What does UAE resident visa give and how to get it?

In this article, we will look in detail at what a UAE resident visa is and how you can apply for one. We will also talk about the advantages of the “gold” and “green” visa, and keep you up to date with current innovations in this area.

What is a UAE resident visa?

A resident visa in the United Arab Emirates is a special permit that allows foreigners to reside in the country for a long period of time. For Russians the period of visa-free stay in the UAE is 90 days, while citizens of Kazakhstan can stay for 60 days, citizens of Ukraine - 60 days, and Belarusians - only 30 days. If you plan to stay in the UAE for a longer period of time, you need to obtain a resident visa, which is considered an analog of a residence permit. To do this, you also need to obtain a resident card, known as Emirates ID.

Terms and types of visas

The standard resident visa is issued for two years with the possibility of extension. “Golden” visa, which gives special privileges, can be obtained for a period of two to ten years, also with the right to extend. In the near future, the UAE plans to introduce a five-year “green visa”, which will open up new opportunities for residents.

Advantages of a resident visa

With residency status, you will have the opportunity:

• Work and run a business;
• Open bank accounts;
• Rent a place to live;
• Obtain a local driver's license;
• Enroll children in international schools;
• Provide health insurance for services provided by public health facilities.

Moreover, residents can become tax residents of the UAE, where there are low tax rates and attractive conditions for avoiding double taxation with other countries.

How do I get a UAE resident visa?

Now on to how you can get a UAE resident visa. There are several main ways including:

• Employment;
• Starting a business;
• Real Estate Investments;
• Having unique talents in an area.

If you obtain a visa through employment, you will receive a regular resident visa for two years with the possibility of extension. All administrative costs of the visa are borne by the employer. The principal applicant is also authorized to sponsor family members: spouse and children under 21 years of age, whether unmarried or married.

If you decide to start a business or work as a freelancer, you can also apply for a standard resident visa for yourself. In this case, the validity period will be two years with the possibility of extension. Your family - spouse and unmarried children under the age of 21 - can also obtain sponsor visas and stay with you in the UAE.

Obtaining a “golden visa” through investments

As for the “golden visa”, in order to obtain it through real estate investments, you will need to purchase an object for the amount of two million dirhams, which is equivalent to about 545 thousand dollars. Previously, this threshold was much higher and many investors delayed their decisions. Now this opportunity makes the real estate market in the emirates more attractive to foreign buyers.

We monitor all changes regarding UAE residency visa processing on an ongoing basis, and we encourage you to follow the latest updates to keep up to date with new opportunities that may assist in your move or investment in this country.

Introduction to the golden visa

The Golden Visa, which involves investing in real estate during the construction phase, is available both through developers and by purchasing from private owners through the transfer of rights system. The main requirement for its application is to make a down payment, which is approximately 20% of the value of the property, which corresponds to an amount of about $108,918.

Visa application requirements

The remaining funds can be repaid in installments or by using a mortgage loan. It is important that the object is at least 10% ready. In the process of obtaining a visa, the following documents must be submitted:

• Documents proving ownership or oqood;
• Disbursement statement from the builder (soa).

Each application is reviewed individually, taking into account various criteria.

Special visas for retirees

There is also a special visa for retirees, which is valid for five years. It can be obtained when purchasing a home worth AED 1 million or more, which is equivalent to about $272,500. This program is intended for people over 55 years of age.

For a standard two-year visa, you need to purchase real estate worth a minimum of AED 750,000, which is about $205,000. If you retain ownership of the apartment that was used to obtain residency status, you will be able to extend the validity of your visa.

Financing and down payment

If you are planning to apply for a visa to purchase real estate, there is an option to use a mortgage loan or installments.

New Opportunities for Golden Visa Holders

First of all, holders of the “golden visa” can now stay outside the United Arab Emirates without any time restrictions, which completely changes the earlier rule, according to which the maximum period of departure was six months. For other types of resident visas, the previous restriction conditions continue to apply.

Expanded Sponsorship Opportunities

In addition, under the latest reforms, “golden visa” holders become eligible not only to sponsor their spouses, but also unmarried daughters regardless of their age, as well as sons under thirty who are also unmarried. In the past, such options were much more limited. Importantly, parents of these visa holders can now also legally reside in the country, whereas previously this was only possible on a temporary basis and through a separate immigration procedure. Applications for sponsorship can only be made once the main visa has been successfully obtained.

Rights of Heirs

If the main Golden Visa holder dies, his/her relatives can stay in the UAE until their residency status expires. In addition, the grace period after the expiration or revocation of the visa has been increased: it is now as long as six months, whereas previously it was limited to one month.

Privileges in Dubai and Abu Dhabi

Picturesque cities such as Abu Dhabi and Dubai are expected to extend privileges for Golden Visa holders through new partnership programs. This will give residents access to discounts on a wide range of services including:

• Car purchases
• Real estate
• Health insurance
• Banking services

Advantages of the Green Visa

As for the “green visa”, it should be noted that it represents a completely new type of residency. This visa allows foreigners to legally reside in the country without the need to find a sponsor or employer. At the same time, the validity period of the “green visa” is five years.

Criteria for Applicants

Some categories of green visa applicants overlap with the new gold visa conditions, but for them the requirements are less stringent. For example:

• The minimum salary for skilled workers seeking a “golden visa” is AED 30,000 (approximately $8,167).
• For a green visa, the threshold is lowered to 15,000 dirhams (about $4,084).

Family Opportunities for Green Visa Holders

Green visa holders can travel to the country with their spouses, as well as unmarried daughters of any age and sons up to the age of 25 (previously, the maximum age limit for sons was 18). In addition, “green visa” holders have the opportunity to take advantage of a grace period of six months to apply for a new visa.

Program Implementation Phase

It should be noted that the implementation of the “green visa” program is still at the initial stage, and clarifications and adjustments to the rules of its application are expected in the future.

Conclusion

To conclude my extensive analysis of the UAE resident visa, I would like to emphasize that this status opens up many opportunities for its holders. Almost every aspect of life in this dynamically developing country becomes accessible thanks to the visa, whether it is the opportunity to run a business, work, open a bank account or teach children in international schools.

I have neatly reviewed the key ways of obtaining a resident visa and visibly highlighted the positives, such as the 'gold' and 'green' visas, which have become particularly relevant in recent years.

Advantages of a resident visa

• Golden visaProvides unique benefits, including long term care and lodging options for immediate family members.
• Green visapending implementation, will provide additional opportunities for freelancers and professionals wishing to develop their skills in the UAE.
• Pension visaopens its doors to a new category of people seeking a comfortable life in a well-deserved retirement.

The UAE is an attractive location for living and working, because the country actively supports foreign specialists and investors, creating the most comfortable conditions for them. Every year the country is developing, offering new opportunities for those wishing to settle here.

Now that information in this area is constantly being updated, I recommend keeping up with changes and new regulations so that you don't miss out on the chance to live in one of the fastest growing countries in the world. I hope my article has helped you better understand the benefits of a UAE residency visa and embellished your idea of living in this beautiful place.