New UAE visa system: Changes to Golden, Green residencies; family sponsorship rules; entry permits explained

New UAE visa system: Changes to Golden, Green residencies; family sponsorship rules; entry permits explained

Five key aspects of the new services you need to know before they go into effect next month

Published: Tue 6 Sep 2022, 1:19 PM

Emiratis, expatriates, investors and visitors will benefit from streamlined processes and simplified procedures with the launch of new UAE passport and visa services.

The Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs and Port Security (ICP) announced the launch of the third generation of the UAE passport and the trial run of an “advanced visa system”.

The new visa scheme, which will come into force on October 3, introduces new residency tracks and entry permits, and simplifies existing options. Here, we explore the sweeping changes that have been made to the country’s entry and residence system for expatriates:

>> Changes to Golden Visa scheme

Several amendments have been introduced to the Golden Visa scheme, allowing more categories of people to get the coveted 10-year visa.

- More skilled professionals can get the long-term residency, with the minimum monthly salary requirement dropping from Dh50,000 to Dh30,000. Disciplines include medicine, sciences and engineering, information technology, business and administration, education, law, culture and social sciences. Applicants should have a valid employment contract in the UAE, and be classified in the first or second occupational level as per