Dubai maintains its leading position in the MENA region as a city capable of attracting, retaining, and generating global flows of capital, people, and ideas. For the third consecutive year, Dubai has been ranked the best in the region according to the Kearney Global Cities Index. In this ranking, Dubai secured the 23rd spot globally, receiving a higher score than cities such as Barcelona, Istanbul, Boston, Frankfurt, Vienna, and Miami.

The authors of the study note that Dubai, as the commercial capital of the region, is the top choice for transnational corporations establishing their headquarters in this region. Among the city’s advantages, world-class infrastructure, favorable regulations for investors, a high level of safety in the country, and convenient transportation links with the world are highlighted.

The Kearney Global Cities Report evaluates cities based on five key parameters: human capital, information exchange, cultural experience, political engagement, and business activity.

As reported by the Emirati publication Khaleej Times, the issuance of tourist visas for a period of three months has been suspended in the country. This is the second suspension of permits of this type; the first occurred during the COVID-19 pandemic when 60-day visas were issued. However, in May 2023, the three-month visa became available again for applicants, but it turned out to be short-lived.

However, it is still possible to obtain a 90-day visa in Dubai, but they are only issued to applicants with close relatives residing in the Emirates.

What visas are currently available for obtaining in the UAE?

Despite the changes, several types of visas are available for visitors to the UAE.

Job Search Visa

Visas of this type allow entry into the UAE for job hunting and are available in three options (60, 90, 120 days). It is not necessary to have a sponsor or guarantor in the UAE to obtain it.

5-Year Multiple Entry Visa

This visa allows multiple entries into the country, but with a stay of no more than 90 days per visit. Investment Opportunity Search Visa (Single Entry)

The Investment Opportunity Search

Visa helps investors find potential partners or clients in the UAE. It can be obtained for 60, 90, and 120 days. This type of permit is intended for a single entry into the country, without the need for a sponsor or guarantor.

Tax Residency Certificate (TRC) is a certificate of tax residency issued by the Federal Tax Authority of the UAE (FTA) for individuals or legal entities. TRCs are issued for countries with which the UAE has signed double taxation avoidance agreements.

How to obtain a Tax Residency Certificate for individuals?

The individual applicant must be a resident of the UAE for a minimum of 180 days. Additionally, an annual lease agreement for accommodation, attested by an official entity (e.g., EJARI in Dubai), is required.

Required documents:

• Copy of passport;
• Copy of Emirates ID;
• Proof of income (Salary Certificate, company license, etc.);
• Attested bank statement for 6 months (the statement must be from a bank in the Emirates);
• Statement from GDRFA (immigration service) showing the number of days the applicant has spent in the UAE (the applicant must be a resident for at least 180 days, i.e., their visa must have been stamped in the passport at least 180 days ago);
• Tax forms (if applicable).

How to obtain a Tax Residency Certificate for legal entities?

In order to be eligible to apply for a TRC, a legal entity must have been registered for at least 1 year. The company must also undergo an audit and provide the corresponding document, certified by the seal of an auditing company in the UAE. The audit must cover the year for which the company is requesting the TRC.

Offshore companies are not eligible to apply for a TRC, as they are not listed in double taxation avoidance agreements.

Required documents:

• Copy of the company’s license;
• Copy of the company’s memorandum of association or articles of association;
• Copies of passports of shareholders and directors;
• Copies of Emirates IDs of shareholders and directors;
• Copies of residency visas of shareholders and directors;
• Attested copy of the audit report;
• Office lease agreement;
• Attested bank statement from a UAE bank for 6 months;
• Tax forms (if applicable).

The Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries are in the “home stretch” of launching a common visa for member countries, similar to the Schengen visa. Last week, during the meeting of GCC ministers in Muscat, the Minister of Tourism of Oman, Salim bin Mohammed Al Mahrūq, announced that the Gulf countries unanimously approved the unified visa.

For now, there are not many details about the future visa, but it is known that it will give foreigners the opportunity to enter all 6 countries of the Persian Gulf: UAE, Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, Qatar, Oman, and Kuwait.

When will the visa be launched?

Exact dates are not known yet, but Omani media, referring to the Minister of Tourism of Oman, report that it will be presented at the meeting of GCC interior ministers in November.

Can residents of the Persian Gulf countries apply for a visa?

As for citizens, they already enjoy a visa-free regime for travel between Persian Gulf countries. However, whether expatriates will be able to apply for a unified visa is not yet clear. But not long ago, Abdullah Bin Touq Al Marri, the Minister of Economy of the UAE, stated that the GCC is considering a unified visa system that will allow expatriates to travel freely between member states.

What will be the cost and validity period of the visa?

The price and validity period of the visa are not reported at the moment. More detailed information is expected by the end of the year.

Over the past two years, the Ministry of Interior of the UAE has reviewed 521 money laundering cases and, in collaboration with international law enforcement agencies, apprehended 387 “wanted individuals.”

Furthermore, within the framework of these cases, more than 4 billion dirhams of illicit funds were confiscated. According to the press service of the Ministry of Interior, the UAE has successfully conducted parallel financial investigations to expose criminal networks and uncover the sources and beneficiaries of these funds.

The UAE cooperated with various international institutions such as Interpol, Police of the Persian Gulf, and others.

The Federal Authority for Identification, Citizenship, Customs, and Port Security (UAEICP) has announced changes regarding the ID cards of UAE residents.

From now on, changing the place of residence within the emirates will require a request for replacement of the UAE identity card.

Furthermore, updating information on the ID card for residents of the country has been simplified. Now you can update the information through the UAEICP website or application. Also you can modify details such as citizenship, passport, and other personal information online.

The Federal Authority for Identity and Citizenship, Customs, Ports, and Security in the UAE has introduced new rules for submitting documents to obtain a “Golden Visa”. According to the updated rules, any application for a Golden Visa that is deemed incomplete or ambiguous will be canceled within thirty days from the date of submission. As reported by the authority, multiple attempts to correct information will lead to rejection, and applicants will have up to three attempts to rectify any errors found in their applications.

Failure to resolve the issues within these attempts will result in application rejection, and in such cases, only the government fees for the visa issuance will be refunded. Expert Commission to Examine Documents Before issuing a “Golden Visa,” a government-appointed expert commission reviews the documents of individuals who have demonstrated their financial capability in various fields. More Options for Visa Application Applicants can apply for a “Golden Visa” through various channels, including the official website of the Authority, WhatsApp, or in-person at “Happiness Centers.”

Seamless Communication and Updates Throughout the application process, applicants will receive timely updates on the status of their applications and notifications on their registered mobile phone numbers. This will ensure transparency in the application process.

Updated Requirements for Different Types of Visas Requirements for Investor Visa Applicants for an investor visa must provide a certificate of establishment of an investment fund in the UAE. Additionally, applicants must invest a minimum of 2 million dirhams in the UAE or hold a valid commercial license issued by a commercial entity.

Proof of participation in establishing a company with a capital of no less than 2 million dirhams or investing this amount in the specified company is also required. Furthermore, a document from the federal tax authority confirming the annual payment of income tax of at least 2,500 dirhams will be considered. Criteria for Obtaining a Visa through Real Estate Investments To obtain a visa through real estate investments, applicants must provide registration documents issued by the Emirates authorities and prove ownership of property worth 2 million dirhams that is not mortgaged under any bank loans.

Documentation for Industrial Visa Applicants seeking an industrial visa must provide documents issued by an approved auditor. They must demonstrate ownership of an industry with worth at least five hundred thousand dirhams. Requirements for a Health Visa

Certificates of merits or services issued by approved medical centers or social services centers under the Ministry of Health will be considered valid for obtaining a medical visa. Recommendations from the UAE Council of Scientists will also be taken into account. Processing Visa in the Field of Arts and Culture Applicants for visas in arts and culture must obtain a recommendation letter from the Dubai Ministry of Culture. Criteria for Obtaining Executives Visa To apply for an executive visa, applicants must provide a salary certificate confirming a monthly income of no less than fifty thousand dirhams. Application for Sports Visa Certificates issued by the Sports Council must accompany applications for a sports visa.

Student Visa Requirements Students and talented individuals in the academic field must provide recognition certificates and relevant documents issued by local authorities to apply for a student visa.

The government of Dubai is exploring the possibility of transitioning to Common Law in its free economic zones to strengthen its economy. According to the emirate’s media office, this potential move “will enhance the business environment in the city and increase its economic attractiveness and efficiency.”

It is reported that the potential adoption of Common Law aligns with the emirate’s progressive approach to establishing a flexible legal framework that considers investor ambitions and contributes to enhancing global competitiveness.

This initiative supports the economic objectives outlined in Dubai’s Economic Program D33, which aims to position Dubai as one of the world’s top three leading economic centers.