How To Get UAE Residency Visa

If you’re planning to stay in the UAE for an extended period, obtaining a residence visa is a must. A residence visa is a legal document that allows you to live and work in the UAE for a specific period. It is issued by the General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs (GDRFA) in the emirate where you are planning to reside.

To obtain a residence visa, you need to meet specific requirements, such as passing a medical examination, obtaining a security clearance, and applying for an Emirates ID card. The process can be time-consuming and complicated, but it’s essential to ensure that you have the right documentation to avoid legal issues. Keep in mind that different types of residence visas are available, depending on your purpose of stay, such as working, studying, or doing business in the UAE.

What is UAE Residence Visa?

If you are planning to stay in the UAE for an extended period, you will need a UAE residence visa. This visa allows you to live and work in the country for a specified period, usually two to three years. The visa is issued by the General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs (GDRFA) in the UAE.

To obtain a UAE residence visa, you must first have a sponsor. The sponsor can be an employer, a family member, or a friend who is a UAE citizen or resident. The sponsor will be responsible for your visa application and will provide the necessary documents to the GDRFA.

Once your visa application is approved, you will need to undergo a medical test and obtain an Emirates ID card. The Emirates ID card is a mandatory identification card for all UAE residents and contains your personal information, including your name, photo, and fingerprints.

It is important to note that a UAE residence visa is not a permanent visa. It is valid for a specific period, after which it must be renewed. If you leave the UAE for an extended period, your visa may be canceled, and you will need to apply for a new visa upon your return.

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Types of UAE Residence Visas

If you are planning to stay in the UAE for an extended period, you will need a residence visa. There are different types of UAE residence visas, and each has its own requirements and restrictions. Here are the most common types of UAE residence visas:

Employment Visa

If you have a job offer from a UAE-based company, you can apply for an employment visa. Your employer will be your sponsor, and they will have to provide the necessary documents and pay the fees. The employment visa is valid for three years and can be renewed.

Dependent Visa

If you have a family member who is a UAE resident, you can apply for a dependent visa. The sponsor must be a spouse, parent, or child of the applicant. The dependent visa is valid for three years and can be renewed.

Investor Visa

If you are an investor in the UAE, you can apply for an investor visa. The investor must have a minimum investment of AED 10 million in the UAE. The investor visa is valid for three years and can be renewed.

Student Visa

If you are planning to study in the UAE, you can apply for a student visa. The visa is issued by the educational institution where you will be studying. The student visa is valid for one year and can be renewed.

Each type of UAE residence visa has its own requirements and restrictions. It is essential to understand the rules and regulations before applying for a residence visa. It is also important to note that the UAE has strict immigration laws, and violating them can result in fines, deportation, or even imprisonment.

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How to Apply for a UAE Residence Visa?

If you are planning to stay in the UAE for an extended period, you will need a residence visa. The process of applying for a UAE residence visa is simple, but it requires some paperwork. Here is what you need to know to apply for a UAE Residence Visa.

Required Documents

To apply for a UAE residence visa, you will need to provide the following documents:

• Passport with a minimum validity of six months
• Passport-size photograph
• Emirates ID application form
• Health insurance
• Tenancy contract or proof of accommodation
• Bank statement for the past six months
• Work contract or proof of employment
• Marriage certificate or birth certificate for dependents

Application Procedure

To apply for a UAE residence visa, follow these steps:

1. Visit the General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs (GDRFA) office or apply online through the GDRFA website.
2. Fill out the application form and submit the required documents.
3. Pay the visa fees.
4. Wait for the visa to be processed.

Visa Fees

The cost of a UAE residence visa varies depending on the type of visa and the duration. Here are the visa fees for some of the most common types of UAE residence visas:

Note that visa fees are subject to change. It is best to check with the GDRFA for the latest visa fees.

Now that you know how to apply for a UAE residence visa, you can start the process and look forward to a comfortable stay in the UAE.

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Visa Renewal and Cancellation

If you are a resident of the UAE, it is essential to know the process of visa renewal and cancellation. In this section, we will discuss the steps you need to follow to renew your visa and cancel it if necessary.

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Renewal Process

The UAE government allows residents to renew their visas before they expire. It is advisable to renew your visa at least 30 days before the expiry date to avoid any inconvenience or penalties.

To renew your visa, you need to follow these simple steps:

1. Register and apply for the renewal of your visa through the Federal Authority for Identity and Citizenship (ICA) portal or the respective immigration department’s website.
2. Pay the fees online through the portal.
3. Once the payment is made, you will receive a notification confirming the renewal of your visa.
4. You can then collect your new visa from the nearest immigration office or have it delivered to your address.

Cancellation Procedure

If you wish to cancel your visa, you can do it through a registered typing center or online. The sponsor can visit any typing office registered by the ICA in the respective emirate to fill out the cancellation form on your behalf and process it online through the ICA.

To cancel your visa, you need to follow these steps:

1. Visit a registered typing center or go to the ICA portal to fill out the cancellation form.
2. Pay the cancellation fees online.
3. Once the payment is made, you will receive a notification confirming the cancellation of your visa.
4. You need to return your Emirates ID card to the nearest immigration office or have it collected from your address.

It is important to note that canceling your visa may have consequences, such as a ban on re-entering the UAE for a certain period or a fine for overstaying. Therefore, it is advisable to consult with an immigration expert before canceling your visa.

In conclusion, renewing or canceling your visa in the UAE is a straightforward process that can be done online or through a registered typing center. It is essential to follow the steps correctly to avoid any penalties or legal consequences.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What are the requirements for obtaining a UAE residence visa?

To obtain a UAE residence visa, you need to have a sponsor, a valid passport, a medical fitness certificate, and a security clearance certificate. The sponsor can be your employer or a family member who is a UAE resident. You also need to have a valid entry permit or visa, depending on your nationality.

What is the processing time for a UAE residence visa?

The processing time for a UAE residence visa varies depending on the type of visa and the sponsor. It can take anywhere from a few days to several weeks. The processing time can also be affected by the completeness of your documents and the workload of the immigration authorities.

What are the benefits of having a UAE residence visa?

Having a UAE residence visa allows you to live and work in the UAE without the need for a visit visa. It also gives you access to government services such as healthcare, education, and banking. You can also sponsor your family members for residence visas and apply for long-term visas such as the Golden Visa.

What are the different types of UAE residence visas?

The UAE offers different types of residence visas, such as employment visas, investor visas, family visas, retirement visas, and student visas. Each type has specific requirements and documentation that must be submitted.

How much does a 2-year UAE residence visa cost?

The cost of a 2-year UAE residence visa depends on the type of visa and the sponsor. It can range from AED 2,000 to AED 20,000 or more. The cost also includes medical tests, security clearance, and other fees.

What are the latest residency rules in UAE?

The latest residency rules in UAE include the introduction of the Golden Visa, which allows long-term residence for investors, entrepreneurs, and talented individuals. The rules also include standardization of overstaying fines and the requirement for Emirates ID for all UAE citizens and residents.