How to Get a UAE Residence Visa in 5 Steps
Foreigners aspiring to establish long-term residency and employment in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) must secure a UAE Residency Visa. This vital document serves as the gateway to accessing the multitude of opportunities that the UAE offers, enabling individuals to build their lives and careers in this dynamic and rapidly growing country. Whether you’re drawn to the flourishing business landscape of Dubai, the cultural richness of Abu Dhabi, or any other emirate, obtaining a UAE Residence Visa is an essential step towards turning your dreams of living and working in the UAE into a reality. We will delve deeper into the subject of UAE residency visas, exploring facets such as the expenses associated Opening Opportunities with a UAE Residence Visa Possessing a Dubai residence visa comes with a myriad of advantages: Banking Freedom: Gain the ability to open a bank account and access financial services easily. Financial Flexibility: Qualify for bank loans, whether personal loans or your dream car financing. Global Mobility: Enjoy visa-free entry to numerous countries, enhancing travel opportunities. Educational Choices: Enroll your children in government or private schools, ensuring a quality education. Driving Privileges: Obtain a driver’s license, granting you the freedom to drive in the UAE. Healthcare Access: Access government health services and secure health insurance coverage for your well-being. Note: Acquiring a UAE Residence Visa necessitates meeting specific eligibility criteria, which typically involve securing employment or investing in one of the emirates. Who is eligible for a UAE Residence Visa? To be eligible for a Residence Visa, individuals must fit into one of the following categories: Employment: You plan to work in the UAE within a government entity or a private company. Education: You intend to study at a UAE educational institution. Dependents: You are a dependent of either a UAE citizen or a foreign resident, which includes children, parents, domestic workers, or close relatives. Investment: You have made a substantial investment in the UAE. Property Ownership: You have purchased property within the UAE. Retirement: You are planning to retire in the UAE. Types of UAE Residence Visa UAE Visas are categorized based on the purpose of one’s stay. These include: UAE Work Visa: Granted to foreign individuals who secure employment in the UAE and obtain a Work Permit. UAE Student Visa: Issued to foreign nationals accepted into UAE educational institutions for the purpose of pursuing studies. UAE Family Visa: Extended to close family members of UAE citizens or foreign residents. UAE Investment Visa (Long-term Residence): Reserved for foreign nationals who make significant investments in the UAE, offering extended validity, often up to ten years. UAE Retirement Visa: Designed for elderly foreign retirees with the necessary financial means to retire comfortably in the UAE. Work Remotely from Dubai Program: Tailored for foreign freelancers seeking to work remotely in Dubai, providing them with the opportunity to do so from this vibrant city. Note: Every foreign national seeking to reside in the UAE under a Residence Visa is required to undergo a medical examination to confirm their physical fitness. How to apply for a UAE Residence Visa? To secure a Residence Visa in Dubai, you must initiate the application process after your entry into the UAE using an entry permit. It’s important to note that, similar to the entry permit, you typically cannot apply for a residence visa independently. Instead, you must have a sponsor, which could be your employer, spouse, or another eligible entity, to submit the application on your behalf. Applying for a UAE Residence Visa Obtain an Entry Permit: Your sponsor must secure an Entry Permit for you from one of the following sources: The Federal Authority for Identity and Citizenship The ICA’s eChanel portal Mobile apps available for Apple and Android The General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs (GDRFA), either online or in-person, through licensed typing centres (varies by emirate) or Amer centres (Dubai). Reside in the UAE: Once you have entered the country with the Entry Permit, you must be physically present in the UAE. Apply for Residence Visa: Your sponsor must then submit an application for your Residence Visa at the General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs (GDRFA) in the specific emirate where you intend to reside. Payment of Visa Fee: During the application process, your sponsor will need to pay the Residence Visa fee, which varies depending on the visa’s validity period. Approval and Documentation: Upon approval, the GDRFA will affix the Residence Visa in your passport. Simultaneously, you will receive an Emirates ID, valid for the same duration as your visa. Emirate-Specific GDRFA Websites and Resources For specific information and procedures related to each emirate, refer to the respective GDRFA websites: Abu Dhabi Dubai (Also, consider Amer, a website accessible to Dubai citizens and residents for family reunion applications and visa extensions for visitors) Sharjah Ajman Ras Al Khaimah Fujairah What is the Cost of a UAE Residency Visa? 2-year Dubai residence visa fees 2025 are approximately AED 5,500* without insurance. With insurance, it’ll cost you around AED 10,500*. Furthermore, there is a processing fee, which depends on the application method. If applying in person, the processing fee can be AED 70, whereas online applications may incur a fee of AED 40. Type of UAE Residence Visa Estimated Cost* Employment Visa The employer usually bears the cost, but processing fees (AED 70-100) and Emirates ID card (AED 410) apply. Investors Visa AED 5,000 for application processing + medical test fees + typing centre charges. Golden Visa AED 3,000 for application processing + medical test fees + typing centre charges. Property Investor Visa Application processing fees + medical test fees + typing centre charges (vary based on property value). Retirement Visa AED 3,000 for application processing + medical test fees + typing centre charges. Family Visa AED 310 application fee + refundable deposit + medical test fees + typing center charges. Green Visa AED 5,000 application fee + medical test fees + typing center charges + insurance costs. Note: These visa fees are subject to change, and