Introduction:
The United Arab Emirates (UAE) offers a diverse range of visas, each tailored to cater to specific purposes and durations, facilitating travel, residence, and employment opportunities. From short-term transit visas to long-term residency permits, the UAE’s visa system is structured to meet the needs of tourists, job seekers, investors, and individuals pursuing various professional paths. There are specific visas for specific purposes a person such as a person is not allowed to work in tourist visa. So, choose the visa according to your eligibility and needs.
Types of Visas
1) Transit Visa: This visa is designed for individuals passing through UAE, allowing a short stay of up to 4 days to facilitate travel connections between two destinations while encouraging tourism. Only by selected flights.
2) Visit/Tourist Visa: Intended for tourism purposes, this visa permits individuals to visit a country for leisure, sightseeing, visiting family or friends or attending cultural events. Its duration is 30 or 60 days and can be extended based on the country’s regulations.
3) Resident Visa: This visa allows individuals to live and work in a country for an extended period. It usually requires sponsorship from an employer, family member, or another entity within the country.
4) Green Visa: The UAE’s Green Visa, introduced to facilitate self-sponsorship for professionals, freelancers, skilled workers, and investors, brings unique opportunities for long-term residence and work in the country. As of October 3, 2022, this visa category offers a five-year validity, enabling eligible individuals to enjoy various privileges such as:
Sponsorship for Family Members: Visa holders, including freelancers, skilled workers, and investors, can sponsor first-degree relatives such as spouses, children, and parents. Notably, unmarried children up to the age of 25 and unmarried daughters of any age can also be sponsored.
Extended Stay Grace Period: Upon visa expiration or cancellation, individuals now have the benefit of remaining in the UAE for an extended period of six months, a significant increase from the previous 30-day limit.
Dependent Visa Validity: Dependents sponsored under the Green Visa category will have the same visa validity as the principal applicant.
Requirements for Green Visa Applicants:
Freelancers and Self-Employed Individuals:
Must hold a freelance/self-employment permit issued by the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratization. Proof of a bachelor’s degree or specialized diploma. Evidence of annual income from self-employment for the preceding two years, amounting to not less than AED 360,000 (approximately $98,000 USD), or display financial solvency throughout their stay in the UAE.
Skilled Employees:
Hold a valid employment contract. Classified within the first, second, or third occupational level according to the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratization. Possess at least a bachelor’s degree or equivalent. Maintain a monthly salary not less than AED 15,000 (approximately $4,100 USD).
Investors or Partners: Obtain approval for investment and provide proof of investment. In cases where an investor or partner holds multiple licenses, the total invested capital will be considered. Gain approval from the competent local authorities.
These criteria have been established to facilitate different professional categories, ensuring that individuals meet specific qualifications, employment standards, or investment criteria to benefit from the advantages offered by the Green Visa.
5) Golden Visa: A premium visa category often associated with substantial investment or contribution to a country’s economy, providing long-term residency benefits. The Golden Visa, with recent adjustments in minimum monthly salary requirements and expanded eligibility, offers a pathway for foreign citizens to establish long-term residence in the UAE. The minimum monthly salary for golden visa is AED 30,000 for eligible professional categories now encompass various fields such as medicine, sciences, engineering, information technology, business, administration, education, law, culture, and social sciences. While the Golden Visa enables long-term residency, it doesn’t grant automatic work rights. Individuals seeking employment must still secure a work permit or a non- sponsored free-zone ID card, depending on the entity’s incorporation.
Benefits of the Golden Visa:
Self-Sponsored Residence: The visa allows long-term residency, independent of employment status, eliminating the need for a sponsor.
Dependent Residence Permits: Dependents of the Golden Visa holder are eligible for 10-year dependent residence permits, offering extended benefits and rights. Family Sponsorship: The Golden Visa holder has the privilege to sponsor family members, including spouses, parents, and children.
Extended Stay Flexibility: The visa allows holders to stay outside the UAE for more than the usual six-month period while maintaining the validity of their residence permit.
Unlimited Domestic Helper Sponsorship: The Golden Visa holder has the authority to sponsor an unlimited number of domestic helpers.
Continued Family Residence:
In case of the primary holder’s demise, family members in the UAE can retain their residence permits until the expiration date of the original permit, ensuring continuity and stability for the family.
6) Non-Work Visa: This category encompasses various visas allowing stays for non-employment purposes, such as remote work, retirement, property ownership, or other activities that don’t involve traditional employment.
7) Retirement Visa: This criteria outlines the eligibility requirements for a specific residency program in the UAE, typically referred to as a long-term visa or residency permit, with a duration of 5 years. To qualify for this program, an individual must meet the following criteria:
Investment Requirement: Possess an investment valued at AED 1,000,000.
Real Estate Ownership: Own one or more real estate properties in the UAE with a purchase or market value not less than AED 1,000,000. For mortgaged property, a property deed is acceptable if the value paid for releasing the mortgage from the total value is not less than AED 1,000,000 at the time of application submission.
Financial Deposit: Maintain a financial deposit of no less than AED 1,000,000, either inside or outside the UAE. If the deposit is external, it must be transferred and deposited into a financial institution within the UAE within 60 days from the date of obtaining the residence permit, except when the deposit is invested within the UAE.
Minimum Annual Income: Possess a fixed annual income of no less than AED 240,000 (or equivalent in foreign currencies), sourced from within or outside the UAE.
Meeting any of these criteria of investment, real estate ownership, financial deposit, or minimum annual income qualifies an individual for this specific 5-year residency program in the UAE. This program aims to attract investors, property owners, and individuals with substantial financial capabilities to reside in the country for an extended period.
8) Remote Work Visa: This residency program in the UAE offers a duration of 1 year and targets individuals engaged in remote work for an entity located outside the UAE. To be eligible for this program, individuals must meet the following criteria:
Eligibility Criteria:
Remote Work Status: Work remotely for an entity based outside of the UAE.
Minimum Monthly Income: Earn a monthly income of no less than USD 3,500 or its equivalent in other currencies. Requirements for Application: To apply for the Remote Work Residence visa, individuals are required to submit the following documentation:
Proof of Employment: Evidence demonstrating employment with an entity located outside the UAE.
Bank Statements: Provide bank statements covering the last 6 months, displaying either a deposit or a monthly income of no less than USD 3,500 or its equivalent in other currencies.
This visa program is tailored to accommodate individuals engaged in remote work, allowing them to reside in the UAE for a duration of 1 year while continuing their employment with an overseas entity. The program aims to attract professionals engaged in remote jobs, acknowledging their contributions to the workforce while residing in the UAE.
9) Jobseeker Visit Visa: The Jobseeker Visit Visa, designed for foreigners seeking employment opportunities in the UAE, grants a visit visa for a single trip without the need for a host or sponsor within the country. Applicants can opt for a visa validity of 60, 90, or 120 days, providing flexibility for their job exploration period.
Eligibility Criteria for the Jobseeker Visa:
Professional Skill Levels: Applicants must belong to either the first, second, or third skill level, as defined by the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratization (MOHRE) for various job categories. Recent Graduates from Top Universities:
Individuals who graduated from the top 500 universities globally, as per the classification endorsed by the Ministry of Education, within the last 2 years.
Educational Qualification:
Holders of a bachelor’s degree or its equivalent are eligible to apply for this visa category.
Financial Guarantee Requirement:
Applicants must meet the prescribed financial guaranteed criteria set for the visa application.
By meeting these eligibility conditions, individuals seeking employment opportunities in the UAE can apply for the Jobseeker Visit Visa. This visa type allows them a designated period to explore job prospects within the country without needing a local sponsor, offering an avenue to engage in the job market and potentially secure employment based on their qualifications and skill levels.
10) Mission Visa: A mission visa, sponsored by a UAE company, is a 90-day permit enabling expatriates to temporarily work in the UAE. This is also used to hire interns.
11) Other Visas: Student visa, Business Visa, Domestic Worker visa, Self- employment visa, long term investor Visa, GCC resident visa and other visas.
Conclusion:
The UAE’s comprehensive visa system caters to a broad spectrum of needs, spanning from short-term visits to long-term residency and specialized programs targeting professionals, investors, and job seekers. For selecting the right visa for your purpose of entering UAE and securing it without any hassle contact us at help@daralhaqooq.com. Also do not forget to enquire about the work permit, if searching for employment opportunities.
These visa options underscore the country’s commitment to fostering a diverse and inclusive environment, welcoming individuals from across the globe to explore, reside, and contribute to its vibrant landscape.