Renowned for its ultra-modern infrastructure, safe living environment, numerous leisure options, unrivalled lifestyle offerings, excellent healthcare system and world-class business opportunities, the United Arab Emirates (UAE) is a haven for expats. According to the InterNations Expat Insider Rankings 2023, the country secured 11th position as the best place for expats to live. Do you want to get a residency in the UAE and experience a higher quality of life? This comprehensive guide will walk you through the process, requirements, and prices involved in securing your residence visa in the UAE
There are several types of residence visas in the UAE, each with specific requirements and privileges. The list majorly includes:
1. Golden visa This long-term residence visa process in the UAE offers eligible individuals the opportunity to live, work and invest in the country without the need for a traditional employment-based or sponsorship-based visa. It's typically granted for 10 years and can be renewed, with the price varying depending on the specific visa requirements and conditions. 2. Green visa The UAE’s Green visa is a type of residence visa, that allows its holder to sponsor himself/herself for five years, eliminating the need for a UAE national or employer to sponsor his/her visa. Understanding the visa process and associated pricing is essential for those considering long-term residence in the UAE. 3. Student visa A student can stay in the UAE to study, either under the sponsorship of his/her parent, who is a resident of the UAE or under the sponsorship of the accredited university/college he/she is studying at. The visa is given for one year. It can be renewed for a similar period upon proof of continuation of a study issued by the educational institution where the student is studying. 4. Dependent visa Expatriate residents can sponsor their families to reside in the UAE if they have a valid residence permit/visa. To initiate the process, the sponsor must have a minimum salary of AED 4,000 or AED 3,000 and accommodation. 5. Retirement visa Retired foreigners in the UAE can apply for a residence visa of 5 years. For a retiree to be eligible for the retirement visa, he/she must: a) have either worked for not less than 15 years inside or outside the UAE, or be 55 years old or more at the time of retirement and b) own a property/properties of no less than AED 1 million or c) have financial savings of no less than AED 1 million or d) have a monthly income of AED 15,000-20,000 per month.
1. A recent coloured personal photo with a white background 2. A copy of the passport of the applicant 3. Emirates ID application receipt 4. A copy of the sponsor’s passport with a valid residence permit 5. The job contract of the sponsor 6. A medical fitness certificate (for dependents above 18 years) 7. Entry permit 8. Attested birth certificate of the dependent (children) 9. Mother’s residence photo (for the newborn) 10. Medical insurance or health card 11. Divorce or death certificate (for divorced women and widows) 12. Proof of housing (for divorced women and widows) 13. Proof of the woman’s ability to earn a living (for divorced women and widows) 14. A certificate issued by the university or institute specifying the duration of the study (for students)
1. Secure a sponsor to apply for a residence visa Except for the Green visa or Golden visa, individuals generally require a sponsor to apply for a UAE residence visa. This can be a UAE company (for employees), a UAE citizen (for family), or an educational institution (for students). The sponsor plays a crucial role in initiating the application process and ensuring you meet the eligibility requirements. 2. Obtain an entry visa To obtain an entry visa for residence in the UAE, your sponsor must initiate the visa process by obtaining an entry permit from the Federal Authority for Identity and Citizenship’s online portal or through the General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs (GDRFA) website. This can also be done at licensed GDRFA typing centres. 3. Submit required documents Compile all the necessary paperwork as per the chosen visa type, ensuring they are complete, valid, and meet the specified format requirements. Be mindful of the associated costs involved in the UAE residence visa application process. 4. Apply for residence visa Your sponsor needs to apply for your immigrant visa in the UAE at the GDRFA. In case you need expert advice, feel free to connect with us at Ras Al Khaimah Economic Zone (RAKEZ) and we will help you apply for the same. 5. Pay for the residence visa At the time of application, you will have to pay a UAE residence visa cost. The fee varies depending on your residency visa validity and the purpose of your stay in the country. At RAKEZ, the charges start from around AED 2,000, depending on the type of residence visa you choose. 6. Wait for approval and visa stamping The authorities will review your application. Upon approval, the visa will be stamped on your passport. 7. Obtain Emirates ID After receiving your visa for residence in the UAE, you need to apply for an Emirates ID card, which is the official identification document in the UAE. The Emirates ID will be valid for the same duration as the visa, and the process and cost for obtaining it may vary. Duration: The validity of a residence visa varies according to its type and the sponsor. It can be for 1, 2 or 3 years on a sponsored visa, or up to 5 or 10 years on an unsponsored visa – Golden and Green visas. According to recent changes, a residence visa can also be issued for 5 and 10 years, subject to certain conditions.
Being a resident in the UAE will entitle you to: a) Open a bank account b) Access financial facilities c) Apply for a driving licence d) Access government health services and health insurance e) Register his/her children in government schools and private schools f) Work and invest g) Travel visa-free to certain destinations (check with foreign embassies in the UAE)
UAE’s residency options are more than just a permit to stay. They are a gateway to a future filled with potential, stability and growth. Discover how to get residence visas in the UAE and navigate the process seamlessly through RAKEZ. To learn more, contact now: Phone: +971 7 2041111 Email: info@rakez.com
Don't forget to share this article!