Dubai, one of the Emirates in the United Arab Emirates (UAE), is a highly sought-after destination for individuals seeking to live and work abroad. The UAE offers attractive tax-free incomes, top-notch infrastructure, global market access, and a high standard of living. It comes as no surprise that Dubai is the preferred city for foreigners to settle in, with approximately 90 percent of its residents being foreigners.
If you are contemplating a move to the UAE, obtaining a residency visa is crucial. A UAE residency visa provides numerous advantages, such as the ability to sponsor your family, access to a renowned education system, a diverse economy, and a wide array of employment opportunities. However, the process of applying for a residency visa can be overwhelming and intricate.
In this article, we will delve into the various types of residency visas available in the UAE and outline the eligibility criteria for each. Additionally, we will discuss the application process and provide valuable information to assist you in navigating the requirements.
Eligibility Criteria for UAE Residency Visa
You must meet certain criteria based on your unique classification to be eligible for a UAE resident visa. Individuals in the following categories are eligible for the UAE residency visa:
- Employees: To obtain a residency visa as an employee in the UAE, it is necessary to earn a minimum of AED 4000 (or AED 3000 with an accommodation package). This requirement applies to individuals working in government positions or private companies.
- Students: If you are over 18 years old and interested in studying at one of the numerous educational institutions in the UAE, you can apply for a student visa.
- Dependents: If you are residing in Dubai or the UAE as a dependent of a UAE citizen or foreign resident, you have the option to apply for a residency visa.
- Investors/Business Owners: Individuals who have invested in the UAE as business owners or hold a majority share in an established company are eligible for a residency visa.
- Property Owners: Those who have purchased property in the UAE are also eligible to apply for a residency visa.
- Retirees: The UAE provides a retirement visa for elderly foreigners who wish to retire in the country. However, it is important to meet strict financial criteria to qualify.
Types of UAE Residence Visas
The UAE offers various types of residence visas to cater to different individuals’ needs. Let’s explore each of these visas in more detail:
1. Work Visa
The work visa is intended for foreign nationals who have found employment and secured a work permit in the UAE. This visa permits people to lawfully live and work in the UAE.
2. Student Visa
Foreigners over the age of 18 who have been accepted into a college, university, or other educational institution in the UAE are eligible for a student visa. Students who excel academically can even apply for a ‘Golden Visa’ with a 5-year validity period to continue their education and find work in the UAE.
3. Family Visa
The family visa has been exclusively created for the relatives of UAE citizens or foreign residents. This visa allows family members to reside in the UAE and reunite with their loved ones.
4. Investment Visa
The investment visa is intended for foreign nationals who have made investments in real estate and/or businesses in the UAE. The ‘Golden Visa’ program provides eligible persons with 5- and 10-year visas.
5. Retirement Visa
The retirement visa is intended for elderly foreigners who wish to retire in the UAE. However, strict financial criteria must be met to be eligible for this visa.
6. Remote Work Visa
The UAE has just launched a new visa category to recruit talented people from all over the world. The remote work visa permits individuals to live in the UAE on their own and work remotely for their employers or contractors. This visa is valid for one year and can be extended indefinitely. This visa also allows the visa holder’s immediate family members to live in the UAE.
Requirements for a UAE Residence Visa
When applying for a UAE residency visa, you will need to provide certain documentation to support your application. The required documents may vary depending on the type of visa you are applying for. Here are some common documents you may need:
- Visa application form
- Valid passport
- Photographs for Passport
- Employment contract, company trade license, and valid establishment card for work visas.
- Documentation of family connections (birth or marriage certificates) for family visas
- Entry permit for UAE
- Evidence of sponsor’s legal residency/UAE citizenship (if applicable)
- Confirmation of passing medical examination
- Proof of UAE health insurance coverage
Application Process For Residency Visa in the UAE
The application process for a residency visa in the UAE involves several steps. The exact process may vary depending on the type of visa you are applying for. Here is a general overview:
- Partner with a Business Setup Specialist: Partnering with a local company setup agency can simplify the process of establishing your company and obtaining your UAE residency visa. They can guide the necessary steps and documentation required.
- Choose a Business Structure: Determine the appropriate business structure for your company. The UAE offers various free zones that cater to different industries and provide benefits such as tax incentives and business support services.
- Register a Business Name: Select a unique and appropriate name for your business. The name must comply with the regulations and may not include offensive or blasphemous language. The business name should also not reference Islam or Allah.
- Notarize Company Documents: Apply for the notarization of your company’s documents, including the Memorandum of Association (MOA) and Articles of Association (AOA). This step ensures the legal authenticity of your company’s documents.
- Submit Business License Application: Prepare and submit your business license application along with the required documents, such as proof of ID and address for directors and shareholders, passport copies, trade name confirmation, and notarized MOA and AOA. Pay the necessary fees associated with the trade license.
- Obtain a Trade License: Once your application is approved, you will receive a relevant trade license from the Department of Economic Development (DED). This process usually takes around two weeks, but it may be longer due to COVID-19 restrictions.
- Visa Sponsorship: Your visa sponsor, whether it’s your employer, school, family member, or your company/property, will apply for your entry permit through the Federal Authority for Identity and Citizenship (ICA) or the General Directorate of Residency and Foreign Affairs (GDRFA).
- Entry into the UAE: Upon entering the UAE with your entry visa, your sponsor must apply for your residence visa on your behalf at the GDRFA. They will also pay the residence visa fee. Once approved, you will receive a residence visa affixed to your passport and an Emirates ID card.
Fees and Duration For Residency Visa in the UAE
The fees for UAE residence visas vary depending on the duration and type of visa. Generally, a one-year visa costs around AED 100, with additional processing fees of approximately AED 40. It’s important to note that you may also need to pay for medical exams and UAE health insurance coverage.
The duration of UAE residence visas varies based on the type of visa. Most residence visas are valid for 1 to 3 years. The ‘Golden Visa’ offers 5- and 10-year durations for eligible individuals. Investment visas have a duration of 5 years, while retirement visas are valid for 10 years. All types of UAE residence visas can be renewed an unlimited number of times, provided you meet the specific criteria.
Renewing Your UAE Residence Visa
To renew your UAE residence visa, you must apply within 30 days of its expiration date. The renewal process follows a similar procedure to the initial application. The General Directorate of Residency and Foreign Affairs (GDRFA) handles all visa renewals.
Conclusion
Acquiring a residency visa is an essential step for individuals who wish to live and work in the UAE. There are several types of residency visas available, each tailored to meet the specific needs of different individuals. By familiarizing yourself with the eligibility criteria, requirements, and application process, you can smoothly navigate through the procedure.
To simplify the process and ensure that you fulfill all the requirements, it is advisable to collaborate with a business setup specialist. With their expertise and guidance, you can establish your company and obtain your UAE residency visa, enabling you to take advantage of the numerous benefits of living and working in the UAE.
If you are contemplating starting a business in the UAE, we recommend reaching out to Trade License Zone’s team of professional consultants. They possess the knowledge and experience to assist you throughout the entire incorporation process, ensuring that your trade license and visa applications are error-free and compliant with government regulations. Allow the experts to handle the complexities while you concentrate on developing your business and embracing your new life in the UAE.
Contact OnDemand Interrnational for more information.