The UAE has become one of the most attractive business establishment destinations for entrepreneurs and investors worldwide, thanks to the government’s encouraging economic initiatives and flexible and diverse residency options. The UAE government recently announced new residency laws in the UAE 2024 regarding residency and visit visas to facilitate the work and residence of investors and entrepreneurs in the country. Let’s learn about the new decisions in the UAE today.

New Blue Residency UAE for Supporters of Environmental Action

The UAE has introduced a new 10-year “Blue Residency” visa for individuals who have made exceptional contributions to environmental sustainability. According to Arabian Business, this visa aims to attract talent, boost construction and real estate sectors, and support the country’s environmental goals. The Blue Residency UAE visa will be granted to supporters of environmental action, including members of international organisations, companies, associations, and non-governmental organisations, as well as global award winners and distinguished activists and researchers.

New UAE Visit Law 2024: 5-Year Multiple Entry Tourist Visa

This visa allows multiple entries into the UAE, making it ideal for those with family members residing in the country. The 5-year multiple-entry tourist visa allows you to stay in the UAE for 90 days and can be extended for an additional 90 days if you wish to stay longer after the visa expires. It is worth noting that the total number of days you can stay in the country according to the new UAE law for expatriates should not exceed 180 days in a single year.

Increase in Visa Fees

The Federal Authority for Identity and Citizenship, Customs and Ports Security ( ICP ) has announced an increase of AED 100 on all fees for services provided by the Authority, including issuing Emirates ID cards, tourist visas and residence permits.

Dubai Visit Visa Grace Period Discontinued

Since May 2023, the grace period for overstaying on visit visas issued in the UAE has been eliminated. This applies to all visit visas issued within the country, regardless of the emirate where they were obtained. According to Khaleej Times, Call centre executives from the Federal Authority For Identity, Citizenship, Customs & Port Security (ICP) and the GDRFA have confirmed this change. UAE visa overstay fines will now be calculated immediately upon visa expiration, and visitors will be responsible for paying them before departing the UAE. Travel agents will no longer be involved in the process of visit visa renewal Dubai.

Amendment to the Duration of Free Zone Residency

The UAE has more than 40 free zones subject to special laws and regulations that allow entrepreneurs and investors full ownership of their companies, relatively low establishment costs, and flexible solutions for setting up businesses. The UAE has announced the unification of the validity period of free zone residencies to become two years instead of three years.

Replacing Residence Visa Stamp on Passport with Emirates ID Card

The UAE government has removed the visa stamping procedure on passports and replaced it with the Emirates ID card. As a result, you do not need to stamp your passport and can apply for a residence visa and Emirates ID card in one step, which will speed up and facilitate the process of obtaining a residence and an ID card.

New Green Residency Laws in the UAE

The 5-year green residency has seen significant updates aimed at attracting talent, investors and business owners. The residency criteria have become more flexible and easier, in addition to a longer grace period of up to 6 months after the expiry of the residency permit.

Skilled Labour

A 5-year residency is now available for skilled workers without a sponsor or employer under the new Green Visa scheme. To be eligible for this green visa, the applicant must meet the following qualifications:

• Valid employment contract.
• Classification at the first, second or third professional level as determined by the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation.
• Minimum educational level of Bachelor’s degree or equivalent.
• Minimum salary 15,000 AED.

Please note that Tier 3 skilled professionals – as defined by the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation – are eligible for an extended UAE visa renewal grace period of 90 days after the expiry of the Green Visa. 

Self-employed and self-employed

The new Green Residence Visa allows freelancers and self-employed individuals to reside in the UAE for 5 years without a sponsor or employer. The following requirements must be met:

• Freelance work permit from the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation.
• Bachelor’s degree or diploma in the relevant field.
• Annual self-employment income of AED 360,000 over the past two years or the ability to prove financial stability while residing in the UAE.

Investors and Partners

The Green Visa grants a 5-year residency to people engaged in business activities in the UAE.

Applicants in this category must submit the following documents:

• Proof and approval of investment.
• Calculate the total invested capital, for investors with multiple licenses.
• Approvals required from the competent local authorities.

New Rules For Golden Visa In The Emirates

In an effort to ease eligibility criteria and expand the categories of people who can benefit from the program, the UAE has recently expanded the Golden Visa categories and made major changes to the Golden Residency system.

The duration of the Golden Visa has also been increased to 10 years for all visa categories. Investors, entrepreneurs, exceptional talents, scientific researchers, outstanding undergraduate and postgraduate students, and talented workers are among the categories of people eligible for the UAE Golden Residency.

Under the new rules, Golden Visa holders can sponsor their first-degree family members, regardless of the age of the children. The number of domestic workers that a Golden Residence holder can sponsor is also no longer limited.

For Golden Visa holders and their dependents, the grace period after the expiry or cancellation of a residence visa in the UAE has been extended from 30 days to 6 months. Residents now have a 6-month grace window to leave the country without incurring fines or renewing their visas. However, Golden Visa holders may incur overstay fees if they fail to renew or if their dependents’ visas expire.

New Dependents’ Residency Conditions for Golden Residency Holders

The new residency visa laws also bring new benefits to family members of UAE Golden Visa holders. Golden Visa holders can sponsor their parents for 10 years, compared to the previous one-year residency. The updated residency system also offers an exemption from the deposit required for parental sponsorship and only requires a certificate proving that the sponsor is the sole caregiver for their parents in their home country. Furthermore, Golden Visa holders can sponsor their first-degree relatives, including their spouse and children, for five years.

Re-entry Permits to the UAE

UAE residents who have spent more than 6 months outside the country can now return to the UAE by applying for a re-entry permit. UAE residents who have been outside the country for more than 6 months will be able to enter the UAE within 30 days of the permit being issued. With the newly announced re-entry permit, residents can now stay outside the UAE for more than 6 months without having their residency cancelled.

However, residents must state the reasons for overstaying and provide supporting documents to apply for the permit. The return permit can be applied for through the website of the Federal Authority for Identity and Citizenship, Customs and Ports Security.

To apply for a re-entry permit, residents must:

1. Submit the application from outside the UAE.
2. Apply after 180 days of staying outside the country.
3. Provide a valid reason for being outside the country for more than 180 days.
4. Pay a fine of AED 100 for every 30 days or less spent outside the country.   
5. Once the application is approved, the resident must enter the UAE within 30 days of the approval date.

2-Month Grace Period for Residence Visa Violators

According to Khaleej Times, the UAE authorities have announced a two-month UAE residence visa expired grace period for residence visa violators, starting September 1, 2024. During this time, violators will be exempt from any financial penalties in accordance with the Federal Law on the Entry and Residency of Foreigners. The grace period for UAE residence visa renewal aims to provide relief to those who have overstayed or failed to renew their visas.

Please note that the validity of residence visas in the UAE varies based on type and sponsor. Sponsored visas typically range from 1 to 3 years, while self-sponsored visas can be valid for up to 5 or 10 years. Those who fail to leave the country or renew their visas before expiration will be subject to fines. In 2023, these penalties were standardised, with residents, tourists, and visit visa holders now paying Dh50 per day for overstay.

Expatriates who wish to renew their visas have been given grace periods of up to six months after their residence visa is cancelled or expires.

6 New Cases for Deportation

The UAE has updated its executive regulations regarding the deportation of expats, according to Gulf News. The regulations now specify six cases of deportation, including four by the Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs, and Port Security (ICP) and two administratively. 

Deportation can occur for various reasons, such as illegal entry, expired or cancelled visas, and lack of a means of livelihood. The regulations also outline the procedures for deportation, including the involvement of the Ministry of Interior and the General Command of the Police. There are two types of deportation: judicial and administrative. Judicial deportation is based on a court ruling, while administrative deportation can be initiated by the authorities even if the expat has a residence permit. The regulations stipulate that the deportation order may include the expat’s family members and that the expat may be detained for up to one month to facilitate the deportation process. The expenses of deportation are generally borne by the expat or their guarantor.

Foreigners who have been previously deported from the UAE are prohibited from returning without obtaining prior approval from the head of the ICP.

How Can Sharjah Publishing City Free Zone Help You?

Located in the Emirate of Sharjah, Sharjah Publishing City Free Zone offers you superior services to obtain your business license and visa with ease and convenience, with flexible and cost-effective business setup packages. We offer a fast business setup in the UAE with our flexible and cost-effective business setup packages.

Choose from over 2,000 business activities, and get multiple visas under one trade license, in addition to the dual license option that allows you to operate from the mainland and the free zone under one trade license. With immigration services available in the same building, get your business license instantly, and your UAE residence visa in 5 working days.

Sharjah Publishing City Free Zone offers a range of value-added support services, including family residency and domestic workers, where we help you obtain new residence visas, as well as renew or cancel them.

Do you have any questions about UAE residency, golden residency, grace period after visit visa expiry Dubai 2024, or any questions about company formation in Sharjah? Reach out to the Sharjah Publishing City Free Zone team today.

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