Different Types of Visas for Dubai

Dubai has firmly established itself as one of the world’s premier business and leisure destinations. And the liberal visa policy has contributed significantly to this popularity. There are many options that allow entry, and this article addresses the main types of visas for Dubai.

Aside from the standard visit or residency visa, Dubai provides special visas to meet a variety of needs, ranging from medical treatment to disaster migration. Here’s a handy list of all the special Dubai visas to help you apply for the right one.

Tourist Visa

Tourist visas are issued to those who do not qualify for visa on arrival or visa-free entry into the UAE. Individual tourists from all over the world who meet the criteria can apply for a tourist visa. Females under the age of 18 are not eligible to apply for this type of visa unless accompanied by their parents.

Tourist visas to the UAE can be issued for 30 or 90 days, single or multiple entry, depending on your plans. The UAE recently facilitated a five-year visa that allows tourists to enter the country multiple times on self-sponsorship and stay for 90 days on each visit, which can be extended for another 90 days.

Extending the UAE Tourist Visa

All types of visit and tourist visas can be extended for 30 days twice, once upon application and once upon approval by the appropriate authority. This can be accomplished without leaving the country.

Visitors and tourists can apply for a second renewal before the first one expires for AED 600 each time.

Overstayers who do not renew their visas will be fined AED 100 per day of their overstay, beginning 10 days after the visa expires.

However, the new extension rule does not apply to the following categories:

• Visitors and tourists who live in GCC countries;
• residents accompanying GCC nationals;
• those with special entry permits;
• those with 96-hour visas.

eVisa for GCC Residents

Residents of the GCC who want to visit Dubai can apply for an eVisa. It is valid for 30 days and can be renewed for another 30 days if it expires.

You must have the following qualifications to be eligible for the visa:

• GCC residency is required (valid at least three months from the arrival date).
• A current passport (valid at least three months from the arrival date).

Conditions for applying for an eVisa

• After their application is approved, GCC residents will receive their eVisa directly to their registered email address.
• If a GCC resident’s profession changes after receiving an entry permit, they will be denied entry to Dubai.
• If the sponsor is not traveling with GCC citizens, the visa application will be denied.

UAE Golden Visa

The UAE Golden Visa is one of the long-term residence visas available in the UAE, allowing people from all over the world to live, work, and study there. UAE Golden Visas granted for five or ten years are automatically renewed.

You are eligible for a Golden visa if you are a(n):

• Real estate investor
• Entrepreneur
• PhD holder in the United Arab Emirates
• Graduate from UAE-accredited universities with a 3.75 GPA.
• UAE-based engineer in computer science, biotechnology, programming, electronics, and electricity
• Expert in Epidemiology and Viruses, Artificial Intelligence, Big Data, Computer Engineering, Electronics Engineering, Software Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Genetic Engineering, and Biotechnology Engineering).
• Top UAE high school graduates and their families.

You can learn more about the UAE Golden Visa here.

Dubai Business Visa

A business visa is a component of the Golden Visa program, which allows foreigners to obtain a long-term visa for themselves and their dependents. It aims to create an appealing environment for businesses and economic growth in the UAE.

Professionals with entrepreneurial experience from any country are eligible to apply for the business visa. Anyone who has previously owned a business and wishes to do so again in the UAE is considered an eligible entrepreneur.

You must do the following to obtain Dubai business visa:

• be able to substantiate your entrepreneurial experience
• have been a majority shareholder or a member of a start-senior up’s leadership
• be willing to relocate to the UAE and legally establish a business in one of the seven emirates
• have a business idea or a business plan that you wish to bring to life in the UAE.

In addition, applicants must successfully complete the Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs, and Ports Security requirements, which include a background check and health assessment.

After receiving the visa, the applicant is permitted to:

• To facilitate the procedures of establishing the business
• enter the country for a period of six months with a multiple-entry visa
• nominate up to three of his business’s senior staff to obtain residency.

Dubai Remote Working Visa

Many industries have changed their working patterns as a result of the pandemic, and many people now prefer to work remotely. This means that whether you work for a company or as a freelancer, you can work from anywhere in the world.

What are the requirements for Dubai Remote Working Visa?

The UAE government has announced a one-year residence visa for such individuals. The following are the visa requirements:

• A passport that is valid for at least six months
• Health coverage
• Evidence of employment/ownership
• A one-year employment contract is required.
• Previous pay stubs three months prior to bank statement.
• A monthly salary/income of at least USD 5,000 is required.

Dubai Medical Visa

Those seeking medical treatment in the city are issued a Patient Entry Permit (also known as a Dubai Medical Visa). Both patients and their companions can obtain these types of entry permits. There are two main types:

• Only one entry Entry permits for patients and their companions
• Multiple-entry Entry permits for patients and their companions

Dubai hospitals provide advanced treatment for a variety of medical and cosmetic needs. Your sponsor must apply for a Dubai Medical Visa through the General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs (GDRFA).

Following are the documents required to apply for a Dubai Medical Visa:

• A duplicate of your passport
• Proof of financial solvency
• A letter from your hospital explaining your condition and the reason for your visit
• Medical insurance documentation

Dubai Retirement Visa

This is one of the more popular types of visa for Dubai. Many retirees plan their retirement in Dubai since it provides several benefits. Retired residents 55 and older are eligible to apply for a long-term residence visa in the region. The Dubai retirement visa is valid for five years and can the UAE government provides 4 options to be eligible for Dubai retirement visa:

• Option 1: A yearly income of AED180,000 (approximately $49,000) or AED15,000 (approximately $4,100) per month.
• Option 2: AED1 million (approximately US$275,000) in a 3-year fixed deposit.
• Option 3: Own a property worth AED1 million (approximately US$275,000).
• Option 4: A combination of Options 1 and 2, worth at least AED1 million (approximately US$275,000) in a 3-year fixed deposit and property worth AED500,000 each.

Which types of Visas for Dubai is best for you?

Depending on your intention, the types of visas for Dubai would vary. Following are some of the factors that you need to consider:

• Duration of your stay (if it’s just for a month, a Tourist visa would suffice)
• Intention of your stay (are you planning to start a business?)
• Do you require a bank account?
• Do you intend to retire in Dubai?
• Do you have enough money to invest in Dubai?

Based on your answers to the above questions, the options available to move to Dubai would vary.

Dubai Student Visa

A student visa is issued to university or college students who are studying in the UAE. The student must be over the age of 18.

Requirements for a Student Visa

To obtain a freshman student visa, the applicant must first obtain an official admission letter from the university where he will be studying. A certificate of continuation of study is required for older students. Other prerequisites include:

• passing a medical fitness test;
• approval from the relevant General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs (GDRFA)
• a visa sponsor, either the university itself or a parent or relative.