Remote Working To Multi-Entry Tourist Visa: List Of All The New UAE Visa Options You Must Be Aware Of

by Vaishnavi Venkataraman
Remote Working To Multi-Entry Tourist Visa: List Of All The New UAE Visa Options You Must Be Aware Of

Over the last few months, the UAE has announced a whole lot of new visas. From permitting remote working to a new scheme for retirees and multiple entry into the country for tourists, the country has made several tweaks to its visa scheme. Here’s a lo-down of all the new visa schemed introduced recently in the UAE.

1. 5-Year Multi-Entry Tourist Visa

n a bid to strengthen the UAE’s status as a global economic capital, His Highness approved a multiple-entry tourist visa for all nationalities. The visa permits travelers across the globe visit UAE multiple times, within five years for up to 90 days for each visit. Sheikh Mohammed said the first- of-its-kind visa is aimed at establishing the UAE as a major ‘global tourism destination’ and preparing the country for the next 50 years. At present, UAE welcomes about 21 million visitors each year and this move is expected to provide a boost to the tourism industry and make it easier for residents to invite relatives to the country for visits.

2. Remote Working Visas

Ever since the pandemic broke out, work from home has become the new norm. Dubai launched a unique new programme that enables overseas remote working professionals to live in Dubai while continuing to serve their employers in their home country. The visa aims to attract employers across the globe to relocate to Dubai. Applicants will be eligible all services in Dubai including mobile phone, internet, utilities, and schooling. Besides, they will also be eligible for tax-free salaries, applicable to all UAE residents.

Applicants must have a passport with minimum 6 months validity. In addition, health insurance with UAE coverage validity is also mandatory. All applicants must submit proof of Employment from current employer with a one-year contract validity, a minimum of US$5,000 per month salary, last month’s payslip and 3 preceding months’ bank statements. In case the applicant is a company owner, proof of ownership of company for one year or more, with an average monthly income of US$5,000 per month, and 3 preceding months’ bank statements

To apply for the annual programme, click here. The programme costs US$287 plus medical insurance with valid UAE coverage and processing fee per person.

3. 10 Year Golden Residency Visa

In a big move, the UAE introduced a 10 year golden residency visa in 2020. These are long term visas that are available to specific individuals within the UAE. All doctors, engineers in the fields of computer engineering, electronics, programming, electricity and biotechnology will be eligible for UAE’s10 year visa.  In addition, residents who hold degrees in specialised subjects including artificial intelligence, big data and epidemiology and viruses will also be considered. Here’s a list of who is eligible for the 10-year Golden Visa.

  1. Investors
  2. Entrepreneurs
  3. Professional talents
  4. Researchers in various fields of science and knowledge
  5. Outstanding students

4. 5-Year Retirement Visa

In September 2018, the UAE Cabinet approved a law to provide retired residents over the age of 55 a long-term visa for a period of 5 years. The visa may be renewed if the eligibility criteria is met.

For a retiree to be eligible for a 5-year renewable retirement visa, he must fulfill one of the following criteria:

  • invest in a property worth AED 2 million
  • have financial savings of no less than AED 1 million
  • have an active income of no less than AED 20,000 per month.

The visa is valid for 5 years with the possibility of renewing it if they meet the eligibility criteria.

5. Students Can Sponsor Their Families

As per a Cabinet resolution approved on January 24, foreign university students can sponsor their family members as long as they can afford suitable housing. The visa allows foreign university students to invite their family members to come to the UAE, as long as they can afford suitable housing.