The most common type of long-term residence visa issued is the UAE Investor Visa, which requires that the applicant invests a substantial amount of money in UAE to qualify.

Who qualifies for a UAE Long-Term Residence Visa?

There are two types of Long-Term Residence Visas for the UAE, which both have their own requirements and eligibility criteria.

10-year UAE long-term residence visa

You’re eligible for the 10-year UAE long-term residence visa if you fall under one of the following categories:

• You invest at least AED 10 million in the public sector (UAE Investor Visa – see below)
• You are a person with a specialized talent, such as a doctor, scientist, inventor, specialist, or of special talent in the field of culture and art; medical doctors, as well as engineers of computer programming, electronics, electrical and biotechnology.

5-year UAE long-term residence visa

You’re eligible for a 5-year UAE long-term residence visa if you fall under one of the following categories:

• You invest in a property in the UAE (UAE Investor Visa also known as the Property Visa UAE)
• You are an entrepreneur with an existing project which has a minimum capital of AED 500,000
• You are an outstanding student who has:
  • A minimum grade of 95% in a public or private secondary school
  • A GPA of at least 3.75 in a university in or outside the country after you graduate

online since information keeps changing. Make sure to know all you need before you apply or invest.

What do I need when applying for a UAE long-term residence visa?

When applying for a AE long-term residence visa, you must have several documents which support your purpose of application.

When you apply for the entry permit, you need documents such as:

• Copy of your passport
• Passport-size pictures
• Bank Statement for the past 6 months
• Any additional documents related to your purpose:
  • Company Trade License Copy
  • Copy of Partnership Contract (if applicable)
  • ID of other partners (if applicable)
  • A copy of the Memorandum of Association (for LLC)
  • Proof of accreditation by the relevant UAE authority (for specialized talents)
  • Proof of patent (for investors)

When applying for the long-term residence visa once you’re in the UAE, you need the following documents:

• Your entry permit
• Medical test
• Passport
• Pictures
• Immigration Establishment Card
• Any documents related to your purpose of travel

Keep in mind: This is not a complete list of documents. The required documents differ for each case, and you may also need to obtain approval from the UAE authorities prior to applying for the visa. Additionally, due to the more sensitive nature of this visa, you may also need to get the help of an attorney or other authorized legal entity.

How to get a UAE Investor Visa?

To get an Investor Visa in Dubai or anywhere else in the UAE, you must invest at least AED 10 million in the public sector in UAE or invest at least AED 5 million in a property.

Investing in the public sector (10 year visa for UAE)

To get a 10 year UAE visa by investment, you must invest at least AED 10 million in the public sector in the country. This includes:

• Making a deposit in an investment fund
• Setting up a new company in the UAE, whose capital is at least AED 10 million
• Becoming a partner in an existing company, provided that your shares are not less than AED 10 million

Additionally, when you invest the money, you must make sure that:

• It is not loaned
• You maintain the investment for at least three years

Buying property (5 year visa for UAE)

You may also get a long-term visa for the UAE by investing in a property which has a gross value of at least AED 5 million. The money you invest cannot be loaned from someone, and you have to maintain it for at least three years.

10 year UAE visa for persons with specialised talents

You may also get a UAE visa for the UAE if you have a specialized talent. For example, if you are a doctor, investor, specialist, scientist, or you have a talent in the field of culture and art. However, the 10 year visa for the UAE for persons with specialised talents is subject to the following conditions:

• For scientists: You must be accredited by the Emirates Scientists Council or hold a Mohammed Bin Rashid Medal for Scientific Excellence.
• For artists: You must be accredited by the Ministry of Culture and Knowledge Development.
• For inventors: You must have a patent of value (accredited by the Ministry of Economy), which is beneficial to the UAE’s economy.
• For doctors and specialists: You must fulfill at least one of the following conditions:
  • You hold a PhD degree issued by one of the top 500 universities in the world
  • You have a PhD degree and 10-year professional experience in your field
  • You have an award or certificate of appreciation related to your field
  • You are a member of an organization related to your field
  • You have published articles or scientific books in renowned publications related to your field
  • You have specialized in an area that’s of priority to the UAE
• For executives: You are the head of a leading and internationally recognized company
• For otherwise exceptional talents: You must have a scientific research that’s been published in a world-class journal or you must have a patent

Can I take my spouse and children with a UAE Investor Visa?

Yes, if you have an Investor Visa for UAE, you are allowed to bring your family members with you, such as your spouse and children. Additionally, the visa can be extended to include one executive director and one advisor.

Can I have a business partner with a UAE Investor Visa?

Yes, multiple business partners can apply under a single UAE Investor Visa. However, that doesn’t mean that you can split the investment multiple ways: each business partner must invest their own AED 10 million.

How to apply for a UAE Investor Visa?

Usually, all foreigners applying for a visa for the UAE have to be sponsored by someone in the UAE, such as their employer (for work visa) or school (for student visa). However, in the case of long-term residence visa for the UAE, you can apply yourself, without the need for a sponsor.

• For UAE Investor Visa, the registered company serves as your sponsor
• For UAE Property Visa, the property you purchase or invest in serves as your sponsor

Applying for the entry permit

Before you apply for a Residence Visa, you must first get a UAE Entry Permit, which is issued for multiple entries and for a duration of six months. You can apply for an Entry Permit online:

• For UAE Investor Visa
• UAE Visa for Entrepreneurs \ Special Students
• UAE Visa for otherwise talented persons

Once you enter the UAE with an entry permit, you have to go to the relevant visa issuing authorities in the UAE and request the long-term Residence Visa.

Applying for the Residence Visa

UAE Residence Visa applications are issued in the UAE at the General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs (GDRFA) of the relevant emirate in which you will live.

The websites of the GDRFA in each emirate:

• Abu Dhabi
• Dubai (see also Amer, a website which Dubai citizens and residents can use to apply for family reunion and visitors can use to extend their Visa On Arrival)
• Sharjah
• Ajman
• Ras Al Khaimah
• Fujairah

You must enter a medical test to prove your medical fitness before applying for the residence visa.

Note: Because the Investor Visa for the UAE is a different category than regular visas, you may need to hire an attorney or legal representative to help you with the process, as well as to find investment opportunities in the UAE. Additionally, the Investor Visa is a relatively new visa, and as such there is contradicting information

How to get an Investor Visa in Dubai?

Foreign nationals who want to settle in the emirate of Dubai, have to apply for an Investor Visa for Dubai. Since Dubai is simply one of the emirates making up the country of the UAE, the application process for an Investor Visa for Dubai is the same as detailed above. The only difference is, of course, that you will apply directly to the GDRFA offices in Dubai, not in another emirate, such as Abu Dhabi.

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Dubai, like many countries, has joined the wagon of digital nomad visas. Dubai’s digital nomad visa is called “Work Remotely from Dubai.” Through its Work Remotely from Dubai program, Dubai has been welcoming remote workers and digital nomads since March 2021.

This article will show in more detail what Dubai’s digital nomad visa scheme offers.

Benefits of Working as a Digital Nomad in Dubai

Working as a digital nomad in Dubai under the Work Remotely from Dubai program has the following benefits:

• Tax-free. As a digital nomad in Dubai, you are not imposed to pay income tax, capital gain tax, withholding tax, and local taxes. However, you are expected to pay taxes back home, but you do not need to prove it.
• High healthcare system. Dubai offers a top-notch healthcare system with state-of-the-art facilities and a high standard of medical care. Health services in Dubai are administered by the Dubai Health Authority (DHA), which oversees both public and private services. Many foreigners choose the private healthcare system. There are more than 130 facilities you can choose from in Dubai Healthcare City (DHCC) alone, a modern medical complex offering advanced private health care across 150 specialties.
• Access to facilities. The Emirates ID will be given to applicant holders when they receive their visas and arrive in the UAE. The Emirates ID is a document that can be used for many things in their daily lives. By having the ID, you will have access to many services, such as banking, phone lines, housing rentals, and, if you have children, the ability to enroll them in local schools.
• Fast internet connection. The internet speed fixed is 189.27 Mbps, and the mobile connection is 273.87 Mbps. There will likely be no issues with your wifi in the UAE since the majority of accommodations for foreigners have speeds of over 100 Mbps. It will be enough for browsing and Zoom calls on a daily basis, as well as heavy streaming. Furthermore, the 4G network is excellent.

Requirements for Dubai Digital Nomad Visa

The documents required to apply for a digital nomad visa in Dubai are:

• Online filled visa application form. You can fill out the application form from the official website of Work Remotely from Dubai.
• Valid passport. Your passport needs to be valid at least for six months.
• Digital passport photo. Your passport photo needs to be with dimensions 45mm/35mm and white background.
• Accommodation reservation. You will need either a hotel booking, a lease, or a rental agreement to confirm your accommodation.
• Medical insurance. You need medical insurance designed for digital nomads and remote workers who are living abroad to travel to Dubai. Health insurance must have UAE coverage validity.
• Documents for business owners:
  • Proof of ownership of the company for one year or more
  • Minimum of $5.000 monthly income
  • Bank statements for the last three months
• Documents for employees:
  • Proof of employment with one year contract
  • Last month’s payslip
  • Minimum of $5.000 salary per month
  • Bank statements for the last three months

How to Apply for a Dubai Digital Nomad Visa?

You must apply for a Dubai digital nomad visa online through the official Work Remotely from Dubai website. The application process is as follows:

1. Prepare the necessary documents. The list of the documents is under “Requirements for Dubai Digital Nomad Visa” above. The documents need to be in English and digitized.
2. Proceed to the official website. On the official website of Work Remotely from Dubai, you can apply for the program. There you have to complete a short application form with information about yourself, such as your name, email address, country, and telephone number. A member of their team will be in touch with you to take the application forward.
3. Wait for the response. An email will be sent to you after submission. There will be further instructions therefore read them carefully.
4. Send the documents. After the email, you will have to send the required documents to workvirtual@dubaitourism.ae. The documents are in the section “Requirements for Dubai Digital Nomad Visa”. The documents and the application will be reviewed by Dubai Tourism and commercial marketing travel partner Al Rais Travel Agencies LLC.
5. Wait for a reply. You will be given an email stating the payment instructions and the amount.
6. Pay the fees. The cost of the Dubai digital nomad visa is $611. This amount includes the application fee of $287 and other processing charges, medical insurance premium, and Emirates ID. Once you fill out your credit card information, you will receive an email welcoming you to Dubai.
7. Arrange a medical visit. This step can be done after traveling to Dubai, but it may be helpful to do it before flying to Dubai.
8. Travel to Dubai. After your visa is granted, you can travel to Dubai.
9. Go to the medical appointment. You have about a month to go to the medical appointment. Your results will be out in two weeks’ time.
10. Go to the biometrics office. After getting the medical results, you will be given a list of offices to do biometrics and complete an application form. Then print the medical results and the application form and go to one of the biometrics offices.
11. Get a passport stamp. You will get a call stating that your passport needs to be taken to be stamped. This process will take a day.
12. Get the residency card. An SMS should be sent to you by the government informing you that your residence card is waiting at a post office. Go get the residency card and live in Dubai for a year.

Additionally, depending on your nationality, you might need a visa to enter Dubai.

Note: You can enter Dubai with a tourist visa and then apply for a digital nomad visa, but the fees may differ.

How Much Does the Dubai Digital Nomad Visa Cost?

The cost of the Dubai digital nomad visa is $611. This amount includes the application fee of $287 and other processing charges, medical insurance premium, and Emirates ID.

Note: There is no guarantee that the visa will be approved just because you paid the processing fee. It is possible to incur additional charges depending on your country of citizenship country, the nature of the services requested, and other factors.

Processing Time For A Digital Nomad Visa in Dubai

The processing time for a digital nomad visa in Dubai is from thirty days up to sixty days.

How Long Can I Work in Dubai as a Digital Nomad?

The validity of the Dubai digital nomad visa is one year, renewable upon re-application.

Paying Taxes as a Digital Nomad in Dubai

Individuals in the UAE are not subject to income tax. Oil companies and foreign banks, however, are subject to corporate taxes. In addition, specific goods that are harmful to human health or the environment are taxed under excise taxes. Finally, a majority of goods and services are subject to Value Added Tax.

As a digital nomad in Dubai, you are not imposed to pay income tax, capital gain tax, withholding tax, and local taxes. However, you are expected to pay taxes back home, but you do not need to prove it.

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However, there are specific requirements for the UAE visa photo which you submit, and if you do not abide by the specifications, it could lead to your visa application being rejected.

The UAE visa photo should be taken in a professional studio and it has to be recent (no older than six months) as it should reflect your current appearance.

UAE visa photo size

The size of a UAE visa photo should be 43 mm x 55 mm. However, in some places, it states that you should submit a 2-inch x 2-inch picture, which is about 50 mm x 50 mm. As there seems to be conflicting information online as to the UAE visa photo size requirements, you should ask your sponsor to provide you with the exact specifications.

If you’re submitting an electronic copy of the picture, it should be 300 pixels in width and 369 pixels in height.

UAE visa photo specifications

In addition to the size, the visa photos you submit for the UAE visa application should adhere to the following specifications:

Background, positioning, and quality

• The background has to be white, without any patterns
• The picture should be colored, not black and white
• You must be in the center
• Your head, hair, ears, and shoulders have to be in the picture
• Your face should take up 70% – 80% of the picture
• The picture should be of good quality: there should be no shadows, over- or under-exposure, or glare
• The picture must show your real skin tone
• When printed, it should be in good quality photo paper, and there cannot be any creases or staple marks

Do not edit the picture, not even to remove imperfections, birthmarks, tattoos, or red-eye. Instead, if there are mistakes, you should re-take the picture.

Unless otherwise specified, do not sign or mark the picture in any way

Facial expression

• You must have a neutral facial expression (mouth closed)
• You must be staring straight ahead
• Your head should not be tilted
• Your eyes should be open and clearly visible

Attire

• You should wear darker clothing so that you stand out from the white background.
• Eyeglasses are not recommended. However, if you must wear them, then make sure they do not obscure your eyes and eyebrows (no thick rims) and that there is no glare on the glass. Tinted glasses are not
• Headgear such as hats, headbands, and accessories are not allowed. Only headgear for religious purposes is allowed. However, make sure that your head-covering does not cover your face – the forehead, chin, and other facial features should be visible.

UAE visa photo requirements for young children

Even young children, such as infants and babies, have to submit a visa photo. The specifications for a UAE visa photo for children are as follows:

• The child should also look straight at the camera with a neutral facial expression
• The child should be alone in the picture. You cannot be holding them up – not even your hands should be visible.
• Toys are also not allowed
• If the child cannot support himself/herself, then the picture should be taken from above as they are lying down.

Dubai visa photo size

Just as with the other emirates in the UAE, the size of the required pictures for your Dubai visa application is 43 mm x 55 mm (or alternatively 2-inch x 2-inch). If you’re submitting an electronic copy of the picture, it should be 300 pixels in width and 369 pixels in height.

What other documents do I need for a UAE visa?

In addition to the UAE visa photo, when applying for a UAE visa, you also need several other documents, such as:

• A passport, along with photocopies of the passport’s relevant pages.
  • In some cases, you may not need to submit your original passport at all. You may include photocopies of the relevant pages of your passport (or all the pages on your passport)
• A confirmed round-trip airline ticket or an airline ticket for onward travel. If you are applying through an airline, the ticket must be from that airline.
• Proof of accommodation, such as your hotel.
• Proof of legal residence in your country (ie. your visa or residence permit). This only applies if you are not a citizen of the country in which you are living.
• If you have a host:
  • Proof of your relationship to the host
  • A copy of your host’s UAE Resident Visa and/or their Emirates ID
  • Certified copy of their work contract or their salary certificate
• Proof of previous travels
• Any additional documents related to your purpose of travel.

The post UAE Visa Photo Requirements appeared first on Visa Consulate - Visa Information For Any Country.

• You can open a bank account
• You can get a bank loan (personal or car loan)
• You have visa-free access to several countries
• Your children can attend government or private schools
• You can get a driver’s license
• You have access to government health services and health insurance

However, to be able to get a Residence Visa for the UAE, you must meet certain eligibility criteria, such as finding a job or investing in one of the emirates.

Who is eligible for a UAE Residence Visa?

To qualify for a UAE Residence Visa, you have to fall under one of the following categories:

• You will work in the UAE, under a governmental office or in a private company.
• You will study in a UAE educational institution
• You are the dependent of a UAE citizen or foreign resident (child, parent, maid, or a close relative)
• You have made an investment in the UAE
• You have purchased property in the UAE
• You will retire in the UAE

Types of UAE Residence Visas

The types of UAE Residence Visas are divided depending on the purpose of your travel. As such, there is the:

• UAE Work Visa, which is issued to foreigners who have found employment in the UAE and obtained a Work Permit.
• UAE Student Visa, which is issued for foreign nationals who have been accepted into a UAE educational institution
• UAE Family Visa, which is issued to the close family members of UAE citizens or foreign residents
• UAE Investment Visa (long-term residence), which is issued to foreign nationals who make a substantial investment in the UAE. This type of visa is issued for a longer duration than other types of residence visas (up to ten years)
• UAE Retirement Visa, which is issued to elderly foreigners who want to retire in the UAE and have the necessary financial means to do so.
• Work Remotely from Dubai program, which is issued to foreing freelancers who want to work in Dubai remotely.

What are the requirements for a UAE Residence Visa?

When applying for a UAE Residence Visa, you must have several supporting documents, such as:

• The UAE Visa Application Form, obtained online or through the relevant typing center
• Your original passport
• Two passport-size pictures, in line with UAE visa photo requirements
• Your entry visa
• Proof of your sponsor’s legal residency / UAE citizenship
• Proof you have passed a medical fitness test*
• Proof of UAE health insurance plan
• For family visas, include proof of family ties, such as birth/marriage certificates
• For a work visa, your sponsor must include the work contract and copies of the company’s valid trade licence and valid firm card
• Any additional documents related to your purpose of travel. For more, see:
  • UAE Work Visa
  • UAE Family Visa
  • UAE Student Visa
  • UAE Investment Visa
  • UAE Retirement Visa

*All foreign nationals who want to live in the UAE on a Residence Visa have to pass a medical exam proving their fitness.

UAE Residence Visa application

You have to apply for a Residence Visa once you’re already in the UAE, meaning you have to enter with an entry permit first. Additionally, just as with the entry permit, in most cases, you cannot apply for your own residence visa: you need a sponsor to apply on your behalf, such as your employer, spouse, etc.

Who can apply for my UAE Residence Visa?

You can only apply for a Residence Visa through a sponsor. However, in certain cases, you may be your own sponsor.

• For a UAE Work Visa, your employer is your sponsor
• For a UAE Student Visa, your school is your sponsor
• For a UAE Family Visa, your family member is your sponsor
• If you are an investor or buy property in the UAE, you can apply yourself and your company/property serves as sponsorship

How to apply for a UAE Residence Visa?

First, your sponsor has to get an Entry Permit for you at one of the following:

• The Federal Authority for Identity and Citizenship
  • The ICA’s eChanel portal
  • The mobile apps for Apple and Android
• The General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs – GDRFA either online (see the websites below) or in-person. If your host applies in-person they must do so through one of the licensed typing centres of the GDRFA in each Emirate or through one of the Amer centres in Dubai.
• GDRFA Dubai mobile apps for Apple and Android

Once you are in the country, your sponsor has to apply for your Residence Visa at the General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs (GDRFA) of the relevant emirate in which you will live.

At the time of application, they will also pay a UAE Residence Visa fee, depending on the validity of your visa.

Once your application is approved, the GDRFA will affix a Residence Visa on your passport, and you will receive an Emirates ID, valid for the same duration as the visa.

The websites of the GDRFA in each emirate:

• Abu Dhabi
• Dubai (see also Amer, a website which Dubai citizens and residents can use to apply for family reunion and visitors can use to extend their Visa On Arrival)
• Sharjah
• Ajman
• Ras Al Khaimah
• Fujairah

UAE Residence Visa fees

The fees for a UAE Residence Visa change depending on what duration your visa is issued for. For one year, the UAE Residence Visa fee is AED100.

Additionally, you will also have to pay a processing fee which also changes depending on where you apply, which can range from AED70 if applying in person or AED40 if applying online.

Please keep in mind that the visa fees are subject to change and that you will have to pay additional fees for medical exams and health insurance as well.

The difference between the UAE Entry Permit and Residence Visa

The difference between the Entry Permit and Residence Visa for the UAE is just as the name suggests:

The Entry Permit allows the holder to enter the UAE and it is valid for only a certain amount of time (usually up to three months). Entry permits are issued based on the purpose of your travel. For example, an entry permit for tourism purposes is a UAE Tourist Visa.

Your sponsor has to apply for your entry permit before you enter the UAE. Once you are in the country on an entry permit, your sponsor can then apply for your residence visa.

Additionally, some nationalities don’t even need an entry permit or can get one on arrival. Basically, if you are exempt from a UAE Tourist Visa, you don’t need to get an entry permit because the two are more or less the same thing.

See how to apply for a UAE Entry Permit (UAE Visa) and who is exempt.

The Residence Visa allows the holder to reside in the UAE long-term. After you enter the country, your sponsor has to apply for your residence visa from the relevant visa-issuing authorities as described above.

How long can I stay with a UAE Residence Visa?

The duration of UAE Residence Visas depends on the purpose of your travel: they are issued for 1, 2 or 3 years and can be renewed.

However, Investment Visas or Retirement Visas are also issued for 5-10 years and are renewable.

Getting a UAE Residence Visa renewal before expiry

Your sponsor has to renew your Residence Visa within the 30 days before it is set to expire.

However, your sponsor may also renew your visa after it expires if it is within the UAE residence visa expiry grace period.

The UAE residence visa renewal procedure is similar to when you first obtained your visa: your sponsor has to apply at the General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs in the relevant emirate.

What’s the UAE Residence Visa expiry grace period?

The UAE authorities offer expatriates a 30-day grace period starting from the time their visa expires. This means that even if your visa has expired, you can stay for an additional 30 days, but if you do not have a visa renewal by then, you must leave the country and re-enter using an entry permit.

If you overstay, you will be fined for each day you have overstayed.

UAE Residence Visa overstay fee

The fees for overstaying your UAE Residence Visa are as follows:

• For the first 6 months (180 days) – AED 25 per day
• For the second 6 months (180 days) – AED 50 per day
• For every day after 1 year has passed – AED 100 per day

UAE Visa renewal for divorced women and widows

As of October 2018, the UAE government has issued a new immigration rule, allowing the widows and divorced women of UAE residents to remain in the country without a sponsor for a year, starting from the passing of their husbands or their divorce. The new rule also includes the children of said women, if any.

To qualify, the women and/or children must have been under the husband’s visa at the time of his death or the divorce and their visas must be valid at the time of application. They can apply at the GDRFA by submitting the following:

• Proof of death or divorce (as applicable)
• Proof of accommodation
• Proof the woman is able to financially support herself
• The Emirates ID Card
• Medical fitness certificates

This type of visa can only be extended once.

What Happens If I Leave The UAE For More Than 6 Months? (UAE Re-entry Rules)

If you are living in the UAE under a residence permit and you leave the country for more than 6 months, your permit becomes invalid, and you cannot re-enter the country without applying for a permit once again. In this case, your sponsor can apply once more on your behalf to obtain a residence permit. 

The following categories are exempt from the six-month residence rule: 

• Golden visa holders and their family members (10-year visa holders). 
• Government employees living abroad for medical reasons or for assignments. 
• Investors with residence permits under approved classification. 
• The wife of an Emirati citizen sponsored by her husband. 
• People sponsored by UAE embassies or consulates. 
• International students enrolled abroad (if they’re living in Dubai). 
• Domestic employees accompanying their employers overseas.

How can I get a Dubai Residence Visa?

Dubai is one of the seven emirates that make up the country of the United Arab Emirates (UAE). As such, the process for getting a Dubai Residence Visa is the same as for any other emirate in the UAE (as explained above).

You must have a sponsor in Dubai (or invest/buy property there). Then, your sponsor has to apply for your entry permit and residence visa at one of the licensed typing centers of the General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs (GDRFA) in Dubai or an Amer center.

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Do I need a visa to transit in Dubai or Abu Dhabi?

You need a visa to transit in Dubai, Abu Dhabi or any other emirate in the UAE if:

• You are not exempt from UAE Tourist Visas or you are not eligible for a UAE Visa On Arrival; and
• Your onward flight is in the next 48 or 96 hours

Nationals of Somalia, Afghanistan, Iraq, Niger and Yemen cannot apply for a Transit Visa for UAE.

Who is exempt from Dubai Transit Visa?

If you are from one of the following countries, you can enter Dubai and any other emirate in the UAE without a visa and as such, you do not need a UAE Transit Visa:

• Bahrain
• Kuwait
• Oman
• Saudi Arabia

If you are from one of the above-mentioned countries, you have freedom of movement and may enter the UAE with simply your passport or ID.

If you are from Mexico, you may enter the UEA without a visa for up to 180 days.

If you are from one of the following countries, you may enter the UAE without a visa for up to 90 days within any 180 day period:

• EU member states (excluding the UK and Ireland)
• Honduras
• Iceland
• Liechtenstein
• Montenegro
• Norway
• Russia
• Saint Vincent and the Grenadines
• Switzerland

If you are from one of the following countries, your may enter the UAE without a visa for up to 90 days.

• Argentina
• Barbados
• Brazil
• Chile
• Nauru
• Paraguay
• Serbia
• Solomon Islands
• Seychelles
• Uruguay

If you are from one of the following countries, you may enter the UAE without a visa for up to 30 days:

• China
• Japan
• Macau
• Ukraine

Who can get a Dubai Visa On Arrival?

If you are from one of the following countries, you can get a Visa On Arrival for Dubai and any other UAE emirate, and so you don’t have to apply for a UAE Transit Visa beforehand:

• Andorra (valid for 30 days)
• Australia (valid for 30 days)
• Bahamas (valid for 90 days)
• Brunei (valid for 30 days)
• Canada (valid for 30 days)
• Costa Rica (valid for 90 days)
• El Salvador (valid for 90 days)
• Hong Kong (valid for 30 days)
• Ireland (valid for 30 days)
• Kazakhstan (valid for 30 days)
• Malaysia (valid for 30 days)
• Maldives (valid for 90 days)
• Mauritius (valid for 30 days)
• Monaco (valid for 30 days)
• Mongolia (valid for 30 days)
• New Zealand (valid for 30 days)
• San Marino (valid for 30 days)
• Singapore (valid for 30 days)
• South Korea (valid for 90 days)
• United Kingdom (valid for 30 days)
• United States (valid for 30 days)
• Vatican City (valid for 30 days)

What Documents Do I Need for a Transit Visa?

When you apply for a UAE Transit Visa, you must submit the following documents to your airline:

• Your passport, valid for at least three more months
• Passport-size pictures of yourself, in line with UAE visa photo requirements
• Flight ticket for onward travel to a third country
• Hotel reservation in UAE

How Can I Apply for a UAE Transit Visa?

You have to apply for a UAE Transit Visa before you travel. But just as with other types of UAE visas, you cannot apply by yourself at a UAE embassy or consulate abroad; you need a sponsor who can apply on your behalf.

Who can sponsor my UAE Transit Visa?

If you need a transit visa for Dubai/UAE, only your UAE-based airline can serve as your sponsor. They are the ones who arrange to get your transit visa from the relevant visa issuing authorities in the UAE. So, if you know you will stop in Dubai or Abu Dhabi or any other emirate on your way to a third destination, then you must contact your airline to start the process of obtaining your transit visa.

If you are travelling through a travel agency, they can help you with the process, but it is only the airlines who arrange your transit visa for you. Travel agencies or private sponsors cannot apply on your behalf, like for tourist visas.

Where to apply for a UAE Transit Visa?

First, you apply through your airline. Then, your airline applies for your transit visa online, through one of the following ways:

• Through the eChanel portal of the UAE Federal Authority for Identity and Citizenship (ICA); or
• Through the websites of the GDRFA in each emirate:
  • Abu Dhabi
  • Dubai (see also Amer, a website which Dubai citizens and residents can use to apply for family reunion and visitors can use to extend their Visa On Arrival)
  • Sharjah
  • Ajman
  • Ras Al Khaimah
  • Fujairah; or
• Through the mobile apps:
  • ICA’s eChanel portal (for Apple and Android)
  • GDRFA Dubai (for Apple and Android)

Where can I apply for a Dubai Transit Visa?

Dubai is part of the country of the UAE, and as such, you can apply for a Dubai Transit Visa in the same way as is detailed above.

How to get an Abu Dhabi Transit Visa?

You can get an Abu Dhabi Transit Visa by arranging for one with an UAE-based airline, in the same process as is detailed above. That’s because Abu Dhabi is one of the emirates making up the UAE, and so you actually need a UAE visa not an Abu Dhabi Visa.

How long is the UAE Transit Visa valid?

A UAE Transit visa is valid for 14 days starting from the date it is issued. You must use it within those days. However, once you have travelled to the UAE, you can only stay for 48 hours or 96 hours, depending on the type of Transit Visa you receive.

How long can I stay in UAE with a Transit Visa?

There are two types of transit visas for Dubai/UAE:

• 48-hour Transit Visa
• 96-hour Transit Visa

You cannot stay in the country beyond the date that the visa is issued for. The countdown starts from the time you enter the UAE.

Can you extend a UAE Transit Visa?

No, you cannot extend your UAE Transit Visa beyond the number of hours that is is issued for. If you’ve received a 48-hour Transit Visa, you cannot extend it to a 96-hour one, nor can you extend the 96-hour for longer than that.

UAE Transit Visa price

The price of the transit visa depends on they type:

• The 48-hour UAE transit visa is free of charge
• The 96-hour UAE transit visa is AED 50 (about US$13 – US$14)

How long does it take to get a UAE Transit Visa?

A UAE Transit Visa is usually processed within 3-4 working days, but may take longer depending on the airline, your country, and other specific circumstances.

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The UAE has a relatively new boosting economy. As such, the hospitals there are more modern than a lot of those in the West. This, coupled with government-led initiatives to facilitate the process of obtaining a visa, it has led to a rise in the number of medical tourists which the UAE has received in recent years.

UAE hospitals offer an array of medical and cosmetic surgeries in their private and public sector hospitals and medical facility complexes.

Foreigners wishing to receive medical treatment in the UAE, and who are from visa-required countries, have to get a Patient Entry Permit from one of the visa-issuing authorities in the UAE.

How Can I Get a UAE Medical Treatment Visa?

You do not have to visit a UAE embassy or consulate in your country in order to get a Medical Treatment Visa. As with all other types of visas for the UAE, it is your sponsor (ie. the hospital where you will receive medical treatment) that’s in charge of arranging your visa/patient entry permit. To be allowed to sponsor your visit, the hospital has to be licensed and registered in the UAE.

Your sponsor applies through one of the visa-issuing authorities in the UAE.

Applying for a Medical Visa for Dubai

To get you a patient entry permit for Dubai, your sponsor applies through the General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs (GDRFA) in Dubai.

Applying for a Medical Visa for Abu Dhabi and the other Emirates

If you will receive medical treatment in a hospital in Abu Dhabi, or another of UAE’s seven emirates, then your sponsor applies for the visa through the eChanel platforms of the Federal Authority for Identity and Citizenship (ICA).

What Documents Do I Need for a UAE Medical Treatment Visa?

The documents which are required when you apply for a Medical Treatment Visa for the UAE include:

• A copy of your passport
• A letter from your hospital explaining the reason behind your visit
• Proof of financial solvency
• Proof of your medical insurance that covers your entire stay in the UAE

What is the Validity of a UAE Patient Entry Permit?

A medical treatment visa (UAE Patient Entry Permit) allows the holder to remain in the country for a period of up to 90 days, from the day of entry. Once the visa is issued, you have to enter the UAE within 60 days.

There are two types of UAE Patient Entry Permits:

• Single-entry, which allows the holder to only enter the UAE once and stay for a maximum of 90 days
• Multiple-entry, which allows the holder multiple entries in the UAE for up to 90 days

Can you Extend a UAE Patient Entry Permit?

Yes, you can. Your sponsor can apply to extend your UAE Patient Entry Permit only once and only if they can provide proof you need further medical treatment (ie. a certified medical report).

UAE Patient Companion Entry Permit

If you are accompanying a patient who needs medical assistance in the UAE, you must have a UAE Patient Companion Entry Permit. It is the hospital that applies for your entry permit as well.

Additionally, you and the patient have to enter the country together.

To apply for a UAE Patient Companion Entry Permit, your sponsor submits:

• Photocopies of your passport
• Proof of health insurance
• Proof of financial solvency

What is the Validity of a Patient Companion Entry Permit?

The validity of a Patient Companion Entry Permit is the same as for a Medical Visa/Patient Entry Permit: It must be used within 60 days, and once you enter the country, you can remain for up to 90 days.

The visa can be issued for single-, or multiple-entries and can be extended only once, provided that the patient really needs further treatment as well as you presence in the country.

Who Needs to Get a UAE Medical Treatment Visa/Patient Companion Entry Permit?

Because the UAE Medical Treatment Visa and the Patient Companion Visa are simply entry permits (not Residence Visas), nationals of certain countries are allowed to enter visa-free or they can obtain a visa on arrival. The UAE government allows nationals of the following countries visa-free travel for short periods of time.

Visa-free stay for up to 180 days

Nationals of Mexico may enter the UEA without a visa for up to 180 days.

Visa-free stay for up to 90 days

Nationals of the following countries may enter the UAE without a visa for up to 90 days within any 180 day period:

• EU member states (excluding the UK and Ireland)
• Honduras
• Iceland
• Liechtenstein
• Montenegro
• Norway
• Russia
• Saint Vincent and the Grenadines
• Switzerland

Nationals of the following countries may enter the UAE without a visa for up to 90 days.

• Argentina
• Barbados
• Brazil
• Chile
• Nauru
• Paraguay
• Serbia
• Solomon Islands
• Seychelles
• Uruguay

Visa-free stay for up to 30 days

Nationals of the following countries may enter the UAE without a visa for up to 30 days:

• China
• Japan
• Macau
• Ukraine

Eligible for UAE Visa On Arrival

Citizens of the countries listed below may obtain a UAE Visa On Arrival, valid for either 30 or 90 days, depending on the country:

• Andorra (valid for 30 days)
• Australia (valid for 30 days)
• Bahamas (valid for 90 days)
• Brunei (valid for 30 days)
• Canada (valid for 30 days)
• Costa Rica (valid for 90 days)
• El Salvador (valid for 90 days)
• Hong Kong (valid for 30 days)
• Ireland (valid for 30 days)
• Kazakhstan (valid for 30 days)
• Malaysia (valid for 30 days)
• Maldives (valid for 90 days)
• Mauritius (valid for 30 days)
• Monaco (valid for 30 days)
• Mongolia (valid for 30 days)
• New Zealand (valid for 30 days)
• San Marino (valid for 30 days)
• Singapore (valid for 30 days)
• South Korea (valid for 90 days)
• United Kingdom (valid for 30 days)
• United States (valid for 30 days)
• Vatican City (valid for 30 days)

Note:

Nationals of the following countries (other members of the Gulf Cooperation Council) have freedom of movement and may enter the UAE with simply their passport or ID:

• Bahrain
• Kuwait
• Oman
• Saudi Arabia

Non-native residents of GCC countries are not exempt from UAE visas, but they can apply through a facilitated online process if they’re traveling with a GCC national.

There is some conflicting information online in regards to whether certain nationals are allowed to travel visa-free or not, namely Grenada, the Solomon Islands, Nauru, Liberia, and Mongolia.

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With the mix of modern architecture right next to the historical and cultural landmarks, UAE attracts millions of tourists every year.

If you are planning a trip to the UAE, you may find that you need to apply for a UAE visa (or not, depending on your country). The UAE government allows nationals of several countries to enter without a visa for short stays.

Do I Need a Visa to Visit Dubai or the Other Emirates?

Whether you need a UAE visa or not depends on your nationality. Citizens of some countries are allowed to enter the Emirates without a visa or obtain one upon arrival, while others have to get it before they travel.

See the lists of who needs a UAE visa and who is exempt below:

Nationals of the following countries who have a diplomatic or service passport are also exempt from a UAE tourist visa or eligible for a UAE Visa On Arrival:

*Diplomatic passport only

Citizens of all countries not mentioned above have to get a UAE visa before they travel.

What is a UAE Entry Permit?

The UAE Entry Permit is the document you have to obtain if you need a visa to enter the country. It is valid for a certain number of days, depending on your purpose of travel.

Your sponsor has to get an entry permit for you before you travel from by General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs (GDRFA). The number of days you are allowed to stay in the UAE with an entry permit depends on the purpose of your travel:

• If you are transiting, you will receive an entry permit (transit visa) for up to 48 or 96 hours.
• If you’ll enter as a tourist, your entry permit is valid for up to 30 days (ie. tourist visa).
• If you’re entering for employment purposes, your entry permit is valid for up to 60 days etc.

As such, a tourist visa and an entry permit are more or less the same thing.

Please Note:

There is some conflicting information online regarding UAE Visa entry requirements for some countries.

Liberia and Mongolia

• It does not claim anywhere else other than the website of the IATA that Liberia and Mongolia citizens are visa-exempt.

Grenada

• The website of the Government of UAE as well as the Embassy of the United Arab Emirates in London state that Grenada citizens are eligible for a UAE visa on arrival valid for 90 days.
• The website of International Air Transport Association (IATA) and the website of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of UAE do not support this information.

Nauru

• The website of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs states Nauru citizens do not require a visa for UAE whereas the IATA and the Government of UAE websites do not hold the same information.

Solomon Islands

• According to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs website, citizens of the Solomon Islands do not need a visa for UAE. This information is not supported by the Government of UAE website.

Do I Need a Separate Dubai Visa if I Have a UAE Visa?

No, you do not. There is actually no separate “Dubai Visa” since Dubai is not a country on its own; it is part of the UAE. If you have a visa allowing you to enter the UAE, then you can travel to any of its emirates, Dubai included.

Do I Need a Separate Abu Dhabi Visa if I Have a Dubai/UAE Visa?

Abu Dhabi is one of the seven emirates making up the UAE, as well as the capital. As such, if you are planning on visiting Dubai and Abu Dhabi, you do not need to get a separate visa for each. If you are a visa-required national, you only have to apply for a UAE Tourist Visa and you can visit all seven of its emirates, including Abu Dhabi.

If you are exempt from UAE Tourist Visas, the process is even simpler since you can travel with just your passport.

What are the Types of UAE Visas?

The four main types of visas that the UAE offer are:

• UAE Tourist Visas, which, as the name suggests are issued for tourism purposes or any other purpose which is shorter than 30 days and does not require you to take up employment and long-term residence in the UAE.
• UAE Residence Visas are for foreigners who wish to relocate to the UAE. This includes:
  • UAE Student Visa
  • UAE Work Visa
  • UAE Family Visa
  • UAE Retirement Visa
  • Dubai Digital Nomad Visa
• Long-Term Residence Visas (Investor Visa), which is issued for a period of 5-10 years and does not require a sponsor. However, you must invest a substantial amount of money in the UAE to qualify for this type of visa.
• UAE Transit Visas, which are issued to foreigners who have to transit through the UAE. These types of visas are issued for 48 or 96 hours.

What is a UAE Residence Visa?

Foreigners who want to move to the UAE need to have a Residence Visa. However, prior to that, they must also obtain an Entry Permit. The difference between an entry permit and a residence visa for the UAE is:

The UAE Residence Visa is the document you have to obtain after you are already in the UAE with an Entry Permit and want to stay longer than the number of days the permit allows. Your sponsor (who must meet GDRFA’s requirements) has to apply for your Residence Visa.

UAE Visa Requirements

When applying for a tourist visa for the UAE, you must have several documents to support your application, such as:

• Photocopies of your passport and the passport of your sponsor. You need a passport that has at least 6 months validity.
• Photocopy of the passport’s relevant pages. In some cases, you may not need to submit your original passport at all. You may include photocopies of the relevant pages of your passport (or all the pages on your passport).
• Passport-size pictures, in line with UAE visa photo requirements.
• If you are a female travelling alone: A No Objection Certificate (NOC) from your father or husband.
• A confirmed round-trip airline ticket or an airline ticket for onward travel. If you are applying through an airline, the ticket must be from that airline.
• Proof of accommodation, such as your hotel.
• Proof of purchased travel medical insurance for UAE
• A letter from you, stating the purpose and duration of your visit
• Proof of legal residence in your country (ie. your visa or residence permit). This only applies if you are not a citizen of the country in which you are living.
• If you have a host:
  • Proof of your relationship to the host
  • Proof of their residential status: A copy of your host’s UAE Resident Visa and/or their Emirates ID
  • Proof of their financial status: Certified copy of their work contract or their salary certificate
• Proof of previous travels:
  • If you have been to the UAE in the last year, submit copies of the entry and exit stamps on your passport
  • Copies of any visas to the USA, UK, Schengen Area, Canada, Russia, Australia or New Zealand you have received within the past 5 years
• You may also be required to provide:
  • Proof of your financial status
  • Proof of your current address
  • Marriage certificate
• Any additional documents required by the relevant visa issuing authorities in Dubai/UAE

How to Apply for a Visa for UAE?

Unlike most countries, the UAE does not issue visas through its embassies or consulates overseas. Additionally, you cannot submit a UAE Visa application yourself – you must have a sponsor in the UAE or apply through an authorized agency to submit it on your behalf, such as:

• A host or sponsor who is living in the UAE.
• A licensed travel agency through which you purchase the travel ticket. Travel agencies in your country may also be collaborating with a local tour operator in the UAE and offer tourist packages. Make sure that the travel agency you hire is reputable and licensed before you pay them.
• The hotel in which you are staying in the UAE.
• One of the following airlines provided that you’ll be flying with them:
  • Etihad Airways
  • Emirates Airline
  • Fly Dubai
  • Air Arabia

Where to Apply for a UAE Visa?

UAE visa applications can be submitted either online or in-person at one of the following agencies:

• Through the eChanel portal of the Federal Authority for Identity and Citizenship – ICA ,through which hosts, travel agencies or other sponsors can apply for a UAE Visa on your behalf. (online only)
• Through the website of the General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs – GDRFA (online and in-person).
  • The websites of the GDRFA in each emirate:
    • Abu Dhabi
    • Dubai (see also Amer, a website which Dubai citizens and residents can use to apply for family reunion and visitors can use to extend their Visa On Arrival)
    • Sharjah
    • Ajman
    • Ras Al Khaimah
    • Fujairah
  • Mobile apps:
    • ICA’s eChanel portal (for Apple and Android)
• Your sponsor or host can also apply through one of the licensed typing centres of the GDRFA in each Emirate or through one of the Amer centres in Dubai.

UAE eVisa Application for GCC Residents

Residents of any of the GCC countries are not exempt from visa requirements like GCC nationals are, but they are entitled to a facilitated online application process if they are travelling with GCC citizens. The GCC stands for Gulf Cooperation Council, and the countries participating in it are Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and the United Arab Emirates.

If you are a GCC resident, you can apply for a UAE visa through one of the following websites:

• Here – For an Entry Permit
• Here – For a Resident Visa

Once you apply, you will receive your visa at the address which you provided. Your UAE visa is valid for 30 days, and may be extended once more for 30 additional days.

If you are a GCC resident who will be travelling alone (not with a GCC national) you cannot apply through the online portal.

How Long Can I Stay in the UAE With a Visa?

When you receive a UAE visa, you will usually have about 60 days to use it to enter the country. Upon entry, the number of days you are allowed to stay in the UAE depends on the purpose of your travel.

As a tourist, you can stay for up to 30 days. If you are transiting, you are allowed to stay only for up to 4 days. UAE visas for employment are issued for a maximum of 2 months, during which time you have to convert it into a Residence Visa or leave the country.

Can You Extend a UAE Visa?

Yes, you can. As of 2018, you can extend almost any UAE visa or entry permit two times, each for 30 additional days and for a fee of AED 600. You have to apply for a visa extension before your current visa expires, otherwise you’ll be fined for overstaying.

You may not apply for a UAE visa extension if you fall under one of the following categories:

• You are a visitor or tourist and you are a resident of a GCC country
• You are a GCC resident who is accompanying a GCC national
• You hold a special entry permit
• You have a 96-hour permit for special missions

UAE Residence Visa extension for widows or divorced women

The UAE government offers a Residence Visa extension for divorced women or widows which allows them to remain in the country for another year starting from the time of divorce or death of their husbands without the need for a sponsor. The visa also includes their children.

They must apply through the websites or typing centres of the relevant GDRFA in their Emirate of residence.

What Happens if I Overstay in Dubai on a Tourist Visa?

If you overstay your Dubai visa, you will have to pay a fine of AED 100 for every day that you have overstayed. If you know you need to stay longer, you should apply for a visa extension.

Can You Work in Dubai With Tourist Visa?

No, you cannot. A tourist or visitor visa for UAE does not authorize the holder to work. If you want to take up employment, you must apply for a UAE Work Visa and Work Permit.

If you work in the UAE without authorization, even if you’re not paid, you will be deported and may have to pay a fine.

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US Citizens 

1. Kuwait: Often referred to as the Jewel of the Middle East, it comes as no surprise that this is a destination of choice for tourists heading out of the US. You can apply for a visa when you land, and it is currently a level one safe destination as ranked by the travel advisory service. 
2. Paraguay: The authorities in Paraguay are happy for travellers to obtain their visas on arrival. This South American country has a troubled past but currently is enjoying a more peaceful way of life and is also a level one safe destination. 
3. Zambia: One of the great appeals for tourists arriving in Zambia is the myriad of safari animals and wildlife that calls this magnificent country home. Visitors may also want to climb Kilimanjaro, and the visa-on-arrival system of this level 1 safe destination country makes that easy.
4. Zimbabwe: Another national park destination for animal lovers, US citizens can grab their tourist visas on arrival and head off to explore the wilds – level 1 safe destination.
5. Togo: Picturesque and beautiful; Togo is a level 2 destination, so be cautious, but it does enable you to get your visa sorted after you land. 

UK Citizens

1. Egypt: Visit the pyramids, see the Pharaoh’s tombs and enjoy the warmth with an on-arrival 30-day tourist visa if you are a UK citizen. 
2. Seychelles: If you are looking for a dream beach destination, then Seychelles is an excellent choice with long stretches of sand, a favourable climate and plenty of delicious local cuisine a stone’s throw from the sand. If you have UK citizenship, you can apply for your visa once you have landed here, and a tourist visa is valid for 90 days. 
3. Madagascar: Another dream destination for those wanting to see game animals in their natural environment. There are several national parks, and there is something truly magical about a sunset over the trees here. You can get a tourist visa when you arrive, valid for 90 days. 
4. UAE: The UAE has some pretty impressive city architecture, and this includes some fantastic sky-level restaurants. There is also a famous water park, Snoopy Island and the Dubai fountain ripe for exploration. You can apply to stay for 30 days on arrival, any longer, and you must apply for an extended tourist visa. 
5. Kuwait: UK citizens are also eligible for an on-arrival visa in Kuwait valid for up to 90 days. 

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