UAE Visa Types - Know Before Apply

Detail guide on types of visa in UAE

UAE is a beautiful, bustling city brimming with activity and opportunity. As such, it can be a great destination for many people to visit and explore. Understanding the available types of visas in the United Arab Emirates is essential when planning to apply for a UAE visa.

These diverse visa options are designed to provide every traveler with the necessary access to enjoy all that this dynamic emirate has to offer.

How Many Types of Visa in UAE?

UAE Tourist Visa:

UAE tourist visa is available to individuals who wish to visit the country for tourism purposes. There are several types of tourist visas available, including:

14 Days Dubai Tourist Visa: The 14-day tourist visa is a type of visa that allows individuals to visit Dubai for up to 14 days for tourism purposes. This visa is valid for a single entry into Dubai and cannot be extended beyond its 14-day validity period.
30 Days Dubai Tourist Visa: This visa is valid for 30 days from the date of entry into the UAE and can be extended for an additional 30 days.
60 Days UAE Tourist Visa: This visa is valid for 60 days from the date of entry into the UAE and can be extended for an additional 30 days.
90 Days Dubai Tourist Visa: This visa is valid for 90 days from the date of entry into the UAE and can be extended for an additional 30 days.
Dubai Multiple Entry Tourist Visa: This visa is valid for 30 or 90 days and allows multiple entries into the UAE during its validity period.

To obtain a tourist visa, the individual must provide the following documents:

The application process for a tourist visa can typically be done online. It is important to note that visa requirements and processes may vary depending on the individual’s nationality and the purpose of their visit.

Dubai Transit Visa:

This type of visa is issued to individuals who are transiting through the UAE to another destination. It is valid for up to 96 hours.

The requirements are all similar to the tourist visa. However, you must have a confirmed flight booking to a third destination and meet the eligibility criteria set by the UAE immigration authorities. The eligibility criteria may vary depending on your nationality, purpose of travel, and other factors. You are required to pay a fee for the transit visa.

Dubai Visit Visa:

This type of visa is issued to individuals who wish to visit family or friends in the UAE. It can be valid for 30 or 90 days, and can be extended for an additional 30 days.

Here are the general requirements for a Dubai visit visa,

Your passport must be valid for at least six months from the date of your arrival in Dubai.
You need to fill out the Dubai visa application form
You will need to submit two passport-sized photographs that meet the UAE visa photo requirements.
You must have a confirmed flight ticket to Dubai and a return ticket to your home country.
You will need to provide proof of your accommodation in Dubai, such as relatives or friend’s house address and informations or hotel booking confirmation.
You may be required to show proof of sufficient funds to cover your stay in Dubai.
You may be required have medical insurance that is valid in Dubai.

The specific requirements and fees for a Dubai visit visa may vary depending on your nationality and the duration of your stay.

UAE Medical Treatment Visa:

UAE offers medical treatment visas to individuals who require medical treatment or procedures in the country. This type of visa is issued to individuals who have been referred to a UAE hospital or medical facility by a doctor or medical institution in their home country.

To obtain a medical treatment visa, the individual must provide the following documents:

A medical report from a doctor or medical institution in their home country, detailing the nature of the medical condition, the recommended treatment or procedure, and the expected duration of treatment.
A letter of referral from the doctor or medical institution in their home country, recommending the individual for treatment in the UAE.
A valid passport with a minimum validity of six months.
Two passport-sized photographs.
Proof of financial means to cover the cost of treatment and accommodation in the UAE.
Proof of health insurance coverage.

The medical treatment visa is typically valid for up to 90 days, and can be extended for an additional 90 days if necessary. It is important to note that the individual will be required to undergo a medical examination upon arrival in the UAE, and may be required to provide additional medical information or documentation.

UAE Student Visa:

This type of visa is issued to individuals who have been accepted into a school or university in the UAE. It is valid for the duration of the course of study.

Types of UAE Employment Visa for Working

There are several types of visa in uae for working, for those who wish to work. Here are the most common types of visas in UAE for working,

UAE Employment Visa:

This type of visa is issued to individuals who have been offered employment in the UAE. It is valid for up to three years, and can be renewed.

Your passport must be valid for at least six months from the date of your arrival in the UAE.
You need to have a valid job offer letter from a company in the UAE.
You will need to undergo a medical examination and obtain a medical fitness certificate from an approved health center in the UAE.
You will need to apply for and obtain an Emirates ID card, which is a mandatory identification card for all residents of the UAE.
You will need to submit two passport-sized photographs that meet the UAE visa photo requirements.
You need to fill out the UAE employment visa application form, which can be obtained from the UAE embassy in your country or through your employer.
You may be required to provide attested copies of your educational certificates, depending on the requirements of your employer.
You may be required to undergo a security clearance process, depending on the requirements of your employer.
Some companies may require their employees to deposit a security amount, which is refundable upon the completion of the employment contract.

The specific requirements and fees for a UAE employment visa may vary depending on your nationality and the type of employment visa you are applying for. It is advisable to check with your employer or the UAE embassy in your country for the latest information and guidelines.

Dubai Freelance Visa:

This visa is designed for self-employed individuals who work on a freelance basis, such as freelancers, consultants, and entrepreneurs.

To be eligible for the Dubai freelance visa, applicants must meet certain requirements, such as having a passport with a minimum validity of six months, proof of health insurance, proof of income, and a valid residency visa or entry permit for the UAE.

Applicants also need to have a freelance permit issued by the Dubai Creative Clusters Authority (DCCA), which allows them to operate as a freelancer in the UAE. The permit is valid for one year and can be renewed annually.

Once approved, the Dubai freelance visa allows foreigners to stay in Dubai for up to one year and gives them access to all the services and amenities available to residents, such as healthcare, education, and banking.

UAE Mission Visa:

This visa is issued to individuals who are employed by a foreign embassy or consulate in the UAE.
Here are some key points to keep in mind regarding UAE mission visas:

Eligibility: To be eligible for a mission visa, you must be employed by a company or organization based outside the UAE, and you must be traveling to the UAE for a specific work-related purpose.
Sponsorship: You must have a sponsor in the UAE to apply for a mission visa. The sponsor can be the company or organization you will be working with in the UAE, or a local business partner.
Application process: The application process for a mission visa can vary depending on the specific requirements of the UAE embassy or consulate in your country. Generally, you will need to provide a completed visa application form, a passport-sized photo, and a copy of your passport.
Duration: Mission visas are usually issued for a period of up to 90 days, although this can vary depending on the specific requirements of the UAE authorities.
Extension: If you need to stay in the UAE for longer than the period allowed by your mission visa, you can apply for an extension. However, you must do so before your current visa expires.
Restrictions: Mission visas do not allow you to work in the UAE, unless you have obtained a work permit or residency visa. You are only permitted to engage in the specific work-related activities for which your visa was issued.
Fees: There is a fee associated with applying for a mission visa, which can vary depending on the specific requirements of the UAE embassy or consulate in your country.

Domestic Worker Visa:

This visa is issued to foreign nationals who are employed such as housemaids, nannies, and cooks, in the homes of Emirati citizens and expatriates residing in Dubai.

To obtain a Dubai domestic worker visa, the employer must sponsor the domestic worker and apply for the visa on their behalf. The employer must also provide a contract of employment that outlines the terms and conditions of the employment, including the salary, working hours, and other benefits.

The domestic worker must also meet certain requirements, including having a valid passport, being of a certain age, and passing a medical examination. In addition, the domestic worker must have a clean criminal record and not be blacklisted by any UAE authorities.

Once the visa is approved, the domestic worker can enter the UAE and start working for their employer. The visa is valid for up to two years and can be renewed upon expiration.

Types of Residence Visa in UAE

Here are the most common types of residence visa available in UAE

Family Visa in UAE

This visa is issued to the family members of the primary visa holder, such as spouse, children, and parents, who wish to live with them in the UAE.

The visa is issued by the UAE immigration authorities and is valid for up to three years, depending on the sponsor’s visa validity and the family member’s relationship with the sponsor.

To be eligible for a UAE family visa, the sponsor must be an expatriate who holds a valid UAE residence visa and meets certain salary requirements. The sponsor can apply for a visa for their spouse, children, parents, or domestic workers, subject to specific conditions.

The applicant must provide

Once the visa is approved, the family members can enter the UAE and reside with the sponsor. The visa can be renewed before its expiration date, provided that the sponsor meets the renewal requirements.

UAE Investor Visa / Property Residence Visa

UAE investor visa is issued to foreign nationals who invest in the UAE by setting up a business or investing in an existing business. You can also purchase and own property in the UAE to reside in the country for a longer period of time.

The visa is issued by the UAE immigration authorities and is valid for up to 10 years.

To be eligible for the UAE investor/property residence visa, the applicant must meet any certain criteria, including:

Once the visa is approved, the applicant can reside in the UAE for a long period of time and enjoy various benefits, including the ability to sponsor family members, open bank accounts, and obtain a driver’s license.

Dubai Retirement Visa:

This visa is issued to foreign nationals who are over 55 years of age and have retired in the UAE. The Dubai retirement visa is valid for five years, and can be renewed upon expiry.

Here are the requirements for the Dubai retirement visa:

Age: Applicants must be aged 55 or above.
Health Insurance: Applicants must have valid health insurance coverage in Dubai.
Income: Applicants must have a monthly income of at least AED 20,000 (approximately USD 5,450) or savings of at least AED 1 million (approximately USD 272,000).
Property Ownership: Applicants must own a property in Dubai with a minimum value of AED 2 million (approximately USD 545,000), or have a lease agreement with a minimum annual rent of AED 80,000 (approximately USD 21,800).
Passport: Applicants must have a valid passport with a minimum of six months validity.
Good Conduct: Applicants must have a clear criminal record.
Application Fee: Applicants must pay a fee of AED 10,000 (approximately USD 2,725) for the initial application, and AED 5,000 (approximately USD 1,362) for visa renewal.

Long-term Residence Visa:

This visa is issued to foreign nationals who have made a significant contribution to the UAE in the fields of science, arts, culture, and other areas. It allows them to reside in the country for a longer period of time, up to 10 years.

Here are the requirements for the Dubai long-term residence visa:

Investment in Real Estate: Individuals must invest in property in Dubai worth at least AED 2 million (approximately USD 545,000). The investment must be held for a minimum of 3 years.
Investment in Business: Investors must invest at least AED 500,000 (approximately USD 136,000) in a new or existing business in Dubai. The investment must create at least 5 jobs for UAE nationals or achieve a minimum of AED 10 million in capital.
Entrepreneurial Talent: Entrepreneurs with a previous project worth at least AED 500,000, or who have approval from an accredited business incubator in the UAE, can apply for the visa.
Highly Skilled Professionals: Professionals in the fields of science, medicine, research, and technology can apply for the visa if they have a valid employment contract in Dubai and meet certain salary requirements.
Students: Graduates from accredited universities who have a grade point average of 3.8 or higher can apply for the visa.
Good Conduct: Applicants must have a clear criminal record.
Application Fee: Applicants must pay a fee for the application and processing of the visa, which can vary depending on the category of the visa and its duration.

Note: It's important to note that these requirements may change, so it's recommended to check with this page for the most up-to-date information before applying for a Dubai visa.