UAE Residence Visa Types, Steps to Apply & Renewal Online

With the UAE becoming a global hub in tourism, IT, art, science, and beyond, people always have an eye on visiting the Emirates. However, with a boost in economic and job opportunities, many individuals plan to live and work in the country.

Yet, to meet the demand for immigration upraise, the official authorities offer different credentials to adapt to different requirements. Moreover, a UAE residence visa provides numerous benefits in addition to work and living facilities.

Therefore, many passionate individuals seek to take advantage of different immigrant authorization types to start a life in the Middle East. In this guide, we will discuss all residency permit types and procedures for applying for one.

So, stay with us and let us start the main discussion.

UAE Residence Visa Types – A Guide to Getting One

Residence permits are issued to people already in the country through a tourist pass or an entry card. Moreover, it is possible for holders to legally live and work in the country for up to three years, depending on the sponsor.

Likewise, there are 5 or 10-year residence papers, which are subject to meeting certain criteria. Additionally, resident visas have different types and include the following.

• Real estate visa
• Business visa
• Retirement visa
• Student visa
• Freelance work pass
• Employment visa

The type of visa determines the nature of working, validity, and costs. Moreover, permanent immigration aspirants must comply with several requirements before getting their green cards.

Let us discuss each type of residence paperwork in detail.

Real Estate Visa

Foreign nationals can get a UAE residency visa by investing in the real estate sector and purchasing a property worth $204,000 or AED 750,000.

Further, there is no upper limit for property investment, and they can buy either a commercial or a residential property in Abu Dhabi or Dubai. Likewise, they can buy ready-to-move property or those in construction.

Additionally, investors can get a mortgage facility; however, their mortgage should not exceed 50% of the property’s price. A 2-year certificate is issued in case property investment is mortgaged.

Requirements

• 2-year immigration status if the real-estate investment starts from AED 750,000 or USD 204,000
• 10-year permit if the real-estate investment starts from AED 2,000,000 or USD 544,500

Sponsor

• Immediate family members (spouse and children) can apply for immigrant status when an investor gets a green card through investment in real estate.
• For a 2-year passport, investors can include children under 18; for a 10-year document, investors can add unmarried sons under 25 and daughters of any age.

Documents

You must submit the following documentation to seek a real estate residence certificate.

• Real estate ownership certificate
• Property value confirmation certificate from Dubai Land Department
• Bank statements if the property is purchased through a mortgage
• Real estate sale and purchase agreement
• Marriage certificate
• Certificate of non-marriage for children under 18
• Non-criminal certificate from UAE and country of origin
• Passport copy
• Medical insurance
• Valid immigration copy
• Color photo of 3×4 cm with white background

Business Visa

It is another type of UAE stay authorization that entrepreneurs or investors can get for five to ten years. However, they must invest AED 500,000 or USD 136,000 in an Emirates-based company. Moreover, you can get a 5-year residence card if you establish an innovative company with a minimum investment of AED 500,000 or $ 136,000.

Requirements

• 10-year pass if you invest AED 2,000,000 or USD 545,500 in an existing or new company.
• 10-year work permit if you own a company with a yearly revenue of AED 1,000,000 or USD 272,280.
• 10-year boarding pass if you establish and sell the company for at least AED 7,000,000 or USD 1,900,000.

Sponsor

• Spouse 
• Unmarried sons under the age of 25 and unmarried daughters of any age

Documents

• Business registration certificate
• Company’s trade license
• Establishment card
• Bank confirmation letter for authorized capital investment
• Passport copy
• Medical insurance
• Medical examination certificate
• A color photo of 3×4 cm with a white background

Retirement Visa

Retired persons getting pensions from outside the Middle East can get permission to live in the region by meeting the following requirements.

Requirements

• Individuals over the age of 55 and retired (military people under the age of 55 are not eligible)
• Get a monthly pension of at least AED 1,5000 or USD 4,100
• Have deposited AED 1,000,000 or USD 275,000 for at least 3 years
• Have invested at least AED 1,000,000 or USD 275,000 in single or multiple properties
• The validity of a resident card for retires is 5 years

Sponsor

• Spouse
• Children under 18 years

Documents

• Passport copy
• Retirement certificate
• Bank statements for the past three months
• Pension amount confirmation letter
• Investment fulfillment confirmation letter (deposit certificate from bank, sale/purchase contract of real estate)

Student Visa

International students over 18 who have enrolled with the UAE-based university can obtain a student passport upon meeting specific criteria.

Requirements

• IELTS score of 5.5, EmSAT score of 1250, or TOEFL iBT score of 70
• 5-10 years of validity
• Admission confirmation in one of the state accreditation institutions 

Documents

• Application form
• Notarized copy of high school diploma translated in Arabic
• Passport copy
• Birth certificate
• Equivalence certificate of foreign diploma issued by the Ministry of Education  
• Language certificate confirming knowledge of English 
• Color photo of 3×4 cm with white background

Freelance Visa

Freelancers can get a UAE residence visa by fulfilling the necessary prerequisites. Here are the full details to get a freelance work permit.

Requirements

• License from concerned free zones
• Remote worker license is valid for one year
• Educational certificates

Sponsor

• Parents
• Spouse
• Children 

Documents

• Passport with minimum 6 months validity
• Medical insurance
• Proof of employment
• The past three months’ bank statements
• Freelance license
• Valid travel papers
• CV
• Color photo of 3×4 cm with white background

 Employment Visa

Foreigners in long-term employment contracts with Emirati organizations can get a permit to live in the country under certain conditions. Moreover, employers must bear the cost of immigration as per local law.

Requirements

• Educational records endorsed by the United Arab Emirates Ministry of Education
• Submit a verification fee of AED 100 for a bachelor’s degree and AED 200 for a Ph.D.
• Experience certificates

Sponsor

• The spouse
• Unmarried daughters
• Sons between 18-21 years studying at a university
• Parents (if the applicant is earning AED 20,000 or $4,500)

Documents

• Work permit
• Passport copy
• CV
• Notarized copy of the diploma
• Color photograph of 3×4 cm on a white background

Benefits of UAE Resident Visa

Many individuals seek Emirati residence documents, which bring numerous advantages to the holder. Here are a few key benefits of the permanent living card.

• Business-friendly environment
• Beneficial tax policies
• Higher education facilities
• Access to high-quality medical healthcare
• Facility to purchase properties in the Middle East on a mortgage

How to Apply for UAE Residence Visa 

Emirates has a lot to offer regarding fulfilling your dreams. Furthermore, getting a living license to accomplish your goal is easy, with no cents to pay. Just follow these steps: 

Step 1: Entry Permit

The first step for obtaining a living pass is for your sponsor to apply for an entry permit by using the following channels: 

• ICP official website
• ICP mobile app (Android / iOS)

Note: Following receipt and entry into the country, your sponsor must immediately apply for your resident certificate.

Step 2: Personal Information

In the next step, you have to provide the following details and then follow the next steps: 

• Name
• Address
• Nationality 
• Working Valid Email Address

Step 3: Required Documents

Candidates should be familiar with the type of visa they are applying for and the required documents. As outlined above, different permits require different paperwork, as outlined by the government. 

Step 4: Pay Fee

After you have attached the required files, you will need to pay the required fee as follows:

• REQUEST FEES – 100.00 AED
• ISSUE FEES – 100.00 AED
• E-SERVICES FEES – 28.00 AED
• ICP FEES – 22.00 AED
• Smart Services Fee – 100.00 AED

Step 5: Get it By Email

Your resident card will be emailed to you after your sponsor completes the application process. 

Entry Permit vs Residence Visa – What’s the difference?

The Entry Permit and Residence Card serve distinct purposes for foreigners traveling to the Emirates.

The Entry Permit is a short-term entry form that allows you to enter the country for a limited period, usually up to 3 months. Further, your sponsor must obtain this entry permit before your arrival, based on your reason for travel, such as tourism or business. However, certain nationalities can enter the country without an entry document.

On the other hand, the residence visa enables long-term stay in the United Arab Emirates. Therefore, once you have entered an application for admission, your sponsor can apply for your stay from the relevant authorities. The application allows you to reside in the United Arab Emirates for an extended duration.

UAE Residence Visa Fees 

Securing a long-term stay in the Arab Emirates requires obtaining a local stay permit, which comes with associated fees. Therefore, the application fee itself is AED 100 for a one-year duration.

However, you’ll also need to factor in a processing fee, which varies based on your application method. 

• In-person application – AED 70 fee
• Online application – AED 40

Additionally, you’ll need to budget for mandatory medical examinations and health insurance, separate from the registration fees.

Note: The fees are subject to change, so checking for the most recent information is best.

Residence Visa UAE  Renewal – A Step-by-Step Guide

Renewing your Arab Emirates permit is as simple as clicking a button. Here are the steps you need to follow to ensure a smooth renewal.

Step 1: Check Expiration

Remember to notify your sponsor to initiate the renewal process within 30 days before your residing document expires. You may also Check UAE Visa Validity from the online portal.

Step 2: Required Documents

Contact your sponsor to gather all necessary information for the renewal process. It typically includes  

• Current Visa
• Valid Passport
• Emirates ID
• Additional documents

Step 3: Visit the Immigration Authority

Your sponsor must visit the General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs (GDRFA) to submit the renewal application.

Step 4: Pay Applicable Fees

Your sponsor will have to pay processing fees and additional costs associated with your license renewal.

Step 5: Receive Renewed Paper

You’ll get your renewed resident permit to stay in the country legally in a few days.

How to Cancel UAE Residence Visa

Only the sponsor, like the employer, spouse, parent, or passport holder, can initiate the cancellation process. Generally, the following papers are required to start this process.

• Cancellation confirmation of labor contract
• Cancellation of labor card
• Forms are submitted to the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation
• Individual’s original passport
• Signed authorization cancellation paper from sponsor
• Cancellation documents are submitted to the same authority that issued them.

Note: Cancellation applications are submitted via the online ICP website or the registered typing center. 

FAQs

Who can get a residence visa in UAE?

The government issued immigrant permits to foreigners who want to purchase property in the country, start a business, be employed by a local company, or be accepted at a local university. Furthermore, freelancers and retirees can also get a citizen card.

How long does it take to get a UAE resident visa?

The period depends on the type of visa; for example, foreign investors will get their license in about 5-6 months.

How much does a UAE residence visa cost?

The latest cost of the travel document is around AED 100. Additionally, applicants must pay a processing fee that depends on the nature of the license and costs around AED 40 to AED 70.

How much do I have to invest to get an Emirati citizen visa?

Foreign investors can buy a property for a minimum of AED 2,000,000 ($544,500) to get a 10-year residency approval. Likewise, they can purchase either ready-to-move or under-construction properties.

Conclusion

Emirates visas bring many exciting opportunities and a world-class living style. Therefore, many individuals are seeking means to get a home in the Emirates. The UAE government has offered many passport types, including freelance, student, retirement, investment, and business documents.

However, each category requires applicants to fulfill particular requirements. If you comply with these requirements, you can get permission to reside in the country. For instance, students must have been admitted to the Emirati University. Likewise, an employment living paper is issued to individuals who have secured employment confirmation at a local company.

So, if you meet any of the prescribed criteria and are looking to relocate, the Middle East is the best place to start the next chapter of your life. 

We wish you good luck with your UAE residence visa.