Dubai and the UAE have become a top destination for business and residence due to their business-friendly environment and quality of life.
Many entrepreneurs and investors choose Dubai for both work and family life, requiring a UAE residence visa for themselves and dependent visas for their companions.
This visa allows you to live in the UAE for extended periods, typically ranging from two to ten years, and renewable as needed.
In this article, we discuss the types of residence visas and the eligibility and requirements to acquire them.
Here, you get information about the process of getting a residence visa and the estimated cost.
Types of Residency Visas in Dubai and the UAE
Golden Visa
In 2019, the UAE introduced the Golden Visa, offering long-term residency for up to 10 years without needing a sponsor.
The visa is designed for investors, businesspeople, medical professionals, scientists, and highly skilled individuals.
Each category has specific criteria for eligibility.
Check here for more details on UAE Golden Visa Requirements, Eligibility, and Application.
Green Visa
In 2022, the UAE introduced the Green Visa for expats to live and work independently for up to 5 years.
This visa is open for self-employed individuals, skilled employees, and investors/partners who meet specific requirements.
The self-employed applicants need a permit from the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratization, a bachelor’s degree or equivalent, and proof of annual income exceeding AED 360,000 in the last two years.
Remote Work Visa
In September 2022, the UAE government launched a one-year remote work visa.
This visa lets individuals who work outside the UAE sponsor themselves to live and work in the country.
To qualify for the Remote Work Visa, applicants must provide proof of employment outside the UAE and show a bank statement for the last six months demonstrating a monthly income of USD 3,500 or more.
Retirement Residence Visa
The Retirement Residence Visa offers a 5-year visa for expats aged 55 and above to live in the UAE.
To qualify, applicants must have a minimum of 15 years of work experience, either within or outside the UAE.
Additionally, they must own property, possess savings amounting to at least AED 1 million, or have a monthly income of AED 20,000.
Student Residency Visa
If you want to study in the UAE, you can stay there under your parents’ sponsorship or under the sponsorship of the accredited college or university where you are accepted.
The Student Residency Visa is issued by the university for one year and can be renewed annually with proof of ongoing enrollment.
Family Residency Visa
If you hold a valid residency visa in the UAE, you can sponsor your family members to reside with you.
Employees must earn a minimum of AED 4,000 per month to qualify for family sponsorship.
Tourist Visa
In the UAE, you can apply for a tourist visa, which is available to foreign nationals from all countries.
This visa is necessary for those who cannot enter the UAE without a visa or don’t qualify for visa-on-arrival.
You can get a 30-day or 90-day tourist visa with single or multiple entries, depending on your vacation plans.
Company-sponsored Visa
To work and live in the UAE, start by obtaining an offer letter from a UAE organization.
Once you accept and sign it, the company will arrange for your entry into the UAE.
Upon arrival, your company will initiate the visa process, including a medical fitness test and biometric data submission for the Emirates ID.
According to UAE labor laws, the employer is responsible for all recruitment and visa expenses.
Freelance Visa in UAE
A freelance visa allows you to work as a self-employed professional in specific sectors without needing a company sponsor or office space.
You can also sponsor your family and enjoy living in the UAE.
Freelance permits are available in various free zones across the UAE, including Dubai, where you can obtain a visa without being employed by a company.
Who is eligible for a UAE Residence Visa?
The following are the eligibility criteria for the UAE Residence Visa:
- You work for a public office or a private company in the UAE.
- You study in a UAE educational institution.
- You are a dependent of a UAE citizen (child, parent, or close relative).
- You invest in the UAE.
- You buy property in the UAE.
- You retire in the UAE.
Requirements For Residence Visa in the UAE
The different types of residence visas in the UAE have distinguished application criteria.
However, there are general requirements worth knowing when applying for a residence visa in the UAE.
Here are the required documents:
- A recent passport photo.
- Copy of passport.
- Emirates ID application receipt.
- Lease contract or proof of residence.
- Entry permit.
- Birth certificate (of dependents).
- Medical insurance.
How to Get a Residence Visa in Dubai, UAE?
To get a Dubai residence visa in Dubai and the UAE, follow the steps given below:
1º Visa Sponsorship Requirements
For most UAE Residence Visas, except the Green Visa or investor visa, you need a sponsor.
A company, a UAE citizen, or an educational institution gives this sponsorship.
2º Obtain an Entry Permit
Your sponsor must obtain an entry permit through the Federal Authority for Identity and Citizenship’s online portal or the General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs (GDRFA) website.
3º Collect All Required Documents
You need to collect all the required documents for your chosen visa type. Make sure they are complete, valid, and in the correct format.
4º Apply for a Residence Visa
Your sponsor should apply for your UAE residence visa through GDRFA.
5º Pay Fee for a Residence Visa
You will need to pay a fee for your UAE residence visa. The cost varies based on the time period of your visa, which differs for employees and investors.
6º Approval and Visa Stamping
Authorities will review your application and notify you of the approval or disapproval of your residency visa. If approved, they will stamp your visa in your passport.
7º Get an Emirates ID
When the authorities approve your visa, you must apply for an Emirates ID card.
The Emirates ID is the official identification document for the UAE. It will be valid for the same duration as your visa
Cost of a UAE Residency Visa
The application processing fees for UAE residence visas vary based on the application method and emirate.
The cost of obtaining a UAE Residence Visa varies widely based on factors like visa type, processing fees, duration, and other considerations.
Here is a brief table which gives the estimated cost of different types of UAE Residence Visa:
| Type of UAE Residence Visa | Estimated Cost |
|---|---|
|
Employment Visa |
The employer typically covers the costs, but there are processing fees of AED 70-100 and an Emirates ID card fee of AED 410. |
|
10-year Investor Golden Visa |
AED 5,000 for processing, plus medical test and typing center fees. |
|
5-year Investor Golden Visa |
AED 3,000 for processing, medical tests, and typing center fees. |
|
Property Investor Visa |
Based on property value for application processing, medical tests, and typing center services. |
|
Retirement Visa |
AED 3,000 for processing, plus medical test and typing center fees. |
|
Family Sponsered Visa |
Application fee of AED 310 plus a refundable deposit, medical test fees, and typing center charges. |
|
Green Visa
|
AED 5,000 application fee plus medical test, typing center, and insurance costs. |
How Can TaxMove Help You?
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Are you worried about the complexities of dealing with the UAE authorities to meet the visa requirements?
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