UAE Visa Guide

Employment Visa

The UAE Employment Visa is for individuals who have secured a job offer from a company registered in the UAE. It allows them to live and work legally in the country.

Process:

Understand the step-by-step procedure for obtaining an employment visa, typically initiated by your employer.

1. Offer Letter & Initial Approval (Outside Country): Your prospective employer issues an offer letter. Once accepted, the employer applies for initial approval from the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation (MoHRE) on your behalf.
2. Entry Permit (Work Permit – Outside Country): After initial approval, the employer applies for an entry permit (also known as a work permit). This permit allows you to enter the UAE for the purpose of completing your visa process.
3. Entry to UAE & Medical Examination (Inside Country): Upon arrival in the UAE using your entry permit, you must undergo a mandatory medical fitness test (screening for communicable diseases like HIV, Tuberculosis) at an authorized government medical center.
4. Emirates ID Application (Inside Country): Following a successful medical test, your employer will assist you in applying for the Emirates ID card, which is a mandatory identification document for all residents.
5. Visa Stamping (Inside Country): Once your medical fitness results are clear and Emirates ID application is complete, the entry permit is converted into a residence visa, which is officially stamped on your passport.
6. Labor Card (Optional for some free zones): Depending on the employer’s location (mainland vs. free zone), a labor card might also be issued, defining your employment terms.

Requirements:

A list of essential documents and criteria needed for the employment visa application.

• Original Passport (valid for at least 6 months).
• Passport-sized photographs (white background).
• Copy of the sponsoring company’s trade license.
• Offer letter or employment contract from the UAE-based employer.
• Educational certificates (attested by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in your home country and the UAE embassy).
• Medical fitness certificate from an authorized UAE medical center.
• Emirates ID application form.
• Security approval (may be required for certain professions or nationalities).

Estimated Fees:

An overview of the approximate costs involved, though these are largely borne by the employer.

• Entry Permit/Work Permit: AED 200 – AED 5,000+ (depending on skill level, company type, and Emirate).
• Medical Examination: AED 250 – AED 500 (Note: Express services or specific categories may incur higher fees).
• Emirates ID: AED 170 (1 year), AED 270 (2 years), AED 370 (3 years).
• Visa Stamping/Residence Visa: AED 500 – AED 700 (part of the overall residence visa processing fee).
• Typing Centre Fees: AED 50 – AED 100 per application.
• Note: As per UAE labor law, most of these fees are borne by the employer.

Key Differences:

Distinguishing features of the employment visa compared to other visa types.

• Sponsorship: Always sponsored by a UAE-based employer.
• Purpose: Solely for employment purposes, allowing the holder to live and work legally.
• Duration: Issued for 1, 2, or 3 years, renewable upon contract renewal.
• Eligibility: Requires a valid job offer and specific qualifications/experience aligned with the job role.

Investor Visa

The UAE Investor Visa is for foreign nationals who make a significant investment in the UAE economy, either through establishing a company or investing in real estate.

Process:

Steps involved in securing an investor visa, which is primarily self-sponsored.

1. Investment & Company Registration (Outside/Inside Country): Make the required investment (e.g., register a company with DED/Free Zone authority, purchase property). This can often be initiated from outside the UAE.
2. Initial Approval (Outside/Inside Country): Apply for initial approval from the relevant authority (e.g., DED, Free Zone Authority, Land Department).
3. Entry Permit (Outside Country): Obtain an entry permit as an investor. This allows you to enter the UAE to finalize your residency.
4. Entry to UAE & Medical Examination (Inside Country): Enter the UAE and undergo the mandatory medical fitness test.
5. Emirates ID Application (Inside Country): Apply for the Emirates ID card after passing the medical examination.
6. Visa Stamping (Inside Country): Convert the entry permit into a residence visa, which is stamped on your passport, confirming your residency status.

Requirements:

Key documents and financial criteria for investor visa applications.

• Original Passport (valid for at least 6 months).
• Passport-sized photographs (white background).
• Proof of investment:
  • For company investors: Company trade license, Memorandum of Association, shareholder details, bank statements showing capital.
  • For real estate investors: Title deed of property (minimum value AED 750,000 for a 2-year visa, AED 2,000,000 for a 10-year Golden Visa).
• Bank statements (showing sufficient funds to support residency).
• Medical fitness certificate.
• Emirates ID application form.
• Police clearance certificate (may be required depending on the investment type and Emirate).

Estimated Fees:

An overview of the costs associated with the investor visa, which can be substantial.

• Investment Amount: Varies significantly (e.g., AED 750,000 for 2-year property visa, AED 2,000,000 for 10-year Golden Visa).
• Company Registration Fees: AED 15,000 – AED 50,000+ (annual, depending on license type and free zone).
• Entry Permit/Visa Fees: AED 3,000 – AED 10,000+ (depending on visa duration and type, variable by Emirate).
• Medical Examination: AED 250 – AED 500 (Note: Express services or specific categories may incur higher fees).
• Emirates ID: AED 170 (1 year), AED 270 (2 years), AED 370 (3 years).
• Visa Stamping/Residence Visa: AED 500 – AED 700 (part of the overall residence visa processing fee).
• Typing Centre Fees: AED 50 – AED 100 per application.
• Note: Fees are substantial and depend heavily on the type and value of investment, as well as the specific Emirate.

Key Differences:

Distinguishing characteristics of the investor visa, focusing on its self-sponsored nature.

• Sponsorship: Self-sponsored, based on personal investment in the UAE economy.
• Purpose: To facilitate long-term residency for investors and entrepreneurs.
• Duration: Issued for 2, 3, 5, or 10 years, depending on the investment type and amount.
• Eligibility: Requires a significant, verifiable investment in a UAE-based company or real estate.

Visit Visa

The UAE Visit Visa is for individuals wishing to enter the UAE for tourism, visiting family/friends, or short business trips without seeking employment.

Process:

Learn about the application process for a visit visa, whether you are applying from outside or inside the UAE.

Requirements:

Key documents required for a UAE visit visa, varying slightly by nationality and purpose.

• Original Passport (valid for at least 6 months beyond intended stay).
• Passport-sized photographs (white background).
• Copy of confirmed flight tickets (in and out of UAE).
• Confirmed hotel booking or proof of accommodation.
• Proof of sufficient funds (bank statements, credit card copies).
• For visiting family/friends: Invitation letter and copy of sponsor’s passport/visa/Emirates ID.
• Travel insurance (highly recommended).
• Note: Citizens of certain countries are eligible for visa-on-arrival or visa-free entry.

Estimated Fees:

Approximate costs for various visit visa durations and extension options.

• 30-day single entry: AED 300 – AED 500.
• 60-day single entry: AED 400 – AED 700.
• 90-day single entry: AED 600 – AED 1,000.
• Multiple entry visas: Higher fees, depending on duration.
• Visa Extension (Inside Country): AED 600 – AED 1,000 per extension.
• Status Change Fee (if applicable): AED 650 – AED 1,200 (varies by Emirate and visa type).
• Note: Fees vary based on the type of visa, duration, the processing agency/airline, and the Emirate.

Key Differences:

Key characteristics that set the visit visa apart from residency visas.

• Sponsorship: Can be self-sponsored (through airline/agency) or sponsored by a resident.
• Purpose: Short-term stay for tourism, family visits, or non-employment business. No work allowed.
• Duration: Issued for 30, 60, or 90 days, with options for extension.
• Eligibility: General travel requirements; specific nationalities may have different rules or visa-free entry.

Family Visa

The UAE Family Visa allows residents to sponsor their immediate family members (spouse, children, and parents) to live with them in the UAE.

Process:

Steps for a UAE resident to sponsor their family members for residency.

1. Sponsor’s Eligibility: The resident sponsor must meet minimum salary requirements (e.g., AED 4,000-5,000 for spouse/children, higher for parents) and have a valid residence visa.
2. Entry Permit (Outside/Inside Country): Sponsor applies for an entry permit for the family member. If the family member is already in the UAE on a visit visa, this can be a ‘status change’ application.
3. Entry to UAE & Medical Examination (Inside Country): Family member enters the UAE (if not already present). Medical fitness test is mandatory for parents and children over a certain age (usually 18).
4. Emirates ID Application (Inside Country): Apply for the Emirates ID card for the sponsored family member after a successful medical test.
5. Visa Stamping (Inside Country): Convert the entry permit into a residence visa, which is stamped on the family member’s passport, granting them residency.

Requirements (General):

Documents and conditions for sponsoring family members, which vary by relationship.

• Sponsor’s original passport, Emirates ID, and residence visa copy.
• Sponsor’s salary certificate/labor contract (attested if from a free zone).
• Attested marriage certificate (for spouse sponsorship).
• Attested birth certificates (for child sponsorship).
• Attested educational certificates (for parents, if sponsoring them based on education/income).
• Tenancy contract (Ejari/Tawtheeq) or proof of accommodation.
• Passport-sized photographs (white background) of family member.
• Medical fitness certificate (for parents and children over 18).
• Bank statements (may be required to prove financial capability, especially for parents).
• Undertaking letter for parents (sponsor takes full financial and care responsibility).

Estimated Fees:

Approximate costs for sponsoring different family members.

• Entry Permit: AED 200 – AED 500 per person.
• Medical Examination (for parents/older children): AED 250 – AED 500 per person (Note: Express services or specific categories may incur higher fees).
• Emirates ID: AED 170 (1 year), AED 270 (2 years), AED 370 (3 years) per person.
• Visa Stamping/Residence Visa: AED 500 – AED 700 per person (part of the overall residence visa processing fee).
• Security Deposit (for parents): AED 2,500 – AED 5,000 per parent (refundable upon visa cancellation).
• Status Change Fee (if applicable): AED 650 – AED 1,200 (varies by Emirate and visa type).
• Typing Centre Fees: AED 50 – AED 100 per application.
• Note: Fees are per dependent and can vary based on Emirate and service center.

Key Differences:

Core distinctions of the family visa, highlighting its dependency on a resident sponsor.

• Sponsorship: Sponsored by a resident visa holder (employee or investor).
• Purpose: To allow immediate family members to reside with the sponsor in the UAE.
• Duration: Issued for 1, 2, or 3 years, linked to the sponsor’s visa validity.
• Eligibility: Requires sponsor to meet minimum salary, provide attested relationship documents, and sometimes a security deposit.

Golden Visa

The UAE Golden Visa is a long-term residence visa system for investors, entrepreneurs, highly skilled professionals, specialized talents (like scientists, doctors, artists), and outstanding students. It aims to attract and retain exceptional individuals contributing to the UAE’s economy and society.

Process:

The process for obtaining a Golden Visa, which often involves nomination or direct application based on eligibility criteria.

1. Eligibility Assessment & Nomination/Application: Determine the category you qualify for (e.g., investor, entrepreneur, talent). You might be nominated by a government entity or apply directly through ICP/GDRFA portals.
2. Initial Approval: Submit all required documents for initial approval. This stage verifies your eligibility based on investment, qualifications, or achievements.
3. Entry Permit: Once initial approval is granted, an entry permit is issued, allowing you to enter the UAE to complete the remaining steps.
4. Medical Examination & Biometrics (Inside Country): Undergo a comprehensive medical fitness test and provide biometric data (fingerprints, iris scan) for Emirates ID.
5. Emirates ID Application & Visa Stamping: Complete the Emirates ID application. Upon successful completion, the Golden Visa is stamped on your passport.

Prerequisites & Requirements:

Specific criteria and documents vary significantly by category:

• Investors:
  • Public Investments: Minimum AED 2 million in an investment fund or licensed company.
  • Real Estate: Minimum AED 2 million in property (can be off-plan from approved developers).
• Entrepreneurs: Own or be a partner in a startup registered in the UAE with a capital of at least AED 1 million, or approved by an official incubator.
• Specialized Talents (Scientists, Doctors, Artists, Inventors, Athletes): Requires recommendation letters from relevant UAE government entities, patents, international awards, or significant achievements in their field. Minimum salary requirements may apply for some categories (e.g., AED 30,000 for highly skilled professionals).
• Outstanding Students: High scores in secondary school (e.g., 95%+) or university (GPA of 3.8+), and recommendations from universities.
• General: Valid passport, passport-sized photographs, medical fitness certificate, security clearance.

Estimated Fees:

Fees for the Golden Visa are generally higher due to its long-term nature and benefits.

• Visa Application Fee: AED 3,000 – AED 10,000+ (depending on category and duration).
• Medical Examination: AED 250 – AED 500 (Note: Express services or specific categories may incur higher fees).
• Emirates ID: Approx. AED 1,075 (for 10 years).
• Typing Centre Fees: AED 50 – AED 100 per application.
• Investment Amount: Minimum AED 2 million (for investors).
• Note: These are estimates; actual costs can vary based on the specific category and processing center.

Key Differences:

What makes the Golden Visa distinct from other residency options.

• Duration: Issued for 5 or 10 years, significantly longer than standard visas.
• Sponsorship: Self-sponsored; does not require a local sponsor/employer.
• Benefits: Allows long-term residency, ability to sponsor family members (including parents and unlimited children), and a 6-month multiple-entry visa for processing. Holders can stay outside the UAE for extended periods without losing residency.
• Eligibility: Based on significant investment, exceptional talent, or outstanding academic achievement.

Green Visa

The UAE Green Visa is a 5-year self-sponsored residence visa introduced to attract skilled professionals, freelancers, and investors, offering more flexibility than traditional employment visas.

Process:

The application process for the Green Visa, emphasizing its self-sponsorship nature.

1. Eligibility Check & Application: Determine if you meet the criteria for skilled employee, freelancer, or investor. Apply directly through ICP/GDRFA portals.
2. Initial Approval & Entry Permit: Submit required documents for initial approval. An entry permit is issued, allowing you to enter the UAE (if outside) to complete the process.
3. Medical Examination & Biometrics (Inside Country): Undergo a medical fitness test and provide biometric data for Emirates ID.
4. Emirates ID Application & Visa Stamping: Complete the Emirates ID application. The Green Visa is then stamped on your passport.

Prerequisites & Requirements:

Key requirements for each Green Visa category:

• Skilled Employees:
  • Valid employment contract.
  • Bachelor’s degree or equivalent.
  • Minimum salary of AED 15,000 per month.
  • Classified in the first, second, or third occupational level as per MoHRE.
• Freelancers/Self-Employed:
  • Specialized degree or diploma.
  • Proof of annual income from self-employment for the previous two years (minimum AED 360,000 or equivalent).
  • Financial solvency proof.
• Investors/Partners:
  • Approval from the relevant local authority.
  • Proof of investment (e.g., trade license, memorandum of association).
  • Investment value of at least AED 1 million.
• General: Valid passport, passport-sized photographs, medical fitness certificate, security clearance.

Estimated Fees:

Approximate costs for obtaining a Green Visa.

• Visa Application Fee: AED 2,000 – AED 5,000 (variable by category and Emirate).
• Medical Examination: AED 250 – AED 500 (Note: Express services or specific categories may incur higher fees).
• Emirates ID: Approx. AED 1,800 (for 5 years).
• Typing Centre Fees: AED 50 – AED 100 per application.
• Note: These are estimates; actual costs can vary.

Key Differences:

How the Green Visa differs from traditional employment and investor visas.

• Duration: Issued for 5 years, longer than standard employment visas.
• Sponsorship: Self-sponsored, providing greater independence from an employer.
• Flexibility: Offers a 6-month grace period after visa cancellation or expiry. Allows sponsorship of children up to 25 years old (instead of 18) and unmarried daughters.
• Eligibility: Broader categories for self-sponsorship, including skilled employees without employer sponsorship and freelancers.

Visa on Arrival

The UAE Visa on Arrival is granted automatically to citizens of certain countries upon their arrival at any UAE port of entry (airport, seaport, or land border), eliminating the need for a prior visa application.

Process:

The straightforward process for obtaining a visa on arrival.

1. Check Eligibility: Verify if your nationality is on the list of countries eligible for visa on arrival.
2. Travel to UAE: Arrive at a UAE port of entry with a valid passport.
3. Immigration Clearance: Proceed to immigration. Your passport will be stamped with the visa on arrival. No separate application or payment is typically required beforehand.
4. Extension (if applicable): Some nationalities may be eligible for a paid extension while inside the UAE.

Prerequisites & Requirements:

Basic requirements for eligible travelers to receive a visa on arrival.

• Passport valid for at least 6 months from the date of entry.
• Confirmed onward or return ticket.
• Sufficient funds to cover your stay (though rarely checked, it’s a general immigration requirement).
• Note: Eligibility is strictly based on nationality. Always check the official UAE government websites for the most current list of eligible countries.

Estimated Fees:

Information on fees for visa on arrival, which is often free initially.

• Initial Visa on Arrival: Generally free for eligible nationalities.
• Extension Fee (if applicable): AED 600 – AED 1,000 (for a 30-day extension, if allowed for your nationality).
• Note: Overstaying will incur heavy daily fines.

Key Differences:

The primary distinctions of visa on arrival compared to pre-arranged visas.

• Application: No prior application required; granted upon arrival.
• Eligibility: Based solely on nationality.
• Purpose: Primarily for tourism and short visits; no work allowed.
• Duration: Issued for 30 or 90 days, with limited extension options for some nationalities.

Medical Visa

The UAE Medical Visa is issued to foreign nationals seeking medical treatment in a UAE hospital. It requires sponsorship from a licensed medical facility in the UAE.

Process:

Steps involved in obtaining a medical visa, which is sponsored by a healthcare provider.

1. Hospital Admission & Treatment Plan: Secure an admission letter and a detailed treatment plan from a licensed UAE hospital or medical center.
2. Sponsorship by Hospital: The hospital acts as your sponsor and applies for the medical entry permit on your behalf through the ICP/GDRFA.
3. Entry Permit Issuance: Once approved, the medical entry permit is issued.
4. Entry to UAE: Travel to the UAE using the medical entry permit.
5. Extension (if needed): If treatment extends beyond the initial visa validity, the hospital can apply for an extension.

Prerequisites & Requirements:

Essential documents and conditions for a medical visa application.

• Original Passport (valid for at least 6 months).
• Passport-sized photographs (white background).
• Admission letter from a licensed UAE hospital/medical center.
• Detailed medical report and treatment plan from the UAE hospital.
• Financial guarantee or proof of sufficient funds to cover treatment costs and living expenses.
• Confirmed flight tickets (in and out of UAE).
• Medical insurance (if applicable).
• For accompanying family members: Attested marriage/birth certificates and their passport/photos.

Estimated Fees:

Approximate costs for the medical visa itself, excluding treatment costs.

• Visa Application Fee (30-day): AED 300 – AED 500.
• Visa Application Fee (60-day): AED 400 – AED 700.
• Visa Application Fee (90-day): AED 600 – AED 1,000.
• Extension Fee: AED 600 – AED 1,000 per extension.
• Medical Examination: AED 250 – AED 500 (Note: Express services or specific categories may incur higher fees).
• Typing Centre Fees: AED 50 – AED 100 per application.
• Note: These fees are for the visa processing only. Medical treatment costs will be separate and can be substantial.

Key Differences:

Unique aspects of the medical visa compared to other entry permits.

• Sponsorship: Requires sponsorship from a licensed UAE medical facility.
• Purpose: Strictly for medical treatment; no work or other activities allowed.
• Duration: Issued for 30, 60, or 90 days, and can be extended based on treatment needs.
• Eligibility: Requires proof of medical condition and acceptance by a UAE hospital.