The UAE has been consistently ranked as one of the best countries for expats. This can be attributed to the highly supportive government policies, as well as the welcoming community of existing expatriates of varied nationalities.
Now more than ever is the best time to settle in the UAE, as gaining entry has been made so much easier. Anyone can quickly get a flight ticket to the country from any part of the world. Thanks to the newly announced Advanced Visa System, investment incentives are being offered to interested foreigners that have been attracting expats, digital nomads and freelance workers to the Emirates.
Here’s why right now is the best time to be an expat in the UAE.
New entry visas
The UAE government has introduced sweeping changes to the existing visa policies by relaxing the entry visa requirements, removing the need for sponsors, and extending the eligibility of entry visas for a wide range of foreigners, from jobseekers to investors and more.
Job Exploration Entry Visa
The Job Exploration Entry Visa is for foreigners seeking to find jobs in the UAE. Applicants:
- Do not need a sponsor or a host
- Be freshly graduated from the top 500 universities in the world
- Have a minimum education of bachelor’s level degree
- Must be first, second or third skill level by the UAE’s Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation.
Business Entry Visa
Business seekers and investors can now easily enter the UAE by applying for a Business Entry Visa without the need for a sponsor or host. The application process is also fairly simple and can be easily obtained.
Family visa
According to the latest changes made to the Family Visa:
- Male children can be sponsored up to 25 years of age (earlier, the maximum age limit was up to 18)
- There is no age limit on sponsoring unmarried women
Entry permit for a temporary work mission
Foreigners can enter the UAE for short-term projects and work missions, sponsored by their respective employers by applying for an entry permit for temporary work missions.
Entry permit for study and training
International students from reputed institutions who are willing to pursue further studies in the Emirates can apply for an entry permit for studying and training. This entry permit requires sponsorship from the concerned institution.
Entry permit to visit relatives or friends
Expats in the UAE can feel right at home as the entry permit to visit relatives or friends allows foreigners who are related to expats living in the UAE to enter the country without the need for a sponsor.
Residence permit for humanitarian cases
The eligibility for residence visas has been extended to:
- Widows with children whose husband was a UAE national
- Parents and children of UAE citizens holding foreign passports
- Foreign passport holders who are spouses or children of GCC citizens
Digital Nomad Visa
Owing to the growing trend of Digital Nomads and remote working professionals, the UAE has recognized this demand and introduced a virtual working program. The Remote Work Visa allows digital nomads, freelancers, entrepreneurs and other working professionals to work remotely in Dubai for a year while you continue to work for your existing employer outside the UAE.
The prerequisites for the Digital Nomad Visa are a valid passport with at least 6 months of validity and necessary health insurance.
Employees need to:
- provide proof of employment
- earn a minimum salary of USD 5,000 per month
- Submit bank statements for the preceding three months
Company owners need to:
- provide proof of ownership of the company
- earn an average monthly income of USD 5,000 per month
- Submit bank statements of the company’s account for the preceding three months
Added incentives to existing residence visas
The two long-term residence visas, Golden Visa and Green Visa have been revamped to increase the perks and incentives offered to the visa holders.
Golden Visa
Eligibility: Scientists, skilled workers, exceptional talents, real estate investors, entrepreneurs, students, humanitarian pioneers, doctors and nurses
Validity: 10 years
According to the latest updates, the minimum salary requirement for the Golden Visa has been reduced to AED 30,000 from the previously set limit of AED 50,000. Visa holders can also stay abroad as long as they want without risking losing the validity of their visa. They can also sponsor any number of domestic help and there is no age limit on sponsoring children as well.
Green Visa
Eligibility: Skilled employees, freelancers, and investors
Validity: 5 years
The sponsorship privileges of Green Visa holders have been extended, as they can now sponsor family members for the duration of their residence. Male children can be sponsored up to 25 years of age (earlier, the maximum age limit was up to 18), and the age limit for sponsoring unmarried daughters has been removed. Moreover, the grace period after the Green Visa expires has been extended to 6 months.