UAE Visa Without Job : About 85 percent of the UAE’s population consists of expatriates who come to work as an employee and live in the country on a work visa. However, the UAE continuing its stride to become the ideal destination for work, investment, entrepreneurship, education, and life, has made a noteworthy expansion of the visa scheme that allows expats to live and enjoy the high standard of living in the UAE without a work visa.
You can get UAE Visa Without Job
Although a majority of the expats, which accounts for about 85 percent of the UAE’s population, work as an employee in the country and require a work visa to live here, there has, however, been a noteworthy expansion of the visa scheme as announced by the UAE government.
With the travel and tourism industries returning to normalcy, and under the UAE’s new visa rules, expats can now choose to live and enjoy the high standard of living that the country offers to its residents without a work visa.
The following are some UAE’s new residence schemes which allow expatriates to enter and reside in the country without a visa:
UAE Visa Without Job
UAE Visa Without Job : Golden visa
The Golden visa is a long-term residency visa that enables foreign talents to live and work or study in the UAE for up to 10 years. This golden residency scheme is renewable and reserved for certain categories ranging from investors with a minimum of Dh2 million investment, entrepreneurs, outstanding students and graduates, humanitarian pioneers, to scientists, frontline workers and Covid-19 heroes, exceptionally-talented and first-degree relatives.
UAE Visa Without Job : Remote work visa
The 1-year Remote work visa allows employees, professionals, and freelancers from all over the world to legally live and work remotely from Dubai and across the UAE. Should your application to live in Dubai be approved by the UAE, you may even bring your family along.
The applicant will, however, have to submit proof of employment from a foreign employer with one-year contract validity and a minimum salary of $5,000 (Dh18,365.50). Furthermore, the visa does not require candidates to have a job, or a sponsor, in the UAE, to be eligible to apply for the visa.
UAE Visa Without Job
UAE Visa Without Job
UAE Visa Without Job : Green visa
The UAE Green Visa is essentially a new residency visa category that distinguishes between work and residency permits. The Green Visa will allow highly skilled people, investors, entrepreneurs and top students and graduates to sponsor themselves without having to first associate themselves with companies based in the UAE.
Some major improvements for the UAE Green Visa, under UAE’s new visa rules, include new 5-year residence tracks, introduced mainly to attract talents, skilled professionals, freelancers, investors and entrepreneurs. In addition to facilitating and simplifying the requirements of all residence types, more benefits are being offered including, longer flexible grace periods that reach up to 6 months to stay in the country after the residence permit is cancelled or expired to facilitate family members’ residence.
UAE Visa Without Job : Retirement visa
The Retirement visa UAE is essentially a 5-year renewable visa granting expat retirees residency status within the UAE.
The Retirement visa reflects the UAE government’s commitment to welcoming everyone to live within its borders. Generally, the Retirement visa UAE is available for all retirees able to meet its requirements including their spouses and dependents.
Among the requirements is the age of the applicant which must be at least 55 years old and must have invested Dh2 million in property, have financial savings of no less than Dh1 million, or have an active income of no less than Dh20,000 per month.
UAE Visa Without Job : Job exploration visa
The Job Exploration Visa is mainly introduced as a means to attract young talents and skilled professionals to explore job opportunities available in the country. The visa does not require a sponsor or a host and will be granted if the applicant meets the following requirements:
is classified in the first or second or third skill level as per the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation
is a fresh graduate of the best 500 universities in the world
has a minimum educational level of a bachelor’s degree or its equivalent.
Divorced or widowed women and their children
A one-year visa extension will be granted to women living in the UAE who were on their husband’s visa at the time of divorce or widowing. The extension starts from the date of death or divorce and may only be renewed once without the requirement of a substitute sponsor.
The visa of the women and their children must have been valid at the time of the death or divorce. The divorced or widowed women, to be eligible to obtain this visa must, however, be able to submit the following documents:
proof of divorce or death
proof of the availability of accommodation
proof of the woman’s ability to earn a living
medical fitness certificates of the women and her children over the age of 18
Emirates ID card of the woman and health insurance cards.
Residence permit for humanitarian cases
Residence permits to the UAE will be issued for the following humanitarian cases:
a female resident whose husband of UAE nationality passed away in the country and has one child or more will be eligible for a residence permit.
parents or children of a UAE citizen who holds foreign passports
spouses and children of Gulf Corporation Council (GCC) state citizens who hold foreign passports
India cancels Air Suvidha forms : India on Monday announced it would discontinue the self declaration of Covid-19 vaccination through its Air Suvidha portal from today.
The forms had to be filled in by international passengers arriving in India. Following revised Guidelines for International Arrivals issued by India’s Ministry of Health & Family Welfare, the Civil Aviation Ministry issued a notice, making the registration no longer be necessary.
Following revised 'Guidelines for International Arrivals' issued by India’s Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, the Civil Aviation Ministry issued a notice, making the registration no longer be necessary.
You are reading : India cancels Air Suvidha forms
India cancels Air Suvidha forms
The Indian mission in Dubai shared the circular of the revised guidelines that stated the updated advice.
The circular said, “The present guidelines are being revised in light of sustained declining Covid-19 trajectory and significant advances being made in Covid-19 vaccination coverage both globally as well as in India.”
As per the document, passengers planning for travel, “should preferably be fully vaccinated as per the approved primary schedule of vaccination against Covid-19 in the country.”
During travel, “In-flight announcement about the ongoing Covid-19 pandemic including precautionary measures to be followed (preferable use of masks and following physical distancing) shall be made in flight /travel and at all points of entry.
“Any passenger having symptoms of Covid-19 during travel shall be isolated as per standard protocol i.e. the said passenger should be wearing mask, isolated and segregated from other passengers in flight/travel and shifted to an isolation facility subsequently for follow up treatment.”
Upon arrival, the guideline states, “De-boarding should be done ensuring physical distancing. Thermal screening should be done in respect of all the passengers by the health officials present at the point of entry. The passengers found to be symptomatic during screening shall be immediately isolated, taken to a designated medical facility as per health protocols.”
The guidelines also urge passengers to self-monitor their health post arrival and report to their nearest heath facility in case they have any suggestive symptoms.
UAE Golden Visa: Minimum Salary RequirementAs part of the expanded Golden Visa scheme, more skilled professionals can get the long-term residency, with the minimum monthly salary requirement dropping from Dh50,000 to Dh30,000. Disciplines include medicine, sciences and engineering, information technology, business and administration, education, law, culture and social sciences.
uae-golden-visa-change
uae-golden-visa-change in Minimum Salary Requirement The applicants should have a valid employment contract in the UAE, and be classified in the first or second occupational level as per the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation system. The minimum educational level is a bachelor’s degree or equivalent.
UAE Golden Visa Change in Minimum Salary Requirement According to the General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs (GDRFA), over 151,600 Golden Visas were issued in Dubai between 2019 and 2022. This is expected to go up significantly now that more categories of expatriates can get the coveted visa.
UAE Golden Visa Change in Minimum Salary Requirement
How life has changed for these residents
Rosine Saad, a Lebanese expat, applied for the Golden Visa for practical reasons. “My visa was expiring at the time, and I didn’t have a permanent visa. I am active in the arts scene, so I was eligible,” she said.
However, it wasn’t only the case of seeking legal stability. “I also wanted personal stability. Being from a nationality that can’t do ‘visa runs’, I wanted something that connects me here. I feel that the UAE is my second home, and I grew here as a person in the last 10 years.”
uae-golden-visa-change in Minimum Salary Requirement When she received it, Rosine said she was overwhelmed with gratitude. “I felt humbled and grateful. They saw something in me,” she said. “Now, I can focus on what I want to do without being stressed about my legal status. I feel like I can take my time to explore creatively.”
In the past, she added, she would sometimes take odd jobs just to be in the country legally.
“I hope it gets renewed again in 10 years. I would also really hope to see medical benefits for Golden Visa recipients, this would make a huge difference for those who have no medical insurance,” she said.
uae-golden-visa-change in Minimum Salary Requirement. When Mir Imran Hussein came to Dubai from India, he only intended to stay for two or three years. “Many expats are the same, but then the city is so welcoming so when the option for a 10-year visa came up, I went for it,” he said.
Mir said that it gave him the chance to plan his life and to think about things like buying his own house and starting a production company.
“Stability is key especially when you have a family. When your visa is renewed every two or three years, you can’t really make plans,” he said.
Mir said that the process itself from applying to receiving took from seven to 10 working days. “Everything was so smooth.”
After receiving it he said that he felt a sense of responsibility. “This country rewards you for your efforts and so I plan my every step carefully and hope to inspire others.”
As a Golden Visa holder, Mir said he hopes to get visa-free travel across the GCC and to receive information from the authorities concerned regarding investment opportunities in the country.
Visiting the United Kingdom from the United Arab Emirates
The United Kingdom is one of the most popular destinations for citizens of the UAE, with around 40,000 Emirates visiting the country every year.
There are many reasons why residents of the UAE choose to UK Visit Visa. With over 5000 UK companies operating in the UAE, business visits from the capital city of Dubai are common.
If you want to UK Visit Visa the United Kingdom from Dubai then you will need either a UK Visit Visa or an Electronic Visa Waiver.
Electronic Visa Waiver for Dubai residents
Citizens of the UAE may also be eligible for an Electronic Visa Waiver (EVW) instead of a visit visa. The EVW also allows you to visit the United Kingdom for up to 6 months for tourism, business, medical treatment or even to study.
You can apply for the EVW up to 3 months before you intend to travel to the United Kingdom, but the latest that you can apply is 48 hours before you are due to travel.
The process to apply for an EVW is fairly simple, you must fill in the application form on the gov.uk website and will need the following:
your current passport
an address in the United Kingdom where you will stay
details of your journey, including departure and arrival dates and times
You should then receive an email within 24 hours with your EVW, you must show this when you travel either by printing it or showing it on an electronic device such as a phone.
It’s important to note that you can not use an EVW to work or to get married in the United Kingdom and that it will only allow you to enter the United Kingdom once. If your travel plans change, you must update this on your EVW.
UK Standard Visitor Visa
The UK Visit Visa is a type of tourist visa that allows non-EEA nationals to visit the United Kingdom for a number of purposes. This visa can be used for visiting friends and family in the UK, for leisure purposes, to access private medical treatment or to attend business meetings.
The UK Visit Visa is usually valid for 6 months from the date of travel. To be eligible you must be able to meet a few requirements, including:
proving that you can support yourself financially whilst in the United Kingdom
proving that you will leave the United Kingdom at the end of your visit and that you won’t live in the United Kingdom for an extended period through successive visits
showing proof of any business or other activities that you plan to do whilst in the United Kingdom
Standard Visitor Visa application process
You must apply for the UK Visit Visa online before you leave Dubai. The application form is available on the gov.uk website. You can make your visa application up to three months before you intend to travel to the United Kingdom.
After completing the online application, you need to book an appointment at a visa application centre near you to prove your identity. There are two visa application centres located in the UAE, one in Dubai and one in Abu Dhabi. During your appointment you will have your biometric information taken, this is your photo and fingerprints.
Once you have completed your online application and attended your appointment, the processing time is usually 3 week. There are Super Priority and Priority visa services available for those who need to travel urgently.
Required documents
When making your visa application you will need to provide a valid passport or travel document. Your passport will need a blank page for the visa and must also be valid for the duration of your stay. As well as this, you will have to supply several other supporting documents to prove that you are eligible for the UK Visit Visa. The documents that you will need may vary but they will need to provide the following information:
the dates you’re planning to travel to the United Kingdom
details of where you’ll be staying during your visit
how much you think your trip will cost
your current home address and how long you’ve lived there
your parents’ names and dates of birth
how much you earn in a year
details of any criminal, civil or immigration offences you may have committed
You will need to have any documents that aren’t in English translated before you submit them.
Using the Visitor Visa for business activities
You can use the Standard Visitor Visa for a number of business reasons whilst you are in the country. This includes attending meetings, conferences, trade fairs or even to negotiate contracts. You can also partake in certain business activities, including proving training and sharing knowledge on internal contracts.
However, because you will be subject to the visitor rules, you cannot use the UK Visit Visa for all business activities. This visa does not allow you to do paid work with a UK company or as a self-employed person. You may be able to do paid work by applying for the Permitted Paid Engagement Visa.
Visitor Visa for paid business engagements
The Permitted Paid Engagement UK Visit Visa is for those who have been invited to Britain as an expert in their profession. To be eligible for this visa, Dubai residents must be invited by a UK-based organisation or client.
The Permitted Paid Engagement Visa is valid for up to 1 month. This visa allows you to partake in paid work, however, you cannot undertake paid work that is not related to your main job or area of expertise.
The application process for the Permitted Paid Engagement Visa is very similar to the Standard UK Visit Visa. You must fill in the online application form before booking an appointment at one of the visa application centres in the UAE, located in Dubai and Abu Dhabi.
What makes an Embassy or Consulate reject providing you with a Schengen Visa? This is the question many people make any time they are about to apply for such a visa. The fact is that whenever a Schengen Visa Applications Get Rejected, there is something UNSATISFACTORY as regards that visa application.
Many visa applicants get confused and unable to exactly understand the reason for their visa refusal. That is why the article will focus on presenting the commonly known reasons for such refusal.
A visa application might be considered unsuccessful if the consular officer fails to get from the candidate all the needed information about him/her. Lacking to possess such information, the consular officer will be incapable to decide if the candidate qualifies to be given a visa. On the other hand, sometimes the consular might get information from the applicant that is unacceptable or beyond the fixed procedures. Sometimes the candidate is prone to illegitimate and/or dishonest activities. In all of the aforementioned cases, the officer is led to DENY offering a visa to the applicant.
LEARN which are the Most Common Reasons For Schengen Visa Applications Get Rejected Applications, in order to avoid being amongst those who perform them:
Why Schengen Visa Applications Get Rejected : Past or Current Criminal Actions
The past and current circumstances and actions of the applicant matter a lot in the decision of the consular officer in issuing a Schengen visa. In such cases, the refusal might occur because the applicant is considered a threat to the public policy, internal security or public wealth of the Schengen Area (i.e. terrorism, drug abuse, child abuse, addiction, other serious crimes).
Why Schengen Visa Applications Get Rejected : False Travel Document
Schengen Visa Rejection Reasons :There is a common destiny for all the individuals (applicants) who attempt to present false travel documents to the embassy or consulate, trying to misrepresent their identity, using a fake identity – and that is an absolute visa denial and other accompanying unfavourable consequences.
Schengen Visa Rejection Reasons : Insufficient Explanation For The Purpose And Circumstances Of The Planned Stay
Another motive to lead the consular office to deny your Schengen Visa is failing to have the needed justification for your purpose and conditions of the planned travel and stay. Such are the cases of:
Failing to present an employment and professional qualification that matches with the presented financial situation
Incapacity to provide documents that support the purpose of travel and stay in the Schengen Area
Missing to apply for a visa period in conformity with the presented travel itinerary and holiday right or revenue situation
The inability to offer unchanging declarations about the purpose of travel and stay
Why Schengen Visa Applications Get Rejected : Damaged Passport
Schengen Visa Rejection Reasons : A reason for a visa refusal could be presenting a passport that is not kept in a good condition. Such cases can be when passport pages are detaching or missing when the cover of the passport is damaged and so on.
Why Schengen Visa Applications Get Rejected : Passport Invalidity
An alternative motive to lead the consular officer to deny your visa application is presenting a passport that is not acceptable for the Embassy or Consulate. Such cases are classified the following:
Presenting a passport that does not have a valid period less than three (3) remaining months after the return from the visit to the Schengen Area
Presenting a passport that does not possess two different blank visa pages
Presenting a Travel Document Booklet instead of a valid passport
Presenting a valid passport that is older than ten (10) years
Why Schengen Visa Applications Get Rejected : Lack To Proof The Travel Itinerary
Schengen Visa Rejection Reasons: An additional reason for the Schengen Visa application fail, is lacking to present the proper plan of your travel within the Schengen Area. Such cases include:
Applying at the wrong Embassy of the Schengen Area (not being able to determine the main destination of your visit in the Schengen Area)
Not being able to prove to have a booked accommodation for each destination and each night to spend in the Schengen Area
Not being able to provide booked flight ticket for each applicant (when a group of travellers)
Not being able to provide travel tickets for each destination to be toured in the Schengen Area.
Why Schengen Visa Applications Get Rejected : Invalid Letter of Reference
Further evidenced reason for a failed Schengen Visa application is providing a formal letter of reference that is not authenticated by the author. Such cases involve:
Lacking to offer a formal letter that has an original letterhead with the address and contact details of the company or the author issuing it
Lacking to present a formal letter issued not later than three (3) last months from the application date
Missing to have the stamp and signature of the author on the formal letter
Other
Why Schengen Visa Applications Get Rejected : Insufficient Means Of Subsistence
One of the reasons the embassy or consulate of the Schengen country might refuse to give you a visa is lacking or insufficient proof of means of existence for the duration of stay in Schengen Area, nor for the return to home country. Such cases might involve:
Failing to offer financial statements not older than one (1) month from the application date
Lacking to enjoy a current account statement (presenting credit card statements in its place)
Missing to possess enough funds in financial statements presented
Presenting a traveller’s cheque that does not have the candidate’s name
Why Schengen Visa Applications Get Rejected : Unacceptable Birth Or Marriage Certificate
An additional cause for a failed Schengen Visa application is not being able to offer birth or marriage certificates that are accepted (not authenticated) by the embassy or consulate. Such cases include:
Failing to offer a certificate endorsed by official authorities, i.e. Ministry Interior
Failing to offer a certificate in non-English language translated by the authorized translator
Lacking to prove a civil certificate (offering a religious document instead)
Not being able to offer a certificate showing both parents of the child
Not being able to offer a certificate that matches the names of the parties presented on the submitted passports
Not being able to offer a document of the legal sole custody order for the child (if a single parent)
Not being able to offer the legal adoption documents for the adoptive child (for EU Spouse application)
Why Schengen Visa Applications Get Rejected : Invalid Travel Insurance
The other reason that might lead to a Schengen Visa application fail, is the inability to present the appropriate travel insurance coverage for the duration of stay in the Schengen Area. Such cases might involve:
Failing to provide a travel insurance cover in the anticipated amount
Lacking to provide travel insurance that does not cover the return of the candidate in the home country
The inability to provide travel insurance whose policy is valid all over the Schengen Area
The incapacity to show travel insurance that covers the entire days of the trip in the Schengen Area
Why Schengen Visa Applications Get Rejected : Unfavorable Schengen Visa Situation
What else could destroy one’s Schengen Visa application is earlier history with the Schengen Visa. Such cases include:
Failing to previously respect Schengen Visa limitations (i.e. Overstay in the Schengen Area, failing to follow the presented travel itinerary – by skipping to stay mostly in the main country of destination in the Schengen Area, and so on).
Holding a passport with an active Schengen Visa.
Note: The information provided here is intended for assistance only and might be usable NOT ONLY for the purpose of applying for Schengen Visa but for any visa type of any world country.
Azerbaijan, the nation and former Soviet republic, is bounded by the Caspian Sea and Caucasus Mountains, which span Asia and Europe. Its capital, Baku, is famed for its medieval walled Inner City. Within the Inner City lies the Palace of the Shirvanshahs, a royal retreat dating to the 15th century, and the centuries-old stone Maiden Tower, which dominates the city skyline.
Located on the Caspian Sea, there are quaint subtropical seaside resorts, or you can embrace Azerbaijan’s name as the Land of Fire with a trip to a flaming mountain or a mud volcano.
There are hillside towns that hide ancient mosques and minarets, as well as some of the most impressive modern architecture in the world in the form of the Flame Towers in Baku, so whatever your agenda and time restrictions, Azerbaijan has much to offer visitors at the crossroads of Europe and Asia.
Top Destinations
There are lots of amazing places to visit in Azerbaijan. Here are most popular ones:
Baku - Baku, the capital city of Azerbaijan, lies along the Caspian Sea, and is a somewhat curious mix of the old walled city of Icheri Seher, and a modern building craze that has led a boom in skyscrapers, many of which are studded with LCD screens.
Icheri Seher - Known as “Old City” and “Fortress”, Icheri Seher is a UNESCO World Heritage Site in the centre of Baku, and you will find amazing architectural feats all over this protected quarter of the city.
Absheron National Park - Sitting in the Azizbeyov region of the city of Baku, Absheron National Park spans 783 hectares of protected land and is the perfect place to come to witness the stunning flora and fauna of Azerbaijan.
Garasu Volcano - Many visitors to Azerbaijan may not know that the country has the highest number of mud volcanoes in the world. 350 to be exact! One of the best known is Garasu Volcano, that has been known to spew mud over 1,000 metres into the air.
Naftalan Oil Resort - Naftalan resort is famous due to the Naftalan crude oil found here that is said to have healing properties, and has sparked a boom in medical tourism to the region.
Gobustan - is often referred to as the Azerbaijan version of Stonehenge in the United Kingdom, as it features a prehistoric cromlech (a circle of stones that have been positioned vertically). It doesn’t end there however, as Gobustan is an archaeological reserve that lies to the south of Baku and offers a fascinating insight into ancient civilizations due to over 6,000 rock drawings that span over 537 hectares.
Azerbaijan, the 'Land of Fire' is a beautiful confluence of culture and cosmopolitan nuances. Planning a trip to this beautiful land is now easy and hassle-free. Apply for your Azerbaijan visa and get it in just 5 working days.
Documents required for Azerbaijan Visa application
Scanned colour copy of the first and last page of your passport Azerbaijan visa.
Passport should be valid for at least 6 months from the date of submission of the visa, with a minimum of two blank pages
Scanned copy of your passport-size photograph taken against a white background
Hotel booking with name, contact details and address of the hotel
Mandatory travel insurance
Why to choose Gatewayz for Azerbaijan Visa application
Gatewayz.co has been a part of more than one million travel dreams. Our personalised services make your travel experience simple and hassle-free.
Contact with us We will assist you with all the required documents and procedures to get your Azerbaijan Visa approved! Without any hassle.
Football World Cup Opening Ceremony 2022 : Football fans will soon be able to enjoy the World Cup proceedings as the date for the opening ceremony is only days away. The opening ceremony of this grand football tournament is expected to be a stunning celebration full of light and colour as is traditional for events of this sort.
World Cup opening ceremony 2022
The World Cup opening ceremony will signify the official start of the competition. If past renditions are any indication, the opening ceremony will involve some of the world’s biggest and most celebrated artists and performers.
Without a doubt, this year’s opening ceremony will be a memorable event as it is the first World Cup to be held in winter as well as in an Arab country.
World Cup opening ceremony 2022 timing
The World Cup opening ceremony will take place on 20 November before the tournament’s first Group A match between host Qatar and Ecuador. The opening ceremony will begin one hour before the game at 17:00 AST (GMT+3) / 09:00 ET.
Khalifa International Stadium
World Cup opening ceremony 2022 stadium
The World Cup opening ceremony will be held at the Al Bayt Stadium in the city of Al Khor. The stadium has a maximum capacity of 60,000 and will also be the venue for one of the semifinals.
World Cup opening ceremony 2022 artists and singers
Shakira, who is well known for her performances at previous opening ceremonies, will reportedly be one of the performers. Patrick Nnaemeka Okorie, the Black Eyed Peas, J Balvin, Nora Fatehi, and other acts have all been suggested as potential performers.
In addition, early in September, American rapper Lil Baby released the World Cup’s official anthem. Shortly after, he tweeted to announce that he would be participating in the competition in some way.
FIFA is yet to announce a full list of performers for the 2022 World Cup opening ceremony, however, it has been confirmed that Bollywood singer Nora Fatehi will perform the World Cup single “Light The Sky” with BTS’s Jung Kook.
Where to tune in for the opening ceremony?
You can enjoy the opening ceremony and the first match of the World cup from home by turning in to one of these channels below:
Applicants who have been living in the UAE for a while and want to bring their children into the country can sponsor a residence visa for their children. It is usually the father who can sponsor their children into the UAE. However, in some cases, the mother might be required to sponsor their child’s UAE children visa.
Here is everything you need to know about the Dubai and UAE children visa, its prerequisites, requirements, documents required and more.
Dubai & UAE children visa general requirements
In a regular scenario, fathers are considered the head of the family in the UAE, and only they can sponsor their UAE Children Visa, however, a mother also can sponsor the child in certain cases.
The duration of the children visa will be equivalent to the visa of the sponsor parent. The parent will get 60 days to apply for the UAE Children Visa after they arrive in the country under an entry permit.
A child doesn’t need to clear a medical fitness examination to get the UAE residency.
Please note that the conditions are subject to change from time to time. Make sure to check with GDRFA or the Federal Authority for Identity and Citizenship for the latest information.
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UAE children visa
Dubai & UAE children visa age limit
Parents can sponsor their children up to the age of 25.
If a child is a university or college student, they cannot be sponsored by parents for UAE residency unless they hold a valid certificate that proves they are below 25 (earlier 18) and unmarried.
If the child is under 14 years old, they won’t need to provide their fingerprints at EIDA Center for Emirates ID issuance.
Dubai & UAE children visa requirements for parent(s)
The parent sponsoring their children to Dubai must meet the following eligibility criteria to be able to sponsor the children’s visa in Dubai.
If the sponsor of the child is a married mother living with her husband (sponsored by her), a single mother or a divorced mother
The sponsoring parent’s monthly salary must be at least AED 3,000 (USD 817) along with accommodation, or AED 4,000 (USD 1089). However, a salary of AED 5,000 (USD 1361) monthly makes the process of opening a corporate account in most UAE banks a lot easier which is one of the prerequisites of entering into a long-term residential tenancy contract.
If the sponsor is a woman who sponsors her full family, her salary should not be less than AED 10,000 (USD 2722)
The mother will additionally need to prepare:
Valid UAE employment contract
The marriage certificate of the sponsor, duly attested
In case the sponsor is a single or divorced mother, the husband’s NOC (No Objection Certificate) translated into Arabic (if not already in Arabic), must be duly attested.
Divorced mothers are required to present their child’s custody verdict to a court or legal papers (duly attested and translated into Arabic at the time of submission) proving that they have their child’s custody.
In case the sponsor is a married mother living with her spouse, their husband’s employment contract if he is working in the UAE must be submitted.
The sponsor mother must have a tenancy agreement in her name registered under the EJARI system of RERA (Real Estate Regulatory Authority).
Mother’s university degree, duly attested in the home country and the UAE. Please note that mothers who are doctors, nurses, engineers and teachers are exempted from this requirement.
Mother’s UAE bank statements for the last 3 months. Please note that mothers who are doctors, nurses, engineers and teachers are again exempted from this requirement.
A security deposit of AED 2,500 (USD 680) per child to be sponsored (in specific cases), which is refundable after the visa cancellation
Stepchildren can also be sponsored by an expatriate parent for the UAE residency (subject to GDRFA’s conditions), provided the sponsor is able to deposit the specified warranty amount for each child and present a written no-objection certificate from the biological parent. Their residence visas bear one-year renewable validity.
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If the sponsor of the child is a married or divorced father
The following are some of the sponsorship requirements for married fathers or single or divorced fathers:
A genuine employment contract from his company in the UAE
He must meet the criteria for minimum salary to sponsor the child visa in Dubai, that is, AED 4000 (USD 1089) or AED 3000 (USD 817), including accommodation
Child’s birth certificate, attested by the UAE embassy abroad and MOFA in the UAE
The father’s marriage certificate, duly attested
Divorced fathers are required to present their child’s legal custody papers (duly attested and translated into Arabic at the time of submission)
A tenancy contract attested via the EJARI system of RERA
The father’s university degree, duly attested in both the home country and host country
The father’s UAE bank statements for the last 3 months
A refundable security deposit of AED 2,500 (USD 680) for each child (if applicable)
Stepchildren can also be sponsored by an expatriate parent for the UAE residency (subject to GDRFA’s conditions), provided the sponsor is able to deposit the specified warranty amount for each child and present a written no-objection certificate from the biological parent. Their residence visas bear one-year renewable validity.
Dubai & UAE children visa required documents
The following is a list of documents required to sponsor a UAE children visa :
Sponsor’s Emirates ID (Original)
Scanned colour copy of the passport and Residence visa page of the sponsor with at least a minimum of 6 months validity.
Labor contract, issued by MOHRE provided the sponsor works in the private sector.
Sponsor’s salary Slip or certificate provided the sponsor works in a free zone or government sector.
Copy of the Company’s trade licence provided the sponsor is a partner or Investor visa holder.
Photocopies of Registered Tenancy Contract or the EJARI or title deed or proof of property ownership, whichever is applicable
If the sponsor owns the house, the recent electricity bill (DEWA) must be submitted.
Colour-scanned passport copies of the child which are valid for 6 months at least.
Child’s birth certificate (duly attested and translated into Arabic)
One latest passport-size photo of the child against a white background and in line with the UAE visa standards
Emirates ID Application Form (at the time of visa stamping/renewal)
Health insurance card or certificate (at the time of visa stamping/renewal)
Sponsor’s bank account IBAN Number.
Dubai & UAE children visa application process
The process of obtaining a child visa in UAE is pretty straightforward, and sponsors may apply for their children’s children visa Dubai either through a licenced typing center such as Amer or online.
To apply for your child’s visa, follow the steps given below:
Fill out the visa application form at the nearest typing centre.
Submit all the required documents to the nearest General Department for Residency and Foreign Affairs (GDRFA).
Apply to change the status of the visa from “Temporary Residence visa” to “Permanent Residence visa”.
You can now apply for the Emirates ID of your child at the Typing centre.
You will be notified through SMS and a call once the Emirates ID is ready to be delivered or collected. You may choose to either collect the ID by yourself or pay the courier charges for the doorstep delivery.
Please note that you can also apply through a registered visa service agent to make the process more smooth and easy.
Five-year residency for children of Emirati mothers
The UAE has started issuing five-year residency visas, as a part of the new visa rules effective from 3 October 2022, for children of Emirati women with foreign nationals, whose validity was previously three years.
Take a Beaches Break : For many visitors, a UAE vacation centres around the beach.
Late October to May, while temperatures plummet over Europe and North America, is high season here as the UAE's punishing summer heat gives way to winter's beaches weather.
Dubai and Abu Dhabi are the more obvious beach choices, offering city sightseeing, shopping, and theme parks in easy reach of the sand.
For sun-and-sand vacations in Dubai, luxury resorts are focused along the coast west of the central city. In particular, the beach around Jumeirah and Dubai Marina offer plenty of family-oriented, five star resorts dedicated to beaches time.
Abu Dhabi's luxury resorts rim the shoreline of the city's various islands, so resort areas are more scattered across the city than in Dubai. Saadiyat Island, Marina Breakwater, and Khor Al Maqta are the areas offering some of the best beach-focused resorts in town.
Take a Beaches Break
Away from these two destinations, though, there are more beaches options.
The beach resorts of Ras Al-Khaimah and Ajman in particular are favourite city getaways, while on the UAE's eastern coast, Al Aqah beach in the Emirate of Fujairah is a popular option for beach-goers who want to head away from the crowds.
UAE Golden Visa announcement: Online quiz revealed to check UAE Golden Visa Eligibility in 2 minutes
The test will help users understand if they are eligible to receive a Golden Visa.
The UAE has revealed a new online tool to help users understand if they are eligible to receive a Golden Visa.
The tool, which is available on the Federal Authority for Identity & Citizenship’s website, is a short quiz that will inform users if they are eligible for a Golden Visa. The quiz can be conducted in a couple of minutes, and asks users questions about their investments in the UAE, job role, and contribution to the country’s economy.
The UAE recently announced reforms for its Golden Visa rules and long-term visit visas, paving the way for more people to access the system. Unlike a normal job visa, the Golden Visa is not tied to employment, meaning the bearer can stay in the UAE. The visa lasts 10 years.
The benefits of Golden Visas extend to immediate family members. Children can be sponsored by a Golden Visa or Green Residence visa holder until the age of 25 – an increase from the previous rule of 18 years – with no age limit for unmarried daughters. Children of determination are granted a residence permit, regardless of their age.
The UAE Golden Visa residency programme was first implemented in 2019 and enables expats to live, work, and study in the UAE without the need of a national sponsor and with 100 percent ownership of their business on the UAE’s mainland.
New reforms recently eased the criteria to apply for the 10-year visas, with more people across a diverse set of professions offered the opportunity to apply for the Golden Visa.
Under the new regulations, the UAE Golden Visa will grant 10-year residence to investors, entrepreneurs, exceptional talents, scientists and professionals, outstanding students and graduates, humanitarian pioneers, and frontline heroes, who meet certain eligibility parameters.
As part of its expansion, more professionals and highly skilled workers with educational qualifications and professional experience in all disciplines can now qualify for a Golden Visa. This includes those working in medicine, sciences and engineering, information technology, business and administration, education, law, culture, and social sciences.
Golden Visa for Athletes
Under this category, the Golden Residency Visa for specialised talents and researchers in various fields of science and knowledge is granted for 10 years without a sponsor and is subject to renewal.
Requirements:
Applicants would need a recommendation letter from the General Authority of Sports in Dubai OR Dubai Sports Council.
A copy of the sponsored passport.
Golden Visa for creative specialists in Culture and Art
Under this category, the Golden Residency Visa for specialised talents and researchers in various fields of science and knowledge is granted for 10 years without a sponsor and is subject to renewal.
Requirements:
Applicants will need a recommendation letter from Dubai culture and Arts Authority.
A copy of the sponsored passport.
Golden Visa for Executive Directors
Under this category an Executive Director and his family members can be granted a Golden Residency Visa for specialized talents and researchers in various fields of science and knowledge for a period of 10 years without a sponsor and subject to renewal.
Requirements:
Executive Directors would require an “NOC” letter from the company that does not mind the golden residency, also mentioned that the service period is not less than 5 years as a general manager – executive director – chairman of the board of directors.
Attested bachelor’s degree or higher degree.
Salary certificate which should not be less then AED 50,000 monthly.
Labour contract with the same profession and salary at the salary certificate.
Bank statement for the last 6 months.
Golden Visa for Entrepreneurs
This category grants a Golden Residency Visa for 5 years to an entrepreneur who owns an economic project of a technical or future nature based on risk & innovation.
Requirement:
The applicant would require an approval letter from Dubai Future Foundation.
Golden Visa for Retired Foreigners
Under this category, a retired foreigner can be granted a Golden Residency Visa for a period of 5 years without a sponsor and subject to renewal.
Requirement:
The applicant would need a bank letter with a deposit value or income of AED15,000 or real estate ownership with the value of one million AED.
Golden Visa for Investors
Under this category, an investor can be granted the Golden Residency Visa for 5 or 10 years.
It is automatically renewed if the same conditions are met.
Requirements:
The applicant should be an investor in an investment fund (commercial investor) –
Applicant would require the company’s financial report for the previous year – made by the company’s financial auditor.
The company’s trade license and photocopy of the list of partners’ names.
A copy of the sponsored residency.
The company’s bank statement for the last 3 months.
The company’s VAT return for the previous year.
The applicant should be an investor in an investment fund (deposit) –
A letter from the bank in Arabic form showcasing a “fix deposit”. A note must be mentioned in the letter. (The fix deposit will not be broken for the next two years, OR in case the fix deposit was broken for any reason, the General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs – Dubai must be notified)
A copy of the sponsored passport.
Tenancy contract.
Investor in (Tax Return Investor) –
A letter from the Federal Tax Authority.
Company’s Trade license and photocopy of the list of partners’ names.
A copy of the sponsored residency.
Golden Visa for Specialists in Engineering and Science
Under this category, an applicant and his family member can be granted a Golden Residency Visa for specialised talents and researchers in various fields of science and knowledge for 10 years without a sponsor and subject to renewal.
Requirements:
Applicants would require an attested degree (bachelor’s degree or higher), or a letter of equivalency for the academic degree from the Ministry of Education (for certificates from outside the country).
A copy of the sponsored residency.
A work contract in one of the following disciplines: (Epidemiology and Viruses – Artificial Intelligence – Big Data – Computer Engineering – Electronics Engineering – Software Engineering – Electrical Engineering – Genetic Engineering – Biotechnology Engineering).
Golden Visa for Inventors
Under this category, a Golden Residency Visa can be granted to an applicant and his family member for specialized talents and researchers in various fields of science and knowledge for 10 years without a sponsor and subject to renewal.
Requirements:
Applicant would require a recommendation letter from the Ministry of Economy.
A copy of the sponsored passport.
Golden Visa for Scientists
Under this category, a Golden Residency Visa can be granted to an applicant and his family member for specialized talents and researchers in various fields of science and knowledge for 10 years without a sponsor and subject to renewal.
Requirements:
Applicants would require a recommendation letter from “Emirates Scientists Council” or a letter from “Rashid Award for Scientific outstanding” that he/she has been awarded the Medal of Scientific outstanding.
Golden Visa for Outstanding Students
Under this category a Golden Residency Visa is granted for outstanding students for a period of 5 or 10 years and automatically renewed if the same conditions are met.
Requirements for a high school graduate:
A recommendation letter from the Ministry of Education.
Copy of the sponsored residency – applicable only for Dubai residents.
Copy of the sponsored passport.
Requirements for a university graduate:
Attested degree (bachelor’s degree or higher) along with the academic transcript.
Copy of the sponsored residency applicable for Dubai residents only
Copy of the sponsored passport.
Golden Visa for Doctors
Under this category, a Golden Residency Visa can be granted to an applicant and his family member for specialised talents and researchers in various fields of science and knowledge for 10 years without a sponsor and subject to renewal.
Requirements:
Applicants would require a copy of their labour card.
A copy of labour contract from MOHRE.
A copy of the sponsored residency.
The UAE Golden Visa residency programme, which was first implemented in 2019, enabled expats to live, work, and study in the UAE without the need of a national sponsor and with 100 percent ownership of their business on the UAE’s mainland.
With the new rules, the criteria to apply for the 10-year visas have now been eased, as more people across a diverse set of professions will be offered the opportunity to apply for the Golden Visa.
Here’s an overview of the impact UAE’s latest Golden Visa rules will have on the region:
How the Golden Visa rules will impact students, families, and the business of education in the UAE
UAE’s new Golden Visa rules to encourage more doctors, nurses and healthcare professionals to move to the UAE
How UAE’s Golden Visa reforms will lead to more expat investment
How the updated UAE Golden Visa rules have changed the talent market
How UAE’s new Golden Visa rules will impact businesses
How UAE’s new Golden Visa rules will benefit startups in the region.
How the Golden Visa rules will impact students, families, and the business of education in the UAE :
Academic institutions, students, families, as well as the business and state of education will improve considerably following the recent set of sweeping amendments made to long-term visa policies in the UAE, an expert told Arabian Business.
Under the new executive regulations, the UAE Golden Visa programme will grant 10-year residency to high-performing students in UAE secondary schools, and outstanding graduates from UAE universities, as well as students from the best 100 universities worldwide who meet specific elibility criteria.
The criteria includes submitting proof of cumulative average of their academic performance, the year of graduation, and the university classification.
“The new visa regime approved by the UAE Cabinet assures incredible flexibility to its beneficiaries. The updated visa structure enables educational institutions to shift the cost of securing visas for education away from the student and his/her family,” explained Danielle Butterworth (below), the executive director for Finance and Administration at the University of Wollongong in Dubai (UOWD).
“Such government initiatives not only positively impact the business of education here in the UAE, but also enhance the state of education in the country, attracting more foreign students than ever, and reaffirming the UAE’s pioneering role as an international education and knowledge hub.”
The positive policy reforms will further enable educational to facilitate uninterrupted education preventing students and their families from the hassle of re-applying or purchasing an alternative visa type.
Butterworth added: “The UAE Golden Visa expanded scheme will also incentivise students in UAE secondary schools and universities to aim for high performance. This will further fuel student interest and intake across universities, allowing educational institutions to attract and retain exceptional talent.”
The UAE Cabinet has also approved a special entry permit for those attending training and academic courses and/or participating in internship programmes.
The sponsor can be universities or educational or research institutions licensed in the country or government or private entities.
“Universities form the crux of UAE’s academic landscape and any policy reforms that impact entry and retention for students across universities, also increase the flexibility of the education market.
“The updated rules contribute to a more accessible academic environment. The visa overhaul places students and academics at the fore, building effectively on the competitiveness of the UAE as a pioneer in education,” Butterworth concluded.
UAE’s new Golden Visa rules to encourage more doctors, nurses and healthcare professionals to move to the UAE :
Healthcare has received a huge boost in the UAE with the new rules for 10-year Golden Visas and 5-year Green Residence visas, which are expected to attract top professionals to the nation, an industry expert said.
The UAE Cabinet has eased the eligibility criteria for long-term visas in the UAE. The new rules also make the Golden Visa programme more inclusive to encourage more professionals across diverse industries to apply to the programme.
Reacting to the recent rules, the founder chairman and managing director of Aster DM Healthcare, Dr Azad Moopen, said: “For the healthcare sector, these reforms will attract more doctors, nurses, and other healthcare professionals to build their careers in UAE and select the country as a home for their families.”
According to the new rules, the UAE Golden Visa will be granted to scientists and researchers with high achievements and influence in their field based on the recommendation from the Emirates Scientists Council.
The candidate must have a PhD or a Master’s degree in the disciplines of engineering, technology, life sciences, or natural sciences from the best universities in the world, as well as substantial research achievements.
The UAE Cabinet has also revealed a major expansion, opening out the Golden Visa to highly skilled workers with educational qualifications and professional experience in all disciplines, including medicine, sciences, and engineering, among others.
In addition, the UAE’s new set of executive regulations will also provide skilled employees the opportunity to gain a 5-year Green Residency, without the need for a sponsor or employer.
Dr Azad Moopen, founder chairman and managing director of Aster DM Healthcare
Moopen added: “It is heartening to see the UAE’s visa relaxation announcement has reforms to support expatriates and businesses. The expansion of benefits to Golden Visa holders and introduction of green residence visa will attract more people with new skill sets and many businesses to the country.
“This will boost the talent pool in UAE and aid in the development of diverse sectors in alignment with the vision of the great rulers of the country to make UAE a global destination of choice.”
The announcement of the new set of rules is also timely, given the recent announcements surrounding the easing of Covid-related regulations in the UAE and the completion of a highly successful six-month long World Expo.
Moopen concluded: “Our triumph in the global war against Covid-19, while delivering the World’s Greatest Show – Expo 2020 – with such success, has established UAE as the most sought-after destinations for businesses and healthcare already. I am sure these moves will increase it exponentially.”
How UAE’s Golden Visa reforms will lead to more expat investment
The forthcoming reforms to the UAE visa system are designed to make it easier for expats to live, work and build a future in the country. With this, we’re likely to see an evolution in the spending and investment habits of expats in the UAE, as they start to plan their finances around longer-term residency, says Sophia Bhatti, an award-winning leader in finance and investment and a Chartered Wealth Manager.
Alongside the extended investor and entrepreneur visas, the new regulations are likely to encourage expats to commit more financial resources within the UAE, whether it be buying property, building an investment portfolio locally, or spending more disposable income in-country.
The new long-term residency schemes will promote a high sense of stability among qualifying UAE expats. It will also provide an important buffer to foreign residents living in the UAE who were previously reliant on short-term renewable visas linked to their employment.
The confidence that comes with secure residency will encourage more special visa-holders and their families to put down roots. With an extended visibility on the future, expats can now build and oversee investment and savings plans over the longer-term, as well as exploring new opportunities within the UAE.
The visa system overhaul will lead to a reduction in the cost of renewing residency permits, which should in turn lead to more savings and investments taking place as a result. Attracting more knowledge workers to the country will help to build and retain a highly-skilled workforce, with more investment potential and greater spending power.
The lifestyle opportunities the UAE offers, combined with the prospect of working towards a clear savings goal, mean that the investor visa option is likely to attract not only high-net-worth individuals but also the mass affluent expats.
The opportunity to reside in the UAE long-term is likely to change the investment mindset, particularly when it comes to property. Where expats might previously have invested in a residence in their home country, the option to build a future in the UAE means long-term visa holders will be more likely to explore residential property in the Emirates.
Furthermore, the current supply and demand equation has made investment property an attractive proposition. With the implementation of longer-term residency options, more expats will come to the UAE, and push rental prices up in the process.
The new regulations will naturally have a positive impact on the local banking industry as more investment is retained in the UAE. We can also expect an evolution in the broader business landscape as companies start to plan differently for their future.
Security of residence for employees will help to build more certainty around business continuity. Growing investment in commercial property is likely as existing businesses look to commit to the long-term and more new ventures set themselves up in the UAE.
How the updated UAE Golden Visa rules have changed the talent market
“What got you here won’t get you there” – Marhsal Goldsmith.
In the pre-pandemic era, employees, and entrepreneurs alike, were willing to go through lengthy and tedious residency processes to be based out of Dubai and the wider UAE.
Being “based in the UAE” has always been perceived as prestigious and for numerous, well-justified reasons. Landing a job with an employer in the country was, and still is, considered a privilege, says Ayman Kattan, Chief People Officer at Bayzat.
The pandemic however has brought about unprecedented changes to workforce dynamics by allowing most employers in the technology industry, both in the UAE and beyond, to double down on a “talent-first” approach to hiring.
As it turned out, being forced to adapt to a new reality and rapidly transitioning into the remote work paradigm, was a silver lining to what was otherwise an extremely challenging time for humanity.
The emergence of innovative and disruptive services such as Employers of Record (EoR) and Outsourcing solutions has created something of a “decentralisation of talent” and “free for all” effect on the talent landscape.
While this new reality has presented number of obvious positives for both talent and employers, it has come with some hefty costs.
Today, professionals can still enjoy the perks of working with Dubai-based employers and serving the local market, while operating out of the luxury of their own homes, which thanks to technology, could be anywhere in the world.
The hassle, costs, and time it takes to acquire a visa is simply not worth it anymore, be it for a job or to set up shop.
A quick change was therefore needed for the UAE to continue to flourish and remain a top tier business destination and once again the UAE’s government has demonstrated its incredible vision and foresight.
It was announced earlier this year that one of the key objectives of Dubai’s Chamber of Digital Economy is to attract 300 digital startups to Dubai within two years.
Such an ambitious objective would undoubtedly require rapid enhancements and changes to laws and policies.
To see immediate reforms to the visa system in the UAE, is just a testament to the country’s agility and ability to adapt to the new world we now live in.
With these visa reforms, we should expect to see a substantial increase of both supply and demand in the job market, which will go a long way in putting things that have been disrupted by the pandemic back into a state of equilibrium.
UAE-based employees will no longer be competing with just their domestic counterparts, but with the expected influx of top global talent
For businesses, this presents a momentous opportunity. But employees will need to be mindful that this can represent a change in the competitive landscape.
Overnight, UAE-based employees will no longer be competing with just their domestic counterparts, but with the expected influx of top global talent.
Moreover, for UAE-based organisations to capitalise on the influx of talent, the truth is, whatever worked up until this point, won’t work tomorrow.
Now is the time for these companies to invest in retention schemes for top performers, and to review things like their EVP (employee value proposition), wellbeing initiatives and employee benefits.
Otherwise, they will face the very real threat of their top talent, and the top talent in the resource pool, being snatched up quite quickly.
I also reckon that companies that haven’t invested in talent development and those that aren’t constantly up-skilling their people, are not going to be able to remain competitive in this new market that is being rapidly reformed and transformed.
This is a great time to be living and working in the UAE but just as the UAE government has been quick to adapt, it is imperative that UAE businesses and employees do too.
How UAE’s new Golden Visa rules will impact businesses
To help attract and retain top talent across numerous sectors, the UAE Cabinet recently amended its Golden Visa programme to include professionals from more diverse fields and ease the eligibility criteria.
This programme allows investors, entrepreneurs, startup owners, professionals, and exceptionally talented individuals to apply for long-term residency – for up to 10 years with the option of renewal – to live, work, or invest in one of the most cosmopolitan nations around the world. With a Golden Visa, expats can forego the need of a national sponsor and maintain 100 percent ownership of their businesses on the UAE mainland.
Commenting on the new executive regulations on the long-term residence visa, Roberto Croci, the managing director of Microsoft for Startups – Middle East, Turkey, and Pakistan, said: “The UAE showed a superb management of Covid with open borders, high vaccination rates, and its business-friendly regime. In this context, the Golden Visa can play a critical role in empowering more entrepreneurs to build their business from the UAE at a time where more global players like Sequoia Capital India and Softbank start looking seriously at the region and eventually undertake deals.”
Roberto Croci, the managing director of Microsoft for Startups – Middle East, Turkey, and Pakistan
The emergence of many technical startups and big companies looking to invest in Dubai and establish their headquarters in the emirate has also led to an increase in demand for technical skilled labour in the past years.
“Over the past few years, the UAE has positioned itself as an essential business hub connecting the Middle East to the world. Due to its dynamic and robust economy, it has become a destination of choice for business people and wealthy individuals seeking financial success,” Croci added.
“There is also a strong push by the UAE for new-age technologies such as machine learning, artificial intelligence, automation, and e-commerce.”
Innovation, entrepreneurship, and advanced industries remain a clear focus for the UAE as part of its plan to create a diversified knowledge-based economy in line with the UAE Centennial Plan 2071. With this active policy intervention the UAE can emerge as the tech hub of the Arab world with an ambition of becoming home to 20 tech companies worth $1 billion or more by 2031.
“The Golden Visa allow entrepreneurs and technology investors to live in the country for up to 10 years, longer than regular visas, with long-term financial planning and the opportunity to consider the UAE as home.
“The Golden Visa clearly shows how progressive the UAE is when it comes to supporting the entrepreneurial ecosystem. Exciting times ahead for the UAE and its startup ecosystem,” Croci concluded.
How UAE’s new Golden Visa rules will benefit startups in the region
Entrepreneurs in the UAE are hailing the new Golden Visa regulations as yet another “great move forward,” in strengthening the country’s startup ecosystem.
The new executive regulations coming in to effect next month, set flexible requirements for entrepreneurs and startup owners to obtain the ten-year residency visa, making it easier to attract top talent and businesses to the country, industry stakeholders told Arabian Business.
“As a business owner, entrepreneur, employer, mother and long-term resident of the UAE, I fully welcome the broadening of the rules and ability for more people to be eligible. The UAE is an attractive place to do business, live and create amazing things,” said Kate Midttun, founder and CEO, Acorn Strategy and Abu Dhabi’s first female Golden Visa holder.
“Allowing access for more people to do that and have control over their journey and future through the Golden Visa programme is a great thing. The impact as a business is huge, forging a stronger talent pool and making the region much more competitive globally,” she continued.
Kate Midttun, founder and CEO of Acorn Strategy
Golden visa eligibility criteria for entrepreneurs include owning or being a partner in a UAE-registered startup that generates annual revenues of $272,250 (AED 1 million) and above, having approval from an official body for a startup idea or being a former founder of an entrepreneurial project that sold for not less than $1.9m (AED7m).
“These visa reforms make a lot of sense in the short to medium term. The UAE’s projected 4.2 percent growth for 2022 is no surprise given that researchers in the US found that entrepreneurs who started their business in a recession were more likely to thrive and innovate due to adversity giving them a greater hunger for success. And UAE stock markets are buoyant, money is pouring into later-stage venture capital, with VC funding reaching $2.6bn last year, 138 percent more than the funding in 2020,” said Ramesh Jagannathan, NYU Abu Dhabi Associate Dean of Engineering, and startAD managing director.
“The global consumer class will reach 5.2 billion people by 2030, out of which, over three billion of them will be in India, China, Africa referred to as the “ICA Corridor”. Given that the MENA is part of the ICA Corridor, there is an opportunity to ‘ride the wave’ of India and China’s global tech dominance by becoming dominant in the global entrepreneurial economic landscape.”
Ramesh Jagannathan, NYU Abu Dhabi Associate Dean of Engineering, and startAD managing director
“There is a white space available for the UAE to walk into, with a good strategy and patient execution and, as such, the latest visa reforms are another vital ingredient to add to the recipe that will create a dominant MENA digital economy fit for the evolving 21st Century needs,” Jagannathan added.
The new rules will allow the Golden Visa holder to sponsor his/ her family members, including spouses and children regardless of their age.
“This is yet another great move forward from the UAE government in its efforts to attract entrepreneurs to the region and give them all the incentives to launch businesses that can go on to make valuable contributions to the economy of the UAE as well as the wider Middle East,” said Ryaan Sharif, general manager, Flat6Labs, a seed and early-stage venture capital firm.
“Obviously, there is still more to be done, however, every change to proactively assist entrepreneurs in moving to the UAE and putting down roots here helps us in attracting the top talent globally,” Sharif continued.
Under the new executive regulations, the UAE Golden Visa will grant 10-year residence to investors, entrepreneurs, exceptional talents, scientists and professionals, outstanding students and graduates, humanitarian pioneers, and frontline heroes, who meet certain eligibility parameters.
“This is great news all around for the startup ecosystem for both founders and Investors. It gives visibility and longevity to current and past founders, creates a fantastic environment for founders who want to become VCs (a growing trend) and sets up access to attract and retain a large and diversified talent pool,” said Derek Watson, founder and CEO of N2 Technology, a business focused on accelerating the funding process for startups and investors.
“It begs the question why would you want to be a startup or investor based anywhere else?” he added.
