The United Arab Emirates (UAE) continues to be an attractive destination for expatriates. If you are looking to make this dynamic country your home, securing a residential visa is a crucial step. The process of securing residential visa evolves from time to time, and understanding the latest updates involved is essential.
What is UAE residency visa?
UAE residency visa is the permit that enables people to live in the UAE for a specific period of time. The validity of your visa can vary from 2 to 10 years depending on whether you are sponsored or unsponsored and can be renewed multiple times.
You can get a residency visa either via employment, or investment in real estate or if you are starting a business in the UAE.
Employment – You can get a 2 years valid visa if you gain employment with a company in Dubai. This depends on the jurisdiction within which the company works. In this case, it is the company’s responsibility to apply, sponsor and renew your visa.
Property/Real Estate – In case you are planning to purchase a property, the property value must be worth at least AED 750000 million. You can get a visa issued for 2 years, however, as a property investor, you will not be allowed to work in the UAE.
Company registration – In case you are starting a company in the UAE, you can apply either for the Golden Visa for 10 years or the Investor visa valid for 2 years. An Investor visa also permits you to sponsor your family members for 2-year UAE residency visa as well.
Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you navigate the procedure.
1. Eligibility Check (1-2 weeks): Before diving into the application process, you must ensure you meet the eligibility criteria for a residential visa. Factors such as employment, property ownership, or family sponsorship may influence your eligibility. An entry permit from the Federal Authority for Identity and Citizenship’s online portal will be required. Entry permit can also be obtained from the General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs (GDRFA) website or physically from one of the licensed GDRFA typing centers.
2. Job Offer or Employment (4-6 weeks): For those seeking employment-based visas, securing a job offer is the first step. Connect with potential employers, attend interviews, and negotiate terms. Once you receive a job offer, the employer will initiate the visa application process, including obtaining the necessary approvals from relevant UAE authorities.
3. Document Submission (2-3 weeks): Ensure that you have with you a comprehensive set of documents, including:
- a copy of your original passport,
- 2 passport-sized photographs,
- proof of your sponsor’s legal residency in the UAE,
- employment contract, and academic certificates,
- a copy of your health insurance plan (if required).
You can submit these documents to the appropriate UAE authorities or your employer, depending on the type of visa you are applying for.
For a family application, you would require proof of family ties. This can include birth and marriage certificates attested by the UAE embassy in your home country and MOFA from UAE.
4. Medical Examination (1-2 Days): Most visa categories require the applicants above 18 years of age to undergo medical examination to prove medical fitness. You will need to schedule an appointment with an approved medical center for the necessary tests. The results will be sent directly to the relevant authorities. This step is crucial to ensure to certify that you are in good health.
5. Emirates ID Application (1-2 weeks): Upon receiving initial approval, start the process of obtaining an Emirates ID. This involves submitting biometric data and additional documentation. Once your residency visa is stamped on your passport, you will receive the Emirates ID valid for the same duration. The Emirates ID is a vital identification card for residents in the UAE.
UAE Family Visa Rules for 2024
If you want to obtain UAE residency visas 2024 for your family, you should be aware of the following requirements:
- Copy of all the bio pages in sponsor’s passport
- Sponsor’s visa copy
- Original Emirates ID of the sponsor
- If the sponsor is an employee, provide a digital version of the labor contract/salary certificate from the free zone. If the sponsor is an investor in a company, include the trade license and memorandum. In the case of property investment, submit the title deed.
Passport-sized pictures - An attested soft copy of the marriage certificate and birth certificates of children, if applicable
- Passport copies of spouse and children along with the recent coloured, passport-size photographs
- You can sponsor daughters as long as they are unmarried and sons up to the age of 21
- UAE immigration regulations stipulate that if the sponsor is an employee, their salary must be a minimum of 4000 AED.
Securing a residential visa in UAE involves careful planning, adherence to timelines, and collaboration with employers or sponsors. We can help you with step-by-step assistance to help you streamline and follow the process of residential visa application. For up-to-date information about any changes in immigration policies to ensure a smooth transition, reach out to us…
