The United Arab Emirates (UAE) has become a sought-after destination for expatriates, offering a vibrant lifestyle, tax-free income, and a safe environment. Whether you are looking to invest, work, study, or retire in the UAE, obtaining a residency visa is your gateway to enjoying long-term benefits in the country. Along with the residency visa, the Emirates ID is an essential document that serves as your identification within the UAE, enabling access to government services, healthcare, and more.
This guide provides a comprehensive overview of the types of residency visas available, the step-by-step process to obtain one, and how to secure your Emirates ID. Whether you’re a new arrival or planning to move to the UAE, this guide will equip you with the knowledge to navigate the residency and identification process easily.
Residency Visa
1. What Are the Types of Residency Visas in UAE?
The UAE offers a variety of residency visas tailored to meet the needs of different individuals, ranging from investors and professionals to students and retirees. Each type of residency visa comes with its own eligibility criteria, benefits, and validity periods. Understanding the options available can help you choose the most suitable visa based on your purpose for staying in the UAE.
Golden Visa
The Golden Visa is one of the most prestigious residency options in the UAE. It is designed for investors, entrepreneurs, specialized talents, researchers, and outstanding students. The visa is valid for 5 or 10 years, depending on the applicant’s profile, and can be renewed upon expiry. The Golden Visa allows holders to sponsor family members. It provides the added benefit of long-term security, making it ideal for those looking to establish a lasting presence in the UAE.
UAE Company Investor Visa
The UAE Company Investor Visa is aimed at individuals who invest in or start a business in the UAE. Typically valid for 3 years, this visa requires a minimum investment in a UAE-based company. Visa holders can also sponsor their family members. This visa can be renewed, provided the business remains operational, and the investment criteria remain met.
Property Investor Visa
The Property Investor Visa is available to individuals investing in UAE real estate. To qualify, the property must meet a minimum value requirement typically set at AED 1 million. The visa is usually valid for 2 or 3 years and can be renewed if the property ownership is maintained. This visa allows the holder to live in the UAE but only permits them to work if they obtain an additional work permit.
UAE Retirement Visa
The UAE Retirement Visa is designed for residents aged 55 and above who wish to retire in the UAE. To be eligible, applicants must meet specific financial criteria, such as having a minimum income, savings, or owning a property of a particular value. The retirement visa is valid for 5 years and can be renewed if the eligibility requirements are met.
UAE Employment Visa
The UAE Employment Visa is one of the most common types of residency visas issued to individuals who have secured a job in the UAE. The employer sponsors the visa, and generally valid for 2 to 3 years, depending on the employment contract. It can be renewed as long as the individual remains employed. This visa allows the holder to live and work legally in the UAE.
UAE Student Visa
The UAE Student Visa is granted to individuals accepted into an educational institution within the UAE. Sponsored by the academic institution, this visa is valid for 1 year and can be renewed annually until the completion of the studies. It allows the student to reside in the UAE for their academic program.
2. How Can You Get a UAE Residence Visa in 7 Easy Steps?
Obtaining a UAE residence visa involves several steps to ensure legal status. Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you navigate the process smoothly.
Step 1: Find a Sponsor
Securing a sponsor is the first and most critical step in obtaining a UAE residence visa. Your sponsor can be your employer, a family member, or even a UAE-based business. The sponsor is responsible for initiating your visa application and completing the necessary formalities. The company or property can be your sponsor if you are an investor or property owner.
Step 2: Entry Permit
Once you have a sponsor, the next step is to apply for an entry permit, also known as an entry visa. This document allows you to enter the UAE legally to obtain a residence visa. The entry permit is usually valid for 60 days, giving you ample time to complete the residency visa process. The permit can be issued through various channels, including online platforms or immigration offices.
Step 3: Medical Examination
A mandatory medical examination is required for all residency visa applicants. This examination is conducted at government-approved medical centers in the UAE and includes tests for infectious diseases such as tuberculosis and HIV. A clean bill of health is essential for your visa application to proceed. You can move on to the next step if the medical results are satisfactory.
Step 4: Emirates ID Application
Applying for an Emirates ID is vital to the residency visa process. The Emirates ID is an identification card issued by the UAE government, and it is required to access various services in the country. You can apply for the Emirates ID simultaneously with your medical examination. Biometric data, such as fingerprints and photographs, will be collected during this step.
Step 5: Visa Application
With your medical examination complete and your Emirates ID application submitted, the next step is applying for a residence visa. Your sponsor will submit your application to the General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs (GDRFA) in the respective emirate. The application will include all required documents, such as your passport, entry permit, and medical test results.
Step 6: Visa Stamping
Once your residency visa application is approved, your passport will be stamped with the UAE residence visa. This step is known as visa stamping at the GDRFA office. The visa stamp in your passport indicates your legal status as a UAE resident. The duration of the visa will depend on the type of residency visa you have applied for.
Step 7: Residence Permit
The final step is to obtain your residence permit, which officially allows you to live in the UAE. The residence permit is linked to your Emirates ID, and you will receive a notification once it’s ready for collection. This permit is necessary for renting property, opening a bank account, and accessing other essential services in the UAE.
3. What Documents Do You Need to Get a Residency Visa in the UAE?
When applying for a residency visa in the UAE, having the correct documents is essential for a smooth and successful application process. The specific documents required may vary slightly depending on the type of residency visa you are applying for, but the following are generally required:
Passport
A valid passport with at least six months’ validity remaining is mandatory. The passport should have several blank pages for the visa stamp and other endorsements.
Passport-Size Photographs
You will need several passport-sized photographs that meet UAE visa photo requirements, including specific dimensions and background colour (usually white).
Completed Visa Application Form
The visa application form, which can be obtained from your sponsor or through online platforms, must be filled out accurately with your details and signed.
Copy of Entry Permit
If you have already obtained an entry permit (as discussed in the previous section), a copy of this document will be required for your residency visa application.
Proof of Sponsor
You must submit documentation that proves the relationship between you and your sponsor, such as a company trade license for employment visas or a family book for family visas.
Medical Fitness Certificate
A medical fitness certificate from a government-approved health center, showing that you have passed the required medical examinations, is necessary.
Emirates ID Application Form
The Emirates ID application form, typically submitted along with your medical examination, must be included in your residency visa application package.
Proof of Accommodation
Evidence of where you will reside in the UAE, such as a rental contract or property ownership documents, may be required.
Labor Contract (for Employment Visa)
If you are applying for an employment visa, you need a signed labour contract from your UAE employer. This contract should outline your job role, salary, and other employment terms.
Proof of Financial Stability (for Investor and Retirement Visas)
For investment or retirement visas, you may need to provide proof of financial stability, such as bank statements, investment portfolios, or evidence of property ownership.
Educational Certificates (for Employment and Student Visas)
Depending on the visa type, especially for employment or student visas, you might be asked to submit your educational certificates, which may need to be attested by the relevant authorities.
4. How Much Is the Fee for Getting a Residency Visa in UAE?
The cost of obtaining a residency visa in the UAE can vary based on the type of visa, the emirate where you are applying, and the length of the visa’s validity. Below is a general overview of the potential costs involved:
Entry Permit Fees
The initial entry permit, which allows you to enter the UAE to obtain a residency visa, typically costs between AED 500 and AED 1,200, depending on the type and duration of the permit.
Medical Examination Fees
The mandatory medical examination costs can range from AED 250 to AED 1,200, depending on the tests required and whether you opt for a regular or VIP service.
Emirates ID Fees
The cost of obtaining an Emirates ID is usually AED 100 per year of validity. For example, a 3-year Emirates ID would cost around AED 300.
Visa Application Fees
The residency visa application fee itself varies widely depending on the type of visa:
- Employment Visa: AED 1,000 to AED 3,000
- Investor Visa: AED 2,500 to AED 4,000
- Property Investor Visa: AED 1,500 to AED 2,500
- Student Visa: AED 1,000 to AED 2,000
- Retirement Visa: AED 2,000 to AED 4,000
- Golden Visa: AED 4,000 to AED 6,000 (depending on the duration)
Visa Stamping Fees
After approval, the visa stamping fee can range from AED 500 to AED 800, depending on the emirate and the visa’s duration.
Additional Fees
Depending on your circumstances, document translation, attestation, and courier services may incur additional costs. It’s also worth noting that using a typing center or a visa processing service can incur extra charges.
The cost of obtaining a UAE residency visa can range from AED 4,000 to AED 10,000 or more, depending on the visa type and the services you require.
5. What Is the Entry Permit, and Where Can It Be Issued?
What Is the Entry Permit?
An entry permit is an official document issued by the UAE immigration authorities that allows you to enter the UAE legally with the intent to apply for a residency visa. A temporary visa serves as the first step in obtaining residency. The entry permit is typically valid 60 days from the issue date, giving you time to complete the necessary procedures, such as medical examinations and the Emirates ID application.
Types of Entry Permits
There are different types of entry permits depending on the purpose of your visit:
- Employment Entry Permit: Issued to individuals who have secured a job in the UAE.
- Investor Entry Permit: This is for those investing in a UAE business or property.
- Student Entry Permit: Issued to students accepted by UAE educational institutions.
- Family Sponsorship Entry Permit: This is for family members sponsored by a UAE resident.
Where Can It Be Issued?
The entry permit can be issued through several channels, including:
- Online Platforms: The UAE government offers online portals, such as the eChannel system and the GDRFA (General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs) websites, where sponsors can apply for entry permits.
- Authorized Typing Centers: These centers assist with the application process. You can submit your documents and pay the required fees at these centers.
- Immigration Offices: You can also apply for the entry permit in person at GDRFA offices in the respective emirate.
- Airport Issuance: In some cases, entry permits can be issued directly upon arrival at the UAE airport, especially for visitors from countries eligible for visa-on-arrival.
Once you have obtained your entry permit, you can legally enter the UAE and proceed with the remaining steps to secure your residency visa.
Emirates ID
How Can You Get a New Emirates ID?
The Emirates ID is an essential identification card for all residents of the UAE, including Dubai. It serves as proof of your identity and is required for various services, including banking, utility connections, and government transactions. Here’s how you can get a new Emirates ID:
Eligibility
You must first have a valid residency visa to apply for a new Emirates ID. The application process for the Emirates ID usually begins simultaneously with the residency visa application.
Application Submission
- Online Application: You can apply for an Emirates ID online through the Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs, and Port Security (ICP) website or via their mobile app.
- Typing Centers: Alternatively, you can visit an authorized typing center in Dubai, where they will assist you in filling out the application form.
Required Documents
- Passport: A copy of your passport, including the page with your residency visa stamp.
- Entry Permit: If you are applying for the Emirates ID for the first time, you must provide a copy of your entry permit.
- Residency Visa: A valid residency visa or a visa under processing proof is necessary.
- Birth Certificate (for children): Their birth certificate may be required if they apply for a minor.
Biometric Data Collection
After applying, you must visit an ICP service center to provide your biometric data, which includes fingerprints and a photograph. This step is crucial for the issuance of the Emirates ID.
Pay the Fees
The Emirates ID application fee varies depending on the duration of the ID. Typically, it costs AED 100 per year of validity. Payment can be made online or at the typing or ICP service canters.
Application Processing
Your application will be processed after you complete the biometric data collection and pay the fees. You can track the status of your Emirates ID application online through the ICP portal.
Collect Your Emirates ID
Once your Emirates ID is ready, you will receive an SMS notification. You can collect your ID from the ICP service center or deliver it to your address.
Emirates ID Renewal
Emirates IDs need to be renewed before they expire. The renewal process is similar to the initial application process and should be initiated at least 30 days before the expiry date.
FAQs
1. What is a Residency Visa in the UAE?
A residency visa in the UAE allows foreign nationals to live in the country legally for an extended period. This visa is typically linked to employment, investment, or family sponsorship, and it must be renewed periodically, depending on the visa type.
2. Who Can Sponsor My UAE Residency Visa?
The sponsor for your UAE residency visa can be an business consultancy firm, an employer, an educational institution, a family member, or even yourself if you are an investor or business owner. The type of sponsor will depend on the visa category you are applying for.
3. How Long is a Residency Visa in the UAE Valid?
Residency visas in the UAE are generally valid for 1, 2, or 3 years, depending on the type of visa. The Golden Visa offers a longer validity, typically ranging from 5 to 10 years.
4. Can I Work with a Residency Visa in the UAE?
Yes, you can work with a residency visa, but it must be specifically issued under the employment category. If you have a residency visa under a different category (e.g., student or dependent), you will need to obtain a work permit to be employed legally.
5. What is the Difference Between a Residency Visa and an Emirates ID?
A residency visa allows you to legally reside in the UAE, while an Emirates ID is an identification card that all residents must have. The Emirates ID is used for various services, including banking, healthcare, and government transactions.
6. How Long Does It Take to Process a Residency Visa in the UAE?
The processing time for a residency visa can vary but typically takes between 2 to 3 weeks, assuming all required documents are in order and there are no delays in medical examinations or application submissions.
7. Can I Renew My Residency Visa Before It Expires?
Yes, you can renew your residency visa before it expires. It’s advisable to start the renewal process at least 30 days before the expiry date to avoid any legal issues or fines.
8. What Happens if My Residency Visa Expires?
If your residency visa expires and you do not renew it, you may face fines, legal action, or even deportation. It is crucial to keep track of your visa’s expiration date and initiate the renewal process on time.
9. Do I Need a Residency Visa to Apply for an Emirates ID?
Yes, a valid residency visa is required to apply for an Emirates ID. The Emirates ID application process typically occurs simultaneously with the residency visa application.
10. Can I Sponsor My Family Members for a Residency Visa in the UAE?
Yes, if you hold a valid residency visa, you can sponsor your immediate family members, such as your spouse and children, to obtain their residency visas in the UAE.