The General Directorate of Residency and Foreign Affairs of Dubai (GDRFA) announced the most recent tourist visa of 5-year validity on March 2021. In other words, it is aimed to create flexibility and diversification of business sectors. In the same vein, the UAE has changed its main focus from the gas and oil sector; implementing regulations to attract investment in other areas.
In this article, we will make sure you understand everything about the tourist visa of 5-year validity and why it is so important for the tourism of the country. On the other hand, you will understand everything about the different benefits as well as the application process for this type of visa. Let’s observe:
- Overview of the new type of visa
- When was the announcement date of the new visa?
- How do I apply for the new multi-entry tourist visa?
- What are the different benefits?
- What is the purpose of the multiple-entry tourist visa?
- Cost of the new 5-year multi-entry visa
- UAE ‘Golden Visa’
- How can Connect Free Zone assist you to acquire this new tourist visa in the UAE?
1. Overview of the new type of visa
The diversification of all business areas across the UAE is opening new spaces for investment; in addition, it is great for a great economy. Similarly, diversification paves the way for important development in the UAE. And as we mentioned earlier, the UAE has been changing its prime focus from the gas and oil industries.
On the other hand, the introduction of the different programs such as Golden Visa, Green Visa, and tourist visa of 5-year validity has been decisive steps in this direction. In addition, attracting foreign investment to the UAE in the tourism, infrastructure development, digitally, and in the medical sector has been the principal aim of the leaders.
In the same vein, the government implemented a multi-entry visa as a way to increment the tourist area. Similarly, the possibility of visiting the UAE several times with a tourist visa of 5-year validity is definitely a good way to boost the tourism sector in the country.
The UAE is one of the greatest tourist destinations worldwide, similarly, the country has large potential in this sector. For instance, with various exorbitant recreation activities, man-made wonders, and mesmerizing locations, the country surpasses most of the other developed countries.
2. When was the announcement date of the new visa?
This multiple-entry tourist visa was initially shown during Expo 2020. In the same vein, it led to widespread praise and was expected to be an absolute move in the right direction. On the other hand, the government entities have been working on formulating the right policy amendments, the inclusion, and preparation of guidelines of the procedure.
The government of the country established the official exposition of the introduction of this new visa method on March 21st of 2021. The immigration authority established that the visa has a validity period of 5 years.
In addition, the cabinet summit presided by HH Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Prime Minister, Vice President, and Ruler of Dubai, gave the green light for the multi-entry visa. Moreover, visa eligibility does not rule out any country. That is to say, all individuals regardless of their nationality are able to apply for this tourist visa if they meet the specific requirements.
For instance, the individuals must have at least $4000 in their bank account in the last 6-months period. Although the individuals can take advantage of a single stay up to 90 days; they can continue to stay 3 more months by obtaining approval from the government entity in charge. Further, the ex-pat would self-sponsor their visa.
On the other hand, the individual can enter or leave the UAE an unlimited number of times. However, the calculation of the 5-year period is from the first date of entry of the individual to the country.
These are the most common details about the newly implemented tourist visa in the United Arab Emirates. Moreover, the eligibility conditions are the same with an already existing tourist visa.
3. How do I apply for the new multi-entry tourist visa?
The ICA (Federal Authority for Identity and Citizenship) is the government body in charge of executing the visa management, regulation, monitoring, and issuance of the new multi-entry visa in the UAE. And as we mentioned earlier, the applicant must have a minimum of $4000 (or the equivalent in another currency) in their bank account in the last six months.
In other words, all individuals are able to apply for a visa; however, if you do it yourself it can be a complex process. Thus, in Connect Free Zone we assist you from the beginning to the end of this process; with us, you obtain support from our team of specialized immigration PRO services.
Let’s observe the step-by-step guide for the application of the multi-entry tourist visa:
- Firstly, the applicant must fill the application form providing different details such as:
- Intended stay address in the UAE.
- Service required.
- Beneficiary details.
- Address of the individuals in their home country.
- After that, the applicant must upload all the documents showing proof of the applicant’s statements. Further, these include a passport copy, passport-sized photography, medical insurance, and a bank statement of the past 6 months.
- Once the applicant successfully completed the details and uploaded all the documents, review the application.
- Pay the established fee for the multi-entry tourist visa.
- And then, the authority sends the approved visa to your email.
4. What are the different benefits?
Yearly, there are countless individuals visiting the UAE for several reasons such as work or recreational purposes. Therefore, this tourist visa of 5 years is a great way to assist them in this process. For instance, it would decrease the ongoing repeated approval and application process. In addition, it will cut many expenses.
On the other hand, there are several benefits of the multi-entry tourism visa:
- Visit the UAE multiple times sponsoring yourself and live in the country for 90 days on every arrival.
- Holders will be able to extend their visit period to 90 days more.
- This multiple entry visa allows both UAE nationals and residents to bring their family to visit the country; this was very difficult with the previously available visas.
- It eliminates the hassle of repeating applications for individuals visiting the UAE.
- There is a new opportunity for more individuals to visit the country.
- The overall fee for this type of visa is much less than repeatedly applying.
- Individuals from any country around the globe can take advantage of it.
5. What is the purpose of the multiple-entry tourist visa?
As we mentioned earlier, the 5-year tourist visa announcement was made last year in line with Expo 2020. At the time, Ali Mohammad Bin Hammad Al Shamsi; the head of the Federal Authority for Identity and Citizenship, stated that this decision was made taking into account the upcoming visitors of the Expo 2020.
In other words, the country receives more than 20 million visitors each year. For example, Dubai contributes massively to welcoming a great number of visitors, so having this innovative 5-year tourist visa will be of great help in the upcoming years.
Further, reducing the amount of paperwork involved in the process and; thus, cutting down most of the fees will certainly attract even more tourists to the country. Given that this opportunity is for individuals from all nationalities, it will be an important decision for the future of the country’s tourism sector.
6. Cost of the new 5-year multi-entry visa
The ICA (Federal Authority for Identity and Citizenship) stated that the multi-entry tourist visa application cost is DH 655 (approx. $180). In addition, the applicant must possess at least $4000 in their bank account in the previous six months. Similarly, this is perhaps the only rigid regulations regarding the multiple entry visa established by the government of the country.
On the other hand, the immigration authorities specified it will have a valid period of 5 years; calculated from the first date of entry. In the same vein, the individuals are able to can stay up to 3 months in the country in a single visit. But, if they need an extension, they can put a request to the government authority in charge.
Similarly, the foreign national can stay in the country for a maximum of 180 days in a single stay with approval from immigration authorities.
7. UAE ‘Golden Visa’
The government of the UAE, in another way of improving the tourism sector in the country; began issuing the new Golden Visas valid for 10-years. In addition, this was introduced last year and it allows applicants to be self-sponsors.
In the same vein, professionals including researchers, humanitarian workers, investors, doctors, innovators, outstanding students, entrepreneurs, CEOs, and specialists in the fields of; engineering, science, business management, technology, health, and education have been so far chosen to be eligible for the new type of visa.
Further, for the 10-year type of visa, individuals having 10 million AED or more worth of public investments are able to apply. On the other hand, the investment amount is fixed at 5 million AED for the 5-year visa. Similarly, the government also establishes that the amount invested must not be on a loan basis and shall be retainable for a minimum of 3 years.
8. How can Connect Free Zone assist you to acquire this new tourist visa in the UAE?
We understand that establishing a business is sometimes a complicated process. That is to say, in Connect Free Zone we are here to help you successfully find the best pricing, discounts, and packages in the best and popular free zones in the UAE. In the same vein, we can sponsor your company in the UAE so you can easily set up in Mainland Dubai.
Similarly, we have more than 20 years of experience working with businesses in all sectors across the UAE; that allowed us to obtain the best experience we need to properly guide and advise you to achieve your business goals and successfully expand to the country.
In Connect Free Zone we are here to assist you to source the perfect business destination; we allow you to take advantage of all the benefits each offer will offer your business. That is to say, we compare free zones companies, rules, facilities, and locations regarding your business’ objectives and services.
Would you like Connect Free zone to start assisting you with the tourist visa of 5-year validity?
If you have any additional inquiries or you want us to start working with us side-by-side in the immigration process; you can always send us an email via contact@connectfz.com. Or if you prefer, you are able to call us at +971 4331 6688.
Or if you would like to submit your CV or your resume; please go to thetalentpoint.com. In addition, resumes and CVs sent to contact@thetalentpoint.com will not be stored.
Frequently asked questions about the tourist visa of 5-year validity?
What is the fee for this multiple entry visa?
As we mentioned earlier, the Federal Authority for Identity and Citizenship established that the visa application fee will be DH 655 (approx. $180).
How will the residents of the UAE benefit from this change?
Relatives or family members of UAE residents wishing to stay in the country currently have to apply for different extensions if they want to stay longer than the period mentioned in the visa. However, with this 5-year tourism visa in Dubai and all across the UAE; families can spend more time with their families.
Further, this new visa will reduce all application processing periods. We know that applying for a visa on your own can be a complex process and doing it constantly is a hassle. Therefore, with the 5-year tourist visa, all residents can stay with their family for longer periods. And above all, they only need to make one payment.
And while this new tourist visa of 5-year validity has been announced, the roll-out, and of the procedures and the implementation will take some time. So, those residing in the UAE on a tourist visa may have to apply for a UAE tourist visa extension they want to stay for longer. In Connect Free Zone we recommend you stay legal and safe in the UAE and avoid overstaying fines.