10 Types of Visa in UAE
If you are planning a trip to the UAE, whether, for work or leisure, it is required to know the various types of visas available to you. Depending on the needs & Duration, there are different types of visas in UAE. From short-term visas to long-term residency options, this guide will provide you with all the necessary information on UAE visas.
UAE is a popular destination for tourists, investors, and workers from all over the world. In 2022, the number of international visitors to Dubai alone was 7.12 million. With its booming economy, strategic location, and vibrant culture, the UAE attracts more people every year.
In this article, we will walk you through the different types of UAE visas, their validity, requirements, documents needed, and sponsorship details. Let’s dive in!
1. UAE 10-Year Golden Visa or Long- term Investor Visa
The UAE 10-Year Golden Visa or Long-Term Investor Visa is a residency visa designed for investors and entrepreneurs who are willing to commit to long-term investments in the UAE. This visa is valid for ten years and can be renewed.
Validity: 10 years
Requirements:
- Investment in UAE of at least AED 10 million, or
- Establishment of a company with a capital of at least AED 10 million, or
- Partnership in an existing or a new company with a share value of at least AED 10 million
- Investment in real estate of at least AED 2 million, or nearly $540,000.
Documents Required:
- Passport copy
- Photograph
- Proof of investment or company establishment
- Proof of financial stability
- Health insurance
Sponsorship: Self-sponsored
Advantages:
- Long-term residency in the UAE
- No need for a local sponsor or Emirati partner
- Ability to sponsor family members
- Ability to apply for a work permit and conduct business activities in the UAE
- Ability to live outside the UAE for any duration without visa annulment
Challenges:
- High investment requirement
- The renewal process may involve additional requirements
2. UAE 5-Year Golden Visa or Property Investor Visa
The UAE 5-Year Golden Visa or Property Investor Visa is a residency visa designed for property investors in the UAE. This visa is valid for five years and can be renewed.
Validity: 5 years
Requirements:
- AED 2 million for off-plan properties from approved real estate firms or
- Property investment in the UAE of at least AED 5 million
- Proof of financial stability
Documents Required:
- Passport copy
- Photograph
- Proof of property investment
- Proof of financial stability
- Health insurance
Sponsorship: Self-sponsored
Advantages:
- Long-term residency in the UAE
- Ability to sponsor family members
- Ability to apply for a work permit and conduct business activities in the UAE
- Free-of-cost issuance of Esaad Card to 5 and 10-year Golden Visa holders in Dubai.
3. UAE Retirement Visa
The UAE Retirement Visa is a residency visa designed for retirees who wish to live in the UAE. This visa is valid for five years and can be renewed.
Validity: 5 years
Requirements:
- Applicant must be at least 55 years old
- Monthly income of at least AED 20,000, or
- Savings of at least AED 1 million, or
- Property ownership in the UAE worth at least AED 2 million, or
- AED 1 million for Dubai
- Worked for not less than 15 years inside or outside the UAE
Documents Required:
- Passport copy
- Photograph
- Proof of income, savings, or property ownership
- Health insurance
- 6 Months bank statement
Sponsorship: Self-sponsored
Advantages:
- Long-term residency in the UAE
- Ability to sponsor family members
- No need for a local sponsor or Emirati partner
- Ability to conduct business activities in the UAE
4. UAE Employment Visa
The UAE Employment Visa is a work permit designed for those who wish to work in the UAE. This visa is valid for up to three years and can be renewed.
Validity: Up to 2 years
Requirements:
- Offer of employment from a company in the UAE
- Valid labor contract
- Medical fitness certificate
- Security clearance certificate
Documents Required:
- Passport copy
- Photograph
- Valid labor contract
- Medical fitness certificate
- Security clearance certificate
- Health insurance
Sponsorship: Employer
Advantages:
- Ability to work legally in the UAE
- Ability to sponsor family members
- Renewable work permit
- Potential for permanent residency with Golden Visa
5. UAE Company Investor Visa
The UAE Company Investor Visa is a residency visa designed for those who invest in or establish a company in the UAE. This visa is valid for up to three years and can be renewed.
Validity: Up to 2 years
Requirements:
- A deposit of at least AED 10 million in an investment fund inside the country.
- 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 not less than AED 10 million, or
- AED 2 million for real estate investment
Documents Required:
- Passport copy
- Photograph
- Proof of investment or company establishment
- Health insurance
Sponsorship: Company
Advantages:
- Ability to conduct business activities in the UAE
- Ability to sponsor family members
- Renewable residency visa
- Potential for long-term residency with a Golden visa
6. UAE Family Visa
The UAE Family Visa is a residency visa designed for family members of UAE residents or citizens. This visa is valid for up to three years and can be renewed.
Validity: Up to 2 years
Requirements:
- Relationship with UAE residents or citizen
- Proof of financial support
Documents Required:
- Passport copy
- Photograph
- Proof of relationship
- Proof of financial support
- Health insurance
Sponsorship: UAE resident or citizen
Advantages:
- Ability to live with family members in the UAE
- Ability to apply for a work permit
- Renewable residency visa
7. UAE Domestic Workers Visa
The UAE Domestic Workers Visa is a work permit designed for domestic workers such as maids, drivers, and nannies. This visa is valid for up to two years and can be renewed.
Validity: Up to 2 years
Requirements:
- Employment contract with a UAE resident
- Valid labor contract
- Medical fitness certificate
- Security clearance certificate
Documents Required:
- Passport copy
- Photograph
- Valid labor contract
- Medical fitness certificate
- Security clearance certificate
- Health insurance
Sponsorship: Employer
Advantages:
- Ability to work legally in the UAE
- Renewable work permit
8. UAE Specialist Resident Visa
The UAE Specialist Resident Visa is a residency visa designed for specialists in science, medicine, and research. This visa is valid for up to ten years and can be renewed.
Validity: Up to 10 years
Requirements:
- Specialist in science, medicine, arts, special talents, and research
- Valid job offer in the UAE
- Health insurance
Documents Required:
- Passport copy
- Photograph
- Valid job offer
- Health insurance
- Proof of a bachelor’s degree or a specialized diploma
- alary of not less than AED 15,000 per month
Sponsorship: Employer
Advantages:
- Long-term residency in the UAE
- Renewable residency visa
- Potential for permanent residency
9. UAE Student Visa
The UAE Student Visa is a residency visa designed for students who wish to study in the UAE. This visa is valid for the duration of the academic program and can be renewed.
Validity: Duration of academic program
Requirements:
- Offer of admission from a UAE educational institution
- Health insurance
- Proof of a bachelor’s degree or a specialized diploma for postgraduate students
- Proof of financial stability for self-sponsored students
Documents Required:
- Passport copy
- Photograph
- Offer of admission
- Health insurance
- Proof of a bachelor’s degree or a specialized diploma for postgraduate students
- Proof of financial stability for self-sponsored students
Sponsorship: Educational institution or parent for undergraduate students
Advantages:
- Ability to study in the UAE
- Renewable residency visa
- Potential for long-term residency with Golden visa for outstanding students
10. Remote Working Visa
The Remote Working Visa is a residency visa designed for those who work remotely for a company outside the UAE. This visa is valid for up to one year and can be renewed.
Validity: Up to 1 year
Requirements:
- Employment with a company outside the UAE
- Monthly income of at least $5,000 or its equivalent in a different currency
- Health insurance
- Bank statement for the last six months
Documents Required:
- Passport copy
- Photograph
- Proof of employment and income
- Health insurance
- Bank statement for the last six months
Sponsorship: Self-sponsored
Advantages:
- Ability to work remotely from the UAE
- Renewable residency visa
- Ability to obtain all services including telecommunications, utilities, medical, and schooling.
Conclusion
The UAE offers a wide range of visa options for those who wish to visit, work, invest, or study in the country. From short-term tourist visas to long-term residency visas, each visa type has its own validity, requirements, documents needed, and sponsorship details.
As the country continues to grow and attract more people worldwide, it is important to stay up-to-date with the latest developments and changes in visa policies and types of visas in the UAE.
If you are not sure which visa to choose for your lifestyle or occupation then we can help you with that. Contact us today, to understand the requirements for various types of visas in UAE and apply for the one that suits you the best.
