United Arab Emirates Online Application Process Launched for Long-Term Residence Visas

Middle East Immigration News Flash 40/2019  

Dubai, United Arab Emirates - May 06, 2019:  Executive summary  Foreign nationals eligible for long-term residence permits, as announced by the government of the United Arab Emirates in 2018, can now submit an online application for a six-month entry permit in order to complete procedures related to their purpose of residence that will enable them to finalise the immigration process.  

 
Foreign nationals eligible for long-term residence permits, as announced by the government of the United Arab Emirates (UAE) in 2018, can now submit an online application for a sixmonth entry permit. The application is part of the process in completing procedures related to the foreign national’s purpose of residence (e.g.: business projects, investment in real estate, enrolment at a university, etc.), which will enable them to finalise their immigration process in the UAE.  
 
Application process  
 
The following categories of foreign nationals can lodge an application through the Federal Authority for Identity and Citizenship’s website: entrepreneurs, investors, individuals with exceptional talents and outstanding students. Applications must be supported with a proof of long-term residence eligibility and a fee of AED 300.   

Background  
 
Changes to the residence permit system in the UAE were first announced in May 2018, but the visa conditions were only finalised by the end of the year, and the respective Cabinet Resolution came into force in February 2019. Until now, there have been no further announcements regarding the application process.  Because the process is still in its initial phase, it remains unclear if existing residents in the UAE who meet the long-term visa conditions as determined by law must undergo the same process as candidates outside the UAE.  
 
How Fragomen can assist?  Fragomen can conduct individual consultations based on existing eligibility criteria as determined by the Federal Authority for Identity and Citizenship and assist candidates with submitting necessary application forms. Please contact Nofisatu Mojidi at  
nmojidi@fragomen.com or Marcin Kubarek at mkubarek@fragomen.com if you wish to receive Fragomen’s support.