Moving To Dubai Soon? Here Are 12 Types Of Visas The UAE Offers
Dubai has a range of visa options tailored to different needs. If you’re planning to relocate to Dubai or anywhere else in the UAE soon, keep reading to discover which visa suits you best!
1. Transit Visa – Valid for a single entry into the UAE only.
If you’re stopping over in Dubai on your way to another destination, a transit visa might be your best bet. You can choose between a 48-hour or a 96-hour option. These single-entry visas are sponsored by UAE-based airlines. If you don’t qualify for a visa on arrival or visa-free entry, make sure to arrange this transit visa before you land.
For more information on eligibility and requirements, visit this website.
2. Transit Visa – 48-Hour to 96-Hour Validity
The 96-hour transit visa, priced at AED 50, needs to be arranged in advance through a UAE-based airline. This visa is non-extendable and non-renewable, so you’ll need to leave Dubai within 96 hours of your arrival.
For more information on eligibility and requirements, visit this website.
3. Tourist Visa – 30 Days to 90 Days Validity
If you’re eyeing a longer stay, a tourist visa might be just what you need. Choose between a 30-day or a 60-day visa, sponsored by a UAE-based tourism company. There’ll be a fee and security deposit to cover. With this visa, you can take up to 90 days to soak in all that Dubai has to offer.
For more information on eligibility and requirements, visit this website.
4. Jobseeker Visit Visa – Up To 120 Days Validity
On the hunt for a job in Dubai? The jobseeker visit visa could be your ticket. It lets you stay in Dubai for up to 120 days while you search for work, with no need for a local host or sponsor. You can choose from 60, 90, or 120-day options. Eligibility requirements include:
- Holding one of the top three skill levels as defined by the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation (MOHRE)
- Graduated from one of the world’s top 500 universities within the past two years
- Possessing a bachelor’s degree or its equivalent
- Offering a financial guarantee
5. Student Visa – 12 Months Validity
Students can stay in Dubai for a year at a time with the option to renew as long as they’re still enrolled. You’ll need sponsorship from either a UAE-resident parent or your university. Key documents include a certificate from your university and the standard requirements for a residence visa.
For more information on eligibility and requirements, visit this website.
6. UAE Family Visa – Up To 3 Years Validity
As a UAE resident, you can sponsor your family members for up to three years. This applies to both employers and employees, as long as you meet the salary criteria of AED 4,000 or AED 3,000 with accommodation. You can sponsor your spouse, children, and even stepchildren with the right paperwork. Note that medical exams are required for anyone over 18.
Sponsoring Daughters: Only unmarried daughters can be sponsored, regardless of their age.
Sponsoring Sons: Sons can be sponsored up until they turn 25, while sons with special needs (Sons of Determination) can be sponsored without age limits.
Sponsoring Two Wives: In some cases, Muslim residents may sponsor two wives if specific conditions are met.
Newborns: If your baby is born in the UAE, apply for a residence visa within 120 days to avoid fines.
Stepchildren: You can sponsor stepchildren, but you’ll need to provide a deposit and a no-objection certificate from the biological parent.
For more information on eligibility and requirements, visit this website.
7. Freelance Visa – Up To 3 Years Validity
If you’re freelancing or self-employed, the freelance visa is your go-to. It lets you live and work in Dubai legally without needing an employer’s sponsorship. Ideal for sectors like media, education, IT, and marketing, this visa offers flexibility and is issued by the Dubai Department of Economic Development (DED).
For more information on eligibility and requirements, visit this website.
5-Year Multiple Entry Visit Visa – Valid for 5 Years
Thinking about frequent visits to Dubai? The 5-year multiple-entry tourist visa lets you come and go as you like. You can stay up to 90 days each visit, with the option for an extra 90-day extension. This visa is open to all nationalities.
For more information on eligibility and requirements, visit this website.
8.Green Visa – 5-Year Validity
The UAE’s Green Visa is a residence visa that lets holders self-sponsor for five years, removing the need for a UAE national or employer to back their visa. It’s perfect for freelancers, self-employed professionals, and skilled workers who want to live and work in the UAE independently.
For more information on eligibility and requirements, visit this website.
9. Residence Visa – From 1 To 10 Years Validity
Residence visas come in various durations depending on your type and sponsor. You can get a visa for 1, 2, or 3 years with sponsorship, or go for 5 or 10 years without one, depending on specific conditions. Recent updates include long-term options like the 5-year retirement visa. Note that a dependent’s visa will expire when the sponsor’s visa does.
For more information on eligibility and requirements, visit this website.
10. Gaming Visa – 10-Year Validity
Gamers, content creators, and industry pros can now apply for Dubai’s Gaming Visa. This exclusive visa grants a 10-year residency, opening up tons of opportunities to thrive in Dubai’s vibrant gaming scene.
For more information on eligibility and requirements, visit this website.
11. Golden Visa – 10-Year Validity
For a long-term stay, the Golden Visa is an enticing choice. It offers a 10-year validity and is open to investors, entrepreneurs, scientists, top students, graduates, humanitarian leaders, and frontline heroes. With the Golden Visa, you can live, work, or study in the UAE and enjoy exclusive perks. Plus, the “One Touch” Golden Visa service makes applying and renewing a breeze.
For more information on eligibility and requirements, visit this website.
Must-Have Documents for Your Visa
No matter which visa you go for, you’ll need to have some key documents ready for your application, including:
- Recent passport-sized photo
- Passport valid for at least six months
- Valid health insurance
- National ID card (for specific nationalities)
- Travel ticket for onward journeys (especially for transit visas)
- GCC residents need a copy of their residence permit
- Indian nationals eligible for visa on arrival must provide a permanent residence card (green card) from the USA or a residence visa from the UK or EU countries
Once you’ve got all your documents in order, you can apply online via the General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs (GDRFA) website or through an authorized agency. Processing times can vary, but most visas are typically issued within 48 hours.
For the most up-to-date and detailed info, always check the GDRFA website or consult with your travel agent.
