Dubai News
The Green Visa was one of the most inquired after in the wake of the sweeping changes made to the UAE visa system as the new Advanced Visa System has come into effect in the emirates and the eligible residents can now apply for the Green Visa.
Skilled workers, self-employed individuals and investors can apply for the Green Visa, allowing them to sponsor themselves and their families for 5 years as opposed to the existing 2-year visa system.
Cost of the visa
“The cost of a Green Visa is Dh2280,” said Aliyyu Shahul Hameed, from Pan Gulf document clearing services. “The ID card will cost another Dh575 and the medical fees will be Dh320 for normal services. These are the processing fees for one individual. The actual cost for the entire process will vary depending on the number of dependents on the sponsorship of the visa holder and the holding charges of their visas.”
The Green Visa has been one of the most attractive features of the new visa reforms with many typing agents reporting high demand for it. “I have had many people enquiring about the Green Visa,” said Abdul Gafoor, general manager of Al Mas Businessmen Service. “Most of them are people who have been living in the UAE for a long time but are not eligible for the Golden Visa.”
The Advanced Visa System is expected to attract more talented and skilled individuals to the country.
Who can apply
Three categories of people can apply for the Green Visa – skilled workers, self-employed individuals/freelancers and investors. The requirements for the categories are as below:
Green residence for skilled workers
Skilled workers must provide the following documents:
- Work permit in the country under a valid work contract
- The person should be a skilled worker, first, second or third professional level according to the professional classification approved by the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation
- The minimum educational level must be a bachelor’s degree or its equivalent
- The monthly salary should not be less than Dh15,000
Green residence for self-employed individuals
Those wishing to obtain a green visa must provide the following:
- A free work permit from the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation
- Bachelor’s degree or specialized diploma or equivalent as a minimum
- The annual income from self-employment for the previous two years should not be less than Dh360,000, or the applicant for this residence must prove his financial solvency throughout his stay in the country.
Green residence for investor or partner
An investor or partner wishing to apply for the green residency must submit the following documents:
- Approval of the investment and proving the value of the investment or partnership. If the investor (partner) has more than one license, the total invested capital will be calculated.
- The approval of the competent local authorities and the licensing of the applicant to practice the activity.
Job Seekers Visa
Jobseekers are set to be the biggest beneficiaries of the UAE’s new visa rules, with experts predicting an influx of people looking to come to the Emirates to explore employment opportunities.
The jobs market in the UAE is growing. Last month, UAE jobs portal Bayt.com and market research agency YouGov reported that about 70 per cent of UAE companies plan to hire new employees next year.
Half of all companies surveyed plan to recruit a maximum of five new staff members over the next three months, while 25 per cent will hire between six and 10 employees.
The jobseeker visa has been introduced to attract young talent and skilled professionals to explore job opportunities in the country.
Who can apply?
It is open to those classified in the first, second or third skill level per the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation and to the latest graduates of the top 500 universities in the world.
It does not require a sponsor or a host.
The minimum educational level should be a bachelor’s degree or its equivalent.
How long is the visa for?
The visa is multi-entry and valid for 60 days.
How much does it cost?
The total outlay for a 60-day visa is Dh1,495 ($407). A 90-day visa costs Dh1,655 ($450) and the visa for 120 days costs Dh1,815 ($494)
The Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs and Ports Security’s website says each jobseeker visa includes a refundable security deposit of Dh1,025 ($279).
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