Dubai, UAE—The UAE government has reduced the validity of the residence visas of the free zones from three years to two years effective from October 3, 2022.
On Tuesday, Umm Al Quwain Free Trade Zone sent an email to its members that read: “This is to inform you that there have been new rules initiated by Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs & Port Security (ICP) regarding the UAE Residence Visa validity period.”
“Hereafter, the Residence Visa validity will be for a period of two years only instead of three years. The three-year visa is no longer applicable to Free Zones. Hence, with effect from 3 Oct. 2022 all visas will be for two years,” it added.
The email further added that resident visas, which are under process currently, will also be for two years, including the visas which are in the final stages of the process.
“The above will be applicable for all new as well as renewals of the Visas for both investors and employees,” the email said. The free zone explained that all residence visas or Emirates IDs issued for three years will remain valid until renewal.
