- November 14, 2023
- 346
- Real Estate
Do you know the United Arab Emirates (UAE) has recently disclosed a comprehensive change in its immigration policies, ushering in a new era for visitors, deportees, and potential residents? If you are not aware of it, then you must read this guide carefully before buying luxury villas in Ras Al Khaimah, as it is a part of the UAE.
These changes, set to take effect in 2023, promise to make travel, residence, and work in the UAE more convenient and attractive for individuals worldwide.
This guide will walk you through the updated UAE visa regulations, providing a detailed overview for tourists, students, and skilled workers.
The New UAE Visa Landscape
The Federal Decree-Law on Foreign Entrance and Residency, recently authorized by the UAE Cabinet, marks a significant shift in the nation’s approach to immigration. The primary objective is to enhance the appeal of the UAE to a global audience, encouraging the entry of people from around the world to invest in property in RAS AL Khaimah/Dubai and fostering a welcoming environment for visitors. The revised entrance and visa policies aim to facilitate travel within the UAE and grant greater flexibility for extending stays.
Streamlining The Process – New Rules For UAE Visa Stamping
One of the notable changes in the UAE’s visa landscape is eliminating the need for stamping resident visas in passports. Effective January 2023, this decision aims to boost tourism and simplify the application process for UAE citizens. Now, Emiratis can apply for their Emirates ID and residence visa in a single step, streamlining the application process and reducing wait times. However, it’s essential to note that the government has introduced a new smart service charge and an AED 100 increase in visa and Emirates ID fees.
Extending Your Stay – Visa Extension New Rules 2023
For travelers with 90-day visit visas, extending their stay in Dubai and the UAE has become more flexible with the introduction of visit visa extension rules. The UAE Federal Authority for Identification, Nationality, Customs, and Ports Security allows a one-time extension of up to 30 days beyond the initial 90-day validity. Notably, tourist visas cannot be renewed while in the UAE, necessitating a departure and reapplication for those wishing to extend their stay.
Note: Although there has yet to be an official announcement, reports suggest that extension requests made within the country are currently being refused.
Overstaying Gracefully – Visit Visa Overstay UAE New Rules 2023
If a visitor’s visa expires in the UAE, the requirement remains to depart the country with an outpass or leaving permission. However, the new rules grant visitors an additional ten days beyond the visa expiry to leave the country without incurring overstay fees. It’s important to note that overstay fees will be applicable if the stay exceeds this grace period.
The Cost of Entry – New Rules for UAE Visit Visa Price 2023
The most noticeable change in the 2023 visa rules is the doubling of visa fees. Tourist visas for 30 and 60 days and the ICA’s charge for a one-month visitor visa have each increased by AED 100. This adjustment aims to generate revenue and reflects the UAE’s commitment to enhancing its tourism sector.
Unused UAE Visit Visa New Rules 2023
If a visitor cannot enter the UAE within a specified time after receiving a visit visa, it is now mandatory to cancel the visa. Canceling a visa post-issuance may incur a fee of up to AED 300, varying by the travel agency.
The Golden Gateway – Rules for Golden Visa 2023
The Golden Visa, a symbol of prestige and privilege, has undergone significant expansions in 2023. Eligible individuals, including investors, entrepreneurs, skilled workers, scientists, outstanding students, and graduates, can now enjoy a decade-long residency in the UAE.
Furthermore, after purchasing Dubai or Ras AL Khaimah properties for sale, Golden Residence holders can sponsor their families, including spouses and children of any age, and even support service laborers. The grace period for Golden Visa holders has also been extended by six months, providing additional time for necessary arrangements if the residence visa expires or is canceled.
Embracing Green – Green Residence 2023
The UAE introduced a 5-year residency program, the Green Visa, designed to attract skilled professionals, freelancers, investors, and entrepreneurs globally. The simplified requirements and extended benefits make the Green Residence an appealing option for those seeking to live and work in the UAE.
Family Matters – Family Members Now Have New Benefits
Families of Golden Visa holders now enjoy additional perks, including the option to apply for a waiver of the deposit required to sponsor a parent for a 10-year stay. Additionally, residents can easily support five-year residences for first-degree relatives, enabling them to bring spouses and children to the UAE. For Green Visa holders and their families, the leave grace period following a resident visa cancellation has been increased to six months.
Empowering the Future – Children of Emirati Women: Five-Year Residency Visas
Under the new UAE policy, children born to Emirati women who marry foreign nationals can now obtain five-year residency visas, a significant extension from the previous three years. This policy ensures stability for these children, allowing them to reside in the UAE for an extended period, attend school, receive medical treatment, and even pursue employment if desired.
Opening the Gates – Visa Rules 2023 for Entry
The UAE introduces approximately ten categories of entrance visas that do not require a host or sponsor. These visas, valid for 60 days from the date of issue, allow for single or multiple entries. The loosened visa restrictions empower travelers to select the most suitable visa and extend their stay by renewing it for an equivalent period.
Niche Visas for Specific Needs
Job Exploration Visa
The Work Exploration Visa simplifies the process for foreigners to explore work opportunities in the UAE without needing a host or sponsor. Eligibility criteria include possessing a first-, second-, or third-tier skill set, a recent graduate of one of the top 500 global colleges, and a bachelor’s degree or equivalent.
- Business Entry Visa
Introduced to attract investors and entrepreneurs interested in exploring commercial and investment opportunities in the UAE, the Business Entry Visa eliminates the need for a sponsor or host.
- Multi-Entry Tourist Visa
Tourists can now obtain a visa allowing multiple entries over five years, with each visit lasting up to 90 days. This visa requires applicants to maintain a minimum balance of $4,000 (AED 14,700) or its foreign currency equivalent for the preceding six months.
- Family Visa
Facilitating the entry of children up to age 18 (or up to 25 for male children) and indefinitely for unmarried female children, the Family Visa simplifies the process for parents to bring their children to the UAE. Special visas also enable parents to petition their disabled children to join them.
Humanitarian Compassion – Residence Permit for Humanitarian Cases
The revised visa requirements 2023 extend residency permits to individuals with special humanitarian situations. UAE citizens with foreign passports can apply for residency permits for their parents or children. At the same time, residents of Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) states with international passports can do the same for their spouses and children.
Coming and Going – Dubai & UAE Re-Entry Permit
A notable change requires anyone leaving the UAE for more than six months to apply for re-entry permission. Residents away for over six months can return within 30 days after obtaining the re-entry permit. Crucially, this new rule ensures that a resident’s visa will not be revoked during their absence, provided they can provide valid reasons for being abroad.
Prolonging Your Stay – UAE Entry Permit Extension
Visitors to the UAE may be eligible to extend their initial entrance permits for up to 90 days, depending on the purpose of the visit and other considerations. The extension can be requested through the ICP Smart Service system, with additional 30-day increments available for a fee. It’s important to note that this option is available only to non-GCC citizens.
Permits for medical treatment, accompanying family members of GCC residents, and students may all be extended for up to an additional month. The duration of stay on a visit visa is subject to the visitor’s activities and the discretion of the relevant authorities, capped at one year.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the UAE’s commitment to making the country an attractive destination is evident in its extensive visa policy revisions. Whether you are a tourist, student, or skilled worker, understanding these new rules will enable you to make informed decisions and take advantage of the UAE’s exciting opportunities.
As you have looked into the UAE visa regulations, it’s essential to recognize the immense growth and development in the real estate sector. For those considering a more permanent stay, exploring properties for sale in Ras Al Khaimah presents an attractive prospect. Whether you are interested in buying luxury villas or simply exploring available properties, the evolving visa regulations align with the region’s growth, making it a suitable time for property investment.
