London Daily

Focus on the big picture.
Wednesday, Jul 02, 2025

UAE Green Visa launched

UAE Green Visa launched

The United Arab Emirates has updated its visa rules, affecting work, investment and innovation, as the country looks to boost its competitive edge. The latest revision has seen the introduction of a five-year Green Visa, with skilled workers, the self-employed and investors set to benefit.

Shiraz Sethi, Regional Head of Employment at Dentons & Co, says there has been a push by the UAE government to ensure the employment landscape there is forever changing. He revealed remote and temporary work were requirements that needed to be addressed off the back of the pandemic.

He told Euronews, “These were things that were not part of the UAE labour law previously and so this has really propelled the UAE as a place to work because it's giving people of all different backgrounds and diversities [the opportunity] to come in and work within the UAE.”


Benefits for Expats


Previous renewals for working visas were needed every two to three years with a sponsor. This new five-year visa comes with more stability and flexibility, while at the same time creating a more competitive talent pool. Advantages include:

• Five-year self-sponsorship for eligible individuals

• Residency permits for children, spouse and immediate family members

• Sponsorship of male children up to the age of 25 and daughters regardless of age

• A six-month grace period to stay in the United Arab Emirates when or if the visa expires or is cancelled


Change in Immigration Policy


The move comes as the country recently welcomed a 10-year Golden Visa for exceptional talent, investors, skilled workers and entrepreneurs. These new visa tracks are the biggest changes ever seen in the country’s immigration policy to date.

Electronic passport control


James Watfa, Managing Director of Executive Solutions, noted some of the skill sector shortages in the UAE include healthcare and technology. He told Euronews, “The new visa will give people a lot more flexibility and give companies that are already based here a larger talent pool to target specifically around those niche skills.”

He also predicts that the temporary contract market will increase, “I expect there to be a lot more three, six and 12-month contracts being awarded where talent is actually based here rather than being based abroad."


Work Culture Shift


The world of freelance and a better work-life balance has become increasingly popular off the back of the pandemic. To capitalize on the new rules, companies now need to think differently according to Ali Draycott, a freelancer and Founder of Ali Draycott Ideas.


Attracting and Retaining Global Talent


With unemployment on the rise globally, these new regulations mean the UAE is fast becoming a more attractive working destination.

Due to the economy globally going through a challenging period with high inflation rates, an increase in interest rates and unemployment, the UAE is now an attractive option according to Shiraz Sethi, Regional Head of Employment at Dentons & Co.

James Watfa added that many companies who want to set up in the region will also benefit from the new visa rules.

He told Euronews, “They don't understand the market. They don't want the huge cost of setting up an office. So this allows them to send some of their people to look into the market, and develop the market under a green visa. Once they've set up and understood the market, they can then start to move over and set up their offices.”

Newsletter

Related Articles

0:00
0:00
Close
Poland Implements Border Checks Amid Growing Migration Tensions
Political Dispute Escalates Between Trump and Musk
Emirates Airline Expands Market Share with New $20 Million Campaign
Amazon Reaches Milestone with Deployment of One Millionth Robot
US Senate Votes to Remove AI Regulation Moratorium from Domestic Policy Bill
Yulia Putintseva Calls for Spectator Ejection at Wimbledon Over Safety Concerns
Jury Deliberations in Diddy Trial Yield Partial Verdict in Serious Criminal Charges
House Oversight Committee Subpoenas Former Jill Biden Aide Amid Investigation into Alleged Concealment of President Biden's Cognitive Health
King Charles Plans Significant Role for Prince Harry in Coronation
Two Chinese Nationals Arrested for Espionage Activities Against U.S. Navy
Amazon Reaches Major Automation Milestone with Over One Million Robots
Extreme Heat Wave Sweeps Across Europe, Hitting Record Temperatures
Meta Announces Formation of Ambitious AI Unit, Meta Superintelligence Labs
Robots Compete in Football Tournament in China Amid Injuries
Trump Administration Considers Withdrawal of Funding for Hospitals Providing Gender Treatment to Minors
Texas Enacts Law Allowing Gold and Silver Transactions
China Unveils Miniature Insect-Like Surveillance Drone
OpenAI Secures Multimillion-Dollar AI Contracts with Pentagon, India, and Grab
Marc Marquez Claims Victory at Dutch Grand Prix Amidst Family Misfortune
Germany Votes to Suspend Family Reunification for Asylum Seekers
Elon Musk Critiques Senate Budget Proposal Over Job Losses and Strategic Risks
Los Angeles Riots ended with Federal Investigations into Funding
Budapest Pride Parade Draws 200,000 Participants Amid Government Ban
Southern Europe Experiences Extreme Heat
Xiaomi's YU7 SUV Launch Garners Record Pre-Orders Amid Market Challenges
Jeff Bezos and Lauren Sanchez's Lavish Wedding in Venice
Russia Launches Largest Air Assault on Ukraine Since Invasion
Education Secretary Announces Overhaul of Complaints System Amid Rising Parental Grievances
Massive Anti-Government Protests Erupt in Belgrade
Trump Ends Trade Talks with Canada Over Digital Services Tax
UK Government Softens Welfare Reform Plans Amid Labour Party Rebellion
Labour Faces Rebellion Over Disability Benefit Reforms Ahead of Key Vote
Jeff Bezos and Lauren Sánchez Host Lavish Wedding in Venice Amid Protests
Trump Asserts Readiness for Further Strikes on Iran Amid Nuclear Tensions
North Korea to Open New Beach Resort to Boost Tourism Economy
UK Labour Party Faces Internal Tensions Over Welfare Reforms
Andrew Cuomo Hints at Potential November Comeback Amid Democratic Primary Results
Curtis Sliwa Champions His Vision for New York City Amid Rising Crime Concerns
Federal Reserve Proposes Changes to Capital Rule Affecting Major Banks
EU TO HUNGARY: LET THEM PRIDE OR PREP FOR SHADE. ORBÁN TO EU: STAY IN YOUR LANE AND FIX YOUR OWN MESS.
Trump Escalates Criticism of Media Over Iran Strike Coverage
Trump Announces Upcoming US-Iran Meeting Amid Controversial Airstrikes
Trump Moves to Reshape Middle East Following Israel-Iran Conflict
Big Four Accounting Firms Fined in Exam Cheating Scandal
NATO Members Agree to 5% Defense Spending Target by 2035
Australia's Star Casino Secures $195 Million Rescue Package Amid Challenges
UK to Enhance Nuclear Capabilities with Acquisition of F-35A Fighter Jets
Russian Shadow Payments via Cryptocurrency Reach $9 Billion
Explosions Rock Doha as Iranian Missiles Target Qatar
“You Have 12 Hours to Flee”: Israeli Threat Campaign Targets Surviving Iranian Officials
×