Dubai has firmly established itself as one of the world's premier business and leisure destinations. And a large part of this popularity can be attributed to the country's liberal visa policy. 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 prepared by Dhanguard for all the special UAE Visas to help you apply for the right one.
Different Types of Visas
Below is the list of all the special visas available in Dubai:
E-Visa for Residents of the GCC
Residents of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) who want to visit Dubai can apply for an e-Visa. It is valid for 30 days and can be renewed for another 30 days if it expires.
To be eligible for the visa, you must have the following qualifications:
- 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).
Condition
- After their application is approved, GCC residents will receive their e-Visa directly to their registered email address.
- If a GCC resident's profession has changed after they received an entry permit, they will be denied entry to Dubai.
- If the sponsor is not travelling with GCC citizens, the visa application will be denied.
UAE Golden Visa
The Golden Visa is one of the UAE's long-term residence visas, allowing people from all over the world to live, work, and study in the country. UAE Golden Visas granted for five or ten years are automatically renewed.
Among those who have obtained a UAE Golden Visa are:
- Investors
- Real Estate Investors
- Entrepreneurs
- PhD holders in the UAE
- Graduates with a 3.75 GPA from UAE-accredited universities
- Doctors and physicians passed out from UAE institutions
- UAE-based engineers from computer science, biotechnology, programming, electronics and electricity
- Experts in Epidemiology and Viruses, Artificial Intelligence, Big Data, Computer Engineering, Electronics Engineering, Software Engineering, Investors
- Real Estate Investors
- Entrepreneurs
- PhD holders in the UAE
- Graduates with a 3.75 GPA from UAE-accredited universities
- Doctors and physicians passed out from UAE institutions
- UAE-based engineers from computer science, biotechnology, programming, electronics and electricity
- Experts in Epidemiology and Viruses, Artificial Intelligence, Big Data, Computer Engineering, Electronics Engineering, Software Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology Engineering).
- Top graduates from UAE’s high schools and their families
- Electrical Engineering, Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology Engineering).
- Top graduates from UAE’s high schools and their families.
Freelancing Visa
Given Dubai's fame and potential as a city with good company growth opportunities, ambitious and active foreigners frequently decide to obtain a licence and a freelancer visa and relocate to Dubai, UAE, to live and work.
UAE citizens, residents, and non-residents can apply for freelance licenses in the UAE.
The Freelancer Visa allows firms to draw into the local market's knowledge and skills while also allowing employees to work remotely from approved areas. Applicants do not have to rent office space and can apply for resident visas for themselves and their families.
Read More: Want to know about Visa & Work Permits in UAE?
Visa for Real Estate Investors
The UAE Real Estate Investor Visas are one of the special Dubai visas designed to encourage real estate investment in the country. It comes in two varieties.
You must meet the following requirements to obtain a 10-year investor visa:
- Create a new company with a capital investment of AED 10 million or more.
- Creating a partnership in an existing company with a minimum investment of AED 10 million.
- Have at least AED 10 million in deposits in any UAE emirate.
- Ensure that 60 percent of the total investment of AED 10 million, or AED 6 million, is invested in sectors other than the real estate market.
A 5-year property investor visa is another option. The following are the prerequisites:
- An investment of AED 5 million or more in a property.
- The sum cannot be lent.
- Property must be kept for a minimum of three years.
Business Visa in Dubai
The UAE Business Visa is an essential component of the Gold Card Visa UAE system. Foreign entrepreneurs who have established their businesses may apply for this permit at any time during their careers.
The following are the requirements for obtaining a UAE Business Visa:
- Proof of your entrepreneurial experience.
- Shareholder in a start-up or a senior position in a corporation.
- Intention to relocate to the United Arab Emirates.
- Having a concrete business concept or plan.
- Dependents of Business Visa holders are also eligible to apply.
Medical Visas
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:
- Permits for a single-entry patient and their companion.
- Multiple-entry permits for the patient and their companion.
Hospitals in Dubai provide advanced treatment for a wide range of medical and cosmetic needs. Your sponsor must apply for a Dubai Medical Visa through the General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs (GDRFA).
In order for a visa to be granted, your sponsor must submit the following documents:
- Passport Copy;
- A letter from your hospital explaining your condition and why you've come to see them;
- Financial solvency must be demonstrated;
- Evidence of medical insurance.
Retirement Visa for Residents of the UAE
Another type of visa available in Dubai is the Retirement Visa. 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 be renewed if one of the following conditions is met:
- If the retiree purchases a property worth AED 2 million;
- If the retiree has financial savings of up to AED 1 million;
- If the retiree has an active monthly income of AED 20K.
UAE 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.
The UAE government had 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 insurance;
- Proof of employment/ownership;
- A one-year employment contract;
- A previous pay slip;
- 3 months of bank statements;
- A monthly salary/income of at least USD 5,000 is required.
Dubai Event Visas
Those who want to attend exhibitions, conferences, or other events in Dubai can apply for an Event Visa. It is similar to a Dubai tourist visa in that it cannot be renewed. To apply for an Event Visa, please send the following documents:
- A copy of a passport that is valid for 3 months.
- A copy of the sponsor's passport and visa page.
Sponsoring Parents as a Student in the UAE
The UAE government recently announced a special visa to help international students studying in the UAE. Students would be able to sponsor their parents or other dependents with this special Dubai visa if they have the financial means to do so, including housing.
Conclusion
Dubai, as a popular tourist destination, has a variety of visas to welcome visitors from all over the world. There are numerous types of visas available in Dubai, ranging from tourist visas to student visas. Expats working in the emirate frequently have work visas in Dubai.
Get your special visa by connecting with Dhanguard.