The UAE introduced new visa rules in 2024, making it easier for professionals, investors, students, and tourists to access extended, flexible entry options. These updates cater to a broad range of visitors, offering long-term residency, streamlined entry processes, and improved career and personal growth opportunities in the UAE.
Here’s an in-depth look at the new visa rules in UAE, designed to enhance flexibility, simplify residency requirements, and support a welcoming environment for global talent.
New Visa Rules in UAE for 2024
New visa rules in UAE for 2024 offer enhanced flexibility and long-term residency options for skilled professionals, investors, and families looking to make the UAE their home. Below are the new residence visa rules for a clear understanding:
Flexible Entry Visas: Explore UAE Without a Sponsor
Under the new visa rules in UAE, over ten types of entry visas are now available, supporting both single and multiple entries without requiring a sponsor or host. These visas make travel easier for tourists, short-term visitors, and business professionals.
Key Features of the Flexible Entry Visas
- Single & Multiple Entry Options: Choose single or multiple entry based on your travel purpose, whether for a quick visit or extended exploration.
- Extended Validity: Valid for 60 days from the date of issuance, these visas can also be renewed, giving travellers more flexibility.
- Quick Application Process: With efficient processing, applying for these entry visas has become faster and more accessible.
Visa on Arrival for UK Nationals: A Streamlined Entry
UK nationals meeting specific eligibility requirements can now enjoy a visa-on-arrival option. This allows eligible UK passport holders to stay in the UAE for up to 14 days without applying in advance, simplifying travel for business, leisure, and family visits.
Temporary Work Permit: Perfect for Short-Term Assignments
For professionals who need short-term permits for projects, meetings, or temporary assignments, the new visa rules in UAE offer a specialised Temporary Work Permit. This visa is ideal for project-based roles or probationary periods, providing greater flexibility for employees and employers.
Application Requirements for Temporary Work Permit
- Documentation: Valid passport, employment contract, passport-size photos, health certificate, and AED 3,000 bank balance.
- Sponsorship: Usually managed by the employer, ensuring streamlined application processing.
Re-entry Permit: Ensuring Residency for Long-Term Residents
The new visa rules in UAE have introduced a Re-entry Permit, allowing residents to maintain their status even when they are abroad for extended periods. This permit mainly benefits UAE expatriates who must stay out of the country for more than six months.
How to Apply for a Re-entry Permit
- Document Proof: Proof of residency and detailed travel plans.
- Dubai Residents: Dubai residents can apply for re-entry permits if they’ve been away for over 180 days and must re-enter within 30 days of permit approval.
Entry Permit Extensions: More Time to Explore UAE
Travellers in the UAE under a short-term permit can now extend their stay by up to 90 days, depending on the purpose of their visit. The updated entry permit options allow healthcare patients, business visitors, and tourists to extend their stay seamlessly.
Permit Extension Fees and Validity
- 30-Day Extension: Priced at AED 610, this can be extended twice.
- For GCC Residents: AED 260 with a copy of their passport.
- Healthcare & Study Permits: Health-related permits are extendable up to 90 days for AED 510, while study permits cost AED 610.
New Residence Visa Options Under the UAE’s 2024 Visa Rules
The UAE’s new residence visa options offer greater flexibility and longer stays for skilled professionals, freelancers, and business owners. With a focus on supporting diverse career paths, the residence visa choices now include Green Visas, Freelancer Visas, and Partner Visas.
Green Residence Visa: Long-Term Stability for Skilled Professionals
Aimed at professionals, freelancers, and entrepreneurs, the Green Residence Visa allows individuals to live in the UAE for five years without employer sponsorship
- Eligibility Requirements: Bachelor’s degree, valid job contract, and a minimum monthly income of AED 15,000.
- Benefits: An extended grace period of six months upon visa expiration or cancellation and the ability to sponsor family members.
Freelancer Visa: Flexibility for Independent Workers
The five-year Freelancer Visa, offered under the new visa rules in UAE, gives freelancers and self-employed individuals a long-term residence without employer sponsorship.
Requirements: Freelance permit, bachelor’s degree or diploma, and proof of earning AED 360,000 in the past two years.
Investor & Partner Visa: Supporting UAE’s Business Ventures
The five-year Investor and Partner Visa enables investors and business partners to establish or expand their ventures in the UAE.
Eligibility: Applicants must present proof of investment and local authority approval.
Specialised Visa Categories Under UAE’s New Visa Rules
Designed for various purposes, the new visa rules in UAE introduce specialised categories catering to diverse needs, such as family visits, job-seeking, healthcare, and academic studies.
Popular Specialized Visas
- Golden Visa: This 10-year visa is ideal for investors, entrepreneurs, and highly skilled professionals, providing stability and access to top facilities for them and their families.
- Family Visa: Enhanced family sponsorship allows male children up to 25 years and indefinite sponsorship for daughters.
- Job Visa: Targeted at job seekers, this visa requires a bachelor’s degree and does not need a sponsor.
Simplified Process and Faster Applications
With the latest visa updates, the UAE has moved to online applications, a unified processing platform, and now links residence visas with Emirates IDs rather than passport stamps. This means that passport collection is no longer necessary, further streamlining the process.
Benefits of New Visa Rules in UAE for Professionals and Investors
The new visa rules in UAE rules provide long-term residency options and flexibility for professionals, investors, and entrepreneurs:
- Long-Term Residency: Golden and Green Visas offer 5-10 years of stability for skilled workers and self-employed individuals.
- Support for Talent: Attracts skilled professionals in tech, healthcare, and more, with options to work independently or switch employers easily.
- Investment Boost: Investor and Real Estate Visas support business growth and real estate investments.
- Freelancer & Entrepreneur-Friendly: Green Visa and Startup Visa remove the need for Emirati sponsors, promoting innovation and startups.
- Family Sponsorship: Easier family sponsorship options make the UAE attractive for long-term residence.
- Remote Work: A dedicated visa allows remote workers to reside in the UAE, appealing to digital nomads.
These reforms make the UAE a top choice for professionals and investors seeking growth and flexibility.
New Visa Rules in UAE 2024: A Gateway to Growth and Opportunity
In conclusion, Shuraa Business Setup is here to help you take advantage of the new visa rules in the UAE for 2024. Our experienced team will guide you through every step, making the process easy and efficient. Whether you want to start a new business, grow an existing one, or find new job opportunities, we provide the support you need.
When you choose Shuraa, you get expert advice, help with compliance, and access to a network of resources to help you succeed. We simplify the complexities of the UAE’s visa and business rules so you can focus on your goals. With Shuraa by your side, the new visa rules are not just an opportunity but a path to growth and success in the vibrant UAE market.