UAE Introduces Four Residence Visa Categories for Expats

The United Arab Emirates has announced four categories of residence visas for foreign nationals, each with specific eligibility requirements. The first category is Family Residence Visas, allowing both employers and employees with valid UAE residence visas to sponsor immediate family members, provided the employee earns a minimum salary of AED 4,000 per month (or AED 3,000 with accommodation).

Eligible dependants include spouses, unmarried daughters, sons under 25, and children with special needs. The second category is for family members of foreign university students enrolled in UAE institutions, requiring proof of suitable housing.

The third category is a five-year Resident Visa for retirees, requiring applicants to be at least 55 years old with 15 years of work experience and meet financial conditions related to property ownership or annual income. The fourth category is a Resident Visa for remote workers, allowing them to live in the UAE for one year while working for overseas employers under self-sponsorship.