UAE: New Entry Visa and Residency Scheme Approved

The United Arab Emirates (UAE) has approved a new entry visa and residence scheme announced in an 18 April 2022 statement. The new entry and residence visa system will enter into force 90 days after publication in the official gazette. 

Eligibility for the current Golden Residence scheme has been simplified and widened, allowing visa holders to sponsor family members, regardless of age and worker requirements. It also imposes zero restrictions on stay outside the UAE. 

The Green Visa for skilled employees, freelancers, self-employed individuals, investors and entrepreneurs provides a five-year residency without a UAE sponsor or employer. It also offers residence permits for family members; up to six months stay after permit cancellation or expiry; and simplified processing. 

Two short term entry visas are introduced that do not require a sponsor or host: the Job Exploration Entry Visa for young talent, and the Business Entry Visa for entrepreneurs. These can be single- or multiple-entry; are valid for 60 days; and are renewable. A new five-year multiple-entry tourist visa requires no sponsor, allows staying in the UAE for 90 days, and can be extended.