UAE Cabinet approved 5-year, 10-year visas for investors, entrepreneurs, talented expats

Shaikh Mohammad, Shaikh Mansour, Shaikh Hamdan Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Deputy Ruler of Dubai and UAE Minister of Finance, Shaikh Nahayan Mabarak Al Nahayan, UAE Minister of Tolerance; Mohammad Abdullah Al Gergawi, Minister of Cabinet Affairs and the Future at the cabinet meeting.

The UAE cabinet approved the regulatory framework for the issuance of five and 10-year UAE residence visas to certain categories of applicants.

His Highness Shaikh Mohammad Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai has announced on Twitter that the regulatory framework to start issuing long-term residence permits for investors, entrepreneurs, innovators and specialised talents is now in place. Departments in the UAE will now start receiving applications, he tweeted.

“The UAE has been and will remain a destination for talents and land to fulfil the dreams of all pioneers", Shaikh Mohammad added in the tweet, as part of his announcements following a cabinet meeting held at the Presidential Palace in the capital.

The UAE Cabinet approved a long-term visa system for investors, entrepreneurs, specialised talents and researchers in the fields of science, knowledge and outstanding students to facilitate business and create an attractive and encouraging investment environment for the growth of business for investors, entrepreneurs and professional talents.

The decision aims to maintain the position of the UAE as an optimal business environment. The visa benefits also include the spouse and the children to ensure a cohesive family and social structure and to create a stimulating environment for stability and growth.

For Investors

The provision defines two categories for investors:

1. Investors in the property of a value of Dh5 million or more will be granted a residence for five years.
2. Investors in public investments through a deposit, an established company, business partnership of Dh10 million or more, or a total investment of not less than Dh10 million in all areas mentioned - as long as non-real estate investments are not less than 60 per cent of the total investment - will be granted a renewable residency visa every 10 years.

For Entrepreneurs

The decision also includes the terms to grant a long-term visa to two categories of entrepreneurs:

1. Those having a previous project with a minimum of Dh500,000, or having the approval of an accredited business incubator in the country.
2. Entrepreneurs will be granted a five-year visa with a possibility for upgrading to an investor’s visa provided they meet the requirements.

The benefits of the entrepreneurial visa cover entrepreneurs, partners, three executive directors, spouse and children. The entrepreneur is allowed entry into the country for six months, multiple-entry visa period, with renewal for another six months.

For Professional Talents

The decision also includes provisions for granting a 10-year visa for specialised talents and researchers in the fields of science and knowledge for doctors, specialists, scientists, inventors and creative individuals in the field of culture and art.

The visa also covers the spouse and children.

All people categorised as professional talents are required to have a valid employment contract in a specialised field, which is of priority to the UAE. Depending on this field, the requirements can include a doctorate degree, publications or global organisation memberships etc.