As ATM dominated headlines, Dubai quietly codified its five-year multiple-entry tourist visa in an updated policy note published 14 September. The self-sponsored permit allows holders to enter the UAE an unlimited number of times over five years, staying up to 90 days per trip (extendable to 180 days annually). Applicants must show a six-month bank balance of at least US$4,000, hold valid health insurance and upload documents to the GDRFA’s Smart Services portal. Total cost is about AED 3,700 including a refundable bond. Once approved, the digital entry permit is issued by e-mail within days. For corporates, the visa is a game-changer: frequent flyers such as regional sales teams, auditors and project engineers no longer need repeated sponsor-based visit visas. It also helps expatriate staff host relatives without navigating sponsorship rules. Travel managers should, however, track cumulative stay days—exceeding 180 days in any calendar year could trigger overstay fines. Immigration advisers expect a spike in applications from remote-workers testing UAE residency before committing to longer-term schemes like the 10-year Golden Visa. Property analysts already see knock-on effects: longer-stay tourists are leaning towards serviced apartments, supporting occupancy in the traditionally slow summer. HR departments should update mobility handbooks and communicate financial-statement requirements early, especially for employees paid in currencies other than USD or AED whose six-month average must meet the threshold.
Source: Gaia Living News
