A New LONG-TERM VISA system in UAE

Cabinet approves UAE long term visa system for investors, entrepreneurs, specialized talents, and outstanding students!!!

The decision of the Cabinet follows earlier this year to grant investors a ten-year residency visa, as well as to grant residency visas of up to 10 years for specialists in the medical, scientific, research and technical fields, and for scientists and creative talents of culture and arts, including their spouses and children. The decision aims to maintain the position of the UAE as an optimal business environment.
1.INVESTORS (10-year visa)
Two categories of investors benefit from UAE long term visas, and the decision includes provisions to grant them the visas.
Investors in a property of a value of Dh5 million or more will be granted a residence for five years, while 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 [ not less than 60 percent of the total investment] will be granted a renewable residency visa every 10 years.
The Cabinet decision outlines the following conditions for UAE long term visas:
The amount invested shall be wholly owned by the investor and not loaned and should be proven by supporting documents

• Investment retention for at least three years
• A standard financial liability with a financial solvency not exceeding Dh10 million
• The UAE long term visa could also be extended to include business partners, provided that each partner contributes Dh10 million, the spouse and the children, as well as one executive director and one advisor.

However, the decision allows investors to enter the country for a six-month period, multiple entry, to apply for the UAE long term visa requirements.
2.OUTSTANDING STUDENTS
The decision also includes provisions for granting a 5-year visa to outstanding students with a grade of at least 95 percent in public secondary schools in public and private schools, and a distinction of at least 3.75 GPA upon graduation from universities within and outside the country. UAE long term visa Benefits include families of outstanding students.
3.ENTREPRENEURS
Entrepreneurs will be granted a 5-year visa with a possibility for upgrading to an investor’s visa provided they meet the requirements. The decision also includes the terms to grant a UAE long term visa to two categories of entrepreneurs; having a previous project with a minimum of Dh500, 000, or having the approval of an accredited business incubator in the country.
The benefits of the entrepreneurial visa include entrepreneurs, partners, three executive directors, spouses, and children. The entrepreneur is allowed entry into the country for six months, multi-entry visa period, with renewal for another six months.
4. SPECIALISED TALENTS (10-year visa)
The decision also includes provisions for granting a 10-year visa for specialized talents and researchers in the fields of science and knowledge for doctors, specialists, scientists, inventors. As well as creative individuals in the field of culture and art. The UAE long term visa advantages include the spouse and the children.
All categories are required to have a valid employment contract in a specialized in fields of priority for the UAE, and the conditions for each category are defined as follows:

• Scientists:

To be accredited by the Emirates Scientists Council Holders of the Mohammed Bin Rashid Medal for Scientific Excellence.

• Creative individuals in culture and art

Accredited by the Ministry of Culture and Knowledge Development

• Inventors

Obtain a patent of value added to UAE’s economy with the approval of the Ministry of Economy

• Exceptional Talents:

Those who have exceptional talents that are documented by patents or scientific research published in world-class journals

• Executives:

Owners of leading, well-known and internationally recognized companies, Holders of high academic achievement, professional experience, and position (Example, an engineer in a rare specialty with a university degree and working in a private company in the UAE).  The inclusion of this category aims at maintaining current competencies and attracts new competencies.
The criterion for doctors and specialists
Requires at least 2 of the conditions mentioned below:

1. The holder of a Ph.D. degree from one of the top 500 universities in the world.
2. The holder of an award or certificates of appreciation for the work in the applicant’s jurisdiction.
3. Contribution to a major scientific research related to the work of the applicant.
4. Published articles or scientific books in distinguished publications in the field of work of the applicant.
5. Membership in an organization related to the work of the applicant, which requires excellent work to accept membership.
6. A Ph.D. degree in addition to 10-year professional experience in the applicant’s field of work.
7. Specialization in areas of priority to the UAE (additional requirement for the doctor).