Updates on Residency Laws and Extension of Visit Visas in the UAE in 2024

Author: Ayushi Doegar
Published: May 23, 2023 Updated on: Nov 27, 2025

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.

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.

Eligibility for Blue Residency:

• Members of international organisations focused on environmental action
• Companies and associations supporting environmental sustainability
• Non-governmental organisations working on environmental causes
• Global award winners in environmental fields
• Distinguished activists and researchers in environmental sustainability

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.

Key Features:

• Validity: 5 years with multiple entries
• Initial stay: 90 days per visit
• Extension: Additional 90 days available
• Annual limit: Total stay 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.

Services affected:

• Emirates ID card issuance
• Tourist visas
• 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.

Important Changes:

• Applies to all visit visas issued within the UAE, regardless of emirate
• UAE visa overstay fines calculated immediately upon visa expiration
• Visitors responsible for paying fines before departing the UAE
• Travel agents no longer involved in visit visa renewal process
• Confirmed by Federal Authority For Identity, Citizenship, Customs & Port Security (ICP) and GDRFA call center executives (source: Khaleej Times)

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.

Key Change:

• Free zone residency validity period unified to 2 years (previously 3 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.

Benefits:

• No need to stamp passport
• Apply for residence visa and Emirates ID card in one step
• Faster processing and facilitation of obtaining residence and 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.

Key Features:

• More flexible and easier residency criteria
• Extended grace period of up to 6 months after residency permit expiry
• No sponsor or employer required

Skilled Labour

A 5-year residency is now available for skilled workers without a sponsor or employer under the new Green Visa scheme.

Eligibility Requirements:

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

Special Note: Tier 3 skilled professionals are eligible for an extended UAE visa renewal grace period of 90 days after Green Visa expiry.

Self-employed and Freelancers

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

Requirements:

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

Investors and Partners

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

Required Documents:

• Proof and approval of investment
• Calculation of total invested capital (for investors with multiple licenses)
• Approvals from competent local authorities

New Rules For Golden Visa In The Emirates

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

Duration: 10 years for all visa categories

Eligible Categories:

• Investors
• Entrepreneurs
• Exceptional talents
• Scientific researchers
• Outstanding undergraduate and postgraduate students
• Talented workers

Family Sponsorship Benefits

Under new rules, Golden Visa holders can:

• Sponsor first-degree family members regardless of children's age
• Sponsor unlimited number of domestic workers
• Sponsor parents for 10 years (previously one year)

Parent Sponsorship Requirements:

• Exemption from deposit requirement
• Certificate proving sponsor is sole caregiver for parents in home country

Spouse and Children Sponsorship:

• 5-year sponsorship for first-degree relatives (spouse and children)

Extended Grace Period

For Golden Visa holders and their dependents, the grace period after expiry or cancellation of residence visa has been extended from 30 days to 6 months.

Important Note: Golden Visa holders may incur overstay fees if they fail to renew or if their dependents' visas expire.

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.

Key Features:

• Allows residents to stay outside UAE for more than 6 months without residency cancellation
• Must enter UAE within 30 days of permit issuance
• Residents must state reasons for overstaying with supporting documents

Application Requirements:

1. Submit application from outside the UAE
2. Apply after 180 days of staying outside the country
3. Provide valid reason for being outside country for more than 180 days
4. Pay fine of AED 100 for every 30 days (or less) spent outside the country
5. Enter UAE within 30 days of approval date

Application Process: Apply through Federal Authority for Identity and Citizenship, Customs and Ports Security website

2-Month Grace Period for Residence Visa Violators

According to Khaleej Times, UAE authorities announced a two-month UAE residence visa expired grace period for residence visa violators, starting September 1, 2024.

Key Details:

• Violators exempt from financial penalties during grace period
• In accordance with Federal Law on Entry and Residency of Foreigners
• Aims to provide relief to those who have overstayed or failed to renew visas

Residence Visa Validity and Penalties

Visa Validity:

• Sponsored visas: Typically 1 to 3 years
• Self-sponsored visas: Up to 5 or 10 years

Overstay Penalties (as of 2023):

• Standardized fine: AED 50 per day for overstay
• Applies to residents, tourists, and visit visa holders

Grace Periods for Visa Renewal:

• Expatriates: Up to 6 months after residence visa cancellation or expiry

6 New Cases for Deportation

The UAE has updated its executive regulations regarding deportation of expats, according to Gulf News. The regulations now specify six cases of deportation.

Deportation Authority:

• Four cases by Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs, and Port Security (ICP)
• Two cases administratively

Deportation Reasons Include:

• Illegal entry
• Expired or cancelled visas
• Lack of means of livelihood

Types of Deportation

1. Judicial Deportation:

• Based on court ruling

2. Administrative Deportation:

• Can be initiated by authorities even if expat has residence permit

Deportation Procedures:

• Involves Ministry of Interior and General Command of Police
• Deportation order may include expat's family members
• Expat may be detained for up to one month to facilitate deportation
• Deportation expenses generally borne by expat or their guarantor

Re-entry Restriction: Foreigners previously deported from UAE are prohibited from returning without obtaining prior approval from head of ICP.

How Can Sharjah Publishing City Free Zone Help You?

Located in the Emirate of Sharjah, Sharjah Publishing City Free Zone offers superior services to obtain your business license and visa with ease and convenience.

Services Offered:

• Fast business setup in UAE
• Flexible and cost-effective business setup packages
• Over 2,000 business activities to choose from
• Multiple visas under one trade license
• Dual license option (operate from mainland and free zone under one trade license)
• Immigration services available in same building
• Instant business license issuance
• UAE residence visa in 5 working days

Value-Added Support Services:

• Family residency and domestic workers assistance
• New residence visa applications
• Visa renewal services
• Visa cancellation services

Contact Information:

• For questions about UAE residency, golden residency, grace periods, or company formation in Sharjah, reach out to Sharjah Publishing City Free Zone team

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Related Topics

Business Setup Resources:

• Business Ideas in Dubai
• Business Setup in Dubai
• Business License in Sharjah (costs and requirements)
• UAE Trade License information
• Visa-free travel information
• Spouse and dependents visa processing
• Emirates ID card application steps

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This article provides comprehensive information about UAE residency law updates in 2024, including new visa categories, grace periods, and deportation regulations. All information is based on official announcements and reputable news sources including Arabian Business, Khaleej Times, and Gulf News.