UAE Residence Visas 2024: Everything You Need to Know!

Posted by admin on January 6, 2024

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Are you considering a move to the United Arab Emirates (UAE)? If you are, you might wonder about getting your UAE residence visa sorted out.

It might seem like a lot to tackle, especially if this is new for you. But no need to worry! This detailed guide is here to help you through each stage, ensuring you get everything you need to start your new life in the UAE smoothly.

First, understand your needs and steps to get a UAE residence visa. This guide breaks down the process into manageable steps, so it’s simple for anyone doing this for the first time. Whether you want to be a citizen of dubai, moving for work, family, or exploring a new culture, this guide has all the info you need to make the move hassle-free.

Once you’ve got a handle on the steps involved, you’ll breeze through the application process for your UAE residence visa. The aim here is to make things less confusing, giving you clear directions every step of the way.

Residency Visas in the UAE: Understanding the Options

In the UAE, residency visas come in various types, each serving specific purposes, unlike short-stay tourist visas. Typically valid for 2 to 3 years, these visas can be extended for up to 10 years through renewals.

Understanding the differences between these visas is crucial in choosing the right one for your needs. Here’s an overview of the types of residency visas available in the UAE:

Golden Visa: Reserved for investors contributing a minimum of AED 10 million to the UAE economy through real estate purchases or business investments.
UAE Company Investor Visa: A general residence permit for owners of startups or individuals holding shares in UAE-based companies.
Property Investor Visa: Designed for those investing in UAE real estate or purchasing property, requiring a minimum investment of AED 5 million.
UAE Retirement Visa: Granted to individuals aged 55 and above who are financially independent without working in the UAE. They need an AED 2 million real estate investment or savings of AED 1 million.
UAE Employment Visa: For individuals with a job in the UAE and a valid contract from an employer holding an Emirati company license or licensed by Emirati authorities.
UAE Student Visa: Issued to foreign nationals accepted into educational institutions in the country.

Carefully understanding these options helps you select the most suitable residency visa for your circumstances.

Uae Residence Visa Types

Visa Type	Requirements	Cost	Visa Duration
Property Owner Visa	Invest in real estate (residential/commercial)	$204,000 – $544,500	2 or 10 years
Entrepreneur Visa	Start or invest in a UAE-based business	$136,000 – $545,500	5 or 10 years
Employment Visa	Job with a UAE company or 1-year contract	Covered by contract or one-year	–
Freelance Visa	Professional license in a free zone, relevant skills	$1,360+	One year
Student Visa	Enrolled in a UAE-accredited university	Variable	One year
Retirement Visa	Age 55+, financial independence	$275,000+	Five years
Skilled Professionals Visa	Specialized field accreditation	Variable	Ten years

This simple breakdown highlights the requirements, costs, and duration for each type of UAE residence visa, making it easier to compare their differences.

Costs of UAE Residence Visa

The fees for a UAE Residence Visa vary based on its duration. For a one-year visa, the fee amounts to AED 100.

Moreover, a processing fee applies, contingent upon the application method. This fee ranges from AED70 for in-person applications to AED40 for online submissions.

It’s important to note that visa fees are subject to change. Additionally, be prepared for additional medical examinations and health insurance expenses.

How Do You Secure A Residency Visa In The Uae?

What will you need to secure a Residency Visa in the UAE? Here’s a breakdown of the essential documents required for your application:

UAE visa application form
Valid passport
Two passport-size photos
Entry visa
Proof of sponsor’s legal residency
Financial statements verification
Medical fitness test results
DHA-approved health insurance
Birth or marriage certificates (for family visa applications)

Work visa-specific requirements:

Copy of the work contract
Original work contract
Copy of the firm’s trade license
Firm card copy
Relevant documents as per your travel purpose

These documents will smoothen your residency visa application process in the UAE.

Securing a UAE Resident Visa Through Real Estate Investment

Eligibility Criteria: Foreign nationals become eligible for UAE residency upon purchasing real estate valued at a minimum of AED 750,000 or $204,000.
Investment Options: Investors can choose between residential and commercial properties in Dubai and Abu Dhabi. Both completed properties and those under construction are viable investment options.
Mortgage Option: Investors seeking a 2-year visa can opt for a mortgage, requiring a minimum down payment of 50%.

Visa Duration:

The visa duration is contingent on the total investment

A 2-year visa is issued for real estate costing AED 750,000 or $204,000 and above.
A 10-year visa is granted for properties valued at AED 2,000,000 or $544,500 and higher.

Family Inclusion: Close family members of the investor are eligible for residence visas, including their spouse and children.

Visa Application Inclusions:

For a 2-year visa application, children under 18 can be included.
When applying for a 10-year visa, unmarried sons under 25 and unmarried daughters of any age can be added to the application.

Guidelines for Obtaining a UAE Residence Visa for Entrepreneurs

Eligibility Criteria: Entrepreneurs and investors are eligible for UAE residence visas lasting five to ten years by investing AED 500,000 ($136,000) in a business. Applications are submitted online via the ICP website.

For a 5-year residence visa, the applicant must establish an innovative company with a minimum investment of AED 500,000 ($136,000).

To qualify for a 10-year visa, entrepreneurs have several options:

Invest AED 2,000,000 ($545,500) in a new or existing company.
Own a company generating a minimum yearly revenue of AED 1,000,000 ($272,280).
Establish and sell a company for at least AED 7,000,000 ($1,900,000).

Family Inclusion: Entrepreneurs can include family members in their resident visa applications. This consists of the principal applicant’s spouse and unmarried children – sons under 25 and daughters of any age.

Required Documents: Necessary documents for obtaining a Golden Visa for entrepreneurs include:

Business registration certificate
Copy of the company’s trade license
Establishment Card (company immigration card)
A bank letter confirming the investment
Passport copy
Color photo
Medical insurance

Securing a UAE Residence Visa as a Freelancer or Remote Worker

Foreign freelancers and remote employees can obtain visas to live in the UAE while working for a foreign company or as self-employed individuals.

To acquire a residence visa for freelancers, applicants must obtain a license from one of the free zones. Here’s a step-by-step guide:

Choose a free zone that aligns with your profession. For instance, Dubai Internet City caters to developers and IT specialists, while Dubai Media City is suitable for photographers and graphic designers.
Apply for a license through the selected free zone’s website.
Complete the payment for the license fee.

The license fee varies based on the applicant’s profession and age. For example, in the Ajman Free Zone, fees begin at AED 6,000 or $1,630 annually. Applicants aged 20 to 30 may secure the license at a reduced cost of AED 5,000 or $1,360.

Validity: The remote worker visa is valid for one year. Once expired, the individual must renew the visa by reassembling all necessary documents and paying the license fee again.

Special Considerations: Failure to return to the UAE within six months results in visa cancellation.

Inclusion of Family Members: Those securing a UAE residence visa as remote workers can also include and sponsor their parents, spouse, and children in the application.

Documents Required for a Freelancer Dubai Residency:

Passport with a minimum validity of 6 months
Valid UAE coverage medical insurance
Proof of employment or company ownership
Bank statements from the previous three months
Copy of the freelance license
Copy of a valid visa

How to Obtain a Dubai Residence Visa

Dubai, one of the UAE’s seven emirates, follows the same procedure for acquiring a Residence Visa as the other emirates.

First, you need a sponsor in Dubai to invest in or purchase property there. Your sponsor is responsible for applying for your entry permit and residence visa through a licensed typing center of the General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs (GDRFA) in Dubai or an Amer center.

Conclusion

Navigating the intricacies of obtaining a UAE residence visa can be manageable. This comprehensive guide has walked you through the essential steps, from understanding the various types of visas to breaking down the requirements, costs, and duration for each.

As you navigate this exciting chapter of your life, embrace the opportunities that come with living in the UAE, and may your experience be smooth, successful, and filled with enriching moments. Best of luck on your journey to securing your UAE residence visa and making the most of your time in this vibrant and diverse country!