Apply for a UAE Residence Visa with Connect Zone
The United Arab Emirates is an attractive country to live in. Thousands of people decide to start a new life surrounded with:
- tall skyscrapers
- beautiful beaches
- an avant-garde structure
Application for a UAE residence visa is necessary to achieve this.
Here you will find information about:
- the UAE residence visa
- who can opt for one
- what are the requirements to apply for it
- what is the cost of this type of visa
- how we can help you obtain it
1. What is a residence visa?
A residence visa in the UAE is a permit. The government of the United Arab Emirates issues it. Foreigners live and work in the country with the permit.
This permit is valid for:
- 2 years
- 3 years
- even 10 years
A person can renew it as many times as they need.
Many foreign families live in the Emirates for many years. They renew their visas at the appropriate time. Permanent stay does not exist in this country. Being a resident in the UAE means having a stamp in your passport and living in the country.
2. Types of residence visas in the UAE
The type of visa you apply for is related to your trip’s purpose. For example:
2.1 Work visa
This type of visa is for people:
- who found work in the United Arab Emirates
- who obtained the work permit
2.2 Family visa
Close relatives of citizens or foreigners who reside there can apply for this visa.
2.3 Student visa
Opting for this type of visa are:
- foreigners who have applied in educational organisations
- have been accepted in some of the institutions of the UAE
2.4 Investment visa
People who make a large investment in the UAE opt for this type of visa. This visa has a longer duration than the other residence visas. It is up to ten years.
2.5 Retirement visa
It is for elderly foreigners:
- who want to return to the United Arab Emirates
- have the financial support to do so
3. Who is eligible for UAE residency?
Foreigners apply for a residence visa if they are:
3.1 Employed by a company
The company that hired the person will act as their sponsor. It will apply for a residence visa while this person is within the UAE.
3.2 Employed by the government sector
The corresponding government entity will be in charge of acting as a sponsor. They will also be the one applying for the residence visa.
3.3 Owners of a property in the UAE
Those who own property in the United Arab Emirates are eligible for a residence visa. They qualify for a property visa too.. For this visa will be sponsored under the property they own.
3.4 University students sponsored
Students who carry out their studies in an Institute of the United Arab Emirates apply for this visa. The university will be in charge of being the sponsor. They will request the visa under the name of the institution.
3.5 Sponsored dependents
Dependents sponsored by:
- A business owner/investor in the UAE
- A property owner in the UAE
- Someone who has found a job in the UAE
You must remember that dependents include:
- parents
- children
- close relatives
- maids
Also, a residence visa is issued when the foreigner has decided to enter the country through an entry permit, a long or a short-term tourist or visit visa.
4. How to get a residence visa in the Emirates?
You must follow the following steps to apply for a residence visa:
4.1 Legalisation of documents
Complete the application process for a UAE residence visa. You will need the attestation of the university certificate. Get it at the embassy of the United Arab Emirates in your home country. This process can take from 2 to 6 weeks.
4.2 Entry permit
They will deliver the entry permit to you in a period of 6 to 9 business days. In some cases, the authorities select some applications for extra review. This makes the process longer.
After the application, the authorities can approve or deny the entry permit. It depends on the deduction of the immigration department.
4.3 Status change
After the approval, the foreigner becomes eligible to enter the United Arab Emirates. This permit is valid for all internal applicants who do not need to leave the country.
The validity of the entry permit is 60 days after the date of issuance. Register the entrance to the country in this period. Do this at any of the country’s entry points. Another way to perform this step is to leave the country and enter again using the issued entry permit.
4.4 Medical examination
All foreigners over 18 years of age undergo medical check-ups before entering UAE. It is a part of the UAE’s immigration regulations. The medical examination includes:
- a chest X-ray for tuberculosis screening
- a blood test for HIV/AIDS
The process of this medical report takes from 1 to 4 business days.
4.5 Emirates ID registration and biometrics
Every person over 15 years of age must attend a biometric appointment,. It includes the following:
- A digital signature
- Fingerprinting
- A photograph at an approved government centre
For renewing an Emirates ID, the biometric process will not be necessary. The delivery time of the ID is 14 business days. This will depend on:
- the approval of your residence
- the issuance of the visa
4.6 Visa stamping
Complete the medical check-up. If the report is normal, the immigration authorities will approve the residence permit. The UAE residence visa will be stamped on your passport. This process usually takes 5 to 7 days.
4.7 Receiving Emirates ID Card
The government authorities will approve your visa. They will process your Emirates ID. The EID authorities issue the ID. It is after they receive confirmation from the Immigration department. The total time for this is 7 business days.
5. What are the requirements to apply for a residence visa?
Submit these documents:
- Your original passport
- Entry permit
- The UAE visa application received either online or via the nearest typing centre
- Two photos the size of your passport, as stated in the visa application regulations in the UAE
- For a work visa, the company must include:
- a copy of the employment contract
- copies of the valid firm card
- valid trade licence
- Proof of your UAE medical insurance plan
- For family visas, include proof of family ties. For example, marriage certificates or birth certificates.
6. The cost of a residence visa in the UAE
The cost of a residence visa in the UAE will depend on its validity period. You can view some prices in the following list:
- Investor visa: This 3-year residence visa in Dubai costs AED 2,478 per year.
- Family visa (For the family of a partner): This 3 year residence visa in Dubai costs AED 2,478 per year.
- Family visa (For the family of an employee): This visa has a validity period of 2 years and has a cost of AED 3,727.
- Working visa: This visa has a validity period of 2 years and has a cost of AED 3,727.
7. Benefits of being a resident in the Emirates
Enjoy the following benefits:
- Access government health services and health insurance
- Access financial facilities
- Open a bank account
- Apply for a driving licence
- Travel visa-free to certain destinations
- Work and invest
- Register your children in government schools
8. How to renew your UAE residence visa?
To renew your visa, your sponsor must do so within 30 days before the expiry date. Your sponsor can renew after the expiry date. It is possible as long as it is within the UAE residence visa’s expiry grace period.
Your sponsor must apply for a new Visa for you at:
- the General Directorate of Residency
- Foreigners Affairs in the corresponding Emirate
8.1 UAE Residence visa: Expiry grace period
The authorities of the United Arab Emirates offer an extension of time when your UAE residence visa expires. This time is 30 days. It means that even if your visa expired you can stay in the country for one more month.
If at the end of 30 days you have not renewed your visa, you must leave the country and enter again with an entry permit. If you stay longer, you will receive a fine for each extra day.
9. Differences between the entry permit and a residence visa
These are the difference between an entry permit and a UAE residence visa:
- Foreigners enter the country for a specific period with an entry permit. It is usually three months.
- This permit goes by the purpose of your trip. An entry permit for tourism is a UAE tourist visa.
- Your sponsor applies for your entry permit before you enter the United Arab Emirates.
- Your sponsor will be able to apply for your residence visa after you have entered the UAE.
Some nationalities do not need an entry permit. They can get one upon arrival in the country.
The new residence visa in the UAE allows foreigners to live in the country for a longer period. Once you enter the country, your sponsor must complete the application process for a residence visa. It has to be done with the corresponding government entities.
10. How can we help you apply for a UAE residence visa?
The United Arab Emirates receives thousands of people. They are looking for a change in their lives. These changes always bring with them:
- procedures
- paperwork
- a lot of documentation
This is where Connect Zone can be your best ally. We will be with you every step of the way to get your UAE residence visa. We offer you our services through your visa application.
Want to learn more? Contact us by writing an email to info@connectzone.ae.
