The UAE is known for its progressive approach to economic development and openness to global talent. In 2024, the UAE has introduced new visa rules that further solidify its reputation as a top destination for expatriates, investors, professionals, and tourists. These changes aim to streamline the visa process, support the country's long-term economic goals, and attract international talent to bolster various industries.

In this blog, we will take a closer look at the new visa rules in the UAE for 2024, including updates to residency options, employment visas, tourist visas, and more.

1. Golden Visa Expansion

The Golden Visa has been a highly successful initiative that grants long-term residency to investors, entrepreneurs, skilled professionals, and exceptional talents. In 2024, the UAE has expanded the categories of individuals who are eligible for the Golden Visa, which now includes:

• Freelancers and remote workers: Individuals who can demonstrate a steady income through freelancing or remote work are now eligible for the Golden Visa, making the UAE an attractive destination for digital nomads.

• Outstanding students and graduates: More educational institutions and disciplines have been added to the eligibility list, allowing a wider pool of exceptional students and graduates to apply for long-term residency.

• Real estate investors: The requirement to make a minimum down payment of AED1 million, or 50% of the property’s value to qualify for the Golden Visa has now been withdrawn, making it easier for property investors to obtain long-term residency. 

The Golden Visa provides a residency period of up to 10 years and offers flexibility for visa holders to sponsor family members and household workers.

2. Green Visa for Freelancers and Skilled Workers

The Green Visa, introduced as part of the UAE’s aim to diversify its economy, has undergone changes in 2024 to attract more freelancers, skilled workers, and entrepreneurs. The key features of the updated Green Visa include:

• No sponsor required: Unlike traditional work visas that require employer sponsorship, the Green Visa allows individuals to self-sponsor. This is especially beneficial for freelancers, independent contractors, and skilled professionals.

• 5-year residency: The Green Visa provides a 5-year residency option, offering greater stability and security for individuals and their families.

• Eligibility expansion: Skilled workers in high-demand sectors, including technology, healthcare, education, and creative industries, can apply for this visa, provided they meet income thresholds and have a valid employment contract.

The Green Visa also allows visa holders to sponsor family members and provides them with a grace period of up to 6 months after the visa’s expiration, making it a favorable option for those seeking long-term opportunities in the UAE.

3. Updates to the Job Exploration Visa

As the UAE seeks to attract top talent to its rapidly growing industries, the Job Exploration Visa has been updated to provide a more streamlined and accessible process for job seekers. Key updates in 2024 include:

• No job offer required: The Job Exploration Visa allows individuals to enter the UAE without needing a job offer beforehand. This gives job seekers the opportunity to explore employment prospects while residing in the country.

• Extended duration: The visa can be issued for 3, 6, or 12 months, offering job seekers more time to network and secure employment.

• Applicable sectors: The visa is particularly geared toward professionals in priority sectors, such as technology, finance, education, healthcare, and renewable energy.

This visa aims to ease the transition for skilled professionals looking to relocate to the UAE and contributes to the country’s goal of becoming a global talent hub.

4. Tourist Visa Changes

The UAE remains a popular tourist destination, and in 2024, new changes to the Tourist Visa are being introduced to encourage longer stays and repeated visits. These changes include:

• Multiple-entry visas: Tourists can now apply for multiple-entry tourist visas, allowing them to visit the UAE several times within a one-year period. This is ideal for frequent travelers and business visitors who need flexible travel arrangements.

• Extended stays: The duration of stay under the tourist visa has been extended to 90 days, up from the previous 30 days. This allows tourists more time to explore the country or attend long-term events like conferences or exhibitions.

• 5-year multi-entry tourist visa: Tourists who wish to visit the UAE multiple times over several years can apply for a 5-year multi-entry visa, allowing them to stay in the country for up to 180 days per year. This visa is particularly attractive to business travelers and international families who visit the UAE regularly.

These changes aim to boost tourism and attract high-spending visitors to the UAE, contributing to the growth of the hospitality and retail sectors.

5. Family Sponsorship Rules

In 2024, the UAE has introduced more flexible rules for family sponsorship, allowing expatriates to sponsor family members with greater ease. Key updates include:

• Flexible salary requirements: The income threshold required to sponsor family members has been adjusted, making it more accessible for mid-level professionals to bring their families to the UAE.

• Equal rights for men and women: Female expatriates who are employed in the UAE can now sponsor their families under the same conditions as male expatriates, reflecting the UAE’s commitment to gender equality.

• Extended family sponsorship: Individuals holding long-term visas, such as the Golden Visa and Green Visa, can sponsor a wider range of relatives, including parents and adult children.

These changes are designed to support the UAE’s family-friendly environment and make it easier for expatriates to bring their loved ones to live with them.

6. Virtual Work Visa

The Virtual Work Visa introduced in previous years has been updated in 2024 to encourage remote work for foreign professionals. This visa allows individuals employed outside the UAE to live in the country while continuing to work remotely for their employer based in another country. Key updates include:

• Eligibility requirements: Applicants must demonstrate proof of employment with a company abroad and meet a minimum salary requirement.

• 1-year residency: The visa provides a one-year residency option, which is renewable, allowing remote workers to live in the UAE while benefiting from its high standard of living.

• No local employment contract required: Since visa holders are employed by foreign companies, they do not need to obtain a local employment contract, simplifying the process for digital nomads and remote workers.

This visa further positions the UAE as an attractive destination for remote professionals who want to experience the country’s vibrant lifestyle while working from a distance.

7. Residency for Retirees

The UAE has updated its Retirement Visa scheme in 2024 to attract expatriates who wish to retire in the country. The retirement residency program now offers:

• Longer residency periods: Retirees can now apply for 5- or 10-year residency visas, depending on their financial situation.

• Lower financial requirements: The financial criteria for eligibility have been revised, making it easier for retirees to qualify. Retirees can qualify by demonstrating ownership of a property, investments, or a savings account, or by receiving a minimum pension income.

• Healthcare access: Retirees on this visa will also have access to the UAE’s world-class healthcare system, ensuring a comfortable and secure living environment for those spending their golden years in the country.

The Retirement Visa scheme is part of the UAE’s broader vision to diversify its population base and attract a mix of professionals, entrepreneurs, and retirees.

8. Updates to Investor Visas

The Investor Visa continues to be a key component of the UAE’s strategy to attract foreign direct investment (FDI). In 2024, updates have been made to facilitate more investment into the UAE, particularly in real estate, startups, and innovative industries.

• Lower investment thresholds: The minimum required investment in real estate or businesses to qualify for the Investor Visa has been reduced, making it more accessible to a wider range of investors.

• Streamlined process: The application process for Investor Visas has been simplified, with fewer bureaucratic hurdles and faster processing times.

• Sponsorship of family members: Investors can sponsor their families for long-term residency, ensuring stability for their dependents.

These changes make the UAE an even more attractive destination for global investors looking for business opportunities in a tax-friendly environment.

To conclude, the UAE’s new visa rules for 2024 reflect the country’s commitment to innovation, economic diversification, and inclusivity. Whether you’re an entrepreneur, investor, skilled professional, remote worker, or tourist, the updated visa regulations offer a variety of options to suit different lifestyles and career paths. 

At Firm Advice, we assist our client with company formation, visa processing, various corporate and legal services. Contact us if you would require assistance with any of our services, our team of experts are here to help you.