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UAE Golden Visa rules launch 3/10/22. Here’s everything you need to know about eligibility, application process, benefits and more

Benefits and how to apply New UAE Golden Visa, Green Visa, long-term visit visa:

First announced on Monday, April 18, by the UAE Cabinet – led by Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, the UAE Vice President, Prime Minister, and Ruler of Dubai – the sweeping changes are already benefitting the country’s economy.

You are reading: New UAE Golden Visa, Green Visa, long-term visit visa rules come into effect 3/10/22

The long-term visas are being granted to investors, entrepreneurs, startup owners, exceptional talents, scientists, professionals in various fields, outstanding students and graduates, humanitarian pioneers, and frontline heroes.

The benefits of long-term visas and Golden Visas will extend to immediate family members. Children can be sponsored by the 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

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.

You are reading: New UAE Golden Visa, Green Visa, long-term visit visa rules come into effect 3/10/22

The five-year UAE Green Residence visa

Which targets exceptional talent, skilled professionals, freelancers, self-employed residents, investors, and entrepreneurs – replaces its previous two-year version.

Number of new entry permits and visas

For the first time – do not need a host or sponsor have been announced by the UAE Cabinet to benefit visitors, tourists, and job seekers.

Here’s a detailed overview of everything you need to know about each of the UAE’s new visa types launching on October 3, 2022:

UAE Golden Visa: Eligibility criteria and benefits

In addition to securing their stay in the UAE for a period of 10 years, the new rules will allow the Golden Visa holder to sponsor his/ her family members, including spouse and children regardless of their age, and to sponsor support services (domestic) labourers without limiting their number.

You are reading: New UAE Golden Visa, Green Visa, long-term visit visa rules come into effect 3/10/22

Furthermore, the restriction related to the maximum duration of stay outside the UAE in order to keep the Golden Residence valid has been removed.

There are other benefits for family members that allow them to stay in the UAE in the event of the death of the original holder of the Golden Residence until the end of their permit duration.

UAE Golden Visa eligibility criteria:

Eligibility criteria for the UAE Golden Residence Scheme has been simplified and the categories of people eligible to apply for the long-term 10-year visa have been expanded under a new set of executive regulations.

You are reading: New UAE Golden Visa, Green Visa, long-term visit visa rules come into effect 3/10/22

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.

1. Golden Visa for scientists:
   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.





2. Golden Visa for professionals:
   The UAE Cabinet has revealed a major expansion in this category to attract highly skilled workers with educational qualifications and professional experience in all disciplines, including medicine, sciences and engineering, information technology, business and administration, education, law, culture, and social sciences.





3. Golden Visa for exceptional talents:
   The UAE Golden Residence visa will be granted to top talents in vital fields.
   
   It will be awarded based on talent only regardless of the educational qualification, employment status, monthly salary, or professional level.
   
   It requires the recommendation or approval of a federal or local government entity, and includes talented individuals in culture, art, sports, digital technology, inventors, and innovators in other vital fields.





4. Golden Visa for real estate investors:
   Real estate investors can obtain Golden Residence when purchasing a property worth no less than $544,500 (AED 2 million).
   
   As per the new amendments, investors are also entitled to obtain the Golden Residence when purchasing a property with a loan from specific local banks.
   
   Investors can also obtain Golden Residence when buying one or more off-plan properties of no less than $544,500 (AED 2 million) from approved local real estate companies.





5. Golden Visa for outstanding students and graduates:
   This long-term, 10-year visa will also target high-performing students in UAE secondary schools, and outstanding graduates from UAE universities, as well as from the best 100 universities worldwide, according to specific criteria that includes their academic performance (cumulative average), the year of graduation, and the university classification.





6. Humanitarian pioneers:
   As per the UAE government, humanitarian pioneers are also eligible under the new Golden Visa rules. Such as distinguished members of international and regional organisations, outstanding members of associations of public benefit, recipients of recognition awards in humanitarian fields and distinguished volunteers and sponsors of humanitarian efforts.





7. Frontline heroes:
   Frontline workers with extraordinary efforts in crises, such as the COVID-19 pandemic can also get the Golden visa under the new rules issued by the UAE government.





8. Golden Visa for entrepreneurs and startup owners:
   The new executive regulations have also set flexible requirements for entrepreneurs eligible to obtain the Golden Residence.

Additional Golden Visa eligibility criteria for entrepreneurs and startups owners includes:

• Entrepreneurs should own or be a partner in a startup registered in the UAE under the small and medium enterprises (SMEs) category, and the registered startup must generate annual revenues of not less than $272,250 (AED 1 million).





• Entrepreneurs or startup owners who obtain approval for a startup idea from an official business incubator, from the Ministry of Economy, or from a competent local authority will be deemed eligible to obtain the Golden Residence in this category.





• Entrepreneurs who are founders – or one of the founders – of a previous entrepreneurial project(s) that was sold for a total of not less than $1.9 million (AED 7 million) will be entitled to the UAE Golden visa. For this category, the approval of the Ministry of Economy or competent local authorities will be required for projects or ideas.

Additional Golden Visa eligibility criteria for professionals includes:

• Applicants should have a valid employment contract in the UAE.





• Applicants should be classified in the first or second occupational level as per the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation classification, which is aligned with the International Standard of Classification of Occupations ISCO by the International Labour Organisation.





• Applicants must have a minimum educational level and must have a bachelor’s degree or equivalent.





• Applicants should have a monthly salary of not be less than $8,167 (AED 30,000).

You are reading: New UAE Golden Visa, Green Visa, long-term visit visa rules come into effect 3/10/22

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What is the Job Seeker Visa and who is eligible? Here are the details you need to know about new UAE Job Seeker Visa

The job seeker visa is granted to those classified in the first, second or third skill level per the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratization and to the latest graduates of the top 500 universities in the world.

According to the announcement by the UAE government, the new visas that were announced – which includes the visa to explore job opportunities – have the following features:

1. Require no host or sponsor
2. Offer more flexibility, multiple-entry options
3. 60 days validity
4. One unified platform to apply through

While details of the platform for application have not yet been announced, the validity of the visa for 60 days is double the duration of regular one-month visit visas.

Jobseekers are set to be the biggest beneficiaries of the UAE's new visa rules, with experts predicting an influx of people looking to come to the Emirates to explore employment opportunities.

The new visa rules, which came into effect on Monday, October 3, represent one of the biggest shake-ups to the UAE's immigration policy in years after being approved by the Cabinet in April.

The jobs market in the UAE is growing. Last month, UAE jobs portal Bayt.com and market research agency You Gov reported that about 70 per cent of UAE companies plan to hire new employees next year.

Half of all companies surveyed plan to recruit a maximum of five new staff members over the next three months, while 25 per cent will hire between six and 10 employees.

The jobseeker visa was introduced to attract young talent and skilled professionals to explore job opportunities in the country.

Who can apply for the new job seeker visa ?

The visa is open to those classified in the first, second or third skill level per the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratization and to the latest graduates of the top 500 universities in the world.

It does not require a sponsor or a host.

The minimum educational level should be a bachelor's degree or its equivalent.

How long is the Job Seeker Visa valid for?

The job seeker visa is multi-entry and valid for 60 days.

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What is a freelance visa in Dubai?

The UAE freelance visa is one of the most popular visas in the UAE, which allows the holder to self-sponsor themselves and work in the areas permissible. In words of one syllable, it’s your ticket to freedom! Freedom to live in your favorite country, freedom to utilize your talent and skills your way to make money, freedom to work when you can, freedom to work from the comfort of your home or even car, freedom to travel wherever, whenever you want!

Residents moving to Dubai will find that there is great flexibility when it comes to working in the emirate, whether it’s establishing their own business or working as a freelancer. With the rising popularity of the ‘gig economy’, there have been initiatives introduced to make it easier and cheaper for freelancers to operate in Dubai. A whole host of people from the world over migrate to Dubai, the city where dreams turn into reality in the blink of an eye. Thanks to the approachable visa system of the country and of course, the business-friendly policies!

WHO SHOULD APPLY FOR THE FREELANCE VISA IN DUBAI?

There are various sectors for which you can obtain freelancer eligibility in Dubai:

• Education 





• Media





• Tech

If you are pursuing professions such as acting, screenwriting, journalism, advertising, training, education advisor, customer service or web development, you are eligible to apply for the freelance visa in Dubai. You can find a complete list of freelance activities that you are permitted to carry out with this visa on the GoFreelance website. 

Please note that the Dubai Internet City will issue your freelance permit if you are working in the Tech sector, Dubai Media City for the media sector and Dubai Knowledge Park for the education sector. 

BENEFITS OF HAVING A FREELANCE VISA IN DUBAI

There are several benefits of having a freelance permit and visa in Dubai. Firstly, it allows you the flexibility to work for multiple companies. If you plan to work in any of the sectors mentioned above and don’t want a 9-to-5 job, becoming a freelancer in Dubai could be your best career move. 

Additionally, the affordability of having a freelance visa in Dubai means you can offer your services at much lower prices. With the Go-Freelance package, the setup costs are much lower and no office space is required, allowing more freelancers to enter the market. 

Having a freelance visa and permit in Dubai also allows you to work as an independent contractor for companies across the UAE and allows you access to the free zone’s business centre, as well. 

With the freelance visa in Dubai, you can also sponsor family members to come and live with you in an apartment or villa for rent in Dubai. However, bear in mind that you cannot sponsor employees with your freelance permit and visa.

It’s no more a secret that hiring freelancers in Dubai is quite inexpensive as compared to a full-time employee, and employers know that they can save up to 50% on operational costs by hiring freelancers in Dubai. Therefore, a freelancer visa is a win-win for both! So many people are switching from their 9-hours-routine jobs to freelancing for work-life balance. But this is just one of many reasons. When it comes to the merits of freelancing in Dubai, the world is your oyster! The affordability of having a freelance visa in Dubai and no requirement of office space to start a business allow more freelancers to enter the market. Not only, a freelance visa in Dubai is cost-efficient but also easy to acquire. Some of the benefits that you get to enjoy after getting a freelance permit and visa in Dubai are:

• Flexibility to work for multiple companies





• Freedom from mundane 9-to-5 job





• Can be your side hustle





• You are your own boss





• Getting a corporate bank account organized is uncomplicated. Once you are set up in your free zone, you are able to access the most relevant bank to your industry needs





• When you are freelancing, you don’t need to have a separate company name. Your name itself acts as the trade name or brand





• No limit on monthly income





• Access to the free zone’s business center





• The freelancing community is on the radar of the Dubai Government





• Freelancers are not subject to frequent audits like other fully-fledged companies. Neither do they have to file structured financial reports etc. at a regular frequency





• You can sponsor your family members to come and live with you. You might want to check up on the new family visa requirements in the UAE here





• No need to rent an office space (Hello savings!)





• Freedom to travel to your home country or any other country anytime





• You have enough flexibility as you can work any time, anywhere





• Some activities such as writing give you the freedom to work from anywhere in the world from the comfort of your home





• No regular travel expenses & hassles





• Affordable way to get 3-year residency in the UAE





• You are able to offer your services at much lower prices, which means more business





• Low setup costs as there is no need of office, business insurance, employees-related formalities, bookkeeping, etc.





• Access to a huge market as the Emirate has no dearth of businesses, employers, companies and even tourists and residents looking for best and cheap freelancers in Dubai with great skills

What are the disadvantages of working as a freelancer in Dubai?

They say, hope for the best, prepare for the worst! And for that, you must see both sides of the coin. Becoming a freelancer in Dubai could be your best career move but you should know the cons of obtaining a freelance visa as well.

• You cannot sponsor employees with your freelance permit and visa





• The freelance visa/permit is only for one person, and that is you. This simply means you cannot hire any employee to work for you. For that, you have to have a trade license and so much more





• You are required to have a certain aptitude for the freelance lifestyle. This includes being comfortable working alone, self-motivation and being relentless in networking and chasing bills





• You need to have some sort of financial backup as it is likely that you may initially have to spend a few months to a year, networking and developing a portfolio





• You have to keep track of the visa expiry date





• You have to stay up-to-date on the ever-changing rules and regulations in the Dubai because you are the boss of your business





• You have to be very careful about the project deadlines if you want more business through word of mouth





• Freelance permits are open to individuals from only four sectors in Dubai





• A freelancer cannot have Tax Registration Number (TRN) that are mainly required by larger corporations to be engaged. However, you can still get business from small to medium-scale businesses that do not need TRN





• No proper office environment, which can cause distractions and low work efficiency. You may use your clients’ office or co-working spaces available in the designated free zone if required, though





• Freelance visas and work permits are dispensed by free zones, which means they are restricted to that particular FEZ

If the advantages of having a freelance visa outweigh the disadvantages of having a freelancer visa in Dubai, then a freelance visa can be your best bet in Dubai.

Which free zone is best in the UAE for a freelance visa?

It is not about the best free zone, but about the right free zone when it comes to getting a Dubai freelance visa. Dubai boasts more than 35 free zones, and each free zone entices different clients. While some are designed for creative businesses, some are specific to technology, education or even medical services. Researching before choosing one is momentous as there are myriad factors you want to consider, such as your industry and place of residence, before embarking on your freelancer journey.

HOW TO APPLY FOR FREELANCER VISA IN DUBAI

Applying for the Go-Freelance’s permit and freelance visa in Dubai is now a simple process that requires only a few steps. To get the freelance visa in Dubai, you will initially need to apply for the freelance permit or license to be registered as a freelancer in the emirate. 

1. APPLY ONLINE FOR THE PERMIT

You can apply for the freelance permit in the UAE through the GoFreelance website. Select the option Go Apply and fill out the application form and submit the required documents. 

DOCUMENTS FOR FREELANCER PERMIT IN DUBAI

Some of the documents needed to apply for the freelance permit in Dubai include: 

• Resume/CV





• Recent photograph





• Passport and visa copy (valid for at least 8 months) 





• Bank reference letter





• NOC from your UAE sponsor

Please note that if you are applying to the education sector, you will have to submit proof of academic qualifications, which must be certified either by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs or the UAE Consulate in your country of origin. Likewise, if you are applying in the media sector, you will have to submit a portfolio or sample of your work. 

If you are applying in the education or tech sector, you can only choose one activity when applying for the permit. 

Table of Difference: Freelance Visa Vs. Freelance Permit in Dubai, UAE

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