If you’re planning a big move to Dubai – or looking to stay even longer – then you’ll need to know the right UAE residence visa for you.

The United Arab Emirates government’s flagship UAE Entry and Residence Scheme gives those who are interested in coming to the country many different options.

For residents, a five-year green residence visa is available, the recently announced blue visa has come into force and there’s also broad criteria for the coveted ten-year golden visa.

So what does this all mean for you? Keep reading for everything you need to know about UAE residence and tourist visas.

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How do I get a UAE residence visa?

The validity of a residence visa varies depending on its type and the sponsor – usually your workplace or educational institution – and can be valid for either one, two, three, five or 10 years depending on your circumstances.

If you’re over the age of 18 and are applying for a UAE residence visa then you’ll need to complete a medical test, pass a security check and apply for an Emirates ID.

The required documents for a UAE residence visa

• A medical fitness certificate (if over the age of 18)
• A recent coloured personal photo with a white background
• A valid copy of your passport
• A valid copy of the sponsor’s passport with a valid residence permit
• Attested birth certificate of the dependent (for children)
• Entry permit
• Emirates ID application receipt
• Housing lease contract or proof of owning a residence
• Medical insurance or health card
• Mother’s residence photo (if a newborn)

Divorced or widowed women will need to provide proof of housing, a divorce or death certificate and proof of her ability to earn a living.

You can apply online for a residence visa via the Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs and Port Security.

What is the green residence visa?

Created to attract skilled professionals, entrepreneurs, investors and freelancers, the five-year green residence visa is an interesting option for those not able to apply for residency via the traditional employer or sponsor route.

Eligibility will depend on salary and qualification, but this is likely to be an appealing visa category for established freelance workers and small business owners.

Those with green residency will be able to extend the benefits to family members for five years and retain their resident status for six months after the visa is cancelled or expired.

If you intend on staying in Dubai then you can get your hands on one via the Government of Dubai.

You can apply through the Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs and Ports Security (ICP) for emirates other than Dubai.

Green residence criteria for freelancers and the self-employed

• You first need a freelance/self-employment permit from the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation
• Proof of a bachelor’s degree or a specialised diploma
• Evidence of annual income from self-employment for the previous two years amounting to not less than Dhs360,000 or proof of financial solvency throughout their stay in the UAE.

Green residence criteria for skilled employees

• Have a valid employment contract
• Be classified in the first, second or third occupational level as per the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation
• Hold a minimum of a bachelor’s degree or equivalent diploma
• Have a salary of not less than Dhs15,000 per month

Green residence criteria for investors

• Approval of the competent local authorities
• You’ll need the approval of the ICP (the government’s smart service portal) on the investment, as per the investors rating system applied
• Proof of the investment or if you’ve got multiple licences, the total sum of your invested money will be taken into consideration.

What is the UAE golden visa process?

When it first launched, the visa was given to residents who make outstanding contributions to the country, are highly skilled in certain fields, or work in key industries.

But over the course of 2023, the process became a lot more open, and you could find yourself being eligible.

Application criteria is now broader and, for the first time, open to students.

Who can apply for the golden residence scheme now?

• Investors
• Entrepreneurs
• Exceptional talents
• Scientists
• Professionals
• Outstanding students and graduates
• Humanitarian pioneers
• Frontline heroes

Golden visa holders can sponsor family members for 10 years along with multiple domestic workers — there’s no cap on how many. And should the golden residence holder pass away, their family members will be able to stay in the country for the duration of the permit.

Think you might qualify? Find out more here.

What is the UAE blue visa?

The UAE blue visa is the latest visa to be announced by the UAE government to grant long-term residency to those who qualify.

It will grant a 10-year residency to people who have made extraordinary contributions to protecting our environment.

Who can apply for the UAE blue visa?

• Supporters of environmental action within and outside of the UAE
• Members of international organisations and international companies making a positive impact on the environment
• Members of associations and non-governmental organisations making a positive impact on the environment
• Global award winners in the environmental field
• Distinguished activists and researchers in environmental work from both Emirati nationals and responsible residents advocating for environmental protection

What are ‘humanitarian crisis’ visas?

The UAE government has committed to offering residence visas to people experiencing a humanitarian crisis. The visas will be given to widowed mothers, parents or children of UAE citizens, along with spouses of GCC citizens.

What benefits do family members and dependents get with the visa rules?

Until 2023, parents under all visa types were able to sponsor their children until they reached the age of 18. But now, parents can sponsor children up to the age of 25.

Parents can sponsor unmarried female children until they are of any age, and children of determination will receive a residency permit no matter what age.

Those with green residence visas can issue residency permits for their family (first-degree relatives) which will last the same amount of time as theirs.

What if I just wanted to visit Dubai?

There are plenty of options available for short-term visitors to Dubai. We have a comprehensive guide on all eleven options available to you.

Whether you want to see a family member or are coming to the UAE to look for a job there’s plenty of choice.

What are the different types of Dubai visit and tourist visa?

• Single-entry tourist visit visa
• Multi-entry tourist visa
• 5-year multi-entry tourist visa
• Single-entry visa for visiting a friend or relative
• Multi-entry visa for visiting a friend or relative
• Student visit visa
• Job opportunity visit visa
• Visit visa for exploring business opportunities
• A medical visit visa
• Escorting treatment visit visa
• Multiple entry visit visa for truck drivers

Stay with Time Out Dubai for more updates.

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