Visas that Matter! A Thorough Guide to all the Important Visas in the UAE.
A visa is required for foreign nationals to live and work in the UAE. In comparison to many other countries, the UAE is known for being relatively easy to get resident and employment visas. However, there are many different sorts of visas, and it's important to grasp the immigration environment before starting a firm. The UAE's employment policy is intertwined with its immigration policy. For local work permits and residency visas, foreign nationals must be sponsored by a UAE license and registered firm. Expat Sponsorship' is limited to one employer and one region (within a relevant free zone, for example). Working with third parties is allowed, but only on a conditional basis.
The immigration process differs depending on the Emirate and the jurisdiction (free zone or mainland) where a business is located. Free zones typically have their own dedicated government service office that communicates with immigration authorities on behalf of the sponsoring organization (enterprise), and these offices normally have expedited work authorization processes. Thus in today’s blog Dhanguard will take a deeper look at the many types of visas in the following overview, including descriptions of the most important visas available in the United Arab Emirates. So without any further ado let’s learn!
Types of Visas
The numerous types of Visas available in the United Arab Emirates are mentioned as well as explained below for your better understanding-
Remote Work Visas
The UAE Remote Work Visa is intended to bring global knowledge to the UAE by allowing expats to work for foreign companies while residing in the country. This one-year visa permits foreigners to enter the UAE on their own initiative and work in accordance with the visa's rules and limitations. There are, however, some procedures to follow in order to receive this new sort of visa, which is the region's first.
In the case of Employee
If you are an employee, you must submit contractual proof of employment that is valid for at least the next year, as well as proof that you make a monthly salary of at least US$5,000, as evidenced by bank statements and payslips.
In the case of Company/ Business Owner
To get a remote work visa as a company owner, you must present proof of firm ownership for at least the previous year, as well as proof of earnings of at least US$5,000 per month, as evidenced by bank statements and payslips.
Essential Parameters
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A One Year Visa
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For expats who desire to work for international companies while residing in the UAE:
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Working for a multinational corporation
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Being the owner of a foreign corporation
Employment Visas
The Employment Visa is the most common and arguably the simplest. It's given to employees recruited by a recognised UAE company, and it's normally good for two or three years (and can be renewed for a fee) (free zone or Emirate).
The firm requesting the visa is usually responsible for paying for it, and specialized personnel are frequently engaged to assist new hires with the application process. The majority of free zones now proudly offer employment visas in as little as a few days. Dependents, such as spouses and children, can often be sponsored by visa holders. Residents should not stay outside the country for more than 180 days in order to prevent visa cancellation.
Essential Parameters
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Visa for 2-3 years (dependent on jurisdiction)
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For personnel engaged by a UAE company that is registered:
- 180-day maximum stay outside the country
Read More: How to Obtain an Entry Permit Visa to Enter the UAE?
Property Visas
The Property Visa category is for persons who want to acquire property in specific areas for a set sum. A three-year visa is available to people who purchase a house for at least AED750,000, with no more than 50% of the value subject to a mortgage and at least AED 750,000 paid to a bank. A five-year property visa can be awarded to those who spend AED2 million or more on a property, with no more than 50% of the value financed or AED2 million deposited into a bank. A property visa has the same benefits as the others and can be obtained if you have a property portfolio worth the required minimum investment amounts.
Essential Parameters
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Visas for 3, 5, and 10 years are available.
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Property owners' visa:
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Minimum AED 750,00 in property value - 3 year visa
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Property worth at least AED 2 million - 5-year visa
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Minimum property worth of AED 10 million - 10 year visa (golden visa)
Retirement Visas
Retirement Visas are available to retirees over 55 who invest in residential property worth over AED1 million, have acquired funds worth over AED1 million, or have an active monthly income of more than AED15,000 from a pension or prior job for a period of five years. This visa is renewable after five years, if all requirements are met. Under the UAE retirement visa, visa holders are no longer authorized to work and must provide a confirmation statement of retirement/end of service.
Essential Parameters
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Visa for 5 years
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Applicants above the age of 55
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Options for Investment
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Property with a value of exceeding AED 1 million.
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More than AED 1 million in savings
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A monthly income of AED 15,000 or more
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A combination of options 1 and 2 with a combined total of no less than AED 1 million and a minimum savings of AED 500,000
Investor/Partner Visas
An Investor / Partner Visa is a three-year visa that is exclusively awarded to a UAE firm shareholder (incorporated in a free zone or onshore). It is also renewed at cost. Dependents of investor visa holders may be sponsored.' Most investor visas allow for stays of up to 360 days outside of the UAE if necessary.
Foreign nationals who want to start a business or engage in an existing firm in Dubai must apply for the Dubai Investor or Partner Visa. Holders of this visa become UAE tax residents, meaning they are exempt from paying taxes in their home countries. However, this is subject to the investor's home country rules.
The Dubai Investor Visa is divided into four categories: company investment, residential property investment, long-term residence, and retirement. A firm investment visa is awarded to people who own shares in an existing company valued at least AED72,000, or who start a company with a similar financial investment.
Essential Parameters
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Visas for 3, 5, and 10 years are available.
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Shareholders of UAE companies (full ownership of partner)
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Most visas allow for up to 360 days outside the UAE if necessary.
Golden Visas
The long-term UAE Golden Visa can be gained by investing at least AED10 million in the UAE, whether through investment funds, real estate, or a business. The current criteria for becoming an investor are that the investment cannot be based on a loan and that it must be kept in the UAE for at least three years.
You must also show proof of financial soundness in the amount of up to AED10 million. Golden Visas include an additional criterion: they are only granted to those who have made outstanding contributions to the UAE or have had a significant influence there. In acknowledgment of their work, charity and humanitarian organizations, as well as frontline personnel, were recently added to this category. Expats and their families who want to work, live, or study in the UAE can do so through the Golden Visa programme.
Investors, doctors, entrepreneurs, scientists, creators, inventors, researchers in many sectors of science, technology, and innovation, and excellent students are among those who have their Golden Visas automatically renewed for five or ten years.
Essential Parameters
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A 10 year visa
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Visa for significant investment in the UAE / exceptional achievement:
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A property investment of above AED 10 million.
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Investment funds with a value of greater than AED 10 million.
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Extraordinary achievement, which includes investors, doctors, entrepreneurs, scientists, innovators, inventors, researchers in many fields of science, technology, and innovation, as well as outstanding students, Charity, Humanitarian, and Frontline workers.
Green Visas
The recently announced Green Visa relaxes visa regulations, granting self-residency status for qualified investors, entrepreneurs, highly talented professionals, top students and graduates, as part of 50 new innovative ideas honoring the UAE's Golden Jubilee. Additional features of this new visa status include the ability to sponsor dependent children under the age of 25 as well as parents, as well as a change in the grace period for leaving the country after losing a job or retiring from 30 to 90 or even 180 days, depending on criteria. We will keep our customers informed when more information becomes available.
Essential Parameters
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Golden visa pillar (5 and 10 year visa)
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Allowing qualified investors, entrepreneurs, and highly trained workers to apply for self-residency.
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More rules will be announced later.
Freelance Visas
The Freelance visa is designed to bring in unique talent in the form of experts, retirees, and specialists to the UAE. While specifics such as the duration of the visa, salary requirements, and, if applicable, investment levels are still being worked out, it's worth noting that there are already freelance visa options available through a number of the UAE's free zones, with up to three-year renewable visa options for the self-employed.
Essential Parameters
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Visa valid for 3 to 5 years
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For UAE-based and international self-employed employees.
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More information about the mainland freelancing visa will be released soon.
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Options for free zones are currently available, as well as a three-year visa.
Conclusion
We have covered every kind of visa which is available in the United Arab Emirates. Having all your necessary documents and paperwork in order can save you from unnecessary hindrances. Our team of experts can guide you in obtaining the Visa as per your requirements. We believe in providing quality information and top-notch services to our esteemed clients. Thus we hope this blog provided you with insightful information. For more information on other related aspects, feel free to check out our website as well.
