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The UAE’s decision to offer long-term visas to property investors, scientists and entrepreneurs is part of its ongoing efforts to support the country’s move towards a globally competitive knowledge economy and diversify its businesses away from the traditional reliance on oil, according to analysts.

On Saturday, the UAE Cabinet announced long-term visas of up to 10 years. Until now, visas for expats have been valid for two or three years.

10 years

Validity of the new long-term visas

Under the new rules, five-year residency visa will be granted to owners of UAE real estate worth at least Dh5 million, while renewable 10-year visas will be provided to expats with investments of at least Dh10 million if non-real estate assets account for at least 60 per cent of the total.

Investors will be allowed to bring spouses and children into the country.

5 year

residency visas to owners of UAE real estate worth Dh5m

Other rules offer five-year visas to entrepreneurs and 10-year visas for scientists and researchers with top qualifications. Outstanding students can stay for five years.

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Analysts welcomed the government’s long-term strategic direction, and said the decision would positively impact investment and employment trends.

Jean-Paul Pigat, head of research at Lighthouse Research in Dubai, said the new visas were a step in the right direction and hoped that the policies would be further broadened so that even larger numbers of residents could qualify.

Investors/Real Estate Entrepreneurs

The Fineprint

  • The amount invested in real estate must be paid and not loaned
  • The property must be retained for at least 3 years
  • The visa could be extended to include business partners, provided that each partner contributes Dh10 million

The Questions

  • Will the property valuation of Dh5 million (5-year visa) and Dh10 million (10-year visa) extend to all types of commercial real estate?
  • Does the visa eligibility apply to existing property that had been acquired for Dh5 million or more?

Outstanding Students

The Fineprint

  • Five-year visa for students with a grade of at least 95% in secondary schools, with a distinction of 3.75 GPA upon graduation from any university
  • The long-term visa benefit will be extended to include families of the outstanding students

Special Talents: Innovators and Executives

The Fineprint

  • Creative individuals must be accredited by the Ministry of Culture and Knowledge Development
  • Inventors must obtain a patent of value added to UAE’s economy with the approval of the Ministry of Economy
  • Exceptional talents must be documented by patents or scientific research published in world-class journals
  • Executives must be owners of well-known and globally-recognised companies
  • They must also be holders of high academic achievement, professional experience and position

Doctors and Scientists

The Fineprint

  1. Holder of a PhD degree from one of the top 500 universities in the world
  2. Holder of an award 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 books in distinguished publications in the field of work of the applicant
  5. Membership in a selective entry organisation related to the work of the applicant
  6. PhD in addition to 10-year professional experience
  7. Specialisation in priority areas to the UAE for doctors
  8. Scientists accredited by Emirates Scientists Council
  9. Holders of Mohammad Bin Rashid Medal for Scientific Excellence