UAE residence and tourist visas: What do you need to know?

Don’t we all love a little fun in the Dubai sun?

Call us biassed but nothing can beat a life in Dubai, from the happening beach parties to record-breaking towers and thrilling experiences - it's hard to come by a city that’s fast-paced and easy breezy at the same time.

So, have you been planning a trip to Dubai, or are you a resident expecting folks in town or maybe you’re just figuring your way around the UAE’s residence visa system?

Fear not, there’s a UAE residence visa for everyone with a set of unbeatable benefits and we’re here to break them down for you!

Before we jump into the breakdown, it's important to note The UAE government’s flagship UAE Entry and Residence Scheme came into effect at the end of 2022. There were quite a few changes made to visa rules, with multiple new options for UAE residence visas and tourist visas that were rolled out.

Golden Visas

Golden Visas are ten-year visas which are renewable and were introduced by the UAE residence visa scheme in 2021. The golden visas are applicable to high-net worth individuals, and is awarded (through an application process) to “highly skilled or talented” long-term residents, has been amended to include more skills, roles and other means of qualification. If you own a property or a business, or if you work in education or law, you could be eligible.

So, who’s eligible for a Golden Visa under the UAE residence visa scheme?

Highly skilled professionals including those working in education and law. You’ll need a degree and a monthly income of AED 30,000 or more.

Entrepreneurs who own a business in the UAE with an annual revenue of AED 1 million or more.

Individuals who own a property in the UAE worth more than AED 2 million.

High performing students in UAE secondary schools and graduates with high academic performance at UAE universities or one of the best 100 universities worldwide. These students can then even sponsor their immediate families.

The application process and cost for a family of four starts at AED 12,000.

Green Visas

Have you heard of Green residence visas? These UAE residence visas are on a duration of five-years and is for skilled professionals, entrepreneurs, and freelancers. This is a great choice for those who cannot go through the traditional visa route.

The Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs and Ports Security (ICP) shared that this visa is great for small-business owners and freelancers who want to sponsor their families too as its applicable up to five years. This still depends on the income made by the individual as you’ll need to show a bank statement of an income generation up to AED 360,000 over two years to be eligible for this UAE residence visa.

Can skilled employees and investors also apply for the five-year green visa?

Green visas are applicable to skilled workers who are earning a monthly income of AED 15,000 or higher and would need to show proof of your employment with a contract. Their employment visa should be deemed a first, second or third occupational level as per the MOHRE and will also need a degree or equivalent to be shown before applying.

For investors on the other hand, if they want to get a five-year UAE residence visa investor or partner visa they’ll need to show both government approval and proof of the investment. And if they have multiple licences, they will take the total sum of their invested money into consideration.

Tourist Visas

Apart from Dubai’s charming holiday vibes, a lot of foreign folks drop in for the city’s great work environment and in search of jobs. There are different types of UAE tourist visas one can get in Dubai such as temporary work visas too.

Entry visas will now be valid for two months and be available across three categories:

60-day tourist visa for all visitors.

60-day tourist visa for those looking to explore job opportunities in the UAE.

60-day tourist visa for exploring business opportunities.

Those who overstay their tourist visa will have to pay a daily fine of AED 50. And, for those who are coming into town for a project, can apply for the one-mission work visa which allows them to stay in the country for a duration of 90-days.

Visitors don’t have a grace period after their tourist visas expire but if they do plan on doing a second renewal, they have to do it in advance of their expiration with a payment of AED 600.

Can you apply for frequent visit-visas to Dubai?

Yes, to encourage visitors and increase tourism - you have the chance to apply for a five-year multi-entry tourist visa, allowing them to stay in the country for 90 days per visit without a sponsor. They can spend a total of 180 days in the UAE per year.

To apply for this visa, you will need to use the General Directorate of Residency and Foreign Affairs (GDRFA) website or mobile application.

The following documents are required for the tourist visa application:

Bank statement from the past six months, demonstrating a balance of USD 4,000 or its equivalent in foreign currencies.

Proof of UAE health insurance.

Photocopies of the first and last page of your passport.

Recent coloured passport-sized photographs taken against a white background.

In some cases, additional documents may be required during the application process for the UAE five-year multiple entry tourist visa. These documents may include:

Copy of the flight ticket.

Proof of residence, such as an invitation letter from friends or family residing in the UAE.

Hotel bookings or a lease agreement.

Humanitarian Crisis Visas

The UAE government has made a commitment to provide residence visas to individuals facing a "humanitarian crisis." This UAE residence visa includes widowed mothers, parents or children of UAE citizens, as well as spouses of GCC citizens. These individuals will be eligible to obtain a UAE residence visa.

If you’ve just moved to Dubai or gotten your UAE residence visa sorted, you might be exploring homes - get in touch with our lettings and sales experts to help you find your dream home!