UAE Residence Visa

Dubai is a diversified, multicultural, and fascinating destination for exceptional business prospects while preserving a satisfying lifestyle, which is preferred by visitors, entrepreneurs, and investors alike. A resident visa in the UAE permits foreigners to stay in the country for an extended period of time. The visa can be valid for a period of two to ten years, and it can be renewed as many times as necessary. You must fit into one of the following categories to be eligible for a UAE residence visa:

Work Visa

The UAE employment visa comes with certain requirements to ensure that workers' rights are protected. In addition, if you want to work in the UAE, you must first obtain a work permit. However, you must first find an employer ready to hire you and begin the process of obtaining an employment visa and work permit in the UAE. Your employer has to obtain the work permit on your behalf. It is the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation (MoHRE) that’s in charge of issuing work permits. Your employer must apply for a Residence Visa for you from the General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs (GDRFA) of the respective emirate after your work permit is issued. The GDRFA will stamp an Employment Visa (Residence Visa for Employment Purposes) on your passport once your application is granted, and you will receive an Emirates ID that is valid for the same period as the visa.

Family Visa

If you are a foreign citizen holding a Residence Visa in the UAE, you are permitted to bring your dependents (e.g. spouse, children, parents, grandchildren) with you on a UAE Family Visa. The expatriate or his/her employer might sponsor the family visa. You must apply for a UAE Family Visa within 60 days after acquiring your own UAE Residence Visa as a foreign resident.

Student Visa

A UAE Student Visa is required for foreign students (except those from the GCC) who want to study in the UAE. Prior to that, they must be accepted into a UAE higher education institution or university, as the institution is responsible for the visa application procedure. Your college or university submits an application for your UAE Student Visa to the GDRFA office in the respective emirate where you will be residing. If your application is accepted, the GDRFA will stamp a Residence Visa in your passport and provide you with an Emirates ID that is valid for the same period as the visa.

Investment Visa

The UAE Long-Term Residence Visa is a new immigration opportunity that the government of the United Arab Emirates has implemented for investors. This type of visa is valid for 5-10 years, depending on the applicant's eligibility category. The best aspect is that if you qualify, you don't need a sponsor in the UAE to apply for you; you can do it yourself.

- 10-year visa

In order to apply for a 10-year resident visa in the UAE, you must fall into one of the following categories:

1. Investors in public investments of at least AED 10 million

  • A deposit of at least AED 10 million in a UAE investment fund.
  • Establishing a company in the UAE with a capital of at least AED 10 million.
  • Partnering in an existing or new company with a share value of at least AED 10 million.
  • Making a total investment of at least AED 10 million in all areas mentioned, on condition that the investment in sectors other than real estate is not less than 60 per cent of the total investment.

2. Specialised talents

Specialists and researchers in the disciplines of science and knowledge, such as doctors, specialists, scientists, and inventors, as well as creative individuals in the fields of culture and art

- 5-year visa

The following individuals are eligible to apply for a 5-year resident visa in the United Arab Emirates:

  • Property investors in the UAE- The investor must purchase a property with a gross value of at least AED 5 million.
  • Entrepreneurs- Those having an existing project with a minimum capital of AED 500,000, or those who have the approval of an accredited business incubator in the country.
  • Outstanding Students

Property Visa

You can apply for a property visa in the UAE if your total investment is AED 750,000 or more (in residential property). This visa is valid for three years and is renewable. You can apply for a five-year property visa if you have invested at least AED 5 million in properties (which can be split across three properties) and have no mortgage on any of them.

Retirement Visa

In 2018, the UAE government introduced a new visa aimed exclusively towards retirees, including those living abroad and those who have already reached retirement age in the UAE. You must be 55 years old and meet one of the following criteria to be eligible for a Dubai Retirement Visa:

  • Purchasing property in Dubai worth at least AED 2 million
  • Having a financial savings account of at least AED 1 million
  • Having a monthly active income of at least AED 20,000 from investments or pensions

The Retirement Visa is valid for five years and can be renewed for another five years provided you meet the eligibility requirements.

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