Dubai is a beaming city in the United Arab Emirates with a central position in global business and a successful extension of tourism and luxury living. One of the seven Emirates of the United Arab Emirates, Dubai seamlessly thrives in its location, economy, and cosmopolitan culture.
Moreover, the continual expansion of opportunities and new markets in Dubai have made the country more competitive, attractive, and accessible. These aspects attract millions of visitors each year, and many seek to work or stay longer in the vibrant city of UAE.
Certainly, the city with diverse options offers diverse visa types to supplement its economy while offering visitors a better living experience.
Understanding the process of visas in Dubai can be complicated, but the process can be crucial, as can navigating through various forms of visas accessible in Dubai.
This article provides a comprehensive guide regarding the details of different types of visas in UAE, their eligibility requirements, and their purposes.
The information detailed in this post will help you make an informed decision regarding your future and your dream of moving to luxurious Dubai.
Outline of Dubai Visa Types
Dubai wide range of visa categories is modified to cater to various purposes, including residency, work, tourism, and business. The principal types of visa in Dubai include;
- Tourist Visa
- Transit Visa
- Visit Visa
- Student Visa
- Residency Visa
- Work Visa
- Investor Visa
- Freelance Visa
Each visa type stipulates a particular purpose and holds specific criteria and periods of validity. Let's delve deeper into each visa category.
1. Tourist Visa Dubai
One of the most commonly issued visas in Dubai is the Tourist Visa, which is offered to individuals seeking entry for leisure and travel. Tourist visas are intended for short-term visits and are further split into two categories;
30-Days Tourist Visa
Eligibility Criteria: Citizens of countries not eligible for visa-on-arrival or visa-free entry are eligible to apply for a 30-day tourist visa.
Validity Period: This visa type is valid for only 30 days from the entry date.
Extension: The validity period can be maximized for another 30 days.
Requirements for 30-Day Tourist Visa Application: The applicant shall confirm the return ticket and hotel reservation. In addition, having sufficient funds to travel and to cover the costs is also essential.
Cost: there are two types of short-term visas; one with a single entry and not extendable costs 250 AED and the second type is of multiple entries also extendable costs 690 AED.
90-Days Tourist Visa
Eligibility Criteria: This visa type typically serves the nationals of countries seeking diplomatic accords with the UAE.
Validity Period: This visa type is valid for 90 days from the entry date in Dubai.
Extension: The applicant can seek an extension under certain conditions.
Requirements for 90-Day Tourist Visa Application: The requirements for a 90-days tourist visa are similar to those for a 30-days tourist visa but may include other documents, like travel insurance.
Cost: there are two types of 90-day tourist visas; one with single entry and not extendable costs 600 AED and the second type is of multiple entries also extendable costs 1740 AED.
2. Transit Visa
Transit visas are issued to travelers using Dubai as a passageway to travel to other countries. In other words, Dubai serves as an en route to other destinations for which individuals require transit visas. Moreover, a transit visa has two further categories;
48-Hours Transit Visa
Eligibility Criteria: Nationals from all the states are eligible for this visa.
Validity Period: This Visa category is only valid for 48 hours from the entry time.
Extension: This visa type is non-extendable.
Required Documentation: If asked, the traveler must confirm the onward trip and a valid visa for the next location.
Cost: This visa is issued free of charge but passengers transiting through the UAE airports need to apply in advance through an airline based in UAE.
90-Hours Transit Visa
Eligibility Criteria: Citizens of all nationalities are eligible for the 90-hour visa.
Validity Period: This visa type remains active for 90 hours from the hour of entry.
Extension: The 90-Hour Transit Visa is limited and cannot be extended further.
Required Documents: The traveler requires the same documents as for the 48-hour transit visa; however, it is purposive of longer stays.
Cost: The fee for this visa is AED 50 for passengers transiting through an airport in the UAE.
3. Visit Visa Dubai
Visit visa is tailored to provide visas to people seeking a visit to their friends or family in Dubai. Visit visa has two additional options;
Long-Term Visit Visa
Eligibility Criteria: The applicant requires a sponsorship from UAE citizens or residents.
Validity Period: This visa type is viable for 90 days from the date of entry.
Extension: Long-Term visit visa can be renewed under certain conditions.
Required Documents: The applicant is required to submit relationship evidence, a sponsorship letter, and proof of the sponsor's financial stability. This visa applicant also requires supplementary supporting documentation.
Cost: The cost for this visa is similar to the 90-day tourist visa which is 1740 AED.
Short-Term Visa
Eligibility: The visitor must be sponsored by a UAE citizen or resident.
Validity Period: The short-term visit visa remains valid for 30 days only from the entry date.
Extension: Short-term visit visa can be renewed; however, an additional fee will be applied.
Required Documentation: Similar to a long-term visit visa, it excludes any additional documents.
Cost: This multiple entry, 30 days visa which is extendable costs 690 AED.
4. Student Visa Dubai
A student visa is granted in case of an individual's enrolment in any educational institution in Dubai.
Eligibility Criteria: To be eligible for this visa category, the applicant must be enrolled in a renowned institution in Dubai.
Validity Period: The student visa is viable for only 1 year but can be renewed every year.
Extension: Student Visa holders can apply for their visa extension by showing proof of continued enrollment.
Required Documentation: The applicant must have an Admission letter from the relevant education institution. Furthermore, the applicant's medical fitness certificate and proof of financial solvency are additional prerequisites.
Cost: Student visa application costs up to 3,000 AED along with a deposit of 1,000 AED.
5. Residency Visa
Individuals from different countries are granted the opportunity to live in Dubai through a residency visa. This opportunity allows individuals to reside in Dubai for an extended period. However, this visa is further categorized into different types based on the purpose of the residency.
Family Visa
Eligibility Criteria: Family Visas are granted to the relatives of people who are already residents of the UAE.
Validity Period: The validity extends generally from one to three years.
Extension: Family visas can be extended upon renewal based on the residency status of the sponsor.
Required Documents: A medical fitness test, proof of financial competence of the sponsor, and relationship proof are required to attain a family visa.
**Cost: ** To get a family visa there are requirements of salary plus accommodation where an existing resident with a minimum salary of 4,000 AED can sponsor their family members and for a 2-year family visa, the cost starts from 7,000 AED.
Property Owner Visa
Eligibility Criteria: The individuals holding property in Dubai are eligible for this visa type.
Validity Period: This visa type is typically valid for 2 to 3 years.
Extension: The applicant can seek an extension under the proprietorship of the property in Dubai.
Required Documentation: The visa holder must demonstrate proof of property ownership and legal property value essentials.
Cost: For 2-year property ownership visa, costs 9,912.50 AED for an individual.
Retirement Visa
Eligibility Criteria: The applicant must be over 55 years of age to qualify for a retiree visa.
Validity Period: A retirement visa is viable for 5 years.
Extension: The retirement visa holder can seek an extension on the visa.
Required Documents: The applicant is required to show proof of retirement funds, property possession in Dubai, or a combination of savings and income.
Cost: In this visa category, cost is divided into multiple categories starting from an entry permit for 200 AED, additional charges of 520 AED, and 20 AED for delivery. Additionally, the issuance cost increases every year by 100 AED for every more than 2 years of residence. Whereas, for a golden residence of 5 years, the fee is 2,280 AED plus a cost of 575 AED for an identity card.
6. Work Visa
A work visa is granted to people who seek to stay and work in Dubai. The work visa is divided further into various kinds based on the source of income, nature, and the duration of stay.
Employment Visa
Eligibility Criteria: The individuals who acquire a job in Dubai are eligible for an employment visa.
Validity Period: An employment visa depends upon the contract but generally remains valid for 2 to 3 years.
Extension: Applicants can seek an extension in case of continued employment.
Required Documentation: The applicant must show proof of the Employment contract, a sponsor letter from the employer, and a health certificate.
Cost: An employer pays for this visa and on average the cost of an individual employee starts from 3000 - 7000 AED.
Temporary Work Permit
Eligibility Criteria: The individuals who have secured short-term projects in Dubai are eligible for temporary work permits.
Validity Period: Temporary work permit remains valid for up to 90 days.
Extension: Depending on the project's requirements, the temporary work visa holder can apply for an extension.
Required Documents: Proof of Project duration and a sponsor letter from the employer is required to complete the formalities.
Cost: The fee for a temporary work permit is 250 to 3,450 AED depending upon the number of days a worker has to stay.
Freelance Permit
Eligibility Criteria: Freelance professionals in various technology, media, or education roles are eligible for freelance permits.
Validity Period: Freelance permit is granted usually for 1 year.
Extension: Freelance Visa holders can seek extensions on an annual basis.
Required Documents: The applicant is required to show proof of client contracts, freelance portfolio, and professional credentials.
**Cost: ** A freelance permit visa costs from 4,750 AED in Dubai.
7. Investors Visa
Investor visas are tailored to bring investors and entrepreneurs to Dubai. This type of visa can be categorized into two different forms;
Golden Visa Dubai
Eligibility Criteria: Entrepreneurs, skilled professionals, and high-net-worth individuals worldwide are eligible for a Dubai Golden Visa.
Validity Period: The Golden Visa extends long-term validity that can prevail over 10 years.
Extension: The Golden Visa can further be extended under specified conditions.
Required Documentation: Golden Visa applicants are required to demonstrate substantial ownership in Dubai's business, potential investment in the city's economy, or a unique talent.
Cost: The total cost for a Golden Visa is 9,684.75 AED and it is for an individual to get a family residence permit, there is a fee of 5668.50 along with 318.75 for a family sponsorship file.
Investor Visa
Eligibility Criteria: Individuals investing in a business with a base in Dubai are eligible for an Investor Visa.
Validity Period: The Investor Visa is valid for up to 3 years.
Extension: Investor visa holders can seek an extension in case of their continued interest in the investment.
Required Documentation: Applicants must submit evidence of their financial solvency and a registered form for the business investment.
Cost: The investor visa for 2 years costs AED 4,000 with a renewal fee depending on the procedure and documentation chosen.
8. Freelancer Visa
A Freelancer visa is designed for people who aim to work independently in different industries.
Eligibility Criteria: Freelancers with demonstrated experience in any freelancing industry are eligible for this visa type.
Validity Period: The visa remains valid for up to 1 year.
Extension: Freelancers can seek visa extensions on an annual basis.
Required Documents: A professional freelance portfolio, contracts with clients, and demonstrated experience in the field are prerequisites for freelance visa applicants.
Cost: A freelance permit visa costs from 7,500 AED in Dubai.
Other Dubai Visa Categories
Besides the above-mentioned visa types in UAE, Dubai comes with some special visa categories tailored to specific needs.
Medical Treatment Visa
This special visa is designed for people who need to obtain medical treatment in the city's excellent healthcare system.
Eligibility Criteria: An individual needing medical treatment can solicit a medical treatment visa.
Validity Period: A Medical Treatment Visa is a short-term visa and can be valid for 90 days only.
Extension: The visa can be extended depending on the medical treatment plan.
Required Documents: Proof from a renowned medical center, evidence of the treatment plan, and financial stability for covering medical expenses are some prerequisites for the application.
Cost: A single entry, 90-day medical visa fee in Dubai is 300 AED.
Special Event Visas
Dubai organizes several international conferences, festivals, and events, so it has been granted special visas for participants and attendees.
Eligibility Criteria: An event visa is available for an individual who desires to attend a conference or participate in an event.
Validity Period: This short-term visa remains valid till the event ends.
Extension: The visa is non-extendable.
Required Documents: The applicant must submit proof of the event invitation, the purpose of the visit, and financial competency to cover the expenses during the stay.
Cost: The cost for this visa is similar to the short-term visit visa.
Blue Residence Visa
The UAE government has announced a new long-term residency visa for 10 years to a category of individuals contributing to sustainability.
Eligibility Criteria: This visa will be granted to individuals for their exceptional efforts and contribution to environmental protection and sustainability.
Validity Period: This residency visa will be valid for 10 years.
Required Documents: As this visa is dedicated to individuals who have exceptionally contributed to a sustainable environment so documents required are the awards, certificates, recommendation letters, employment proof, and environmental sustainability contribution records.
Cost: Visa cost in this category varies from case to case depending upon one’s contribution to environmental protection and sustainability. Therefore, it is advised to get help from the UAE government website regarding prices and fees.
Benefits of Different Types of Visa in Dubai
You can opt for the most relevant visa type in Dubai. However, understanding the advantages that each visa type offers is essential. Also, acknowledging the benefits can result in a successful visa grant.
i. Tourist Visa
Dubai is renowned for its beautiful architecture and numerous attractions, which is why a Tourist visa is the most popular option if you are looking forward to exploring Dubai.
You can immerse yourself in the city's vibrancy by choosing from different tourist visa stays, such as a 30-days tour or a 90-days travel visa.
ii. Visit visa
A visit visa in Dubai ensures you spend quality time with friends and family living in Dubai. The visa extension option complements your convenience for longer visits, excluding the need to exit and re-enter Dubai.
iii. Residency and Work Visa
Obtaining a residency visa can open up fortunate gates to Dubai's dynamic life and is especially suited for people aspiring to make Dubai their home.
On the other hand, work visas legally allow you to access Dubai's world of opportunities. Work visas ensure a standard of living and professional employment opportunities.
iv. Investor and Golden Visa
Dubai business-friendly environment and provision of Golden and Investor visa opportunities are ideal options for high-net-worth individuals seeking to capitalize on Dubai.
Closing In
Understanding the myriad of Dubai visas can be overwhelming because each visa type is designed to cater to specific needs. Dubai is a dynamic city for diverse people who are either looking for long-term investments, permanent residences, or short-term visits.
In addition, Dubai's welcoming environment is fostered through its unique and special extensions of visa types.
Designed to content business professionals, travelers, investors, freelancers, retirees, and students, Dubai offers an array of visa categories for people from every walk of life.
Dubai dynamic and unique hospitality and economic development offer contentment to people with diverse backgrounds and needs.
Choosing a specific visa can make you more confident in your informed decision. Navigate the world of opportunities in Dubai by opting for a visa that ensures compliance with your requirements.
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