Understanding UAE Immigration: A Comprehensive Guide
Caroline Bradshaw
Director at Y-Axis | Over 25 Years of Leadership in Global Immigration and Education Services
Understanding UAE immigration: A Comprehensive Guide
The United Arab Emirates is known for its modern infrastructure, rich oil and natural gas reserves, vibrant cultural heritage, and luxurious lifestyle. The country reports around 88.50% of the total expat population as of 2024. With more than 418,500 job opportunities and high living standards, the UAE has recently emerged as one of the most preferred destinations among immigrants.
The UAE offers several types of visas to cater to the needs of immigrants. The following is the list of the visas provided by the UAE:
·???????? Transit visa: Used for immigrants transiting via the UAE to another country.
·???????? Medical Attendant Visa: Issued to immigrant patients willing to get medical treatment in the UAE.?
·???????? Tourist Visa: Issued to tourists migrating to the UAE for travel purposes.
·???????? Business Visa: Issued to entrepreneurs and business persons willing to visit the UAE for business purposes.
·???????? Student Visa: Issued to international students willing to study in the UAE.
·???????? Employment Visa: Issued to foreign workers willing to work in the UAE.
·???????? Journalist Visa: Issued to foreign journalists and media personnel appointed for media coverage in the UAE.
·???????? Mission Visa: Issued to professionals working with the UAE on a short-term project or mission.
·???????? Conference visa: Issued to immigrants traveling to the UAE to attend a conference, seminar, or workshop.
·???????? Film Visa: Issued to filmmakers and production houses willing to shoot a film in the UAE.
·???????? Job seeker visa: Issued to international job seekers willing to migrate to the UAE to search for jobs in the country.
·???????? Golden Visa: Issued to long-term residents who are willing to live, work, or study in the UAE for up to 10 years.
Why migrate to the UAE?
According to a recent report published by the Private Wealth Migration, it is revealed that 4,300 Indian millionaires are moving to the UAE in 2024. Some common reasons why migrants move to the UAE are:
·???????? 418,500+ job opportunities
·???????? Tax-free income policies
·???????? Earn up to AED 191,807 per year
·???????? Global centre for investment
·???????? Advanced healthcare system
·???????? Top-notch education
·???????? Well-developed transportation
·???????? Vibrant lifestyle
·???????? High quality of life
Recent statistical data states that Indians form the largest ethnic community in the UAE, with a population of around 3.5 million as of 2024. Immigrants from Bangladesh, Pakistan, and the Philippines form the majority of the immigrant population in the UAE.
The table below lists the breakdown of expat population in the UAE by nationality:
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UAE Employment Visa: Requirements and Application Process
The UAE has around 418,500 jobs in more than 20 sectors. Foreign nationals willing to migrate and work in the UAE can apply for a UAE employment visa. The country offers three main types of employment visas for foreign nationals willing to work in the UAE:
·???????? Standard Work Visa: This Visa is usually sponsored by private-sector employers and is valid for up to 2 years. It allows you to work for the sponsoring employer only and can be renewed after expiry.
·???????? UAE Green Visa: This VisaVisa is issued to eligible skilled professionals, investors, freelancers, and entrepreneurs, allowing them to work and reside in the UAE for up to 5 years.
·???????? UAE Golden Visa: This VisaVisa is issued to investors, entrepreneurs, and high-net-worth individuals planning to reside in the country for up to 10 years. It aims to promote business development and encourage entrepreneurs to invest in the UAE by offering them long-term residency.
UAE Work visa requirements
The following are the documents required to apply for UAE work visa:
·???????? Valid and original passport
·???????? Recent passport-sized pictures
·???????? Entry permit issued by the Ministry of Labour
·???????? Employment contract details
·???????? Medical fitness reports
·???????? Health Insurance details
·???????? Proof of funds
·???????? Criminal clearance report
How to apply for UAE work visa?
The steps to apply for the UAE work visa are listed below:
Step 1: Check your eligibility and determine the type of VisaVisa
Step 2: Submit your signed employment contract
Step 3: Apply for Entry permit and work VisaVisa
Step 4: Fly to the UAE upon approval
Note: You must apply for a UAE residence permit within 60 days of arrival in the country.
Also read…
UAE Job Market: Opportunities for International Professionals
The UAE Job Market Trend is growing rapidly with expanding businesses, new projects, and international investments. In recent years, the UAE, the Arab world's second-largest economy, has executed many legal, economic, and social changes. The UAE has been attracting many skilled workers with new visas and incentives to establish and expand various businesses.
Data by the Khaleej Times revealed that around 69% of employers in the UAE are planning to expand their workforce in 2024. The annual salary offered to different job roles is also expected to increase by 4-7% on average. The positive hiring trend of the UAE makes the country a top choice among immigrants willing to work and settle in the country.
The table below lists the most in-demand jobs in the UAE:
Read more…
UAE Job seeker visa
You can migrate and explore the robust job market of the UAE with the UAE Job Seeker visa. The UAE Job seeker visa lets you reside in the country and search for jobs in the UAE. There are three types of visa validity options: 60-day, 90-day, and 120-day, depending on which the maximum stay period is decided.
*Want to apply for the UAE Job Seeker Visa? Y-Axis is here to provide complete assistance!
Study in the UAE
The UAE or Dubai is home to some of the best universities in the world, offering world-class educational facilities for international students willing to study abroad. The country boasts of having 6 QS World Ranking Universities and provides yearly scholarships of up to AED 55,000.
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Top Universities in the UAE
The table below lists the top universities in the UAE as per QS Ranking 2024:
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*Confused about your study and career options? Avail Y-Axis Course Recommendation Services for personalized assistance!
UAE Student Visa Requirements
The following are the documents required for a UAE student visa:
·???????? University acceptance letter
·???????? Proof of sufficient funds
·???????? Accommodation details
·???????? Medical fitness records
·???????? Fee payment receipts
·???????? Educational transcripts
*Want to study in the UAE? Y-Axis is here to provide complete assistance!
Family Reunification in the UAE: Bringing your loved ones
The UAE welcomes family members of the UAE residents to migrate and stay with their loved ones. UAE resident permit holders can sponsor their family to reside in the country for up to 3 years.
You would be eligible to sponsor your family members to the UAE if you:
·???????? Are a legal resident permit holder in the UAE
·???????? Earn at least AED 4000 per year or AED 3000, including accommodation allowances
·???????? Have enough financial means to support your family
·???????? Have legal accommodation provisions for yourself? and your family
The people who are being sponsored must be medically fit and should not have any criminal records.
UAE Family Visa Requirements
The following are the documents required to apply for a UAE family visa:
·???????? Completely filled out visa application form
·???????? Recent passport-sized pictures of all applicants
·???????? Relationship proof with the sponsor
·???????? Medical clearance records
·???????? Proof of income of the sponsor
·???????? Accommodation details
·???????? Personal identification documents
How to Apply for the UAE Family Visa?
The steps to apply for the UAE family visa are listed as follows:
Step 1: Fill out the visa application form
Step 2: Apply for the entry permit
Step 3: Complete the fee payment
Step 4: Appear for the visa interview
Step 5: Fly to the UAE upon visa approval
UAE Visit Visa: Requirements and Application Process
From the world's tallest building, Burj Khalifa, to the 36-foot-deep underwater zoo, the UAE has much to offer tourists. The UAE provides Dubai tourist visas to immigrants willing to visit Dubai for tourism purposes. Depending on your holiday plan, You can apply for a 14-day or 30-day tourist visa.
UAE Visit Visa Requirements
The following are the documents required to apply for the UAE Visit Visa:
·???????? Valid and original passport
·???????? Recent passport-sized pictures
·???????? Travel itinerary details
·???????? Accommodation details
·???????? Personal identification documents
·???????? Return flight tickets
·???????? Valid email address
How to apply for the UAE visit visa?
The steps to apply for the UAE visit visa are listed below:
Step 1: Fill out the visa application form
Step 2: Submit all the documents required
Step 3: Schedule an appointment with the nearest embassy
Step 4: Attend the visa interview
Step 5: Wait for the VisaVisa to be approved
Step 6: Fly to the UAE
*Planning to visit the UAE? Y-Axis is here to provide end-to-end guidance!
Long-term Residency Pathways in the UAE
The UAE offers several pathways to long-term residency. Long-term residence visas allow a maximum stay of 10 years and provide access to several rights and benefits.
The table below lists the long-term residence visas offered by the UAE:
Conclusion
Immigration is an important aspect of the rapidly-developing economy of the UAE. Therefore, the Government of UAE is continuously planning and implementing newer and easier immigration policies to facilitate foreign immigration to the country. According to recent news, select Indian passport holders now get VisaVisa on arrival in Dubai, UAE.
The UAE has reported unprecedented growth in the last 20 years and is expected to develop even further. With zero income tax policies, a booming job market, and advanced infrastructure, the UAE can offer you a world of opportunities along with providing you with a luxurious lifestyle.
*Need assistance with UAE Immigration? Sign up with Y-Axis, the world's No. 1 overseas immigration company, for end-to-end support at every process step. Email us at mail to: [email protected] or drop a message on our WhatsApp number 8802219999.