Visa options available to live in the UAE

The UAE has recently updated residency and visa procedures. As per the UAE cabinet resolution issued on January 24, 2021, expatriate students can bring their families to the UAE and sponsor them.

The new measure will further consolidate the country’s global position as a leading work overseas as well as a study overseas destination.

In the previous 4 years, the UAE has adopted various key updates to UAE residency and visa requirements.

On December 17, 2020, the UAE announced the “Steps of renewing residency permits”. The announcement was made by the UAE’s Federal Authority for Identity and Citizenship [ICAUAE]. UAE Residency Permits can be renewed online, without having to step out for the same.

In September 2018, the UAE cabinet approved a law allowing individuals to “Retire in Dubai”. The law provides retired residents that are 55 years or above a long-term UAE visa for a period of 5 years.

Launched in 2019, the UAE Golden Residency is a long-term UAE residency visa that is targeted at doctors, engineers, investors, entrepreneurs, PhD holders, scholars in science and knowledge, as well as overachievers that had graduated from Emirati universities with a GPA of 3.8 or above.

On November 15, 2020, the UAE expanded the Golden Residency visa to include more professions.

Visas available for those exploring options for residing in the UAE –

Students can sponsor their family members	As per the latest official announcement following a UAE Cabinet meeting on January 24, 2021, expat students will be able to bring and sponsor their families, if they are financially capable.
Virtual Working Programme	Allows an individual to live in Dubai while continuing working for their organization even when their office was outside the UAE. The UAE’s Virtual Working Programme is for [1] individuals that live and work outside the UAE, [2] start-ups, and [3] entrepreneurs meeting the eligibility criteria. Those approved for the Virtual Working Programme might bring their families along as well. Duration: valid for 1 year, renewable upon re-application.
Retirement visa	For those above 55 years of age, provided they meet the eligibility criteria. Visa available to the individual, spouse and children.
Golden Visa	This is a long-term UAE residency visa that will be issued for a 5-year or a 10-year period, renewable automatically. Launched in 2019, the new system allows foreigners to live, work and study in the UAE without the requirement of a national sponsor.

During the COVID- pandemic, the UAE made various decisions pertaining to residency and tourism visa procedures.

In March 2020, the UAE announced an extension – by 3 months – of UAE residency permits that expired on March 1, 2020. Renewable without additional fees.

If you are looking to Study, Work, Visit, Invest or Migrate Overseas, talk to Y-Axis, the World’s No.1 Immigration & Visa Company.

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