Visa Types & Categories
Overview
The UAE offers various visa types to accommodate different purposes of entry and residence. Understanding visa types is fundamental for any PRO.
Entry Permits
1. Tourist Visa (30 days): Single or multiple entry. For tourism purposes. Can be extended once for 30 days.
2. Visit Visa (90 days): For long-term visits. Multiple entry available. Often sponsored by a UAE resident or company.
3. Transit Visa (48/96 hours): For transit passengers. Sponsored by airlines.
4. Visa on Arrival: Available to citizens of specific countries (GCC, US, UK, EU, etc.). Duration varies by nationality.
Residency Visas
1. Employment Visa: Sponsored by a UAE employer. Valid for 2 years. Requires labor permit and employment contract. Most common visa type.
2. Investor/Partner Visa: For company owners and partners. Valid for 2 years. Requires trade license and MOA.
3. Family Visa: Sponsored by a UAE resident for spouse, children, parents. Income requirements apply. Valid for 1-2 years.
4. Domestic Worker Visa: For housemaids, drivers, nannies. Sponsored by a UAE resident. Subject to salary requirements.
5. Student Visa: For students at UAE educational institutions. Sponsored by the institution.
6. Retirement Visa: For retirees aged 55+. Requires meeting financial criteria.
Special Visa Categories
1. Golden Visa (10 years): For investors, entrepreneurs, scientists, outstanding students, professionals, and specialized talents. Requires meeting specific criteria.
2. Green Visa (5 years): For freelancers, self-employed, skilled workers. No sponsor required.
3. Virtual Working Program: For remote workers employed by foreign companies. Valid for 1 year.
4. Property Investor Visa: For property owners in the UAE. Valid for 2 years (for property worth AED 750,000+).
Visa Duration and Renewal
Most residency visas are valid for 2 years. Investor visas can be valid for 2 years. Golden visas are valid for 10 years. Green visas are valid for 5 years. Visas must be renewed before expiry. Grace period of 30 days after expiry for renewal.
Visa Cancellation
Must be cancelled when the residency ends. Requires cancelling labor contract (if employment visa). Must process through GDRFA/ICP. Cancellation certificate issued. Employee has 30 days to leave or change status.
Visa Status Change
In-country status change (tourist to residency). Requires exit or status change application. Subject to approval and fees. Must be processed before current visa expires.
Sponsorship Requirements
Sponsor must have valid residency. Sponsor must meet income requirements (for family visas). Sponsor must have valid trade license (for employment visas). Sponsor is responsible for the sponsored person's conduct and departure.
Key Considerations
Visa type must match the purpose of stay. Visa violations result in fines and potential bans. Overstay fines: AED 25/day for first day, AED 50/day for subsequent days (tourist/visit visa). Employment visa requires labor approval before processing. Some nationalities require additional security clearance.