Residence Visa in Sharjah: Employment, Investor and Change of Status
Al Qalam Typing Center in Sharjah processes residence visa applications for employees, investors, and individuals changing their status inside the UAE. If you are starting a new job, setting up a company, or converting from a visit or tourist visa to a residence visa inside the country, our team handles the complete process — from entry permit to visa stamping — so you are legally resident in the UAE without unnecessary back-and-forth.
Looking to sponsor your spouse, children, or parents? That process is handled under our family visa UAE service — a separate visa type with different requirements.
Types of Residence Visas in Sharjah
Employment Residence Visa
The most common UAE residence visa, issued under an employer’s sponsorship. Your employer (or their PRO) applies for the entry permit, you complete the medical fitness test and Emirates ID biometrics, and the residence visa is stamped in your passport. Al Qalam handles this process on behalf of companies as part of PRO services or directly for individuals whose employers do not have a PRO.
Investor / Partner Residence Visa
Business owners who hold shares in a UAE mainland company or free zone entity are eligible for an investor or partner residence visa sponsored by their own company. This requires an active trade license and an establishment card (issued after the trade license). Al Qalam handles investor visa applications alongside business setup services.
Change of Status (Inside Country)
If you are currently in the UAE on a visit visa, tourist visa, or transit visa and have secured employment or business sponsorship, you may be able to change your status to a residence visa without leaving the country. This is subject to GDRFA approval and your nationality. Not all nationalities are eligible for in-country status change — Al Qalam will advise based on your passport.
Residence Visa Renewal
UAE residence visas are typically valid for 2 or 3 years. They must be renewed before expiry. Renewal follows the same medical and Emirates ID process as a new application. Al Qalam manages the full renewal cycle.
Documents Required for Residence Visa
Employment Residence Visa (Employee)
- Passport copy (valid for at least 6 months)
- Passport-size photo (white background)
- Entry permit (issued by employer’s PRO or Al Qalam on behalf of employer)
- Medical fitness test certificate (completed after entry)
- Emirates ID application (biometrics submitted simultaneously)
Investor / Company Owner Residence Visa
- Valid trade license copy
- Establishment card copy
- Passport copy of investor
- Share certificate or MOA showing ownership
- Passport-size photo
- Medical fitness test (completed after entry permit is issued)
Change of Status (Inside UAE)
- Current passport with valid UAE visa (visit/tourist)
- Emirates ID (if previously held)
- Employment offer letter or company ownership documents
- Medical fitness test
- GDRFA approval (Al Qalam checks eligibility before proceeding)
Step-by-Step Residence Visa Application Process
- Entry permit application — Al Qalam submits entry permit application to GDRFA on behalf of the employer or investor. Issued within 2–5 working days.
- Travel (if outside UAE) — If the applicant is outside the UAE, they enter using the entry permit.
- Medical fitness test — Mandatory medical test at an approved HAAD/DHA medical centre. Results within 1–2 days.
- Emirates ID biometrics — Fingerprints and photo captured at an ICP-approved location.
- Visa stamping — Residence visa is stamped in the passport by GDRFA. Takes 3–7 working days.
- Emirates ID delivery — ICP delivers Emirates ID to registered address within 7–15 working days.
Fees and Processing Time
- Entry permit: AED 300–500 (government fee, varies by nationality)
- Medical fitness test: AED 200–350 at approved centre
- Visa stamping: AED 200–400
- Emirates ID: AED 100–300 (based on validity period)
- Total government fees: AED 800–1,500 approximately (before service fee)
- Total timeline: 2–4 weeks from entry permit to Emirates ID delivery
Why Choose Al Qalam for Residence Visa Services
- Government-approved GDRFA-registered typing center since 2014
- Single point of contact for entry permit, medical coordination, visa stamping, and Emirates ID
- Eligibility check before any fees are paid — we advise on viability first
- Handles change of status for all eligible nationalities
- Combined with PRO services for companies managing multiple employees
- Open 7 days, 9 AM–11 PM
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between a residence visa and a family visa?
A residence visa is issued to you as an individual — typically through your employer or your own company. A family visa is issued to your dependents (spouse, children, parents) whom you sponsor. The two are separate processes with different eligibility requirements and documents.
Can I change my visit visa to a residence visa without leaving the UAE?
In-country status change is available for many nationalities with a valid sponsorship offer. However, not all nationalities are eligible — some must exit the UAE first. Al Qalam checks your eligibility before any application is submitted to avoid wasted fees.
When should I renew my UAE residence visa?
Renewal should be initiated at least 30 days before expiry. Overstay after visa expiry results in daily fines of AED 25. Al Qalam can process Emirates ID renewal and residence visa renewal simultaneously to save time and cost.
Related Services
- Family Visa UAE — Sponsor your spouse, children, and parents
- Emirates ID Renewal — Required after every residence visa renewal
- PRO Services Sharjah — Corporate residence visa management for companies
- Business Setup Sharjah — Investor visa available after company formation
Apply for or renew your residence visa: Call 06 520 0939 or WhatsApp 055 608 8726. Open 7 days a week, 9 AM – 11 PM.