UAE Residence Visa: Are you considering moving to the United Arab Emirates and obtaining a residential permit? As with any relocation to a foreign country, it is important to make sure that the legal status you obtain enables you to achieve your objectives.
However, not all visas are equal, so it is essential to understand the various types of permits available and the criteria you must fulfil when applying for a UAE residential visa.
Benefits of a UAE Residency Visa
Numerous advantages come with obtaining a UAE residence visa. One of the most significant is the ability to reside and work in the country for an extended duration. In addition, you can avail yourself of free healthcare, education, and other social benefits. As a resident, you can also have the privilege to own property in the UAE. Other benefits associated with UAE Residence Visa
Personal UAE Bank Account:
Having a UAE residency visa allows foreign citizens to open a personal bank account in the country, which can be useful for managing finances and conducting transactions.
Tax-Free Status:
UAE offers tax-free status to residents, which means that they are not subject to income tax, capital gains tax, or other forms of taxation that are common in many other countries.
National Healthcare:
UAE residents have access to the country’s national healthcare system, which provides affordable and high-quality medical services.
UAE Driver’s License:
Having a UAE residency visa makes it easier for foreign citizens to obtain a UAE driver’s license, which is necessary for driving in the country.
UAE Residence Visa Requirements
There are a few requirements that you will need to meet in order to be eligible for a UAE residence visa. Firstly, you must have a valid passport from your country of citizenship. Secondly, you must have a valid employment offer from a UAE-based company. Finally, you will need to undergo a medical examination to prove that you are in good health.
In addition to the above requirements, you will also need to submit a completed application form, as well as supporting documents such as your educational qualifications and professional experience. Once your application has been reviewed and approved, you will be issued a UAE residence visa, which will allow you to live and work in the UAE.
Types of UAE Residence Visa
There are various types of residence visas available in the UAE for non-citizens who want to reside there. These include:
Work Visa: This type of visa is for individuals who are employed by a company or the Emirati government in the UAE.
Investor Visa: This visa is meant for people who want to invest in either a business or property in the UAE.
Student Visa: If you intend to study at a university in the UAE, this is the visa you should apply for.
Family Visa: This type of visa is for family members of UAE citizens or residents who want to live with them in the country.
UAE Residence Visa Application Process
The first step is to apply for an entry permit. It is important to note that certain professions such as doctors and teachers may require additional documentation, so it is essential to consult with your employer to ensure that you have all the necessary documents.
If your job offer requires specific educational qualifications, such as a Bachelor’s degree, you will need to provide a legalized copy of the document from your country’s foreign ministry. For countries that are members of the Apostille of the Hague, obtaining an Apostille for your degree is necessary.
Upon your arrival in the UAE, the next step is to acquire your residency permit. You will be required to undergo a fresh medical assessment each time you renew your residency visa.
In addition, you must apply for a Labor Card and an Emirates ID, which will serve as your necessary form of identification for various bureaucratic and immigration formalities.
The requirements for obtaining family residency in Dubai can differ based on several factors.
For Male Applicants: They can bring their immediate family members to Dubai as long as they earn either a minimum wage of 4,000 AED or 3,000 AED with accommodation. After their family arrives in the UAE, applicants have 60 days to complete the process. If the father is sponsoring the family, the mother is not allowed to initiate the sponsorship process.
For Female applicants: The criteria for sponsorship are more demanding, and the process varies based on the Emirate. In Dubai, women must obtain special permission from the GFDRA and earn a monthly salary of at least 10,000 AED to sponsor their family members. However, single mothers are allowed to sponsor their children.
UAE Residence Visa Cost
The expenses associated with obtaining a UAE residence visa can differ depending on your citizenship and the kind of visa you’re requesting. The regular cost for a three-year visa is AED 2,000 for most nationalities, but discounts are accessible for specific groups of people, such as senior citizens and students.
Students may be qualified for a reduction of up to 50%. To apply for this price cut, you must provide a copy of your student ID or a letter from your university. Senior citizens, who are over the age of 60, are also eligible for a discount of up to 50%.
If you’re seeking a work visa, the price will be AED 3,000, which includes a one-time processing fee of AED 1,000. Work visas are good for two years and can be extended for another two years.
How to Renew the UAE Residence Visa?
To renew your UAE residence visa, you will need to follow a process similar to the initial visa application process. You will need to submit the same set of documents and pay the same fee as you did when you applied for your visa initially.
To begin the renewal process, you will need to log in to the e-services portal on the website of the General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs. Once you have logged in, select the ‘Visa Renewal’ service and choose the type of visa you wish to renew. Provide the necessary personal information, and then select an appointment date and time for your visa renewal.
On the day of your appointment, you will need to go to the General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs with the following documents:
- Original passport
- Copy of passport
- Copy of current visa
- Copy of Emirates ID card
You will also need to pay the visa renewal fee, which can be paid in cash or by credit card. Once your documents have been submitted and the fee has been paid, your visa will be renewed, and you will be able to continue living and working in the UAE.
How to Cancel a UAE Residence Visa
To cancel a UAE residence visa, you will need to take the following steps:
Submit a written request: You will need to write a letter addressed to the General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs (GDRFA) in the emirate where your visa was issued.
Submit your passport: You will need to submit your passport to the GDRFA along with your written request.
Exit the country: You will need to leave the UAE within 30 days of the cancellation of your visa. Failure to do so may result in fines or other penalties.
Collect your passport: Once you have left the country, you can collect your passport from the GDRFA. Your cancelled visa and exit permit will be stamped on your passport.