22/08/2023
The UAE has recently unveiled an array of new entry visas and residency permits, marking a significant departure from the traditional sponsorship requirement. This transformative move is poised to have a profound impact on both the local job market and the attractiveness of the Emirates as a long-term home for families.
Among the groundbreaking changes are modifications to the Golden Visa, Green Visa, specialized visa for job seekers, and residency permits catering to humanitarian needs. Representing one of the most comprehensive overhauls of the visa and residency system in years, these reforms are slated to take effect in the near future.
The spectrum of new residency permits that circumvent the need for a UAE sponsor or employer is as follows. It is noteworthy that the official application process for these freshly introduced permits is yet to be launched:
- Golden Visa
- Green Residence for freelancers (self-employment)
- Green Residence for skilled professionals
- Green Residence for Investors
- Remote work residence permit
- Retirement residency
- Real estate owners’ residence
- Five-year multiple tourist visa
- Specific trade licenses
Iqbal Marconi, the CEO of ECH Business Setup service, has observed a surge in interest, particularly in the Green Visa for retirees. He notes, "A significant number of individuals are seeking employment opportunities, thereby generating considerable inquiries about freelance visas. Additionally, there's substantial demand for E-trader license visas, which empower people to establish and operate their businesses online."
Furthermore, the five-year multiple tourist visa has garnered notable traction, particularly among Indian nationals. Shamim Yusuf, the general manager at Al Nahda Centre, a government service center, emphasizes that these sponsor-independent visas are poised to attract a more diverse expatriate population to the UAE. Additionally, they will provide long-term foreign residents with the opportunity to extend their stay in the UAE following retirement.
Yusuf points out, "Many individuals who have dedicated decades to working in the UAE aspire to remain here post-retirement. Hence, Green Visas and retirement residency permits that transcend the sponsorship requirement will enable them to establish the UAE as their secondary home for the remainder of their lives." These new visa categories are strategically aimed at positioning the UAE as a preferred secondary home for expatriates, offering the chance for individuals to continue residing in the country after decades of service.
Furthermore, Yusuf adds that certain trade licenses now entail no need for local sponsorship. This classification allows expatriates to wholly own a company within the mainland, culminating in the acquisition of a valuable residency permit.
In essence, the UAE's recent visa and residency reforms herald a groundbreaking shift away from traditional sponsorship-based requirements, fostering an environment that beckons expatriates to make the Emirates their cherished home, both professionally and personally.
