UAE’s Golden Visa Rules Come into Effect Next Month

The UAE’s Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs, and Ports Security (ICA) said the new set of regulations regarding entry permits and long-term residence for expats will entry force in September 2022.

The new rules expand the accessibility for the 10-year Golden Visa and the five-year Green Residence Visa and add entry permits and visas for visitors, relatives, tourists, and jobseekers looking to fly into the UAE.

Under the new rules, the long-term visas extend greater benefits for family members residing in the country, and offer flexible grace periods of up to 6 months after the expiry or cancellation of residency.

Residents who have been granted a Golden Visa will no longer need to return to the UAE once in six months to keep the visa valid.

Other new advantages for Golden Residence holders include the removal of the maximum number of support service workers – such as maids – that could be brought in under the visa. Additionally, family members will be permitted to stay in the UAE for the duration of the residency visa in the event of the death of the person who obtained the Golden Visa.

The Golden Visa residency has also been extended to include scholars, specialists, and exceptional talents, in accordance with the regulations established in this regard.

As for the green residency, it now includes three types of residencies:

1. the green residency for the skilled worker;
2. the green residency for self-employment;
3. a green residency for investors or partners, without the need of a sponsor or an employer.

The Green Residency replaces the previous residency, which was valid only for two years, and at the same time has simpler eligibility criteria.

The Green Residence visa will also allow residents to sponsor their children until the age of 25, raising it from the previous rule which capped the age of sponsored children at 18. Unmarried girls and children of determination can remain under the special long-term residency as long as the visa is valid, irrespective of age.