caregiver of the parent. Additionally, spouses and children can be sponsored easier, and first-degree relatives can stay for five years.

Green Residence

To attract skilled professionals, freelancers, investors, and entrepreneurs, the UAE Green visa now offers 5-year residence options. A longer grace period of up to six months has been added to support family members after permit cancellation or expiration. Holders of Green Residences may sponsor first-degree relatives with a similar residency duration.

Skilled employees

In recent updates to the Green Residence visa, skilled employees without a sponsor or employer now have a 5-year residency option. Here are the requirements:

• A valid employment contract should be provided to applicants
• According to the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratization, they should be classified in the first, second or third occupational levels.
• At the very least, a bachelor’s degree is required
• AED 15,000 (USD 4,083) should be the minimum salary for an applicant.

After the expiration of the Green residence, skilled professionals (third level in the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratization classification) are eligible for a 90-day extended grace period.

Freelancing and self-employment

Freelancers and self-employed individuals can now apply for a Green Residence visa, which offers them a five-year residency period independent of sponsorship or employment. With this initiative, we aim to accommodate the growing freelancing industry and flexible work models around the world. Here are the specific requirements:

• A freelance/self-employment permit from the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratization
• Bachelor’s degree or specialized diploma is the minimum educational requirement.
• AED 360,000 (USD 9,800) from self-employment for the past two years, or
• It is essential that applicants prove their financial solvency during their stay in the country.

Investor or partner

Green Residence visas, which provide 5-year residency for investors or partners who establish or participate in commercial activities, were introduced by the UAE to encourage investment. A five-year validity period has been added to this category.

Among the requirements are:

• Proof of investment and approval of the investment.
• A total invested capital will be calculated if the investor (partner) has more than one license.
• A local authority approval is required.

UAE Visa Stamping

Residence visas will no longer be stamped in passports in the UAE, instead Emirates IDs will be issued. The process of obtaining an Emirates ID and residency visa will now be simplified and shortened by allowing citizens of the UAE to submit a single unified application for both.

The cost of visas and Emirates IDs has also been increased by AED 100.

UAE residents can now change any information on their visas online, according to local media reports. An application for Emirates ID replacement will also be created automatically once a request for residence visa amendments is made.

To get this service, visit the official website of the Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs and Port Security (ICP) or download the UAEICP smart app (iOS, Android). Online, you can edit personal info, profession, passport info, or nationality, if you get a new one.

Residents need to submit these documents to apply for the online service:

• ID photo in color

• Copy of passport

• An amendment request signed by the sponsor

• A copy of your Emirates ID card (front and back)

Also, there’s a Dh200 fee for this online service, according to the authorities. Payments will be refunded if an application is rejected for insufficient details or any discrepancies.

Five-year residency visas for Emirati women children

UAE government extends residency visas for kids of Emirati women and foreigners from three to five years. As a result, their rights will be enhanced and they’ll receive equal benefits in healthcare and education.

Three-year UAE work permit with 20% work permit quota

Federal National Council (FNC) approves extending work permits from two to three years, to ease financial burdens. Permits from the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratization are valid for two years. It’s illegal to work without a valid permit.

After Visa Cancellation in UAE New Rules

UAE citizens receive a six-month grace period after their residency permit expires or is revoked. When a resident visa expires, the grace period for departing the United Arab Emirates is frequently extended to 60 to 180 days.

UAE New Visa Rules For Pakistani

You must have an original passport that is valid for at least six months from the date of your expected arrival. The visa will be rejected if it expires less than 6 months before your planned entry date. A passport must also have at least two blank pages for visa stickers.

UAE New Visa Rules for Indian Nationals

Indian nationals with a passport valid for at least six months can obtain a single entry, 14-day visa on arrival from 7 January 2024. USD 63 is the fee.

FAQs About UAE New Rules

What are the new rules for visit visa in UAE 2024?

Visitors can extend the validity period of their UAE visa for an additional 30 days twice for every 30 days under the updated regulations. Within a calendar year, you can now stay for up to 120 days, giving you plenty of time to explore and do business.

What is the new visa for residence in UAE?

This type of residence visa in the UAE allows its holder to sponsor himself/herself for five years, eliminating the need for a UAE national or employer to sponsor the visa. A Green visa can be applied for by who? Green visas are available to freelancers, self-employed individuals, and skilled workers

What is new visit visa changes in UAE?

The new rules allow travellers to extend their visit visas for 30 and 60 days from within the country for an additional 30 days. It is not possible to extend your visa over 120 days, which is the maximum number of days one can stay in the country in a year.

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