Reform of the Right of Entry and Residence in the UAE

The group of beneficiaries for the Golden Residence has been expanded. This 10-year residency can now be granted to certain investors, entrepreneurs, exceptional talents, scientists and professionals, outstanding students and graduates, humanitarian pioneers, and frontline heroes with extraordinary dedication in crises such as the Covid 19 pandemic. There is no restriction on the maximum length of stay outside the UAE to maintain the validity of the residency. In addition, the Golden Residence holder may obtain residency for his family members, i.e. spouse and children regardless of their age, as well as sponsor domestic workers in unlimited numbers. Family members are allowed to remain in the UAE after the death of the Golden Residence holder until the expiry of the duration of their residence permit. A sponsor or employer is not required to receive Golden Residence. During the approval process, an entry visa will be issued with a validity of 6 months and multiple entries.

The new regulation also includes new types of residence permits such as Green Residence to attract talents, professionals, freelancers, investors and entrepreneurs. The validity period is 5 years. A sponsor or employer is not required. It will also be easier for first-degree relatives to obtain residence permits. Children can now be sponsored up to the age of 25, and there is no age restriction for unmarried daughters and disabled children. The residence permit of family members has the same duration as that of the green residence holder.

The new system also offers a variety of new visa types for different visit purposes. These visas are offered independently of a sponsor or host. This applies to the employment entry visa, the business entry visa, the tourist visa, and the entry permit to visit relatives or friends. All entry visas are available for single or multiple entry and can be extended for a similar period of time. They are valid for 60 days from the date of issue. Changes regarding the 90-day visa on arrival ("Visa on Arrival") for German citizens are not foreseen.

This visa is designed to attract young talent and professionals to explore job opportunities available in the country. Applicants must have at least a bachelor's degree or equivalent and be classified by the Ministry of Human Resources in the first, second or third qualification level.

This visa offers simplified entry for investors and entrepreneurs. 

In addition to the regular tourist visa sponsored by a tourism entity in the UAE, a five-year multiple entry tourist visa has been introduced. It allows the person to stay in the country for up to 90 days continuously, and it can be extended for a similar period provided that the total length of stay does not exceed 180 days in a year.

A visitor may apply for this entry permit if he/she is a relative or friend of a UAE citizen or resident.

In addition, there is now an entry permit for a temporary work mission and for study and training purposes. Internships also fall under the latter. In both cases, a sponsor is required.