The UAE is a popular destination for tourists, entrepreneurs, job seekers, and business travelers. Its modern cities, rich culture, and thriving economy attract millions of visitors every year. The UAE government has recognized the need to streamline visa processes to make entry easier and more accessible for all kinds of travelers. As part of this, the new visit visa rules in UAE for 2024 have been introduced to enhance flexibility, extend stay durations, and introduce new visa categories to attract global talent, investors, and skilled professionals.
If you’re planning to visit the UAE or are curious about the new visit visa rules in UAE, this article breaks down the 10 key changes that will impact your travel plans.
1. Introduction of Multiple Entry Visas
One of the most notable changes in the new visit visa rules in UAE is the introduction of a five-year multiple-entry tourist visa. This visa allows holders to stay in the UAE for up to 90 days, with the option to extend for another 90 days. Unlike previous visas, this multiple-entry visa does not require a sponsor, making it easier for travelers to enter and exit the country. This change is particularly beneficial for frequent visitors, business travelers, and those with family in the UAE.
Key Benefits:
- No sponsor is required.
- Up to 90 days stay with a 90-day extension.
- Simplifies travel for frequent visitors.
2. No Sponsorship Needed for Business Visas
Entrepreneurs and business owners looking to set up in the UAE will find the new business visa rules particularly advantageous. Under the UAE’s new visa rules, business travelers can now apply for a business visa without the need for a local sponsor. This change offers greater flexibility for investors, entrepreneurs, and professionals wanting to establish or explore business opportunities in the UAE. It simplifies the application process and removes the financial and logistical burdens of relying on a local sponsor.
Key Benefits:
- Eliminates the need for a sponsor.
- Ideal for entrepreneurs, investors, and freelancers.
- Streamlined visa application process.
3. Extended Family Sponsorship
Under the new visit visa rules in UAE, the eligibility criteria for sponsoring family members have also been enhanced. Male children can now be sponsored until they turn 25 (previously, this was up to 18). Female children can be sponsored indefinitely, which offers better flexibility for families planning to live and work in the UAE. Additionally, parents of Emirati children or children with special needs can continue to be sponsored for an extended period.
Key Benefits:
- Extended sponsorship for male children up to age 25.
- Indefinite sponsorship for female children.
- Easier family reunification.
4. Job Exploration Visa for Job Seekers
For skilled professionals seeking employment in the UAE, the introduction of the Job Exploration Visa is a game-changer. This new visa allows foreign nationals to enter the country without having a job offer and explore employment opportunities. The Job Exploration Visa is designed to attract global talent to the UAE, particularly in fields where there is high demand for qualified professionals.
Key Benefits:
- No need for a job offer to enter the UAE.
- Easier access for skilled professionals.
- Designed to attract global talent in high-demand sectors.
5. Job Seeker Visa with No Sponsorship
The Job Seeker Visa has also undergone significant changes. Under the new rules, professionals no longer need a sponsor to apply. This new policy aims to simplify the visa process and make it easier for job seekers, particularly those with specialized skills, to find work in the UAE.
Applicants must meet the following eligibility criteria:
- A bachelor’s degree.
- A graduate from a top university.
- Skill levels classified as 1 or 2 by the UAE Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation.
Key Benefits:
- No sponsor required.
- Facilitates easier access for global talent.
- Attracts skilled workers to the UAE’s labor market.
6. Green Visa for Skilled Workers
The Green Visa, introduced as part of the new visa rules, provides a 5-year residency option for skilled workers, freelancers, and self-employed individuals without the need for employer sponsorship. This visa is tailored for individuals with high-demand skills in the UAE, particularly in fields like technology, medicine, and engineering. To qualify, applicants must meet certain salary and educational requirements set by the UAE Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation.
Key Benefits:
- No employer sponsorship needed.
- 5-year residency for skilled workers.
- Attracts professionals to the UAE’s booming sectors.
7. Golden Visa for Talented Professionals
The Golden Visa, one of the most prestigious residency options, has seen more inclusivity in the new visa rules. This long-term, 10-year residency visa is now open to a wider range of professionals, including entrepreneurs, investors, skilled workers, and exceptional talent in various fields. To qualify, applicants must meet specific criteria, such as making significant investments in the UAE economy, demonstrating excellence in their field, or contributing to the development of science and technology.
Key Benefits:
- 10-year residency.
- Available to a wider range of professionals and investors.
- Supports entrepreneurs and innovators.
8. Temporary Work Visa for Short-Term Assignments
For those on short-term projects or temporary work assignments, the UAE now offers a temporary work visa. This visa is ideal for individuals engaged in project-based work or short-term contracts. It requires proof of employment, such as a temporary work contract or letter from the employer. The new rules provide greater flexibility for businesses needing skilled workers for specific periods.
Key Benefits:
- Designed for short-term assignments.
- Simplified application process for temporary workers.
- Ideal for professionals working on specific projects.
9. Family and Friend Visit Visa Without Sponsorship
Under the new visit visa rules in UAE, foreigners can now apply for a visit visa to meet friends and family residing in the UAE without needing a local sponsor. This change benefits visitors who wish to spend time with relatives or friends in the UAE without the formalities of sponsorship. These visas can be extended for additional periods, allowing visitors to stay longer.
Key Benefits:
- No sponsor needed for family or friend visits.
- Flexible extensions for up to 60 or 90 days.
- Easier entry for foreign nationals visiting family.
10. Simplified Visa Application and Extension Process
The UAE has also streamlined the visa application process. Applicants can now submit their visa applications online, making the process faster and more efficient. Additionally, the extension process has been simplified, with visitors able to extend their visas from within the country without leaving and re-entering the UAE. The extension period typically lasts for 30 days, with the option to extend twice, allowing visitors to stay for up to 120 days in a year.
Key Benefits:
- Simplified online application process.
- Easier visa extensions without leaving the country.
- Faster processing times.
