New Visa Rules in UAE 2024 - Everything You Need to Know

The United Arab Emirates has gone through an all-round development and reached great heights. It has established itself as a destination for successful tourism businesses. The policies, facilities and formation of modern infrastructure attract various individuals around the world to visit the country. This increases the demand for acquiring different types of visas to function according to the needs of the people. 

However, visa processing is a governmental activity that keeps updating depending on the changes in the business and political environment. 

This article will talk about the new visa rules in UAE for 2024. It includes the visa types, eligibility criteria, application process, etc.

Let's begin!

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Types of Visas in UAE and their Rules 

1) Tourist Visa:

Individuals in the UAE acquire a tourist visa because they wish to visit the country for entertainment purposes. This visa permits foreigners to enter the UAE for a specified period of time so that they can travel to attractive tourist locations and experience its culture. 

New UAE Visa Rules 

A tourist visa is eligible for five years, and it enables individuals to enter the UAE multiple times on self-sponsorship. They can remain in the country for 90 days on each visit and extend it for a further 90 days. This visa can be issued for all nationalities.

Conditions to be Followed According to new UAE Visa Rules

The applicant must fulfil certain conditions, like -

• The applicant must have a ticket to and from the UAE.
• Proof of Stay, i.e., hotel/residential address in the UAE.
• A bank balance of 4,000 or its equivalent in foreign currencies since the previous six months.
• A health insurance policy, relevant in the UAE.

According to the new visa rule in UAE, the following documents required for a tourist visa -

Let's look at the following documents required to obtain a tourist visa -

• A Coloured Photo.
• The Tour Programme.
• A Copy of the Passport.
• Lastly, documents that support the above conditions.

2) Business Visa:

A business visa, also known as a residency permit, is a type of license that is granted to foreigners so that they can stay in the country for a period of time to conduct business activities. It is easier for business setup in UAE through this visa.

There are two main types of visas, called -

1. Visit Visa.
2. Residence Visa.

Requirements and Rules for Business Visas in UAE

The authorities of the UAE government issue certain legal regulations to obtain a business visa. 

Let's learn about the requirements and UAE visa rules 2024 for business visas.

• The applicant must be 18 years and above.
• To obtain a business visa, he/she must hold an applicable passport of the country as a resident for at least six months of validity.
• A confirmed travel and return ticket copy with the complete trip plan and departure within 30 days of visa expiration.
• An appropriate bank statement, adhering to the regulations with investment proofs. The applicant must have the required funds to support their stay in Dubai.
• Proof of Accommodation for the UAE stay.
• Offer Letter supporting your visit from your employer.
• Documents including professional qualifications/educational certificates.
• A copy of the business registration certificate and the relevant license.

3) Visit Visa:

Dubai is an emirate popular for tourism. It is home to millions of individuals for various reasons, and that is why the policies of the UAE grant foreigners a multi-entry or one-entry that allows them to visit the country for certain purposes. It is called a visit visa, also known as an entry permit. The purposes of this visa include tourism, visiting a friend/relative, a mission, business/job opportunities, treatments, study/training, and transit.

There are different requirements and new visa rules in UAE 2024, according to the United Arab Emirates Government Portal for each type of visit visa. The UAE visa rules 2024 are as follows -

a) Job Seeker Visit Visa

A visit visa helps foreigners search for new job opportunities without the need for a host/sponsor within the UAE for one trip. The applicant can apply for a job seeker visa with a validity period of 60, 90 or 120 days. 

UAE Visa Rules 2024 and Requirements of a Jobseeker Visa are as follows -

• According to the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation, the applicant must be either in the first, second, or third skill level of the professional levels of jobs.
• According to the regulations by the Ministry of Education, he/she must be a graduate of the best 500 universities in the world. The applicant must have graduated within the last two years.
• Bachelor's Degree or relevant degree must be held by the applicant.
• The applicant must meet the regulations of the prescribed financial guarantee.
• Lastly, documents should include a coloured photo, the applicant's passport, and an attested qualification certificate. 

b) Visit Visa for Investment Opportunities

Similar to the Job Visa, this visit visa is offered to individuals in the UAE to explore investment opportunities. Applicants can apply for a single-entry visa with a validity of 60 days, 90 days or 120 days, which encourages investors and businesspeople to wish for numerous opportunities in the country.

To meet the eligibility criteria, individuals must be -

• Financially Sound
• Talented, or
• Hold High Qualifications.
• A professional of a prospective business in his home country.
• The applicant must meet the regulations of the prescribed financial guarantee.
• Lastly, documents should include a coloured photo, the applicant's passport, and an attested qualification certificate.

Note: There are various other purposes a visit visa can be offered, including patient entry permits, e-Visa for GCC residents, and Transit Visa, which has its own new visa rules in UAE 2024. Applicants can contact consultancy firms for advice and acquire the required visa.

4) Residence Visa

UAE grants a residency visa to investors who wish for long-term residency because it is a country for both investments and residency all around the world. It offers an experience for individuals who wish to establish roots.

There are various types of residence visas that are issued to individuals for specific activities and to meet people's needs. Let's look at the UAE visa rules 2024 for these types of residence visas -

a) Golden Visa

A golden visa is a long-term residence visa that allows expatriates to live, work, and study in the UAE. Business people, investors, students, employees, and service providers are individuals eligible for the golden visa. 

New visa rules in UAE 2024 for the Golden Visa are as follows -

The eligibility criteria for this visa depend on the type of residence, and they are as follows –

• Entrepreneurs and businesses such as startups fulfil registration requirements.
• The category of medium enterprises (SMEs) that maintain an annual revenue of at least AED 1 million or more.
• People wanting to establish long-term residency in Dubai can do so by making real estate investments. The smallest investment amount required is AED 2 million. If the investment includes mortgage or off-plan properties, eligibility can be considered if the combined investment touches AED 2 million or more.
• Scientists & experts in research fields can also qualify for the visa by meeting certain requirements. These include a recommendation letter from the Emirates Science Council (ECG). And holding a Master's and/or PhD degree in life science, natural sciences, and engineering from a reputable university.
• The skilled workers’ category includes people who have a bachelor's degree, a valid employment contract, and/or are earning a monthly salary of AED 30,000. Their occupation must come under level one or two according to the regulations set by the Ministry of Human Resources & Emiratisation.
• The UAE government acknowledges people who've demonstrated talent in fields such as innovation, sports, arts and culture, technology, medicine, and others. These talented people can apply for the Golden Visa. They must also get a letter of recommendation or approval from the government entity to complete the application process.

b) Green Visa

A green visa in UAE is a type of residence visa that allows the applicant to sponsor themselves for five years. This visa helps eliminate a UAE national/employer from sponsoring his/her visa.

Freelancers, self-employed people, and skilled employees can apply for a green visa.

Requirements and UAE visa rules 2024 for each of the applicants are as follows -

Freelancers/Self-Employed People:

• Proof of the Bachelor's degree/specialised diploma.
• The applicants need to submit a freelance/self-employment permit from the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation.
• Evidence of the annual income of the previous two years, which shouldn't be less than AED 360,000/ Proof of financial solvency.

2-Skilled Employees

• Having a salary of not less than 15,000 per month.
• Applicants must have a valid employment contract.
• Bachelor's Degree or its relevant qualification degree.
• Must be working in the first, second, or third occupational level as per the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation.

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There are various other residence visas allowing applicants to stay in the UAE. They are -

• Visa for the retired
• Visa for family members
• Visa for working in the UAE
• Visa for studying in the UAE
• Visa for working outside the UAE
• Visa for doing business in the UAE

Each of them has different requirements and new visa rules in UAE 2024, which can be easily followed after reaching out to an impressive consultancy firm. 

In conclusion, the new visa rules are making a significant mark in the UAE. It helps to increase the economy and offers a simple and easy entrance to international markets. The visa facilities, along with the changes in the UAE visa rules 2024, is attracting skilled professionals, investors, and workers. It initiates family-friendly policies and green visas, which brings the UAE to great heights.

Therefore, it is essential for individuals to be aware of the updates and legal regulations to operate accordingly in the country. They must reach out to a consultancy firm like Commitbiz to understand these rules, the procedures to follow, and the documents required. It helps residents and foreigners make use of the opportunities, which makes their stay in the UAE easier and more enjoyable. Contact us now and avail yourself of the visa services provided by our team.

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