• January 13, 2022

Applying for a UAE residence visa: All you need to know

The UAE is a melting pot of various nationalities living together. Around 88% of the entire population of the country consists of foreign expatriates living in the country mainly under a residency visa.

A residency permit is a visa type granted by the UAE government to foreign expats to work and invest in businesses in the country.

Having a residence visa in Dubai or anywhere in the UAE has its advantages, including opening a bank account, sponsoring your dependents to the UAE, applying for provisions such as the Golden Visa and much more.

This article aims to be a brief guide on the eligibility criteria, application process and the benefits of a residence visa.

What are the types of residency visas available in the UAE?

The common types of UAE residency visas have been listed as follows:
  • Employment visa
  • Golden visa
  • Property Investor visa
  • Retirement visa
  • Company Investor visa
  • Family visa
  • Domestic workers visa
  • Student visa

Who can live or reside in the UAE?

Foreigners can live as residents in the UAE if they come under the following categories:
  • If they are employed by a company in the UAE: If a foreign expat is employed by a company in the UAE, the company will apply and sponsor their residence visa for the contract period.
  • If they are employed by the government sector: In this case, the government entity that has employed the expat will apply for and sponsor their visa for the contract period.
  • Investors in the UAE: Foreign expats looking to invest in a Business in the Dubai Mainland will have to apply for their own visa under the sponsorship of the company’s registered name. For more details, check out this article.
  • Property investors in the UAE: Expats looking to invest in properties worth AED 1 million and above can be eligible for 3 and 5-year visas. For more details, check out this article.
  • Dependents: Dependents—including children, parents, spouses, maids and close relatives—can be sponsored by employees or investors residing in the UAE.
  • University students: Students being sponsored by their universities can also reside in the UAE.
  • Retired residents: The UAE government also offers a Retirement Visa for individuals looking to retire in the country. For more details, check out this article.

However, it is important to note that the stamping of a residence visa is done only when the expatriate has entered the UAE through an entry permit, short or long-term tourist or a visit visa.

What are the essential requirements when applying for a residence visa in the UAE? A residence visa for foreign expat employees or investors requires applicants to be aged 18 and above. Moreover, they will have to undergo a medical test to prove that they are medically fit. They will also have to pass a security check and apply for an Emirates ID (EID) card from the Federal Authority for Identity and Citizenship.

What is the validity duration for a residence visa?

The validity duration of a residency visa would depend on its type and the sponsor. It could range from 1 to up to 10 years and could be of employment or long-term residency types.

What are the benefits of having a UAE resident visa?

Some of the popular benefits of having a UAE residence visa include the following:
  • Opening a bank account
  • Accessing financial facilities
  • Applying for a driver’s licence
  • Accessing health services and medical insurance
  • Registering one’s children in government or private schools
  • Working and investing
  • Visa-free travel to certain destinations; however, you will need to check with foreign embassies in the UAE

How can I apply for a UAE residence visa?

If you are employed in the UAE, the responsibility of applying for the UAE residence visa rests with your employers. However, if you are applying for a residency visa, you can apply either online or offline for your visa.

Online channels

  • eChannels portal: The eChannels portal allows individuals and companies registered in the UAE to apply for a new visa or a renewal.
  • General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs website: You can also apply online for a visa through the General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs website or through Amer.ae. Visitors can also apply for an extension of visas within the country.
  • Mobile apps: The UAE government also offers mobile applications such as the ICA UAE eChannels and the General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs apps.

Offline channels

  • Typing centres You can apply for a visa through offline typing centres through the General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs of the respective emirate. Upon approval, you will receive a message and the original entry permit.
  • Amer centres All entry permit and visa transactions can also be carried out through its Amer centres.

What are the common documents you would require to apply for a UAE residence visa?

Some of the common documents you would require to apply for a UAE residence visa:
  • UAE visa application form
  • Original passport
  • Passport size photos in accordance with UAE photo requirements
  • Entry visa copy
  • Sponsor’s legal residency or UAE citizenship
  • Work contract and the company’s valid trade licence and firm card

Conclusion

Applying for a residence visa would help you avail of multiple benefits including a high-quality lifestyle. Contact us for more details!