When searching for the different types of UAE visas, you might stumble upon quite a lot of information on the internet. In fact, if you intend to know how to get a visa to Dubai, you might as well be perplexed at the incomplete and incorrect data you get. In that case, this article might be a good read for you as it covers all the details that you need to know about how to get a visa to Dubai, how much is the UAE visa, the basic requirements for UAE visa, and the different types of UAE visa.
UAE is home to highly competitive investments and businesses in the present world. So, it is no surprise that there is a high demand to know about the UAE visa policy and the requirements for UAE visas. Moreover, since it is one of the top destinations when it comes to tourism, there is no shortage of people applying for UAE tourist visas. But, exactly how many types of UAE visas are there? Is there a provision for students to submit an application for UAE visa? Does a freelance UAE visa exist? How long does it get to procure an online UAE visa? Curious much? Keep reading as answers to all these questions are down below!
Two broad types of visas
The Dubai authorities basically issue two broad types of visas - visas for tourists and visas for residents. The rest of the visas are apparently sub-types to these two main types. So, ideally, depending on your objective and duration of the visit to the country, the requirements for UAE visa will differ, and so will the type of visa that is issued to you.
Hence, the UAE tourist visa and UAE residence visa are the two main types of visas that the government issues. Now, let's look at the subcategories under these two main types.
Types of UAE tourist visa
1. Tourist visa
If you are a traveler who is not eligible for a visa on arrival or a visa-free entry to the UAE, then you have to apply for a tourist visa. Eligible individuals around the world who meet all requirements for UAE visas can be issued a tourist visa to UAE. Females below the age of 18 cannot apply for this visa unless traveling with their parents.
A tourist visa is issued for 30 days or 90 days depending on your plan of duration in the country and can be single and multiple entry. UAE visa rules state that you can submit an application for UAE visa for tourists through the following means:
- Through the airlines
- Through agencies and hotels
If you are wondering how much is UAE visa for 30 days stay, then you have to know that prices depend on the nationality. All visas can be extended for 30 days without leaving the country. Nonetheless, you are subjected to pay a fine if your stay exceeds the permitted number of days.
2. Transit visa
UAE visa policy allows to issue of two types of transit visas: One that is free of charge and valid for 48 hours, and the other that is valid for 96 hours and is charged AED 50. These visas must be processed and approved before entering the country and can be sponsored only by UAE-based airlines. Nonetheless, if your travel is arranged through a travel agency, then they can apply for your online UAE visa.
To get a transit visa, you must have the following documents:
- Passport or travel document with a minimum validity of three months
- An onward ticket booking to a third destination (other than the one that you come from)
- Photograph with a white background
- According to the UAE, visa rules Transit visas cannot be extended.
3. Patient and his/her companion entry permit
Foreign individuals are permitted to enter UAE for medical treatment under the sponsorship of the medical organization from where he/ she seeks treatment. In this case, the medical establishment takes full responsibility for processing the online UAE visa as per the patient's request. Once processed, patients can enter the country within 60 days of issuing the visa and can stay for a period of 90 days. The visa can either be of the single-entry type or multiple entries. Both the visa types are extendable only if a duly certified medical report indicates that the patient needs to stay to continue treatment.
Types of UAE residence visa
1. UAE residence visa
When moving to live and work in the UAE, all ex-pats are issued a residence visa sponsored by the company/ firm employing him or her. According to the UAE visa rules, the employer is required to submit all the relevant documents for visa processing and should also bear the visa cost on the employee's behalf.
Once you procure a UAE residence visa upon being employed, the next step that you may look for is how to get a visa to Dubai for your family.
The UAE residence visa serves for you to sponsor your family and thereby procure a UAE family visa. Employees earning a minimum salary of AED 4000 or AED 3000 plus accommodation are eligible to apply for a UAE family visa irrespective of their job titles. A resident sponsor can apply for a UAE family visa after 60 days of entering the UAE.
2. Retirement visa for UAE residents
According to the law approved in 2018, retired residents over the age of 55 are eligible to acquire a long-term visa of 5 years to reside in the country. However, the retiree must satisfy the below-mentioned requirements to be able to be granted the retirement visa:
- Have an active income of a minimum of AED 20,000 per month
- Have invested in property worth AED 2 million
- Have financial savings of a minimum of AED 1 million
3. Business visa
As part of the newly introduced Golden visa system, the UAE government is now issuing business visas for foreign individuals and their dependents. This freelance UAE visa serves right for any eligible entrepreneur who has set up a business of their own elsewhere and wishes to do so in the UAE. This freelance UAE visa aims to create an attractive environment for the setup of businesses that promote the UAE's economic growth.
If you qualify for a business visa, specialized committees will review your application and grant approval according to several parameters. To apply for a business visa, you must:
- Be able to provide a record of your experience as an entrepreneur
- Be willing to relocate to the UAE
- Have been a substantial shareholder of an entrepreneurial startup
- Have an innovative business idea or plan that you wish to introduce to the UAE
4. Remote work visa
The new remote work visa scheme in the UAE is approved by the UAE cabinet to attract talent and expertise from all around the world. With this one-year visa, any foreigner can live and work in the UAE under self-sponsorship. Furthermore, the virtual working program scheme allows a person to relocate to Dubai and continue working for the organization in remote mode. If your application for the remote work visa scheme is approved, then you can also bring along your family to live in the UAE.
Wondering how much is UAE visa will enable you to reap the benefits of living in Dubai yet allows you to continue working with the same company? You can submit your application for a remote work visa for a fee of USD 287 per person. Additionally, you also have to pay the premium for medical insurance and the processing fees. Nonetheless, there is no guarantee of approval even after payment of the processing fees.
5. Student visa
According to the UAE cabinet law approved in 2018, the UAE government allows expatriate students above 18 years of age to live and study in the UAE with a visa for one year. Students showing outstanding academic performance are also eligible to apply for a visa that will enable them to reside in the UAE for a long-term duration of 5 years.
6. eVisa for GCC residents
If you are an expatriate resident of any of the GCC countries, then you can apply online for a visa to enter the UAE before arriving here. The visa is valid for 30 days and can further be extended for 30 more days. GCC residents can also sponsor companions for their travel to the UAE.
Final words
The UAE is a welcoming country and a wonderful host for both travelers and for residents. The visa rules are quite liberal and allow you the liberty to choose from any one of the visa types that suits your best needs. However, you have to know that UAE visas are issued upon close scrutiny and cross-verification and may take a minimum of three working days. Also, ensure that you stick to rules that abide by the visa issuance, including the duration of stay. Overstaying your visa can lead the authorities to impose a fine on you daily.
