Guide to Entry Permits in the UAE: Everything You Need to Know

An entry permit is an important document for foreigners who want to travel to the UAE, either for tourism, work, or residence matters. Therefore, it is important to understand how to apply for it depending on your particular case.

In this article, you are going to learn all the basics about applying for an entry permit for the UAE. Moreover, you will learn what is entry permit in uae and how to check it once you have applied.

Understanding Entry Permits: A Guide for Expatriates Moving to the UAE

Whether you are deciding to start a business in Dubai as a foreigner or you are looking for work in the UAE, the primary requirement for travelling to the Emirates is obtaining an entry permit.

If you are an expatriate looking to move to the UAE, You have to carry out the process for obtaining an entry permit.

Most commonly, it is issued to those individuals who want to apply for a residence visa. This is because with this document you are able to enter the UAE and stay for a specific period to finalize your procedures for the residency.

In other cases such as visiting for tourism, attending an event, or just passing by the UAE to travel to somewhere else you will have to get an entry permit too.

The following are the characteristics of this important document for foreigners:

• It has a varied validity depending on the purpose of the entrance.
• Some types of visas are also referred to as entry permits Since they grant permission to enter the Emirates for a short time.
• If the person who wants to enter the UAE needs sponsorship, the sponsor will be in charge of handling all the transactions of the permit.

Types of Entry Permits in the UAE: Exploring the Options

One of the advantages of the UAE is that it offers several options for entry permits. So, depending if you are planning to start freelancing in Dubai or looking for a long-term residency, you have to know how to apply for an entry permit.

The following are the different types of permits for entrance in the UAE:

• Permit for the issuance of a work visa.
• Permits for medical treatments in the UAE.
• Transit visas are also known as permits for entrance.
• Tourist permits are issued for those who want to enter the UAE for tourism purposes and for that reason are known as entry permits too. Thus there are different types such as a multi-entry or a single-entry tourist visa.
• Entry permits for visit visas: To explore job opportunities, to explore business opportunities, for visiting a relative, and for studying, training, or rehabilitation.
• Entry permits for the issuance of a residence visa.

Step-by-Step Guide to Obtaining an Entry Permit for the UAE

The process for applying for this document in the UAE will vary depending on the type of permit you will need. Nonetheless, the UAE authorities have streamlined the process so individuals can carry out online.

Therefore you can obtain your permit by following the next steps:

1. Visit the Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs & Port Security (ICP) official website.
2. On the “Services” tab, find “Services for individuals” and click it.
3. Scroll until you find the service for “Issuing entry permits” and click on “info”.
4. Once you are taken to the next page you can click on start service to start your application.
5. If you are already registered in the ICP platform you can access using your credentials or UAE pass. If this is your first time on the ICP platform, then you have to register.
6. Fill in the application form providing valid and trustworthy details to ensure it gets approved.
7. Pay the required fees and wait for approval.
8. If your application gets approved you will receive notification of entry issuance.

Work Entry Permits in the UAE: Requirements and Application Process

Foreigners who have secured a job contract in the UAE need to obtain a work entry permit to continue with the hiring procedures. Thus, the employer should be in charge of applying for this document through the GDRFA or ICP website.

This document will be valid for 60 days from the date of entry and during this time, the employee has to finalize all the formalities to start the job.

The following are the requirements:

• Passport with a validity of at least 6 months from the date of application.
• Health insurance
• Employment contract
• Personal photo

In the case of a permit for work but for green residency, it is a self-sponsored document, and the individual has to submit additionally a MOHRE Certificate proving he or she is a skilled worker or self-employed.

The process to apply is the following:

1. Enter the ICP website
2. Look for “Services” on the menu and search for “Issuing entry permits”.
3. Click on “Start Service” and access using your personal information.
4. Fill in the required data by ensuring there are no errors.
5. Pay the fees and wait the processing time, which could be no less than 48 hours.

Keep in mind you can check entry permit status once you have submitted your application.

Once you get your entry permit, you can travel to the UAE and continue with the formalities. For instance, you have to pass the medical test and obtain your Emirates ID.

Family Entry Permits: Bringing Loved Ones to the UAE

To obtain an entry permit for your relative to visit you in the UAE, you have to gather the following documentation:

• Evidence of kinship
• The reason behind the visit
• Copy of residence permit
• Passport copy
• Health insurance
• Flight ticket
• Financial guarantee of 1000 AED for a single trip and AED 2000 for several trips.

Once your loved one enters the Emirates, you can continue with the procedure for applying for their residency if you would like. If your relative wants to come back to their country, then the permit may be valid for 30, 60 or 90 days.

Moreover, you can apply for this permit through the ICP, GDRFA or a Customer Happiness Center.

Tourist Entry Permits: How to Visit the UAE for Leisure or Business

In case you are planning to apply for a 5-year multiple-entry tourist visa or a short-term tourist visa, you must know if you need an entry permit first.

Some countries are exempted from obtaining a permit to enter the UAE and they can stay in the Emirates for a specific period. However, if you plan to stay longer, you may have to apply for a visa.

The good news is that in the UAE there are many types of tourist entry permits, so you can choose the one that suits your needs. Some of them are the following:

• Single visit entry visa: the individual must have a sponsor or host and it is valid for 30 or 60 days.
• Multi-entry tourist visa: the individual can enter the UAE multiple times and this permit is valid for 30 or 60 days.
• Multi-entry tourist permit (long-term): this permit is valid for 5 years and the holder can enter the UAE multiple times during its validity.

Student Entry Permits: Navigating Education Opportunities in the UAE

If you are planning to study in the UAE, you have to apply for a permit first. Also known as a student visa, you can reside in the Emirates under the sponsorship of your parents or an accredited educational institution.

This document will be valid for a year, and you can renew it for the same period. The following are the key requirements:

• Certificate issued by the educational institution specifying the duration of the study.
• Colour photo (recent)
• Passport copy complying with the minimum validity requirements
• Medical fit certificate
• Medical Insurance
• Emirates ID application

Investor Entry Permits: Facilitating Business Ventures in the UAE

As an investor, you have many options for applying for an entry permit. You could apply for the following:

• Visit visa to explore business opportunities that can be valid for 60, 90 or 120 days with a single entry option. This can be a great solution for testing the market and deciding if your business may thrive in the UAE.
• Residence visa for investors: most commonly known as a Green Visa, you can obtain a long-term residency by providing proof of investment and start living in the UAE.

Golden Visa Entry Permits: A Pathway to Residency in the UAE

The UAE Golden Visa is a long-term residency to which a selected group of individuals may apply. It is a highly sought-after entry permit in uae as it grants many benefits to the holder.

With this permit, the holder can stay for 5 or 10 years in the UAE, and renew it as long as they continue complying with the requirements.

The UAE entry permit for this visa is valid for 6 months, and the person can enter multiple times to the UAE to continue with the procedures to obtain residency.

The following are the individuals who can apply for this permit:

• Investors of investment funds
• Real estate owners or investors
• Entrepreneur with a technical project based on innovation
• Outstanding talented individuals such as doctors, athletes, scientists, inventors, etc.
• Outstanding students

It is worth noting that as a UAE Golden Visa holder you can apply for a Dubai driving license.

Entry Permit Renewal in the UAE: What You Need to Know

Renewing your permit is a pretty simple process. However, this is known as an extension, and if you plan to stay for a long term then it is better to apply for a residency visa while you are in the UAE.

The extension depends on the type of permit you have, as well as the number of times you can extend it. Therefore, you need to consider the following:

• Permit for tourism: the extension period is 30 days and you can extend it only twice.
• Permit for visit (regardless of the reason): you can apply for a 30-day extension twice.
• Entry permit for treatment: it can be extended for 90 days.
• Extension of entry permit for student: 90-day extension

Keep in mind that the ideal is to finalize your procedures for residency during the validity of the permit. This way you avoid having to renew it.

Entry Permit Fees in the UAE: Understanding the Costs

To apply for an entry permit for UAE residents, you have to take into consideration the costs. This is because this way you are able to plan the budget you will need for travelling to the UAE.

Although there are different types of entry permits the application fees are very similar for all of them.

Some of the expenses you will incur when carrying out your application are the following:

• Application fee through the service channel or typing centre: 100 AED.
• Issuance fee: 100 AED for a single trip per month and 200 AED for several trips per month. For the multi-entry long-term tourist visa, the issuance fee is AED 500.
• Electronic services: If you carry your application online you will have to pay 150 AED.
• In the case of a visit permit, you need 1000 AED for a financial guarantee if you are making one trip. If you are making several trips you will need 2000 AED.

It is worth noting that in the case of issuance of residency without work, the individual will only have to pay the application fee, insurance fees, and electronic service fee.

Entry Permit Processing Time: How Long Does It Take?

The processing time for an entry permit in the UAE is fast since the procedure is pretty straightforward. Typically it may take at least 48 hours.

So two days after you have submitted your application you can wait for the notification to obtain your permit.

However, in some cases, it may take longer. This is because sometimes there might be too many applications and you will have to wait. Nonetheless, it is very quick and you will likely have to wait less than seven days.

Common Entry Permit Errors and Mistakes and How to Avoid Them

If you want to enter the UAE you have to apply for an entry permit. Since it is a crucial document for you, it is essential to know how to apply to ensure it gets approved.

Therefore, make sure to follow the next recommendations:

• Be very attentive to detail when filling out the application form. Many people get rejected due to an incorrect or incomplete application. Thus make sure to read all the questions. And provide valid answers that are truthful and accurate.
• Gather the required documentation in advance to ensure there are no missing documents in your application.
• Check carefully all the requirements for your specific situation.
• Do not apply too late for the entry visa. If you need to travel, make sure to submit your application with enough time in advance. Otherwise, your application can result in rejection. And you may miss your trip.
• Make sure your passport complies with the validity requirements. Otherwise, your application can be rejected.

Entry Permits and Emiratisation: Impact on Employment in the UAE

The goal of the Emiratisation laws is to increase the contribution of UAE Nationals to the national economy by being part of the UAE workforce. However, this may impact the employment of foreign individuals.

As such, employers have to ensure they do the following:

• Make sure you have a well-versed team in local policies to comply with the Emiratisation law.
• Stay up-to-date with the latest changes in Emiratisation for the private sector.
• Encourage the hiring of a diverse workforce, including UAE Nationals.
• In case you have to hire a foreign individual, make sure to follow all the requirements established by MOHRE.

Entry Permit Updates and Changes: Staying Informed in the UAE

Just as there are new visa rules in 2024 due to modifications in current regulations, there may also be changes when it comes to entry permits.

The following are some of the updates the UAE has made to these permits:

• The UAE has announced the launch of 10 different entry pieces that do not require to have a host or sponsor. Therefore, they have flexible durations and applicants can choose between single or multiple entries. These are valid for 60 days and they can be renewed for the same period.
• The UAE also announced an update on their policy for Visa-on-arrival. Currently, individuals from 87 countries can enter the UAE without having a pre-entry visa.
• Individuals can now sponsor their male children up to the age of 25 For an entry family Visa.

How to Check Entry Permit Status?

Once you have applied for your entry permit, you have to wait for the processing time to obtain it. Although generally, it is very quick to get your document. In some cases, it may take longer.

For this reason, you may want to do the UAE entry permit status check.This way, you can see if your permit is still pending if it has been rejected, or if it is approved.

There are 2 different methods to check your permit. If you have applied through the GDRFA website, because you are planning to travel to Dubai, you can check it on that website. On the other hand, if you plan to travel to any of the other Emirates, you can check it through the ICP smart services.

How to check entry permit status through the GDRFA:

1. Enter the GDRFA official site.
2. Scroll down until you find an icon that says “Visa Status” and click on it.
3. Provide the required information.

The following are the steps to check the permit through the ICP website:

1. Visit the ICP Smart Service official website
2. Scroll down until you find a tab called “E-channel services”.
3. By clicking on it, it will redirect you to another page.
4. Click on “Public Services”.
5. Once on that page, you have to click on the “Application tracking” button located at the top right side of the screen.
6. After that, you have to enter your Request Number and click on “Search”.

Knowing how to process all the documentation you need to start your business in the UAE may be challenging. For this reason, it is advisable to partner with a team of experts like Connect Zone who know how to guide you.

In addition, we have everything you need for your company formation to ensure a smooth incorporation. Contact us now to let us know your needs and help you establish a solid business in the UAE.