The United Arab Emirates (UAE) offers a variety of visa categories to attract and retain global talent, facilitate business, and promote tourism. Here’s an overview of the main UAE visa categories:

Long-Term Residence Visas

These visas allow foreign nationals to live, work, and study in the UAE for extended periods, often without the need for a national sponsor.

Golden Visa

The Golden Visa is a long-term residence visa granted for 5 or 10 years, automatically renewable, to individuals in specific categories:

• Investors in Public Investments:
  • Minimum investment of AED 10 million in public investments, which can include:
    • Deposit in a UAE-based investment fund.
    • Company formation in the UAE with a minimum capital of AED 10 million.
    • Investment in an existing or new company with a market capitalization of at least AED 10 million.
    • Total investment of at least AED 10 million across specified sectors (excluding real estate for more than 40% of the total investment).
  • Funds must be held for at least 3 years and not be borrowed.
  • Business partners can also be included if each contributes AED 10 million.
• Individuals with Specialized Talents:
  • Doctors: Must meet at least two of the following criteria:
    • Doctorate from a top 500 global university.
    • PhD and 10+ years of professional experience.
    • Honorary award in their field.
    • Significant contribution to scientific studies.
    • Publications in prestigious journals or scientific books.
    • Membership in a field-related organization.
    • Specialization in UAE priority areas.
  • Scientists, Researchers, Investors, and Artists: Require certification from relevant UAE authorities.
  • Coders: Open to coders of all nationalities, certified by the UAE Government’s Department of Artificial Intelligence or the Federal Authority for Identity and Citizenship.
• Entrepreneurs:
  • Hold a current project with a minimum capital of AED 500,000, or have approval from a UAE-accredited business incubator.
  • Granted a renewable six-month multi-entry visa.
  • Long-term visa includes spouse, children, a partner, and three executives.
• Outstanding Students:
  • High School Students: Minimum grade of 95% in public or private secondary schools.
  • University Students: GPA of 3.75 or higher from select universities (in and outside the UAE).
  • Family members of outstanding students are also eligible for a long-term visa.

Investor Visa (Partner Visa)

Also known as the Dubai Partner Visa, this visa is for foreign nationals who want to establish or invest in a business in Dubai.

• Types:
  • Investment in Residential Property:
    • Investment of AED 1 million or more in residential property (up to 50% mortgage allowed).
    • Must be a completed, freehold residential property (not off-plan or commercial).
    • Valid for 3 to 5 years, renewable with continued property ownership.
  • Investing in a Business:
    • Investment in a mainland Dubai business or a free zone company.
    • Minimum share value of AED 72,000 or starting a business with AED 72,000 capital investment.
    • Visa process varies based on free zone and business activity.
• Benefits:
  • Right to reside in the UAE with multiple entries and exits.
  • UAE tax residency (subject to home country regulations).
  • Eligibility for Emirates ID, bank account, UAE driving license, and other services.
  • Sponsorship of spouse, children, and parents.

Retirement Visa

This 5-year long-term visa is for retired residents over 55 years old, renewable if conditions are met.

• Eligibility Requirements (must meet one):
  • Property investment of AED 2 million.
  • Minimum financial savings of AED 1 million.
  • Monthly active income of at least AED 20,000.
• Application Process:
  • For current UAE work permit holders: Apply at the General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs (GDRFA) in Dubai.
  • For visitors from abroad: Obtain an entry visa to apply for the Residence Retirement Visa within the UAE.
• Required Documents:
  • Passport copies (applicant and dependents).
  • Marriage certificate (if sponsoring spouse).
  • Current visa copy (if UAE resident).
  • Emirates ID copy (if UAE resident).

Remote Work Visa

This one-year visa allows foreign employees to live in the UAE while working remotely for an overseas employer.

• Eligibility Conditions:
  • Passport valid for at least six months.
  • UAE health insurance.
  • Proof of employment:
    • One-year employment contract.
    • Proof of meeting financial requirements:
      • Minimum salary of $5,000 USD per month.
      • Last month’s payslip.
      • 3-month bank statements.
• Visa Features:
  • Multiple-entry visa.
  • Maximum stay outside UAE of six months per year.
  • Renewable after one year.

Business Visa

Designed for entrepreneurs and business owners seeking to establish or expand their ventures in the UAE.

• Eligibility Guidelines:
  • Individuals with entrepreneurial expertise from any country.
  • Previous business ownership experience.
  • Willingness to:
    • Demonstrate entrepreneurial skills.
    • Be a majority stakeholder in a startup or top executive.
    • Relocate to the UAE and establish a legitimate company.
    • Have a viable business concept for the UAE.
  • Must pass background and health checks by the Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs and Ports Security.
  • Nomination by a UAE government-sponsored incubator (e.g., AREA2071 in Dubai, HUB71 in Abu Dhabi).
• Application Process:
  • Nomination by a UAE government-sponsored incubator.
  • Visa application through the Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs and Ports Security after nomination approval.
• Benefits:
  • Multiple-entry, six-month visa to facilitate business setup.
  • Sponsorship of up to three senior company employees for residency.

Short-Term Visas

These visas are for shorter stays, including tourism, transit, and specific purposes like study.

Tourist Visa

For individuals who do not qualify for visa-free entry or visa on arrival.

• Eligibility:
  • Open to individual travelers from all countries.
  • Women under 18 can apply only if traveling with parents.
  • Children under 18 accompanied by adults may get a free visa from July 15 to September 15 annually (subject to government decisions).
• Visa Validity:
  • 30-day or 90-day validity.
  • Single or multiple entry options.
  • 5-year multiple entry visa available for self-sponsored travelers, allowing 90-day stays per entry (extendable for another 90 days).
• Renewal:
  • All visit and tourist visas can be renewed for 30 days without leaving the country.
  • Second renewal possible before the first expires.
  • Overstaying incurs daily fines after a 10-day grace period.
• How to Obtain:
  • Through licensed tour operators and hotels in the UAE (often when booking tickets and accommodation).

Dubai Transit Visas: For Airport Stopovers

Transit Visas are useful for passengers with layovers in Dubai who wish to leave the airport.

• Types:
  • 48-hour Transit Visa: Free of charge.
    • Single-entry, non-extendable/non-renewable.
    • Requires advance application through a UAE-based airline.
    • Documents: Passport (3-month validity), photo, onward flight booking.
  • 96-hour Transit Visa: AED 50 fee.
    • Single-entry, non-extendable/non-renewable.
    • Requires advance application through a UAE-based airline.
    • Documents: Passport (6-month validity), photo, onward flight booking.
• Availability: Only through UAE-based airlines.
• Eligibility: For nationalities not eligible for visa-free entry or visa on arrival.

Application Process:

• Airline Application: Primarily applied through UAE-based airlines like Emirates, Etihad, and flydubai prior to travel.
• Airport On Arrival: In some cases, may be available on arrival, but advance application is recommended.

Student Visa

For expatriate students over 18 years old pursuing higher education in the UAE.

• Eligibility Conditions:
  • Must be 18 years or older.
  • Admission letter from a UAE university (for new students) or proof of continued study (for existing students).
  • Medical fitness examination.
  • Visa sponsorship (university, parent, or family).
  • Approval from the General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs (GDRFA).
• Visa Duration:
  • One year, renewable upon proof of continued study.
• Long-Term Student Visa (5-year): For outstanding students meeting specific academic criteria (mentioned under Golden Visa – Excellent Students).
• Application Process: Through GDRFA in each emirate, often facilitated by the educational institution.

Family/Dependent Visa

Allows residents of the UAE to sponsor family members (spouse, children, parents) to reside in the country.

• Sponsorship Categories:
  • Husband sponsoring wife and children.
  • Parents sponsoring children.
  • Wife sponsoring family (under specific income and profession rules – further clarification needed).
• Eligible Dependents:
  • Spouse (husband or wife).
  • Unmarried daughters (no age limit).
  • Sons under 18 years old.
  • Parents (subject to specific conditions and approvals).
• Required Documents:
  • Completed application form.
  • Passport copies of family members.
  • Applicant’s photographs.
  • Medical examination clearance for family members.
  • Husband’s/wife’s employment contract.
  • Salary certificate from employer.
  • Child’s birth certificate.
  • Registered tenancy agreement.

Employment Visa (Residence Visa)

Required for foreign nationals intending to work and reside in the UAE long-term.

• Requirements for Employee and Employer:
  • Employee must be at least 18 years old.
  • Hiring company must have a valid trade license and be free of violations.
  • Job must align with the company’s licensed activities.
  • No upper age limit for employees.
• Employee Categories (based on academic qualifications):
  • Category 1: Bachelor’s degree or higher.
  • Category 2: Post-secondary diploma.
  • Category 3: High school diploma.
• Required Documents:
  • Original passport and passport copy.
  • UAE-standard passport-size photograph.
  • Copies of academic qualifications.
  • Medical certificate from a UAE government-approved health center.
  • Company documents (trade license, business card).

Specialized Dubai Visas: Catering to Specific Needs

• Job Exploration Visa:

   

  • Purpose: Allows job seekers to explore employment opportunities in Dubai without employer sponsorship.
  • Eligibility: Recent graduates from top universities and skilled professionals meeting specific criteria.
  • Validity: 6 months to 1 year.
  • Benefits: No sponsor needed for job hunting, networking opportunities.
• Virtual Work Visa:

   

  • Purpose: Enables remote workers employed by companies outside the UAE to reside in Dubai.
  • Eligibility: Proof of employment with an overseas company and a minimum monthly income (e.g., USD 5,000).
  • Validity: 1 year, renewable.
  • Advantages: Access to Dubai’s infrastructure, tax benefits, residency while working remotely.