Interim Visa for Residence Visa Seekers
UAE announces 6 - month Interim Visa for Residence Visa Seekers
On Wednesday, UAE announced 6 month interim visa for expats and thereby giving opportunities to individuals to renew their status, explore opportunities, and review facilities for long term residency in the country. Investors, outstanding students and talented individuals will be benefited from this six month multiple entry visa announcement.
Along with this, the Federal Authority for Identity and Citizenship also announced three new services: a six-month visa with several trips to complete the procedures for residency of an investor, a six-month visa with several trips to complete long-term residency procedures for both entrepreneurs and outstanding students, a six-month visa with only one trip to complete the residency procedures for the talented individuals.
The UAE recently allowed select categories of foreigners who meet certain conditions pursuant to Cabinet Decree No. 56 of 2018 to apply for long-term visas for themselves and their families, including investors and entrepreneurs.
The ICA also announced the activation of links for submission of application to these facilities which can be accessed through the public page. This allows the applicant to submit the application without the need to create an account with username and password.
Major General Saeed Rakan Al Rashidi, director-general of Foreigners Affairs and Ports at ICA, said ICA issues the holders of the six-month visa an Emirates ID Card to enable them to complete their procedures with ease, including direct licensing procedures, opening bank accounts, property registration and other transactions for various trips or single trip. Those who meet the conditions of obtaining long-term residency in the various categories for UAE residents can apply through e-channels and through their accounts on the system, without the need to obtain a six-month entry visa. So, at the time of their residency renewal, the transfer to the long-term residency system is requested according to the category to which the conditions apply.
Investor residency visa for a period of 10 years, under which the applicant obtains a residency permit for 10 years without a sponsor in the UAE. It includes visas for his family members, wife and children, possibility of sponsoring up to three domestic workers, possibility of obtaining residency for one of his senior employees (adviser or executive director) for 10 years, along with their family members, possibility of obtaining a multiple-entry visa for a period of six months, renewable for a similar period for the purpose of incorporation, provided that he has:
10-year investor residency visa
■ Minimum deposit of Dh10 million in an investment fund in the UAE
■ or ownership of a company in the UAE with a capital of minimum Dh10 million.
■ or standing as a partner in an existing or new company with a share of minimum Dh10 million.
■ or a total investment in the UAE not less than Dh10 million, provided that investment in non-real estate shall not be less than 60 per cent.
■ The amount shall be wholly owned and not a loan.
■ To keep the investment for at least three-years from the date of obtaining the residency.
■ A creditworthiness with minimum Dh10 million, in case of financial claims or civil judgements.
■ Inclusive health insurance document for him and his family members for the duration of the stay.
Five-year residency of an investor in real estate
■ Applicant obtains a residency permit for five years without sponsor within the UAE, as well as for his family members, wife and children, and the possibility of sponsoring up to three domestic workers
■ Must own one or more properties in the UAE with a total value of not less than Dh5million.
■ The property shall be wholly owned.
■ To keep the investment for at least three years from the date of obtaining the residency.
■ Inclusive health insurance document for him and his family members for the duration of the stay.
Five-year entrepreneur residency visa
■ Applicant shall be entitled to a five-year residency visa
■ Ability to be qualified for obtaining a 10-year investors visa, a five-year residency for three executive managers, a five-year residency visa for family members (husband/wife and children), five-year residency visa for three executive directors
■ Non-UAE residents have the opportunity to obtain a six-month visa for multiple trips, with a possibility of renewal for another six months, provided they have:
■ A previous and successful project worth a minimum Dh500,000.
■ Approval from a certified business incubator in the UAE