Cabinet Resolution No. 65 of 2022 on the Long-term Residence (Golden Visa)
قرار مجلس الوزراء رقم 65 لسنة 2022 بشأن الإقامة طويلة الأجل (التأشيرة الذهبية)
⚠ Official translation — the Arabic original is the legally binding version.
104 articles
Entry and Residence of Foreigners
of Federal Law by Decree No. (29) of 2021 Concerning the Entry and Residence of Foreigners
The Cabinet: ‒ After perusal of the Constitution; ‒ Federal Law No. (1) of 1972 concerning the Competencies of Ministries and the Powers of Ministers, and amendments thereof; ‒ Federal Law No. (11) of 2018 regulating the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, and amendments thereof; ‒ Federal Law by Decree No. (14) of 2021 concerning the Establishment of the Federal Authority for Identity, Nationality, Customs and Ports Security (ICA), ‒ Federal Law by Decree No. (29) of 2021 concerning The Foreigners Entry and Residence; ‒ Federal Law by Decree No. (33) of 2021 Regulating Labor Relations; ‒ The proposal of the Chairman of the Federal Authority for Identity, Nationality, Customs and Ports Security, and upon the Cabinet approval, Decided:
Part One Introductory Provisions
Definitions In the application of this resolution, the following words and expressions shall have the meanings assigned to each of them, unless the context otherwise requires: State : United Arab Emirates ICA : Federal Authority for Identity, Nationality, Customs and Ports Security
Entry and Residence of Foreigners
Chairman : Chairman of the Federal Authority for Identity and Citizenship, Customs and Ports Security Foreigner : Anyone who does not have the nationality of the State Visa : Official document issued in accordance with the provisions of this Law by Decree that enables the Foreigner to enter the State and stay therein for the period of Permit granted thereto Residence Permit : A document that gives the Foreigner the right to reside in the State for the period specified Ports : The State official land, air and sea ports specified for the entry and exit of the Foreigner, which are determined by this Resolution Travel Document : Official document that identifies the Foreigner identity, it shall be approved by a resolution of the Chairman and it shall be deemed like a passport in identifying the identity Prior Visa : Entry status granted to the Foreigner prior to the Foreigner arrival to the State Law by Decree : Federal Law by Decree No. (29) of 2021 concerning the Foreigners Entry and Residence
Conditions for the Foreigner Entry to the State The Foreigner to enter the State, the following shall be required:
1. Holder of passport or travel document;
2. The passport or travel document shall be approved and valid for entering the State and returning to the State coming from or residing in or from which the passport or travel document is issued;
3. The validity term of the passport or travel document for a person who is not holding a Residence Permit shall not be less than (6) six months. By a resolution of the Chairman, certain categories may be excluded some from the validity term referred to in this Clause, on condition that the validity term shall not be less than one month;
Entry and Residence of Foreigners
4. Holder of a valid Entry Visa or Residence Permit;
5. To have a ticket to continue his journey or a return ticket, to allow the Foreigner to enter the State under a visit Visa;
6. Nationals of States for which a resolution is issued by the Cabinet upon the proposal of the Chairman shall be exempted from the condition of obtaining a Prior Visa; and
7. The Chairman or whoever he authorizes, in case of necessity determined by the Chairman, may make exception from all or some of the conditions mentioned in this Article, or the Chairman considers exempting them with a special permission from obtaining Entry Visa.
Approved Ports
1. The Foreigner may not enter or leave the State except after completing entry and exit procedures from the following approved ports:
a. Air Ports:
1. Abu Dhabi International Airport
2. Al Ain International Airport
3. Das Island Airport
4. Dubai International Airport
5. Al Maktoum International Airport
6. Sharjah International Airport
7. Ras Al Khaimah International Airport
8. Fujairah International Airport
b. Maritime Ports:
1. Zayed Port (Abu Dhabi)
2. Ruwais Port (Abu Dhabi)
3. Khalifa Port (Abu Dhabi)
4. Mughraq Port (Abu Dhabi)
5. Rashid Port (Dubai)
6. Al Shindagha Port (Dubai)
Entry and Residence of Foreigners
7. DryDock Port (Dubai)
8. Hamriya Port (Dubai)
9. Jebel Ali Port (Dubai)
10. Port Harbor (Dubai)
11. Khalid Port (Sharjah)
12. Khor Fakkan Port (Sharjah)
13. Hamriyah Port (Sharjah)
14. Ajman Port (Ajman)
15. Ras Al Khaimah Port (Ras Al Khaimah)
16. Saqr Port (Ras Al Khaimah).
17. Al Jazira Port (Ras Al Khaimah)
18. Umm Al Quwain Port (Ahmed Bin Rashid Port in Umm Al Quwain)
19. Fujairah Port (Fujairah).
20. Musaffah Port (Abu Dhabi)
21. Al Jeer Port (Ras Al Khaimah)
22. Dibba Al-Fujairah (Fujairah)
c. Land Ports:
1. Ghuwaifat (Abu Dhabi)
2. Mazyad (Abu Dhabi)
3. Khatam Al Shakla (Abu Dhabi).
4. Madiaf (Abu Dhabi).
5. Hili (Abu Dhabi).
6. Hatta (Dubai).
7. Khatem Al-Melaha (Sharjah).
8. Sha'am (Al Dara) (Ras Al Khaimah).
9. Wam Port (Fujairah)
10. Muzaira Port (Ajman)
2. If the Foreigner enters the territory of the State under compelling circumstances from other than the approved entry points, the Foreigner shall immediately present himself to the nearest
Entry and Residence of Foreigners
police station, point, police patrol or authorized port of entry to report his entry. The party receiving the report shall immediately submit the matter to the ICA to take the appropriate action.
Cases of Returning the Foreigner at the Entry Points to the Destination The Competent Authority at the entry point shall return the Foreigner to the destination from which the Foreigner comes if one of the following cases is present:
1. Failure to fulfil one or more of the conditions stipulated in Article (2) of this Resolution;
2. Manipulating the photo affixed to the passport or travel document;
3. Crossing out, scraping or distorting the data recorded in the passport or travel document;
4. The apparent damage to the passport or travel document in a way that affects any or some of the data;
5. Irregularity in the numbering of the passport or travel document pages, or the loss or removal of any part thereof; and
6. Using a passport or travel document belonging to another person for impersonating another person The Foreigner in whom one of the cases referred to in this Article has occurred, shall be returned at his own expense and by the same means used, whenever possible, or by another means to be specified by the leader, owner or agent of the means of transport.
Official Documents Forgery The ICA shall arrest every person coming to the State if it finds that his passport or travel document is suspicious of scraping, distortion, cross-out or forgery in the seals or visas that are proven by the Concerned Authorities with the Foreigners Entry and Residence or the diplomatic missions of the State in the documents or passports of the Foreigners.
Entry and Residence of Foreigners
Obligations of the Foreigner and the Recruitment Agency First: The Foreigner Obligations
1. The Foreigner shall register his data and place of residence when submitting the Entry Visa or upon entering the State if he is one of the categories exempted from the Prior Visa. The Foreigner shall also notify the ICA in the event of any change in such data or in the event of a dispute between the Foreigner and the Contracting Entity;
2. The Foreigner may not work with or without pay unless the Foreigner obtains a license to do so from the Competent Authority;
3. If the Foreigner loses or damages his passport or identity card, the Foreigner shall report this to the nearest police station within (3) three days of the loss or damage;
4. If the Foreigner has a new-born in the State, the Foreigner shall extract documents to prove his identity in accordance with the legislation in force in the State of his nationality and amend the status of the new-born or the new-born leaves the State within (4) four months from the date of birth;
5. The Foreigner shall leave the State after the expiry of the period the Foreigner is authorized to stay in the State;
6. The Foreigner shall, at any time he is requested to do so, show his identity card or proof of identity. The Chairman shall determine the data to be completed in accordance with the provisions of Clause (1) of this Article and the procedures related to the incident of loss or damage to the passport or identity card mentioned in Clause (3) of this Article. Second: The Recruitment Agency Obligations
1. Natural and legal persons in the State may not to employ the Foreigner, even on a trial basis, without obtaining a license to do so from the Competent Authorities; and
2. The Recruitment Agency, whether a The Guarantor or a Contracting Entity with the Foreigner, shall employ that the Foreigner whenever the Foreigner is authorized to work. The Foreigner shall notify the Competent Authorities of the incident of his nonappearance from work or his absence within (48) forty-eight hours of the incident of absence or
Entry and Residence of Foreigners
nonappearance.
Transport Drivers Obligations Captains of ships and drivers of cars, trains and other means of transport, upon their arrival or departure from the State, shall submit to the ICA Competent Employee the following documents or data:
1. Names of passengers who do not hold valid passports or travel documents;
2. Names of passengers with doubts regarding the validity of their passports or their non- validity; and
3. Names of passengers who do not hold Entry Visas or Residence Permits that authorize them to enter the State.
Part Two Entry Visas
Conditions for Granting the Foreigner Entry Visa to the State The Foreigner may be granted Entry Visa if the following general requirements shall be fulfilled:
1. He shall have a valid and approved passport or travel document to enter the State and return to the State in which he resides or from which the passport or travel document is issued. The validity term of the passport or travel document shall not be less than (6) six months;
2. He shall not be prohibited from entering the territory of the State;
3. He shall not have previously been expelled from the State;
4. He shall have a ticket to continue his journey or a ticket to leave the State;
5. He shall have a valid health insurance within the State; and
6. The Competent Authorities shall agree to his entry after fulfilling the requirements stipulated in this resolution. The Foreigner shall submit documents and papers that prove
Entry and Residence of Foreigners
the seriousness of the purpose and the payment of the prescribed fees and securities.
Controls for Issuing Visas by Embassies and Consulates Embassies and Consulates representing the State abroad may issue Entry Visas in accordance with the following controls and procedures:
1. The Foreigner outside the State shall submit the Entry Visa Application on the approved form to the Embassies and Consulates representing the State abroad;
2. Visas shall be granted by the Embassy or Consulate after the ICA approves the Application and registers it in a special record; and
3. Entry Visas shall be issued on the forms approved by the ICA, after paying the prescribed fees and guarantees, and taking into account the conditions and procedures stipulated in this resolution.
Entry Visas Types The Entry Visa granted to the Foreigner shall determine the reason of the Visa Holder entry into the State, as follows:
1. Visit Entry Visa;
2. Temporary or emergency Entry Visa;
3. Work Entry Visa;
4. Residence Entry Visa;
5. Entry Visa for the residents of the GCC and their foreigner companions
Visit Entry Visa The ICA - after the approval of the Competent Authorities - may grant the Foreigner a Visa that allows the Foreigner to enter the State for a temporary visit, whether for one trip or for multiple trips. The Entry Visa shall be classified in accordance with to the reason of the visit
Entry and Residence of Foreigners
into the following types:
1. Tourism;
2. Visit a relative or friend;
3. Business Mission;
4. Explore business opportunities;
5. Explore business start-up opportunities.
6. Medical treatment
7. Study, training or qualification
8. Courtesy Visa By a resolution of the ICA Chairman or whoever he authorizes, a Visit Visa may be issued for other purposes not mentioned in this Article, on condition that the seriousness of the reason of coming to the State is confirmed.
Length of Stay for Visit Entry Visa
1. The duration of the visitor stay is determined by the reason of his coming to the State in accordance with what the ICA determines in this regard. In all cases, the length of Stay shall not exceed one year, with the necessity of paying the prescribed fee and guarantee. Part of the month is considered a month in determining the value of the fee to be paid; and
2. By a resolution of the Chairman or whoever he authorizes, the Visit Entry Visa may be extended for a similar period or periods, if the seriousness of the reason for the extension is proven and the fees due have been paid.
Validity of Visit Entry Visa The Visit Entry Visa shall be valid to enter the State for a period of (60) sixty days from the date of its issuance. It may be renewed for similar periods after paying the prescribed fee.
Entry and Residence of Foreigners
Tourist Visit Visa
Tourist Visa The ICA may grant the Foreigner a Tourist Visit Visa. The Guarantor/The Host Party within the State shall be one of the establishments working in the field of tourism, after paying the prescribed fee and financial security.
Five-Year Multi-Tourist Visa
1. Save the provisions of Article (12) of this Resolution, the ICA may issue a Multi-Tourist Visa valid for a period of (5) five years from the date of issuance without the requirement of a The Guarantor/The Host Party within the State, after fulfilling the prescribed fee and financial security. The issuance of the Visa requires to submit available proof of a bank balance of (USD 4000) or its equivalent in foreign currencies during the last six (6) months prior to submitting the application;
2. The Multi-Tourist Visa shall allow the Beneficiary to stay in the State for a continuous period not exceeding (90) ninety days. The ICA may extend it for a similar period, on condition that the entire stay period does not exceed (180) one hundred and eighty days in one year; and
3. The period of stay in the State may be extended for a period exceeding (180) one hundred and eighty days per year in exceptional cases to be determined by a resolution of the Chairman.
Visit Entry Visa, a Relative or Friend The ICA may grant the Foreigner Entry Visa for visiting a relative or friend without a The Guarantor/The Host Party in the State.
Entry and Residence of Foreigners
Conditions for Issuing Entry Visa for visiting a Relative or Friend The following conditions are required to issue a Visit Visa for a relative or friend:
1. A relative or friend of a citizen or the Foreigner residing in the State in accordance with the provisions determined by the ICA;
2. Attach proof of kinship and justifications for the visit;
3. Fulfilment of the financial security determined in accordance with to the purpose; and
4. If the reason of entry is for a foreign wife to visit her husband, who is a GCC citizen, it shall be required that he is authorized to have a valid residence in the State of which the husband holds its nationality.
Visit Entry Visa, Business Mission The ICA may grant the Foreigner a Visit Entry Visa for completing a temporary business mission, in cases of working on temporary projects or working on probation for a temporary period of time. The Guarantor/The Host Party shall be the Business Entity in the State, whether a governmental or private entity or enterprise in free zones.
Conditions for issuing Visit Entry Visa for Business Mission The following conditions shall be required to issue a Visit Visa for completing a temporary business mission:
1. Submission of a temporary Employment Agreement or a letter from the Recruitment Agency to clarify the contractual relationship and the reason of entry;
2. Proof of health fitness for work;
3. Approval of the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratization (MOHRE) in case the Recruitment Agency is subject to the provisions of the Law Regulating Labor Relationships or if it is in the category of domestic workers.
Entry and Residence of Foreigners
Visit Entry Visa, Job Opportunity The ICA may grant the Foreigner a Visit Entry Visa to find job opportunities. The Visa shall be without the requirement of a The Guarantor/The Host Party inside the State.
Conditions for issuing Visit Entry Visa, Job Opportunity In order to issue a Visit Entry Visa, the following shall be fulfilled:
1. The Applicant shall fulfil one of the following two conditions:
a. The Applicant shall be an experienced worker at the first, second or third professional level of the professions classification approved by the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratization (MOHRE); and
b. The Applicant shall be a graduate of the best (500) five hundred universities in the world in accordance with to the classification approved by the Ministry of Education. No more than two years have passed since he is a graduate.
2. The minimum educational level shall be a Bachelor Degree or its equivalent.
3. To fulfil the prescribed financial security.
Visit Entry Visa, Business Start-Up Opportunities The ICA may grant the Foreigner a Visit Entry Visa for researching and exploring business opportunities. The Visa shall be without the requirement of a The Guarantor/The Host Party inside the State. The issuance of the Visa shall be required to fulfil the prescribed fee and financial security.
Entry and Residence of Foreigners
Visit Entry Visa, Medical Treatment The ICA may grant the Foreigner a visit Visa for medical treatment. The Guarantor/The Host Party in this case shall be a licensed health facility in the State, and a Visa may be granted to accompanying persons/companions of the treatment recipient
Conditions for issuing a Visit Visa for Medical Treatment The following conditions are required to issue a Visit Visa for treatment:
1. Submit a certified medical report and a letter from the Host Party stating the reasons for the visit;
2. Fulfilment of the prescribed financial security; and
3. In the case of granting Entry Visa to the companion to treat the patient, it shall be required that the companion accompany the patient enter the State. The companion shall hold Entry Visa similar to the patient Entry Visa (single or multiple trips, depending on the circumstances). The extension for the companion shall be only made if the patient Entry Visa is extended. In all cases, the Beneficiary shall have health insurance and provide the prescribed financial security.
Visit Entry Visa, Study, Training or Qualification The ICA may grant the Foreigner a Visit Entry Visa for study, training, qualification and the like. The Guarantor/The Host Party in this case shall be one of the licensed universities, institutes, educational or research institutions in the State, the Guarantor/The Host Party can be a governmental or private entity for training or qualification purposes for a temporary period of time.
Entry and Residence of Foreigners
Conditions for Issuing Visit Entry Visa for Study, Training and Qualification To issue a Visit Visa for study, training or qualification, it shall be required to submit a letter from the Host Party, including the study or training program and its duration.
Courtesy Visa Embassies and Consulates representing the State abroad may grant Courtesy Visas, after approval by the ICA, for the following categories:
1. A Visit Visa for the personalities they see fit to be granted this Visa; and
2. Visit Visa for holders of diplomatic, special and United Nations passports.
Entry Visa, Emergency/Temporary The ICA - after the approval of the Competent Authorities - may grant the Foreigner special Visas that allow the Foreigner to enter the State temporarily in the following cases:
1. Transit Visa for passengers continuing their journey (transit);
2. Cabin crew;
3. Seamen; and
4. Emergency entry for specific reasons
Transit Visa
1. The ICA may grant this Visa to the Foreigner who is in transit and who continues his journey to another State or who is on one of the ships anchored in one of the State ports, or who wishes to join it, and the circumstances of the journey force the Foreigner to enter the State.
2. The Transit Visa shall entitle the Foreigner to stay in the State for a period of (48) forty-
Entry and Residence of Foreigners
eight or (96) ninety-six hours, in accordance with the following conditions:
a. Holder of a valid passport or travel document to enter the State, as well as the State to which he intends to continue the journey;
b. Have a ticket to continue the journey, with the exception of the Foreigner who wishes to join a ship anchored in one of the State ports; and
c. In all cases, this Visa may be granted for both round trips when applying for it.
Entry Visa, Seamen and Cabin Crew First: The Seamen
1. The ICA may grant this Visa at the seaport for the Seamen, whenever the following conditions shall be fulfilled:
a. To prove his identity with a Marine Passport (Seaman Book);
b. Holder of a Seamen card issued by the Competent Authority in the State if he is working on a Seamen card on board of national ships operating on the high seas in addition to the Naval Passport; and
c. He shall have a Working Residence Permit in the State and a Seamen card issued by the Competent Authority in the State, if he is a worker on board foreign ships subject to employment agreements in the State.
2. Seamen and crews of a ship may obtain a temporary Visa Permit for a period of (7) seven days to leave the premises of the port to the territory of the State. In this case the Guarantor/The Host Party shall be the Maritime Agent.
3. Ship Seamen and crews may move within the same port from the ship coming on it to any marine means anchored in the ports of the State after informing the Competent Authorities of the entry of the Foreigners at the port. In this case, the approval of the leader of the next means of transport and the transfer to it shall be required in accordance with the instructions regulating this matter. Second: The Cabin Crew The duration of stay in the State for the flight crew is (7) seven days from the date of entry.
Entry and Residence of Foreigners
Entry Visa, Emergency The ICA may grant an emergency Entry Visa at the ports of the State to the Foreigner coming by transit or who has been removed from the means of transport at one of the State ports for one of the following reasons:
1. Health issue;
2. Flights cancelled due to bad weather; and
3. Cancellation of flights due to sudden aircraft malfunctions and requiring stays for more than (24) twenty-four hours.
Emergency Entry Visa Controls The Guarantor/The Host Party of this Visa shall be the carrier (the airline, and the Visa allows its holder to stay in the State for a period not exceeding (96) ninety-six hours for the reasons set forth in Clauses (2,3) of the previous Article, on condition that there are no security obstacles that prevent grant it. The duration of stay shall be for a period not exceeding (7) seven days if the reason for granting it is a health condition, on condition that the Visa shall be amended to Entry Visa for Medical Treatment if it requires staying in the State for more than that. The Visa holder shall be under the control of the police if he is one of those prohibited to enter the Sate. In all cases, the same provisions shall apply to companion.
Entry and Residence of Foreigners
Entry Visa, Work The ICA may grant the Foreigner a work Entry Visa that allows its holder to stay in the State for a period of (60) sixty days from the date of entry, then complete the necessary procedures for issuing Residence in the following cases:
1. The Foreigner who has an employment agreement with The Employer from the following:
a. Federal or local government sector;
b. The private sector and those who are subject to the Federal Law by Decree Regulating Labor Relations;
c. Domestic Service Workers; and
d. Entities exempted from all provisions of the Federal Law by Decree regulating labor relations or from the requirement to obtain a Working Permit from the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratization (MOHRE) by a resolution issued by the Cabinet.
2. Green Residence Permit shall include the following categories:
a. The Investor and the partner in a commercial license under a partnership contract with a percentage of participation to be determined by a resolution of the Chairman.
b. High level skilled worker;
c. Freelance work The provisions and controls contained in Part Three of this Resolution shall apply to the categories mentioned in this Article.
Non-Work Entry Visa for Residence The ICA may grant the Foreigner Non-Work Entry Visa for Residence that allows its holder to stay in the State for a period of (60) sixty days from the date of entry until the completion of the necessary procedures for issuing the residence in the following cases:
1. A student enrolled in universities, colleges, educational or research institutions licensed in the State;
Entry and Residence of Foreigners
2. The Foreigner who works remotely (virtual work) for an entity outside the State;
3. The retired Foreigner;
4. The Foreigner who owns Real Estate in the State;
5. The Foreigner family members who reside in the State, (husband and children). It may include the Foreigner parents if he is one of those who obtained the Green Residence Permit;
6. The parents, children and spouse of a male or female citizen who hold foreign passports;
7. Wives and children of GCC citizens who hold foreign passports;
8. A foreign woman whose citizen husband dies or divorces her, and she has one or more child; and
9. Humanitarian cases for which a resolution is issued by the Chairman The provisions and controls contained in Part Three of this Resolution shall apply to the categories mentioned in this Article.
Entry Visa for Residents of the GCC and their Companions The ICA may grant The Foreigner residing in one of the States of the GCC and his foreign companions a Visa to enter the State in accordance with the periods and controls to be determined by a resolution of the Chairman.
Part Three Residence Permits
Residence Permits Types The reason of the Residence Permit shall be determined of two main types as follows:
1. Residence Permit for work; and
2. Non-Working Residence Permit In all cases, the Entry Visa may be converted into Residence Permit without the need to leave the State after paying the prescribed fee for the departure payment. The same provision shall
Entry and Residence of Foreigners
apply to the Foreigner whose Residence has been cancelled or the period for which he is permitted to reside in the State has expired.
General Provisions for the Issuance of Residence Permits In addition to the controls and conditions contained in this resolution, the following conditions shall be required for granting the Foreigner Residence Permit:
1. The Foreigner shall be in good health, in accordance with the regulations in force in this regard;
2. The Foreigner shall enjoy health insurance throughout his stay in the State; and
3. Pay the prescribed fees and financial security.
Duration of Stay
1. The Residence Permit shall grant its holder the right to reside in the State for a period of
(2) two years, renewable for a similar period or periods in accordance with the same conditions under which it is granted. The Residence Permit may also be issued for a period of one year at the request of the concerned person or the requirements of the public interest or in cases determined by the Chairman.
2. The Green Residence Permit shall entitle its holder to reside without a The Guarantor/The Employer in the State for a period of (5) five years, renewable for a similar period or periods, in accordance with to the same conditions under which it is granted.
Working Residence Permit Subject to the provisions of Article (33) of this Resolution, the ICA may, after the approval of the Competent Authorities, grant a Working Permit for the following categories:
1. The Foreigner subject to an employment agreement with The Employer from the following entities:
Entry and Residence of Foreigners
a. Federal or local government sector;
b. The private sector and those who are subject to the Federal Law by Decree Regulating Labor Relations;
c. Domestic Service Workers; and
d. Entities exempted from all provisions of the Federal Law by Decree regulating labor relations or from the requirement to obtain a Working Permit from the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratization (MOHRE) by a resolution issued by the Cabinet.
2. Green Residence Permit shall include the following categories:
a. The Investor and the partner in a commercial license under a partnership contract with a percentage of participation to be determined by a resolution of the Chairman;
b. High level skilled worker; and
c. Freelance work
Working Residence Permit for the Foreigner Subject to Employment Agreement with the Employer The ICA may grant the Foreigner, who has an employment agreement with The Employer, a Working Residence Permit in accordance with the following conditions:
1. If the Recruitment Agency is one of the federal or local public sector entities, the ICA shall issue Residence Permit after submitting the employment agreement or appointment resolution to the Foreigner;
2. If the Recruitment Agency is subject to a Federal Law by Decree on regulating labor relations, or if it is a Domestic Service Worker, a Permit shall be obtained from the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratization (MOHRE); and
3. If the Recruitment Agency is one of the entities exempted from all provisions of the Federal Law by Decree on regulating labor relations or from the requirement to obtain a Working Permit from the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratization (MOHRE), the ICA shall issue Residence Permit after submitting the employment agreement or resolution of appointment to the Foreigner. In all cases, these enterprises shall have a wage protection system as
Entry and Residence of Foreigners
determined by the ICA in this regard.
Green Residence Permit for Investor or Partner The ICA may grant the Green Residence Permit to the Foreigner coming to the State for Residence as Investor or partner in a commercial project if the following conditions shall be fulfilled:
1. The ICA approves the investment in accordance with the Investor classification system issued by a resolution of the Chairman in coordination with the Ministry of Economy and the Competent Federal and Local Authorities in this regard;
2. The value of the investment or partnership is proved in accordance with the percentages to be determined by a resolution of the Chairman, and in the event that the Foreigner has more than one license, the total invested capital shall be calculated to meet the prescribed percentage; and
3. The Competent Local Authorities approve the licensing of the Applicant to practice the activity.
Green Residence Permit for Skilled Worker The ICA may grant the Foreigner a Working Residence Permit without a The Guarantor/The Employer in the State if he is a skilled worker in accordance with the professional classification and standards approved by the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratization (MOHRE).
Entry and Residence of Foreigners
Conditions and Controls for Granting Green Residence Permit to a Skilled Worker In order to issue a Green Residence Permit to a skilled worker, the following requirements shall be fulfilled:
1. To obtain a Working Permit in the State under a valid employment agreement in the State;
2. To be a skilled worker at the first, second or third level of the professions classification approved by the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratization (MOHRE);
3. The minimum educational level shall be a Bachelor Degree or its equivalent; and
4. The monthly salary shall not be less than (AED 15,000) fifteen thousand dirhams or its equivalent in foreign currencies.
Green Residence Permit for Self-Employment The ICA may grant The Foreigner Residence Permit for self-employment independently without The Employer/The Guarantor and without the need for an employment agreement, whether it is in the State or abroad.
Conditions and Controls for Granting Green Residence Permit for Self- Employment In order to issue a Green Residence Permit for self-employment, the following requirements shall be fulfilled:
1. Obtaining a free Working Permit from the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratization (MOHRE);
2. The minimum educational level shall be a Bachelor Degree, a specialized diploma, or its equivalent; and
3. The Applicant annual income from self-employment for the previous two years shall not
Entry and Residence of Foreigners
be less than (AED 360,000) three hundred and sixty thousand dirhams or its equivalent in foreign currencies, or prove his financial solvency throughout his stay in the State.
Non-Working Residence Permit Subject to the provisions of Article (34) of this Resolution, the ICA may, after the approval of the Competent Authorities, grant the Foreigner a Non-Working Residence Permit for the following categories:
1. A student enrolled in universities, colleges, educational or research institutions licensed in the State;
2. The Foreigner who works remotely (virtual work) for an entity outside the State;
3. The retired Foreigner;
4. The Foreigner who owns Real Estate in the State;
5. Family members of the Foreigner residing in the State (husband and children), and it may include the Foreigner parents if he is one of those who obtained the Green Residence Permit;
6. The parents, children and spouse of a male or female citizen who holds foreign passports;
7. Wives and children of GCC citizens who holds foreign passports;
8. A foreign woman whose citizen husband dies or divorces her, and she has one or more child; and
9. Humanitarian cases for which a resolution is issued by the Chairman
Student Residence Permit Enrolled in Educational Institution The ICA may grant Non-Working Residence Permit to a student enrolled in a university, college, or educational or research institution licensed in the State, and the Guarantor/The Host Party shall be the educational Institution.
Entry and Residence of Foreigners
Conditions and Controls for Granting Residence Permit for Student Enrolled in Educational Institution In order to issue a Student Residence Permit, the following conditions shall be fulfilled:
1. That the university, college, institute, research center or the like is licensed to engage in activity in the State; and
2. Obtaining the approval of the Ministry of Education or the Competent Educational Authority in the Emirate, as the case may be.
Virtual Working Residence Permit The ICA may grant the Foreigner a Virtual Working Residence Permit without a The Guarantor/The Host Party for a renewable period of one year whenever the Foreigner is working remotely for entity outside the State.
Conditions and Controls for Granting Virtual Working Residence Permit In order to issue a virtual Working Residence Permit in the State, the following conditions shall be fulfilled:
1. The Permit Applicant shall provide proof that he has worked for entity outside the State and that the work is done remotely; and
2. Provide proof that the Permit Applicant has earned a monthly income of no less than (USD 3,500) three thousand five hundred US dollars or equivalent foreign currency.
Entry and Residence of Foreigners
Information, not legal advice. UAE laws change. Always verify the current text via the official source linked above and consult a UAE-licensed lawyer for advice on your situation.