The validity of freezone visas issued in the UAE has been reduced from three years to two and the same has been confirmed by the typing centre agents and business setup consultants. The new validity period went into effect from October this year — when the new UAE visa reforms were rolled out.
The UAE government has now standardised the validity of the work visas. While visas issued in the mainland have a validity of two years, those in the freezones used to have three. Freezone authorities have sent circulars to clients, informing them about the change.
Visas that have already been issued will remain valid for three years. All new ones will have a two-year validity,” a business consultant said. The new rule is applicable to even visas that are under process.
The UAE has more than 40 multidisciplinary free zones in the country, and they allow expatriates and foreign investors to have full ownership of companies. Governed by a special set of rules and regulations, these zones offer much more flexibility to residents as well as lower prices, making them extremely popular.
The new Advanced Visa System came into effect on October 3 with the UAE's largest ever visa, along with entry reforms that saw the introduction of a Green Visa for skilled workers, freelancers, and investors. The self-sponsored five-year residency scheme offers multiple benefits. It is intended to attract and retain the best talent in the UAE.
There have also been a number of changes in visit visa permits. New visas will allow a stay of 60 days as opposed to 30 days earlier. Additionally, a five-year multi-entry tourist visa has been introduced, which does not require a sponsor. This will allow tourists who have a bank balance of $4,000 to stay for 90 consecutive days in the UAE.
