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UAE resident

What do you need to become a UAE resident?

To become a UAE resident, a residency visa is required, allowing extended stay and work.

Benefits of the UAE residency visa include:

1.In the sphere of banking: bank accounts can be easily opened for those with an Emirates ID.
2.In the sphere of healthcare: access to public medical services, often at reduced prices, and medical insurance (mandatory in some emirates) are granted.
3.In the sphere of transport system: a driving license can be obtained.
4.In the sphere of education: children can study at public (with fees for expats and instruction mostly in Arabic) and private schools.
5.In the sphere of travelling: moving in and out of the UAE without reapplying for a visa each time is possible.

The UAE offers various residency visas, including:

1. Golden Visa or Real Estate Investor Visa

Requirements:

Purchase property in the UAE valued at least 2 million dirhams.
The invested amount shouldn't be credited.
The property should be retained for 3 years.

Documents:

Foreign passport
Previous visa
Photo (white background)
Property ownership document
Good conduct certificate
Bank statement
DHA approved medical insurance
Utility bill

Validity: this visa is valid for 10 years with an automatic renewal.

2. The UAE Retirement Visa

Residents of the UAE aged 55 and over can apply for a retirement visa.

Requirements:

real estate investments valued at 2 million dirhams.
savings of 1 million dirhams or more.
a regular income of at least 20,000 dirhams per month is appreciated.
A combination of property ownership and savings in the UAE totaling 2 million dirhams can be a valid option.

Documents required:

Passport (of the applicant and dependents, if any).
Marriage certificate (if applicants are spouses).
Current UAE residency visa.
Emirates ID.

For real estate investments:

Copy of the property title deed.

For savings:

Pensioner status letter.
Written confirmation of savings in the UAE.

For income:

Pensioner status letter.
Income letter.
Bank statement for the last 6 months.

For real estate investments and savings:

Copy of the property title deed.
Written confirmation of savings in the UAE is required.

Validity: this visa is valid for 5 years and can be renewed.

3. The UAE Work Visa

Foreign citizens can apply for the first type of residency visa in the UAE if they are employed by a company within the country, allowing them to live and work legally.

Sponsorship:

The individual's employer acts as the sponsor for the visa. Employers can be private entities located on the mainland or in a free zone, or they can be government enterprises.

Documents required:

In case of the mainland location:

Company requirements:

Trading license.
Company's immigration card.
Company's labor card.

Employee requirements:

Passport.
Photo (white background).
Education certificate.
Previous residency visa, if applicable.
Previous Emirates ID, if applicable.
Tourist visa, if applicable.
DHA approved medical insurance.

In case of the free zone location or if the company is a government Institution:

Company requirements:

Online visa application.
Trading license.
Company's immigration card.
Office lease agreement.

Employee requirements:

Passport.
Photo (white background).
Copy of offer/appointment letter.
Education certificate.
Previous residency visa, if applicable.
Previous Emirates ID, if applicable.
Tourist visa, if applicable.
DHA approved medical insurance.

Validity: this visa is valid for 2 years in case of either a mainland company employment or free-zone company or government institution employment.

4. The UAE Company Investor Visa

Foreign citizens can apply for this type of visa if they’re going to make an investment in the UAE.

In case of the mainland location:

Company requirements:

Trading License.
Immigration establishment card.
Memorandum of Association (LLC).

Investor requirements:

Foreign Passport.
Photo.
Previous visa and Emirates ID, if applicable.

In case of the free zone location or if the company is a government Institution:

Company requirements:

Trading License
Share Certificate
Immigration Card

Investor requirements:

Foreign Passport
Photo
Previous visa and Emirates ID, if applicable.

Validity: this visa is valid for 3 years and can be renewed.

5.The UAE Family Visa

Expatriates with a UAE residency visa can sponsor their immediate family members if they apply for this type of visa.

Sponsorship:

An individual can sponsor their spouse, children, and parents.

Requirements:

Investors wishing to sponsor their family need to deposit a refundable amount of 3000 dirhams per family member.

Employees aiming to sponsor their families should have a salary of at least 4000 dirhams or 3000 dirhams with a monthly housing allowance.

The monthly income should be no less than 20,000 dirhams to sponsor parents. Both parents must be sponsored, and if one has passed away, a death certificate is required.

Documents required:

Sponsor:

Passport copy
UAE residency visa copy
Original Emirates ID
Employment details and proof of income
Housing agreement (Ejari or Tawtheeq)
Utility bill
Bank statement if applicable.

Family members:

Passport (valid for at least 6 months)
Passport-sized photo
Previous visa copy, if applicable
Marriage certificate for a spouse
Birth certificate for children
DHA approved medical insurance.

6.The UAE Domestic Worker Visa

Foreigners can apply for this type of visa if they want to employ other foreigners for household help in the UAE, a residency visa is needed for such an employee.

Sponsorship:

Maids, housekeepers, cooks, private drivers, nannies, etc. can be sponsored.

Requirements:

Sponsors should have a minimum salary of 25,000 dirhams.
There can't be any familial ties between the worker and the sponsor.
The sponsor must be a UAE resident living with their family.
If sponsoring a private driver, the sponsor should own two personal cars registered in their name in the UAE.

Documents required:

Sponsor:

Visa application form
Proof of non-relation (if the worker shares the sponsor's nationality)
Passport copy
Residency visa copy
Passport-sized photo
Bank statement
Employment contract copy
Medical insurance card copy
Rental agreement (for at least a two-bedroom apartment)
Salary certificate

Worker:

Passport copy
Visa copy
Passport-sized photo
Medical fitness certificate from the worker's home country

Validity: This visa is valid for one year, after which the sponsor can apply for a renewal or a cancellation.

7. The UAE Specialist Residency Visa

Foreigners can apply for this type of visa if they possess special talents and are going to work in the Emirates in the fields of science and knowledge. Continuous employment is mandatory for all such applicants.

Requirements:

Scientists must be accredited by the Emirates Scientists Council or recipients of the HH Mohammed bin Rashid Medal for outstanding achievements in science.
Cultural and art professionals must be accredited by the Ministry of Culture and Knowledge Development.
Investors should have a patent evaluation that enhances the UAE economy's value, approved by the Ministry of Economy.
Unique talents must have documented patents or publications in globally recognized mass and social media.
At least two of the following criteria should be met if applicants are doctors and specialists Talented Professionals: Individuals with exceptional talents in various fields such as science, art, culture, and sports.

Specialists in Priority Fields: Professionals working in key sectors like medicine, engineering, and technology.
Doctors and Healthcare Professionals: Qualified doctors, nurses, and healthcare practitioners.

A science degree from a top 500 global university with at least 10 years of experience in the field
Recognition through a special award or certificate for their work.
Significant contributions to large-scale scientific research.
Articles or scientific books in reputable publications.
Membership in a reputable organization in their field.
Specialization is in high demand and seen as a priority profession in the UAE.

Validity: This visa is valid for 10 years and can be renewed under certain conditions.

8. The UAE Student Visa and Green Visa

Foreigners can apply for this type of visa if they intend to enroll in UAE educational institutions.

Documents Required:

Passport copy (valid for at least 6 months).
Passport-sized photo (white background).
Visa and tuition fee receipt.
Current visa copy, if applicable.
Admission acceptance letter.

Validity: this visa is valid for 1 year and can be renewed annually for the duration of the study years. Note: exceptional students can apply for a 5-year visa if they score 95% in high school or have a university GPA of at least 3.75.

9.The UAE Green Visa

This type of visa is introduced to attract skilled professionals, investors, entrepreneurs, and students to the UAE. This initiative aims to diversify the UAE's economy, attract foreign investments and talents, and transform it into a global innovation and sustainable development hub.

Benefits:

Long-term residency.
Possibility to sponsor family members.
Freedom to work in any UAE company or start a business.
Access to healthcare, education, and other public services.
A more flexible grace period of up to 6 months after visa expiration or cancellation.
Possibility to bring to the UAE all first-degree relatives.

Sponsorship: visa holders can sponsor all family members, granting them the same residency duration.

Eligibility: talented individuals, skilled professionals/employees, freelancers, and investors or entrepreneurs.

Requirements for skilled professionals/employees:

Valid employment contract.
1st, 2nd, or 3rd professional level category of the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation.
Minimum education: Bachelor's degree or equivalent.
Salary must be at least 15,000 dirhams (USD 4,083.74).

In summary, the UAE offers both student visas for those aiming to study in the country and a new "Green Visa" for skilled professionals, investors, and entrepreneurs, offering them several benefits to make the UAE a more attractive place to live and work.

10.The UAE Green Visa and Remote Work Visa

Green Visa requirements:

Freelancers/self-employed:

A freelancing or self-employment permit from the UAE Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation (MOHRE) must be provided.

Education, with a minimum qualification of a bachelor's or specialist degree, must be confirmed.

Annual self-employment income over the past 2 years should be equal to or exceed 360,000 dirhams (USD 98,009.86). Otherwise, financial stability for the entire stay in the country should be proved.

Investor or partner:

An investment of at least 1 million UAE dirhams with verification should be made.
The total capital sum will be considered if the investor or the partner has more than one license.
Approval from relevant local authorities is required.

Documents for Green Visa:

Valid passport (minimum 6 months).
Passport-sized photo (white background).
Medical reports from relevant local authorities.
Proof of medical insurance or health card.
Valid entry permit.
Document, verifying qualification.
Freelance permit from MOHRE or employment confirmation.
Fully completed application form.

Validity: this visa is valid for 5 years.

11.Remote Work Visa for Dubai

Foreign professionals can apply for this type of visa if they are going to work remotely and reside in Dubai.

Documents required:

Valid passport (minimum 6 months).
Medical insurance with UAE coverage.

For employees:

Proof of employment with a valid contract for at least one year.
Proof of a minimum monthly salary of $5,000.
Last month's pay slip.
Bank statements for the last three months.

For business owners:

Proof of owning the business for at least one year.
Document confirming an average monthly income of $5,000.
Bank statements for the last three months.

Validity: The visa is valid for 1 year.

Summary:

The UAE provides a Green Visa for freelancers, self-employed individuals, and investors, offering a 5-year residency. Additionally, Dubai offers a Remote Work Visa, valid for 1 year, allowing professionals to work and live in the emirate. Different document requirements are applicable based on the applicant's professional status.

Steps to Obtain a UAE Residency Visa:

Ensure Employment or Business Establishment in UAE: One must secure a job or establish a business in the UAE as a primary step.
Acquire Relevant Work or Business Permit: This involves obtaining the necessary work permission or business license, depending on the nature of your endeavor.
Apply for Residency Visa: Submit an application for a residency visa along with the required documents.
Undergo Medical Examination and Security Checks: Before the visa is approved, you'll have to pass medical screenings and certain security verifications.
Receive the Residency Visa: Once all the prior steps are successfully completed, the residency visa is issued.

Required Documents for Residency Visa:

Completed visa application form.
International passport with copies of visa pages and stamps.
Photos.
Employment or business ownership confirmation.
Financial documents to prove sufficient funds for sustenance.
Medical records.
Police clearance certificate.

Where to Apply: Documents for the residency visa are typically submitted to the UAE Ministry of Interior or the respective immigration department.

UAE Residency Visa Cost: The cost varies based on visa type and the chosen duration of stay. It includes various governmental fees and medical examination charges.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Where can I reside with a UAE residency visa? With a UAE residency visa, you can live anywhere in the UAE, including emirates like Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Sharjah, and others.
What's the difference between an entry permit to the UAE and a residency visa? An entry permit (entry visa) allows you to visit the UAE for a limited period of time, e.g., for tourism or business meetings. A residency visa gives the right to live and work in the UAE for an extended period.
How can I extend my UAE residency visa before its expiration? To extend your UAE residency visa before its expiration, you should approach the UAE Ministry of Interior or the relevant immigration department in advance. Extension requirements might differ based on visa type, but typically, additional documents must be provided, and respective government fees paid.