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

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 today (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:

• Visit visas

- All visit visas are available for single or multiple entry and can be renewed for similar periods. They allow a stay of 60 days — up from the previous 30.

- Job exploration visa does not require a sponsor or a host. It is granted to those classified in the first, second or third skill level as per the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation and fresh graduates of the best 500 universities in the world.

- A visitor can apply for an entry permit if he/she is a relative or friend of a UAE citizen or resident. It does not require a sponsor or a