UAE Residence Visa: 7 Changes You Need To Know – News

Visa reforms include simplified procedures, expanded golden visa scheme and new five-year residency called green visas

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Since October 2022, when the UAE’s biggest reform of entry and residence visas came into effect, a number of changes have taken place. The reforms streamlined procedures, expanded the long-term Golden Visa scheme; and introduced a new five-year residency called the Green Visa.

A number of other changes have been implemented recently, including increasing fees for visa services and extending the grace period for leaving the country after a visa has expired. Here, we’ve put together seven residency-related changes you need to know about:

>> Relaxation of rules for child sponsorship: This move is a huge relief for the family. Applicable to all residence types, residents can sponsor their sons until they turn 25 – starting at 18. There is no age limit for sponsoring an unmarried daughter.

>> Golden visa holders can sponsor parents who hold a 10-year visa: If you are a Golden Visa holder, you can also provide your parents with a 10-year visa. Previously, beneficiaries of the long-term residence scheme could sponsor their parents for one year like regular residency holders.

>> Increased visa fees: Fees for all services provided by the Federal Identity, Citizenship, Customs and Port Security (ICP) have increased by AED 100. Additional smart service charges also apply for Emirates ID and residence visa.

>> The validity period of the free zone visa is reduced: The validity of free zone visas issued in the UAE has been shortened from three years to two years.

>> Longer grace period for leaving the UAE after visa expiry: The grace period for leaving the UAE after cancellation of a residence visa has been increased to 60 to 180 days in most cases. This is an increase from the previous 30 days.

>> Emirates ID replaces visa stamp in passport: The UAE has abolished the practice of stamping residence visa stickers on passports. Instead, residents’ Emirates ID officially serves as their residence document.

>> Re-entry permit for residents staying abroad for more than 6 months: Cancellation of residency before staying outside the UAE. However, these residents can now apply for a re-entry permit by specifying a reason. After the application is approved, the applicant must enter the country within 30 days from the date of approval.

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