Introduction

Dubai, the jewel of the Middle East, continues to captivate the hearts and imaginations of people worldwide with its blend of modernity, tradition, and opportunity. Currently, the Emirates announced the new visa rules in UAE with important changes in the laws. Likewise, with the implementation of these new regulations, both residents and expatriates will be affected. However, the changes will be more convenient because they improve the experience with visas, jobs, and travel.

New multiple-entry visas for business and leisure travelers are available in the UAE. The UAE government intends to introduce a new five-year, multiple-entry tourist visa. According to new visa rules, it will not require a sponsor and permit stays of up to 90 days, with the possibility of an additional 90 days.

Types of Dubai Visas

There are three main types of employment visas in the UAE:

Standard Work Visa.
Green Visa.
Golden Visa.

1.Standard Work Visa

This is the most common type of work visa sponsored by an employer in the private sector, government sector, or free zones.

Key features:

  • Valid for 2 years
  • Renewable
  • Sponsored by an employer
  • Allows employees to work for the sponsoring employer only

2.Golden visa

The UAE’s ‘Golden visa’ is a long-term residence visa which enables foreign talents to live, work or study in the UAE while enjoying exclusive benefits which include: an entry visa for six months with multiple entries to proceed with residence issuance. a long-term, renewable residence visa valid for 5 or 10 years.

Eligibility Criteria To be eligible for the Golden Visa for public investors, you must invest at least AED 5 million in a public project in the UAE. The project must be approved by the UAE government.

Who is eligible for a Dubai Golden Visa?

Investors, entrepreneurs, scientists, outstanding students and graduates, humanitarian pioneers and frontline heroes are among those eligible for the Golden visa.

3.Green Visa

Introduced in 2022, the Green Visa targets skilled professionals, freelancer, investors and entrepreneurs.

Key benefits:

  • 5-year validity
  • No sponsor or employer is required
  • Renewable on the same terms
  • More flexibility in work and residency

The eligibility criteria vary for different categories

Freelancers/Self-Employed:
  • Proof of freelancing permit
  • Bachelor’s degree or specialized diploma
  • Minimum annual income of AED 360,000 for the past two years Skilled Employees:
  • Minimum monthly salary of AED 15,000
  • Classified as skill level 1, 2 or 3
  • Bachelor’s degree or equivalent qualification

4.Dubai Blue Visa:

The Blue visa is a 10-year residence visa designed for individuals who have made an exceptional contribution towards the environment’s protection and sustainability, both inside and outside the UAE.

Eligibility Criteria:

This visa is given to supporters of environmental action, including members of international organizations, international companies, members of associations and non-governmental organizations, global award winners, and distinguished activists and researchers in environmental work.

5.Employment Visa Basics

Here are some key points about eligibility, requirements, and rules for UAE employment visa:

Eligibility

  • Minimum 18 years of age
  • Fall under one of the three skill classification categories based on education.
  • Category 1: Bachelor’s degree holders
  • Category 2: Post-secondary diploma holders
  • Category 3: High school diploma holders
Key Requirements
  • Valid passport (minimum six months validity)
  • Passport photos
  • Entry permit from the Ministry of Labour
  • Signed employment contract
  • Medical screening clearance
  • Health insurance

6.Dubai Student Visa: Academic Aspirations Realized

Dubai offers a thriving educational environment with its Student Visa. Supported by academic institutions across the UAE, this visa ensures students can pursue their studies and partake in part-time employment, subject to certain conditions.

7.Temporary work visa

Candidates for this specific visa may be required to complete project-based or probationary work assignments, among other temporary employment assignments. Eligible applicants must provide documentation of their employment, such as:

  • Temporary job agreement
  • Employment letter
  • Medical certificate

As Dubai continues to position itself as a global hub, the emirate is expected to offer a range of visa opportunities in 2024 that cater to diverse resident and investor profiles.

Here’s an overview of the key visa types and changes that are likely to shape Dubai’s landscape in the coming years:

A. Long-Term Visas:

Dubai has already introduced several long-term visa options, including the 5-year and 10-year visas, which are aimed at attracting and retaining talent, investors, and retirees.
In 2024, these long-term visa programs are expected to be further expanded and refined, offering more flexibility and incentives for individuals to establish a long-term presence in the emirate.

B. Retirement Visas:

Dubai has introduced a dedicated retirement visa, allowing individuals aged 55 and above to retire in the emirate.
This visa program is likely to be enhanced in 2024, with potential changes to the eligibility criteria and benefits, making it more attractive for retirees to choose Dubai as their retirement destination.
Have financial savings of no less than AED 1 million or.

C. Investor and Entrepreneur Visas:

Dubai’s investor and entrepreneur visa schemes, such as the Golden Visa and the Entrepreneur Visa, are expected to continue evolving in 2024. These visas are designed to attract foreign direct investment, innovative startups, and high-net-worth individuals, offering long-term residency and various incentives.

D. Remote Work Visas:
The pandemic has accelerated the trend of remote work, and Dubai has responded by introducing the Remote Work Visa, allowing individuals to live and work remotely from the emirate. In 2024, this program is likely to be further streamlined and promoted, catering to the growing demand for flexible work arrangements.

E. Visa Reforms and Digitalization:
The Dubai government is continuously working to streamline and digitize its visa application and processing systems, making the process more efficient and user-friendly. In 2024, further advancements in this area are anticipated, with the potential for increased integration of online platforms and the adoption of biometric technology.

F. Family Reunification Visas: For expatriates wishing to bring their families to the UAE, the Family Visa facilitates the residence of spouses, children, and dependents. This visa ensures that families can live together, experiencing the richness of Dubai’s cosmopolitan lifestyle. This will help families establish a stronger foothold in Dubai and contribute to the emirate’s long-term population growth and economic development.

These visa opportunities, combined with Dubai’s world-class infrastructure, business-friendly environment, and quality of life, are expected to make the emirate an increasingly attractive destination for a diverse range of individuals, from talent and entrepreneurs to retirees and remote workers, in the coming years.