Types of Residency Visa in UAE

The United Arab Emirates (UAE) stands as a beacon of opportunity, attracting individuals from around the globe seeking to establish residency in this dynamic nation. With its diverse landscapes, booming economy, and vibrant culture, the types of residency visa in UAE cater to different needs and purposes. From investors and professionals to families and retirees, the UAE presents various visa options tailored to accommodate diverse aspirations and lifestyles.

Why are the various types of visas in UAE significant?

The importance of different types of residency visas in the UAE can be outlined through various vital points:

• Legal Stay and Compliance:

– Residency visas provide legal permission for individuals to reside in the UAE.

– They ensure compliance with immigration laws, avoiding legal complications related to overstaying.

• Work Opportunities:

– Different visa categories cater to professionals, entrepreneurs, and skilled workers, offering avenues for employment and career advancement.

• Business Setup and Investment:

– Investor and business visas facilitate business setup and investment, encouraging economic growth and foreign investment in the UAE.

• Family Reunification:

– Family residency visas allow expatriates to bring their families to live with them, fostering family unity and stability.

• Access to Healthcare and Education:

– Residency visas often grant access to healthcare and educational facilities, contributing to individuals’ and their families’ overall well-being and development.

• Long-Term Planning:

– Residency visas provide a foundation for long-term planning, enabling individuals to establish roots and contribute to the social and economic fabric of the UAE.

• Cultural Integration:

– Residency visas encourage cultural integration as individuals become part of the diverse community in the UAE, fostering a multicultural environment.

• Global Talent Attraction:

– By offering various visa options for skilled professionals, the UAE attracts global talent, contributing to the country’s development and competitiveness on the global stage.

• National Development:

– Residency visa policies align with the UAE’s vision for national development, attracting skilled individuals and businesses that contribute to the country’s growth and prosperity.

What are the different types of residency visa in UAE?

The different types of visas in UAE are as follows:

1. UAE’s 10-Year Golden Visa or Long-Term Investor Visa

The UAE allows expatriates to secure long-term residency through the esteemed UAE Golden Visa program. Those holding the Dubai Golden Visa can enjoy extended residency in the Emirate for up to 10 years. Explore the outlined requirements and guidelines below for the type of residence visa in UAE:

Minimum Requirements (At least 1):

• Property ownership of at least AED 2 million
• Bank investments of at least AED 2 million for 2 years

Entrepreneurs

Own a business in Dubai that generates a minimum annual profit margin of AED 2 million.

Highly Qualified Individuals

To meet eligibility requirements for this category, applicants must fulfil at least one of the following conditions:

• Recipients of note-worthy awards in their field
• Recognition from the UAE or home country ministries in the form of awards or certificates
• Appreciation letter from home country government or certification/accreditation from respective UAE Ministry
• Hold a patent for an invention under your name

Directors/CEOs/Executives

Recipients of minimum monthly salary of AED 30,000 (must show last 6 months’ pay slip)

Doctors/Researchers/Specialists

To meet eligibility requirements for this category, applicants must fulfil at least two of the following conditions:

• Have at least 10 years of experience in their respective fields
• Recipients of note-worthy awards in their respective fields
• Publication of research in any recognised journal
• Hold a patent for an invention

Gifted Students

• Are under the age of 25 years
• Maintain a minimum GPA of 3.8
• Hold a bachelor’s degree from a university of note

2. UAE Employment Visa

• Diverse Sponsorship Options:

A UAE resident can sponsor residence visas, be it a family member friend, or through avenues such as property ownership, retirement, or investment in the country.

• Extended Validity Periods:

Unlike other visas, residence visas are typically issued for longer durations, spanning two or more years. Renewal is possible, provided the sponsor and visa holder meet the specified criteria.

• Privileges for Visa Holders:

Holders of residence visas enjoy various privileges, including the ability to open bank accounts, obtain a driver’s license, and enrol in educational institutions.

• Freedom from Employment Restrictions:

In contrast to employment visas, residence visas offer unparalleled flexibility. They do not tie you to a specific job or employer, allowing you the freedom to work for any employer or engage in various business activities.

Visa Application Procedures:

Navigating the application processes for employment and residence visas encompasses multiple steps, including medical examinations, security checks, and paperwork verification. Collaborating closely with your employer or sponsor and strictly adhering to the guidelines outlined by UAE immigration authorities is crucial to ensuring a seamless application process.

Navigating Employment Visa:

• Company-Specific Work Authorization:

Grants an individual the authority to work exclusively for a particular company in the UAE.

• Issued by MOHRE:

It is administered and issued by the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation (MOHRE).

• Sponsorship by Employer:

It is sponsored by the employer, enabling the employee to participate in work-related activities.

• Grace Period Provision:

Incorporates a one-month grace period following termination or cancellation, allowing the individual to explore alternative employment opportunities.

Transition Opportunities and Grace Period:

Work visas sponsored by employers include a one-month grace period, allowing individuals to pursue other employment or residence options following visa termination or cancellation. For work visa cancellation, individuals can smoothly transition to a resident visa within the stipulated grace period, facilitating their continued stay in the UAE under different sponsorship categories.

Employment visas are inherently linked to the duration of a job and are typically sponsored by the employer. These visas are renewable if the individual remains employed with the sponsoring company. They are tied explicitly to a designated job position and the sponsoring employer, offering a structured framework for employment within the UAE. The scope of these visas is primarily limited to activities directly related to the individual’s employment, ensuring a focused alignment with work responsibilities and obligations.

Read more: How to apply for a Dubai working visa

3. UAE Company Investor Visa

Upon reaching 18 or above, you gain the legal eligibility to assume roles as an investor, entrepreneur, or shareholder in any company within Dubai and across the UAE. This eligibility further grants you the opportunity to acquire a UAE residence visa. The Dubai investor visa holds a validity period of two (2) years. As part of the renewal process, every three years necessitates undergoing a medical test and updating medical insurance and Emirates ID to ensure the continuation of your investor visa.

Visa Duration:

The Dubai investor visa is valid for two years. Renewing the investor visa requires undergoing a medical test and updating medical insurance and Emirates ID every three years.

Documentary Requirements:

To sponsor your family members, you need to provide the following documents:

1. House tenancy contract with a minimum requirement of a 2BHK.
2. Attest the marriage certificate if you are sponsoring a spouse.
3. Attested birth certificate(s) if you sponsor a child/children.
4. A refundable deposit of AED 1,500 for each family member being sponsored. (Please note: To support entrepreneurs during the pandemic, the original deposit amount of AED 3,000 has been reduced to AED 1,500.)

Dubai Investor Visa Application Process:

1. Company Registration:

Commence the process by registering your company with the Dubai Economic Department (DED).

2. Establishment Card Application:

Proceed to apply for your company’s establishment card, a critical step in the investor visa application.

3. Entry Permit and In-Country Status Change:

If you are outside the UAE, apply for your entry permit, enter the country, and undergo an in-country status change for your visa. If you are already in the UAE, proceed with an in-country visa status change.

4. Medical Test:

Fulfilling the requirement of a medical test is an essential step in the application process.

5. Emirates ID Application:

Apply for your Emirates ID, an integral component of the investor visa application.

6. Health Insurance Coverage:

Obtain suitable health insurance coverage as part of the visa application prerequisites.

7. Investor Visa Stamping:

The final step involves stamping your investor visa in your passport and completing the application process.

Visa Validity:

This investor visa is valid for two years, offering entrepreneurs and business owners the flexibility to manage and grow their ventures in the UAE. The visa is subject to renewal, providing a sustainable pathway for long-term business engagement within the dynamic landscape of the UAE.

4. UAE Family Visa

Suppose an expatriate holds any type of residency visa in the UAE. In that case, they gain the privilege of sponsoring their immediate family, fostering familial togetherness in the vibrant atmosphere of the country.

Sponsorship Dynamics:

• Eligible Dependents:

– Expatriates with a residency visa can sponsor their spouse, children, and parents.

Requirements for Issuing a UAE Family Visa:

• Investors’ Contribution:

– Investors seeking to sponsor their families must pay a refundable amount of AED 3,000 per family member.

• Employee Criteria:

– Employees aspiring to sponsor their families must have a monthly salary of at least AED 4,000, or AED 3,000 plus the monthly rent.

• Parental Sponsorship Criteria:

– Sponsoring parents requires a monthly income of not less than AED 20,000. If both parents are sponsored, the monthly income requirement applies; in case of the demise of one parent, a death certificate is necessary.

Required Documents for UAE Family Visa:

• Sponsor’s Documents:

– Passport copy.

– UAE residency visa copy.

– Original Emirates ID.

– Bank statement if applicable.

• Dependants’ Documents:

– Passport with at least 6 months validity.

– Passport-size photo with a white background.

– Previous visa copy, if applicable.

– Marriage certificate (for spouses).

– Birth certificate for children.

Visa Validity and Renewal:

• Family visas vary in duration, depending on the sponsor’s visa type, and are typically for 2 years or the length of the sponsor’s visa. Renewal is case-specific.
• Family visas are intricately linked to the sponsor’s visa. If the sponsor’s UAE residency visa is cancelled, the dependents’ visas must also be cancelled.
• Upon cancelling the sponsor’s visa, there is a 30-day grace period for cancelling the UAE family residency visa. Beyond this duration, fines may apply. This ensures regulatory compliance and timely adjustments to changes in sponsorship status.

5.  Dubai Freelance Visa

Several free zones in Dubai and across the UAE extend freelance permits to Indian nationals. Obtaining a freelance permit in these zones does not necessitate having a sponsor or being employed by any organisation within the UAE.

The Dubai freelancer’s visa functions as a form of UAE residency, granting you the authorisation to reside and work in the UAE for a duration ranging from one to five years, including your family members.

Required Documents for Obtaining a Freelance Visa in Dubai:

To secure a freelance license, the following essential documents are needed:

1. Completed application forms.
2. Copy of your passport.
3. Passport-size photo.
4. Updated Curriculum Vitae (CV).
5. Academic credentials certified by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs or the UAE Consulate.
6. Two professional references with contact details.
7. Letter of intent or a job offer detailing your work history and personal and professional background.
8. If required, your sponsor will issue a No Objection Certificate (NOC).

The relevant free zone authorities will assess your application and the supporting documentation.

Eligibility criteria to obtain freelance visa in Dubai

To be eligible, you need to meet the following requirements:

1. Obtain a permit from the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratization for self-employment or freelance work.
2. Possess a minimum of a bachelor’s degree or specialist diploma in education.
3. Demonstrate a minimum annual self-employment income of AED 360,000 for the past two years or showcase the ability to sustain oneself financially throughout the intended stay.

Cost of a Dubai Freelance Visa?

Understanding the expense of a Dubai freelance visa is crucial before applying for this distinct employment visa (separate from your residency or UAE resident visa). The cost of a Freelance Visa in 2024 begins at AED 20,000, valid for 2 years. It’s important to note that additional fees may apply for a permit if mandated by the Dubai Development Authority.

Read more: How to get a freelance visa in Dubai

6. UAE Specialist Resident Visa

The UAE residency visa permits individuals from diverse backgrounds to reside in the Middle Eastern country for a designated period. The validity ranges from 2 to 10 years and is subject to multiple renewals as needed.

Individuals entering the country under an employment contract have two additional avenues to secure a UAE residence permit. One option is to invest in real estate, while the other involves initiating a business venture within the UAE.

UAE Residence Visa Requirements

Understand the visa requirements and prepare the following documents:

1. Fill in the UAE residency visa application form
2. A copy of your original passport
3. Two passport-sized pictures, ensuring they meet the UAE visa photo requirements
4. Your original entry visa and its copy
5. Proof of your sponsor’s legal residency in the UAE
6. The pass certificate of your medical fitness test
7. A copy of your health insurance plan, if required
8. Copies of the company’s trade license and establishment card
9. You need proof of family ties for a family visa application. Furthermore, these include birth or marriage certificates attested by the UAE embassy in their home country.

Residence Visa Renewal Cost

The UAE residence visa renewal cost depends on the type:

Employment visas

• One-time government fee
• Labour fee based on the category of your company
• PRO service charge
• Medical test and Emirates ID
• Insurance fee for people with limited skills category

Partners or investor visas

• Medical typing fee
• Emirates ID typing
• Residence visa typing fee
• PRO service charge

Read More: How to apply residence visa in Dubai

7. UAE Student Visa

The Student Residency Visa offers a pathway for students aspiring to pursue education in the UAE to enrol in educational institutions.

Documentary Requirements:

• Passport Details:

– Copy of the passport with a validity of at least 6 months.

• Photographic Identification:

– Passport-size photo with a white background.

• Financial and Enrollment Proof:

– Receipts for visa and tuition fees.

– Current visa copy if applicable.

– Copy of the admission letter from the educational institution.

Visa Validity and Renewal:

• The student visa is initially issued for 1 year. Students are required to apply for annual renewals throughout their educational program.
• Exceptional students, achieving a grade of 95% in secondary school or a minimum GPA of 3.75 for university students, can apply for a 5-year student visa. This extended duration is a testament to the UAE’s recognition and encouragement of academic excellence.

The Student Residency Visa facilitates educational pursuits and emphasises the importance of recognising and rewarding outstanding academic achievements.

8. UAE Green Visa

The UAE has recently unveiled a groundbreaking visa category – the Green Visa. Tailored to attract highly skilled professionals, investors, entrepreneurs, and students, this visa is a versatile option suitable for investment and employment endeavours in the UAE.

Key Benefits of the Green Visa:

• Comprehensive Residency Privileges:

– Green Visa holders enjoy long-term residency in the UAE, providing stability and continuity for their professional and personal pursuits.

• Family Sponsorship Rights:

– Holders can sponsor all first-degree relatives, extending the visa’s benefits to the entire family unit.

• Flexible Work Opportunities:

– Holders can work for any UAE-based company or establish their own business, fostering entrepreneurial spirit and professional growth.

• Access to Services:

– Green Visa holders gain access to healthcare, education, and other government services, ensuring a seamless and enriching living experience.

• Extended Grace Period:

– Enjoy a more flexible grace period of up to 6 months after the end or cancellation of the residency visa, providing leeway for transitions.

Sponsorship Dynamics:

– Green Visa holders can sponsor all family members, ensuring a unified residency duration for the entire family.

Eligibility Criteria:

The Green Visa is open to the following categories:

– Talented individuals.

– Skilled professionals/employees.

– Freelancers.

– Investors and entrepreneurs.

Requirements Based on Categories:

• Skilled Professionals/Employees:

– Valid employment contract.

– Classification at the 1st, 2nd, or 3rd occupational level.

– Minimum educational qualification of a BA degree or equivalent.

– Minimum salary of AED 15,000 (USD 4,083.74).

• Freelancers/Self-employed:

– Freelance or self-employment permit from the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation (MOHRE).

– Proof of education with a minimum BA or specialised diploma qualification.

– Annual income from self-employment for the past 2 years equal to or exceeding AED 360,000 (USD 98,009.86) or proof of financial solvency.

• Investor or Partner:

– AED 1 million investment with approval or proof.

– Approval from responsible local authorities.

Required Documents:

• Valid passport with a minimum validity of 6 months.
• Passport-size photograph on a white background.
• Medical reports from responsible local authorities.
• Proof of health insurance or health card.
• Valid entry permit.
• Document proving qualification.
• Freelancing permit from MOHRE or proof of employment.
• Filled out the application form.

Visa Validity:

The Green Visa provides a 5-year residence in the UAE for all eligible parties, marking a significant stride in the country’s commitment to attracting global talent and fostering innovation and sustainability.

How Shuraa Business Setup Can Help:

Guiding the intricacies of UAE residency visas can be a complex endeavour. Shuraa Business Setup is a trusted ally, providing comprehensive support and guidance throughout the various visa application processes. With a deep understanding of the UAE’s legal framework and immigration policies, Shuraa offers tailored solutions to individuals and businesses seeking residency there. From consultation and documentation assistance to facilitating the application process, Shuraa Business Setup simplifies the journey, ensuring a smooth and efficient path to acquiring the most suitable residency visa for your needs.

Contact us today by phone at +971 4 4081900, via WhatsApp at +971 50 7775554, or simply email [email protected].