Have you ever wondered, “What’s it like to live in Dubai?” Dubai attracts thousands of visitors, tourists, entrepreneurs, workers, and companies from across the globe every year. This strategically located city boasts world-class infrastructure, a vibrant expat community, excellent tax incentives, a global food scene, and unparalleled work and business opportunities. The best way to make Dubai your home is by obtaining a UAE residency visa.
A residency visa is needed before you can legally work, invest, or live in Dubai. Depending on the type of visa and eligibility, a UAE residency permit is valid for two to ten years.
In this article, you will learn about the eligibility criteria, types of Dubai residence visas, and how to get a residence in Dubai.
Eligibility for UAE Residence Visa
Before you can apply for a UAE residence visa, check if you fulfil any of the following eligibility criteria.
- Employed by a UAE-based private or government company.
- Are dependents such as spouses, children, parents, or close relatives of UAE citizens?
- Have either purchased a property or made a significant investment in the UAE.
- Plan to retire in the UAE.
Types of Dubai Residence Visa
A variety of UAE residence visas are available with varying validities and requirements. Go through the following types to see which one is the best fit for you.
Employment visa
This is the most common UAE residency visa sponsored by a UAE-based employer or company. Though the visa is valid for two or three years, it can be subsequently renewed depending on employment conditions.
Investor visa
Those who have invested in the UAE are eligible for two types of investor visas. The first is a five-year Golden visa, and the second is a ten-year golden visa. The former is for property investors with an investment worth at least AED 2 million in the UAE and is valid for five years. The second visa is valid for ten years and is auto renewed if the investment is at least AED 10 million in a UAE business or fund. This visa also applies to those investing at least AED 10 million in real estate with an annual rental of at least AED 1 million.
Retirement visa
Those over 55 can reside in the UAE with this visa without an employment contract. However, they must fulfil certain health and income criteria set forth by the UAE government.
Student visa
A student visa is sponsored by the concerned educational institution and is valid for the duration of the program. However, this visa covers an additional 30 days of stay in UAE after the completion of the education program.
Domestic worker visa
A domestic work visa is needed for domestic workers employed by UAE citizens, and the duration and validity of the visa are directly tied to those of the sponsor and employment contract.
Green Visa
This five-year visa is issued to investors, freelancers, professionals, or entrepreneurs to live and work in the UAE without a local sponsor.
Family Visa
Spouses, children, close family, or dependents of UAE citizens can apply for this visa. The duration of a family visa is usually the same as that of the sponsor.
Essential documents for Dubai Residence Visa
Ensure the following documents are in place before applying for a Dubai residency visa.
- A passport with at least six months validity.
- Recent passport-sized photographs.
- Depending on the purpose of your stay, you will need a letter of sponsorship from the concerned employer, family member, or educational institution.
- Proof of sponsor’s UAE residency or citizenship.
- Medical and fitness certificates obtained from government-approved healthcare centres in Dubai.
- A certificate of good conduct from your home country attesting to lack of criminal history.
- Emirates ID application submitted to the Emirates Identity Authority.
Depending on the visa category applied for, the following additional documents might be needed:
- Employees moving to Dubai must submit their work contract, which includes the nature and scope of work and pay and the company trade license.
- Proof of birth or marriage certificate is needed for family visas.
- For property investors, proof of ownership is needed.
How to get a residency in Dubai?
Here are the simple steps to follow to obtain a Dubai visa residence.
- Find a Sponsor
The first step in obtaining a Dubai residency visa is to find a sponsor. For employees, the sponsor is the concerned UAE-based company; for students, it’s the concerned educational institution; and for family members, it’s a UAE citizen. The sponsor must be a resident of Dubai, and they start the visa application process.
- Secure an Entry Permit
An entry permit must be sought from the General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs (GDRFA) or the Federal Authority for Identity and Citizenship. This permit allows entry into the UAE to secure a residency visa. The application can be submitted online or through any authorized GDFRA typing centers.
- Document submission
The documents needed differ depending on the visa type. Ensure all the documents are valid, complete, and according to the prescribed format requirements. The application form must be accompanied by the required documents and submitted to the GDFRA. A visa fee is payable, and its cost varies according to the visa duration, purpose of stay, and visa validity.
- Await approval
The application is verified by the concerned authorities upon submission. After clearing the background checks, the visa will be stamped onto your passport upon approval. This allows you to legally reside in Dubai.
- Obtain an Emirates ID
Upon receiving the residence visa, apply for an Emirates ID. This ID serves as proof of official identification to reside in the UAE.
Conclusion
A UAE residency visa allows you to open a bank account, apply for a driving license, access financial facilities, government health services, and health insurance, and legally work and invest in the UAE.
The process of obtaining a UAE residency visa is complex and involves multiple steps and compliances. To navigate this process without any hassles, get in touch with experts at Emirates Business Setup (EBS). EBS is a leading consultancy in Dubai, and our professional consultants are here to assist you every step as you shift to Dubai.
