UAE Five And Ten Year Residency Visas Now Up For Grabs

The long-awaited 10-year UAE residency visas for selected expat groupings are now in force.

An official announcement implementing the new rules was made last week in Abu Dhabi, confirming the start of the new longer-term residency visas aimed at providing a sense of belonging and stability for valued expat professionals. The five visa categories include real estate investors, researchers, general investors, entrepreneurs, innovators, medical specialists and also outstanding students wishing to gain further qualifications in the emirate.

Visas granted will be either 10-year or five-year, dependent on applicants’ categories, with real estate investors given five years along with students, whilst those in the other categories will be allowed to to stay for 10 years. In addition, spouses and children of applicants will also be included in order to ensure the right environment for growth and family security, and all visas granted will be renewable. The new rules are expected to support the emirate’s move towards a knowledge economy able to compete internationally, as well as aiding the push to diversify from reliance on oil and gas revenues.

The renewable 10-year public investment visa requires a minimum input of an unencumbered Dh10 million, over which the investor must have full control, with expats applying for the five-year version needing to make a real estate investment of no less than DH 5 million. Entrepreneurs will also be granted a five-year visa on proof of a government-accredited project valued at Dh500,000 or more. !0-year visas for scientists, doctors, researchers and innovators will require proof of a valid contract involving prioritised specialisation fields benefiting the emirate, and outstanding university students can get a five year visa in graduation which also covers their immediate family.