UAE residence visa

Do you want to live or work in the UAE for a specific time? If yes, then you need to get a UAE residence visa. This visa allows you to legally work or stay in the UAE while enjoying multiple benefits such as getting a bank account, personal/car loan, and visa-free travel to other countries.

Once you have a residence visa, your children can get an education from private and public schools. This visa unlocked other benefits like getting a driver’s license and accessing private and government healthcare services.

If you are wondering, how to get a residence visa UAE, then Prospr is here to guide you all about this visa such as:

• familiarizing yourself with the requirements and eligibility criteria for a UAE residence visa,
• understanding different types of residence visas,
• and finally how to get a residence visa in UAE

So, let’s get started and unlock a comprehensive guide about

Eligibility criteria for a UAE residence visa

Before you apply for a Dubai residence visa, you need to check its eligibility criteria. If you meet one of the criteria mentioned below, you can send your Dubai visa application.

You are eligible to obtain a residence visa in UAE if you are:

An employee

When you get a job offer from a private or government company in the UAE, then you are allowed to get a residence visa. In this case, your employer will become your sponsor.

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A student

When you are accepted in a recognized educational institute in the UAE then you are eligible for a residence visa Dubai. In this scenario, your visa sponsor will be provided by this specific educational institute.

A dependent

When you are a dependent of a UAE resident or a foreign resident then that person will become a sponsor of your Dubai residence visa. A dependent could be a parent, child, maid, close relative, etc. In this scenario, your sponsor will handle all the paperwork for the Dubai visa application.

An investor

When you have invested a significant amount in the UAE, then you become an investor and thereby eligible for a UAE residence visa. You may have set up a company in Dubai, bought shares in a company or partnered up in a UAE company. Whatever the case is, you can submit a UAE visa application.

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A property owner

If you have bought a property in UAE and met a specified value threshold, you become eligible for a Dubai residence visa. You don’t need a sponsor but your property documents will be required in that case.

A retiree

If you have retired and planned to spend your retirement time in Dubai then you are eligible for a retirement visa in the UAE. You must meet specific criteria set for a retirement visa such as your financial condition and age to obtain this visa.

Understand the difference between UAE residence visa and UAE employment visa

How many types of residence visa are there in UAE?

Here are some standard types of residence visas in the UAE.

1. UAE work visa: Foreign nationals can secure this visa once they become an employee of a UAE company and get a work permit from their employer.
2. UAE student visa: Foreign students can get this visa when they are accepted in a recognized educational institute in the UAE.
3. UAE family visa: This visa is granted to close family members of foreign and UAE residents.
4. UAE investment visa: When foreigners make significant investments in the UAE, they obtain a UAE investment visa. This visa allows them to stay in the UAE for a very long time such as up to 10 years.
5. UAE retirement visa: This type of residence visa is granted to elderly who wish to spend their retirement in the UAE. They must have financial means to stay in the UAE if they want to obtain a retirement visa in Dubai.
6. UAE special resident visa: Special talents in the field of science and knowledge can obtain a UAE Special residence visa. every applicant must have ongoing employment.
7. Remote working visa: This type of residence visa is issued to a remote employer or a businessman who wants to start a business in Dubai while working remotely.

Requirements for Dubai residence visa

Here are some documents you need to provide with your residence visa application.

• Complete application form
• Original passport
• Proof of your sponsor’s legal residency or UAE citizenship
• Test results that show you are medically fit
• Proof of UAE health insurance coverage
• Two passport-sized photographs, ensure that photographs meet UAE requirements
• If you are sending a family visa application in Dubai, you also need to furnish some documents that unlock your family relationship details such as birth or marriage certificates
• When you submit a work visa application, your sponsor needs to provide documents such as a firm card, copies of valid trade licenses, and your work contract.

Learn everything you need to know about UAE family visa

How to get a UAE residence visa? step-by-step process explained

Here is a step-by-step process you need to follow:

Step #1 Get an entry permit

If you are an investor or property owner, you can apply for an entry permit all by yourself. However, when you need other types of visa such as family, student, employment visa, etc. Then your sponsor will apply for your entry permit on your behalf. They will submit applications online or in person at licensed typing centers.

Step #2 Arrive in UAE

Once you get an entry permit, the next thing is to travel to UAE from your country.

Step #3 Submit residence visa application

Once you reach the UAE, your sponsor or you depending on your visa type will submit a visa application at the GDRFA- General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs in the emirate where you plan to reside. It’s time to submit all the required documents alongside the applicable residence visa fee.

If you are confused or unsure about anything related to your UAE residence visa application, it’s advised to visit the official GDRFA site to get answers to all queries or concerns.

Step #4 Visa processing

Once the GDRFA reviews your application and approves it then your residence visa will be affixed with your passport. You will get an Emirates ID. This ID is usually valid for the same duration as your visa.

Understand how to check Emirates Id status

Step #5 Visa collection

Once processing is done, you or your sponsor can collect the passport alongside your visa and the Emirates ID.

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What is the UAE residence visa fee?

The fee for a UAE visa depends on the duration and type of your visa. Usually, a one-year visa fee is around AED 100. You will also have to pay some processing fee. If you apply online, you pay AED 40 while the in-person application processing fee is AED 70.

Wrap up

We provided details of general document requirements and the visa application process. These requirements may vary depending on your type of visa and the emirate you plan to reside in. Therefore, you should always contact authorities to get a clear idea of all the requirements.

Contacting the authority seems like a time-consuming task, you can speed up your residence visa application process by booking a consultation call with Prospr. Our expert consultants will guide you through every step of your application process. Call now!