Dubai: Residence visa validity reduced to two years for everyone

Visa validity reduced to 2 years for all Emirates

Adjustment of the duration of classic residence visas

As of October 2022, the 3-year visa validity period will no longer be available for all visa applications for investors, employees, etc.
The new visa validity period will be 1 or 2 years for all types of new visas, visa renewal and visa transfer.
Visa fees remain unchanged and no refunds will be made. The administrative procedures remain the same: valid passport, entry visa, medical examination, fingerprinting, etc.

What is the new visa validity period in Dubai?

The United Arab Emirates recently announced a big change in the validity of Dubai and UAE residency visas issued by the Free Zones. According to an official statement, the validity period that was previously three years has been reduced to two years for all new applications for Dubai and UAE residency visas.

The beginning of the academic year 2022, has brought its share of changes in terms of residency in the UAE.

Previously, visa validity periods were different whether you were attached to a company registered in the Free Zone or a company registered in mainland.
For companies in the free zone: the validity period was 3 years for investors and employees.
For companies in mainland: the validity period was 3 years for investors but only 2 years for employees.

From now on, the duration of work permits issued by the Emirates Immigration Services has been unified for all visas. The duration has been increased to 2 years for everyone. The information was specifically confirmed by the Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs and Port Security (ICP).

What will happen to valid 3-year visas?

All visas with a 3-year validity and still valid at the time of the announcement, will remain valid until their expiration.
Those in the process of being obtained or renewed will be changed to a 2-year validity according to the new government conditions.

Reminder: Different ways to obtain a residence visa in the UAE?

In the UAE, if you wish to apply for a residence visa, there are different types of residence visas and different ways to obtain a residence visa. If you want to apply for a residence visa and an identity card you must be in one of the following situations:

  • Open a company in free zone or mainland, or obtain a freelance permit
  • Be employed by a company registered in the UAE
  • To be sponsored by your spouse
  • Getting sponsored by your parents
  • Getting sponsored by your children

How does Merritt assist you?

Our firm assists you in obtaining residence visas for you, your family, household staff and employees.
We have been operating in the UAE since 2009 and are fully conversant with the entire residency visa process.
If you need more information, please contact us by email at the following address support@merritt.group