Living in the UAE is an experience like no other. It is home to a diverse community, a nightlife rivaling London and New York, and zero income tax. Dubai, the business hub of the country has plenty to offer to everyone aspiring to live in the country. However, if you wish to move to the United Arab Emirates, you need a visa.
Below are different types of visa you can apply to reside and work in the country where dreams come true.
Employment visa
This is the most frequent sort of residence visa, which allows a foreign citizen working for a firm in the UAE to live and work lawfully in the country. In order for a foreign individual to receive a visa, the employer serves as a sponsor. An employer can be a private or a government organization. They can be located on the mainland or in a free zone and separate paperwork is required.
Visa validity is of 2 years for a company located in the mainland while for a government entity or a Freezone located company the visa validity is of 3 years. However, both visa types are renewable.
If you are an employer and your business is located on the mainland, you are required to submit the following documents:
- Trade license
- Company immigration card
- Labor card
For an employee seeking a visa, the following documents are required:
- A copy of the passport
- Employee’s photograph (against a white background)
- Copies of education certificates
- Previous residency visa (if applicable)
- Previous Emirates ID (if applicable)
- Tourist visa (if applicable)
- DHA-approved health insurance
The following documents are needed in case a company is located in the free zone or is a government entity:
- Online visa application
- Trade license
- Company’s immigration card
- A copy of the office lease agreement
For an employee:
- A copy of the passport
- Employee’s photograph (against a white background)
- Copy of the offer letter or appointment letter
- Copies of education certificates
- Previous residency visa (if applicable)
- Previous Emirates ID (if applicable)
- Tourist visa (if applicable)
- DHA-approved health insurance
Company investor visa
This category accommodates foreign business owners who own or have shares in a business in the UAE. If a foreigner wishes to start a business in the UAE, they can apply under this category. It allows you to work and live in the country for as long as the visa is valid. Upon expiry, it can be renewed.
If the business is located in the mainland, the following documents are required to apply for a visa:
To establish a company:
- Trade license
- Immigration establishment card
- Memorandum of Association (LLC)
- Local service agreement
- Partnership contract (if available)
- Partners list (LLC)
To establish a company:
- Trade license
- Immigration establishment card
- Memorandum of Association (LLC)
- Local service agreement
- Partnership contract (if available)
- Partners list (LLC)
In case the business is located in the free zone or is a government organization:
To establish a company:
- Trade license
- Share certificate
- Immigration card
- Memorandum of Association
- Certificate of Incorporation
Business owner or shareholder:
- A copy of the passport
- A photograph (against a white background)
- Bank statement (if applicable)
- Previous visa (if applicable)
- Previous Emirates ID (if applicable)
Family visa
After you’ve successfully got your visa, you can then proceed to sponsor your family. You can sponsor your children, spouse, and parents to immigrate and live with you. However, there are certain guidelines you need to follow to obtain a family visa:
- Those looking to sponsor their family members must pay a refundable fee of AED 3,000 for each family member
- If an employee wants to sponsor a family member, the person’s income must be at least AED 4,000. Alternatively, the salary can be AED 3,000 plus monthly rent
- In case a person is sponsoring both parents, the person’s monthly income should be at least AED 20,000. In the event one of the parents is dead, his/her death certificate is required
- You must have a place to live where you can accommodate. You can either choose to rent or buy apartments for sale in Dubai. If you prefer a villa, you can search for them online or contact a realtor.
If you meet the above requirements, you can proceed with the process by submitting the the following documents:
- A copy of the passport
- A copy of the UAE residency visa
- Original Emirates ID
- A copy of the labor card and contract from the Ministry of Labor
Salary certificate in Arabic in case the sponsor is employed by a company located in the free zone or by a government entity.
In order to attract highly skilled and talented individuals from across the globe, the UAE government announced a new visa type. Currently the visa is granted to individuals who are working in the country in the field of science and knowledge. The validity is of 10 years and can be renewed after meeting a certain criteria.
Following are the requirements for those looking to apply for a specialist resident visa:
- In case of a scientist, the person must be accredited by the Emirates Scientist Council or is a winner of the Mohammed bin Rashid Medal for Scientific Excellence
- For an individual working in the field of art and culture, he/she must be accredited by the Ministry of Culture and Knowledge Development
- For an individual holding a patent, it should add value to the UAE’s economy and must be approved by the Ministry of Economy
- An exceptionally talented individual should have patents in his/her name or have his/her articles published in globally recognized journals
- Besides, an individual who owns a globally reputed company can apply for a specialist resident visa
In case of doctors and specialists, they should be able to meet at least two of the conditions given below:
- The individual’s PhD must be from a university that is on the list of 500 best universities in the world and must have at least 10 years of work experience
- The individual’s work must have been recognised by a special award or a certificate of appreciation
- The individual must have made significant contribution in large-scale scientific research in his/her respective field
- The individual must have published an article or written a scientific book that has been published by a well-known publication
- The applicant must be a member of a reputed organization that specializes in his/her field of work
- The individual’s skill and talent is considered a priority profession in the UAE
Student visa
Foreign students can now apply to study in the UAE educational institutes even if they do not have a family member in the country. You will need the following documents to apply for a student visa.
- A copy of the passport with a validity of at least 6 months
- A passport-size photo (against a white background)
- Receipt of visa and tuition fees
- A copy of the current visa (if applicable)
- A copy of the admission letter from the university
Visa validity
- The validity of a student visa is 1 year. Students can apply for renewal annually till their education is over
- Besides, an outstanding student can apply for a 5-year student visa provided he/she has 95% grade in secondary school. For a university student, he/she must have at least 3.75 GPA
Conclusion:
You can get a visa in the UAE according to your skills and interest. As long as you have a stable income, you can enjoy all the luxuries. If you have never relocated, the United Arab Emirates will be home to you and your family. All you need to do is follow the right procedure to apply and then find your dream home in the country. Buy real estate in Dubai or any city to enjoy a luxurious lifestyle
