My Dubai Job Find your Job
Getting a UAE visa as an expat involves several steps, and the process can vary depending on the type of visa you’re applying for and your nationality. The UAE has a variety of visa categories to accommodate different purposes, including tourism, employment, residence, business, and investment visas. Here’s a detailed guide on how to get a UAE visa as an expat:
1. Types of UAE Visas for Expats
Here’s an overview of the main visa types available to expats looking to live, work, or visit the UAE:
A. Tourist Visa
- Short-Term Tourist Visa: Valid for 30 days, can be extended for an additional 30 days.
- Long-Term Tourist Visa: Introduced for longer stays (90 days) for tourists who meet certain conditions.
- Multiple Entry Visa: For travelers who need to enter and exit the UAE multiple times.
B. Employment Visa (Work Visa)
- For expats coming to the UAE for work, the employer generally sponsors the visa. The visa allows you to live and work in the UAE.
- The visa process involves submitting documents such as a valid passport, employment contract, and health check certificates.
C. Residence Visa (Family Visa)
- A family residence visa allows expats to sponsor family members (spouse, children, parents) to live with them in the UAE. The sponsor (usually the expat) must meet specific salary requirements.
- The sponsor must already have a valid residence visa or be employed in the UAE to qualify for family sponsorship.
D. Investor Visa
- For individuals who are planning to start a business or invest in the UAE. These visas are typically for investors, entrepreneurs, and business owners.
- The visa is usually linked to owning a company or investing in real estate in the UAE.
E. Golden Visa
- This long-term residence visa is granted to certain professionals, investors, and specialized talents (such as doctors, scientists, and engineers). It’s a 5 or 10-year residency permit designed to attract skilled talent and business investment.
F. Student Visa
- For expats wishing to study in the UAE, this visa is issued by the educational institution where the student is enrolled.
G. Freelancer Visa
- The UAE offers a freelancer visa for individuals working independently in fields like technology, media, and design. The visa is issued by various free zones and is ideal for self-employed expats.
2. General Requirements for UAE Visas
Regardless of the type of visa, there are some common requirements for expats seeking a UAE visa:
- Valid Passport: Your passport must be valid for at least six months from the date of entry into the UAE.
- Visa Application: Most visas require filling out a visa application form, either through an official government portal, embassy, or through a UAE-based sponsor or employer.
- Passport Photos: Typically, you will need recent passport-size photos (usually white background).
- Medical Exam: Expats seeking residence or work visas are required to undergo a medical examination, which includes a blood test and a chest X-ray to check for certain infectious diseases (e.g., tuberculosis, HIV).
- Emirates ID: Upon entering the UAE and completing your residency visa application, you will need to apply for an Emirates ID, which is mandatory for all residents.
3. Steps to Get a UAE Visa for Expats
Step 1: Determine the Type of Visa You Need
- Employment Visa: If you’re coming for work, your employer in the UAE will initiate the visa process. If you are self-employed or a freelancer, you will need to apply for a relevant visa based on the type of work you’re doing.
- Family Visa: If you’re bringing your family along, the sponsoring expat (usually the main applicant) will need to meet the income requirements to sponsor dependents.
- Tourist Visa: If you’re planning to visit the UAE, you can apply for a tourist visa through airlines, travel agencies, or directly via the UAE government’s ICA (Federal Authority for Identity and Citizenship) portal.
Step 2: Apply for the Visa
- Tourist Visa: Can be processed through airlines (such as Emirates, FlyDubai), travel agents, or directly with the UAE government portal. Some countries are eligible for visa-on-arrival, while others require you to apply in advance.
- Work Visa: Your employer will typically handle the application process for your work visa and work permit. They will apply for your entry permit, followed by your residence visa and Emirates ID.
- Residence Visa (Family): If you are sponsoring family members, the sponsoring expat (you) will apply for a family residence visa after receiving your own work/residence permit.
- Investor/Business Visa: If you’re setting up a business or investing in the UAE, you’ll need to apply through a free zone or Department of Economic Development (DED) in the relevant emirate.
Step 3: Medical Examination and Health Insurance
- All residents are required to undergo a medical examination to ensure that they do not have any infectious diseases, such as tuberculosis.
- Health insurance is mandatory for residents, and it is typically provided by the employer for employees. If you are a freelancer or investor, you will need to obtain health insurance independently.
Step 4: Visa Approval and Stamping
- Once your visa is approved, your residence or work visa will be stamped in your passport, and you can legally live and work in the UAE.
- Emirates ID: After the visa is stamped, you will need to apply for an Emirates ID. The ID serves as an official identification and is necessary for many everyday tasks, such as opening a bank account, signing contracts, or using healthcare services.
Step 5: Travel to the UAE
- Once your visa is granted, you can travel to the UAE. Upon arrival, your residence visa will be processed, and you will be issued an Emirates ID and a health insurance card.
4. Visa Fees
- Tourist Visa: Typically ranges from AED 300 to AED 1,000 for 30-day to 90-day visas.
- Employment Visa: The employer typically covers the cost of the employment visa. The cost for the expat (and their dependents, if applicable) can range from AED 3,000 to AED 7,000 or more depending on the emirate, the type of visa, and the processing fees.
- Residence Visa: For family members, the cost may vary based on the type of residence visa and the number of dependents being sponsored. Expect fees of around AED 2,000 to AED 3,000 per person.
- Investor Visa: Fees vary depending on the amount of investment and the type of business being set up. Generally, the cost ranges from AED 10,000 to AED 50,000+ depending on the visa and associated costs.
5. Renewals and Extensions
- Tourist Visas can be extended once for up to 30 days.
- Work and Residence Visas are typically valid for 1–3 years and need to be renewed before expiration. The renewal process is relatively straightforward if your employer is handling it, or you can manage it independently if you are self-employed or a business owner.
- Golden Visa: The Golden Visa is a long-term residency permit valid for 5 or 10 years, and it can be renewed based on the conditions for which it was issued.
6. Visa Cancellation
- If you decide to leave the UAE or change employers, your residence visa needs to be cancelled. This is usually done by your employer or the sponsor, but you may also need to cancel your Emirates ID and any other associated documents (e.g., bank accounts, rental contracts).
- Once the cancellation is processed, you will need to exit the UAE to avoid overstaying your visa.
Conclusion
Navigating the UAE visa process as an expat can seem complex, but it is relatively straightforward if you know the right steps. Whether you are coming to the UAE for work, investment, or family purposes, the process typically involves applying for a visa, undergoing a medical examination, and obtaining an Emirates ID. Working with an employer or a local sponsor can help expedite the process, especially for work and residence visas. Be sure to check the latest government requirements, as visa regulations and fees can change from time to time.
