Unlocking Opportunities: Comprehensive Guide to UAE Visas, Requirements, and Costs (part II)

If you are planning a trip or relocation to the UAE, the first thing to do is to familiarize yourself with the different types of visas, requirements, and costs. In this article, we will look at the types of visas that are available to visit or live in the UAE.

1. Tourist Visa

The tourist visa is ideal for those who plan to visit the UAE for leisure or to explore the country. There are several options available depending on the length of your stay:

- Short-term tourist visa: Valid for 30 days from the date of entry. There is a 10-day grace period for extension. If extended, the total validity would be 60 days from the date of entry. Passports should be normal and valid for more than six months.

This is a multi-entry visa. The visa holder can consume the 30-day validity regardless of whether they are inside or outside the UAE – days spent outside the UAE are calculated from the 40-day validity of the visa.

- Long-term tourist visa: Valid for 90 days from the date of entry. This visa type is not extendable. The can be consumed within 180 days from first entry. Passports should be normal and valid for more than six months. This visa type is not extendable

For information on visa requirements based on your passport country, visit the official Dubai tourism website: Visit Dubai - Visa Information.

For visa extensions, where available, you can apply at any Type center, such as Amer. Alternatively, budget-conscious travelers often choose to fly to nearby countries with low-cost carriers and return to obtain a new visa on arrival, or they opt for a visa run by car or bus to the nearest countries

The cost of a tourist visa is approximately 500-700 AED (around 135-190 USD).

Penalties for Overstaying:

Overstaying your visa can result in fines. The current penalty is AED 200 for the first day of overstay and AED 100 for each subsequent day. Additionally, there may be an AED 100 service fee when exiting the country. However, you can overstay for up to 10 days without incurring fines. If you leave within 10 days after your visa expires, there will be no fines. But if you leave on the 11th day, for example, if your visa is valid for 30 days and you leave on the 41st day, you will have to pay the fine for all 11 days of overstay

1. Work Visa

The UAE work visa is granted to foreign nationals who plan to work in the country.?

To obtain this visa, you must first secure a work permit. This involves a valid job offer from a UAE-based employer, submission of your passport and recent photographs, a completed application form, proof of your qualifications and experience, and passing a medical examination.?

Typically, your employer will handle the document submission for approval, so all you need to do is successfully pass the job interview. (How to find your dream job in the UAE will be covered in my next article.)?

Once the work permit is approved, an entry permit (valid for 60 days) is issued to enter the UAE and complete the remaining formalities. After entering the UAE, you must undergo a medical check (which includes testing for infectious diseases, general health assessment, and fitness to work). Then, you need to apply for an Emirates ID, which requires biometrics (fingerprints and photo) at an authorized center. After this, you must sign a labor contract with your employer, which must be registered with the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation (MOHRE).?

Finally, you can apply for a residence visa, indicating your legal status to live and work in the UAE.?

Work visas are typically issued for a period of 2 years, depending on the nature of the job and the employment contract. The visa can be renewed upon expiration, provided the employment relationship continues and all legal requirements are met.?

The cost of obtaining a work visa ranges from AED 3,000 to AED 7,000 ( USD 800 to 1,900). This cost may vary based on the issuing emirate and the specific job category. However, it is common for employers to cover the cost of the visa.

For some positions, particularly those requiring advanced qualifications, a certified higher education diploma is mandatory. This diploma must be translated into English and Arabic, attested by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA) in your home country and the UAE embassy, and certified by the UAE's Ministry of Education.?

The work visa can be canceled in case of dismissal or violation of the employment contract terms. Overstaying after visa cancellation can lead to fines and legal consequences.

2. Investment Visa

The UAE offers several types of investment visas designed to attract foreign investors to contribute to the country's economy. Here’s an overview of the different investment visa options and their requirements:

Real Estate Investment Visa: Investors who purchase property in the UAE can qualify for a residence visa. The minimum investment amount is typically AED 1 million (approximately USD 272,000). The property must be residential and not mortgaged. The visa is usually granted for two years and can be renewed as long as the investor retains ownership of the property.?

Business Owner (Investor) Visa: Investors who establish a business or invest in an existing business in the UAE can obtain a residence visa. The cost of setting up a company, including licensing fees, starts from around AED 8,000 (approximately USD 2,180). Once the business is registered and operational, the investor can apply for a residence visa, which is usually issued for two years and can be renewed.

To apply for an investment visa, you will need to provide proof of company establishment, a valid passport, recent photographs, a completed application form, and pass a medical examination. Additionally, for certain business-related visas, you may need to show proof of health insurance and a clean criminal record.

3. Freelance Visa

The UAE has introduced a freelance visa to attract skilled professionals who wish to work independently. This visa is available through various free zones that support freelancers. The freelance visa allows individuals to legally work for themselves, providing services to clients both within the UAE and internationally.

Eligibility and Requirements: To qualify for a freelance visa, applicants must have a service contract with an organization in the UAE or demonstrate their freelance work in specific sectors, such as media, technology, education, and creative industries. The main difference between a freelance visa and a traditional work visa is that freelancers are self-employed and do not work for a specific employer.

Applicants need to provide the following:

1. A completed application form.
2. A copy of their passport (valid for at least six months).
3. Passport-size photographs.
4. Proof of professional qualifications and relevant experience.
5. A portfolio of work (if applicable).
6. A copy of the freelance permit or license issued by the free zone.
7. A medical examination report.

Application Process:

1. Choose a Free Zone: Select a free zone that offers freelance permits. Each free zone has different requirements and costs, so it’s important to choose one that aligns with your profession and budget.
2. Apply for a Freelance Permit: Submit the required documents to the chosen free zone to obtain a freelance permit. This permit allows you to legally offer your services as a freelancer in the UAE.
3. Obtain a Residence Visa: Once you have the freelance permit, you can apply for a residence visa. This process involves a medical examination, obtaining an Emirates ID, and completing the necessary paperwork.

Costs: The cost of a freelance permit and visa varies depending on the free zone and the duration of the visa. Typically, the total cost ranges from AED 7,500 to AED 15,000 (approximately USD 2,040 to USD 4,090) for a visa that is valid for one to three years. This includes the freelance permit, medical examination, Emirates ID, and visa stamping fees.

Benefits:

1. Flexibility: Freelancers have the flexibility to work with multiple clients, both locally and internationally.
2. Tax-Free Income: The UAE offers a tax-free environment, meaning freelancers do not have to pay income tax on their earnings. However, it's important to note that a corporate tax of 9% is applied on profits exceeding AED 375,000.?
3. Access to Free Zone Facilities: Freelancers can access the facilities and services offered by the free zone, including office space, meeting rooms, and networking events.
4. Family Sponsorship: Freelancers can sponsor their family members for residence visas, allowing them to live in the UAE.

The freelance visa is an excellent opportunity for skilled professionals looking to work independently in the UAE. By understanding the requirements and application process, you can take advantage of this opportunity to establish your freelance career in one of the most dynamic and business-friendly environments in the world.?

4. Family Visa

The Family Visa is granted to family members of UAE nationals or foreign nationals holding a work or investment visa. The visa allows spouses, children, and, in some cases, parents to live in the UAE with the primary visa holder. The duration of the family visa is typically tied to the validity of the primary visa holder’s residence visa.

To obtain a family visa, you need to meet the following requirements:

1. The primary visa holder must have a minimum monthly salary of AED 4,000 (approximately USD 1,090) or AED 3,000 (approximately USD 817) plus accommodation.
2. Submit proof of relationship, such as marriage and birth certificates, which must be attested by the UAE embassy in your home country and the UAE Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
3. Provide copies of the primary visa holder’s passport, residence visa, and Emirates ID.
4. Submit passport copies and photographs of the family members.
5. Undergo a medical examination for adult family members.
6. Provide proof of health insurance for all family members.

The cost of the family visa starts from AED 3,000 (approximately USD 800), depending on the emirate and the duration of the visa. Family visas are usually issued for two years and can be renewed as long as the primary visa holder's residence visa remains valid.?

5. Student Visa

The Student Visa is granted to foreign nationals who wish to study at a university or college in the UAE. To be eligible for a student visa, you must be accepted by an educational institution in the UAE.

The requirements for obtaining a student visa include:

1. A letter of acceptance from a UAE-based educational institution.
2. Proof of financial resources to cover tuition fees and living expenses.
3. Health insurance coverage.
4. A valid passport.
5. Recent passport-sized photographs.
6. A completed visa application form.
7. A medical examination report.

The student visa is usually issued for one year and can be renewed annually based on the duration of the academic program. The cost of a student visa ranges from AED 1,000 to AED 3,000 (approximately USD 272 to 800), depending on the educational institution and the emirate. Some universities may cover the visa cost as part of the tuition fees.

6. Green Visa

The UAE's Green Visa is a special type of residence visa designed to attract skilled professionals, freelancers, investors, and entrepreneurs. The Green Visa aims to provide more flexible and long-term residency options, contributing to the UAE's economic development and making it an attractive destination for global talents.

Who Can Apply for a Green Visa?

1. Skilled Employees:

• Must hold a job in one of the first, second, or third occupational levels as classified by the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratization (MoHRE).
• Need a valid employment contract.
• Must have a bachelor's degree or equivalent.
• Should earn a minimum salary of AED 15,000 per month.

2. Freelancers and Self-Employed Individuals:

• Must obtain a freelance/self-employment permit from the MoHRE.
• Need a bachelor's degree or specialized diploma.
• Should provide proof of annual income from self-employment of at least AED 360,000 for the past two years, or proof of financial solvency throughout their stay in the UAE.

3. Investors or Partners:

• Need to have their investment approved by the Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs & Ports Security (ICP).
• Should provide proof of local authorities' approval for the investment.

?Benefits of the Green Visa

- Extended Residency: Offers a 5-year residency period compared to the typical 2-3 year visas.

- Grace Period: A 6-month grace period after visa expiration to adjust status or secure a new visa without penalties.

- Family Sponsorship: Ability to sponsor family members, including raising the sponsorship age for male children to 25 and allowing sponsorship of unmarried daughters regardless of age. Special provisions for children of determination (disabilities) are also included.

- Flexibility and Stability: Ideal for long-term living and working arrangements in the UAE without requiring an employer or sponsor for skilled professionals and freelancers.

How to Apply

1. Check Eligibility: Verify that you meet the criteria for one of the eligible categories.

2. Prepare Documents: Gather necessary documents including a valid passport, Emirates ID (if applicable), a tourist visa with an entry stamp (if no standard UAE resident visa), and a valid health insurance policy.

3. Submit Application: Apply through the General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs (GDRFA) website or the ICP Smart Services platform. Applications can also be submitted at licensed typing centers or Customer Happiness Centers.

4. Pay Fees and Await Approval: The application fee is AED 2,280. Processing time varies and applicants will be notified upon approval.

?5. Golden Visa

The Golden Visa is a prestigious residency program in the UAE designed to attract investors, highly skilled professionals, and arts and culture contributors. It offers:

Eligibility for investors, skilled professionals, and arts/culture contributors based on significant investments, specialized skills, or cultural contributions.

Issuance for 5 or 10 years, with the possibility of renewal based on continued eligibility.

Application requires proof of eligibility like investment certificates or professional achievements, along with standard documentation such as passport and photographs.

Cost starting at AED 3,000 (approx. USD 800), depending on the applicant’s category.

Benefits include residency without a local sponsor, family sponsorship (spouse, children), and access to healthcare, education, and investment opportunities.

For more detailed insights, watch for my upcoming article on the benefits and application process for the Golden Visa in the UAE.

This overview provides valuable information for anyone considering moving to the UAE, making it ideal for sharing on LinkedIn to reach professionals and potential expatriates.

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