UAE Residence Visa

While an entry permit allows you to get into the country and stay for a limited time, UAE residence visa allows long-term stays and opens new doors for you. As of February 2019, the state changed the UAE resident visa requirements. You do not need a sponsor to request a visa to live, work, or study within the UAE. The country provides a chance to get permits for 5 or 10 years with automatic renewal.

However, be aware that immigration rules are subject to regular change. The latest regulations might be overruled and overhauled, so make sure to check with the official government portals or your immigration representative to learn about the latest Dubai residence visa regulations, requirements, and limitations.

According to the latest change in immigration regulations, these categories of people are eligible for sponsor-free 5-year-long visas:

• Outstanding high school and university students with an overall score of 95% and up or a GPA of 3.75 and up. The student long-term visa covers their family members.
• Entrepreneurs approved by a business incubator or working on a project worthy of at least AED 500,000. The residency visa covers three executive officers, one partner, and the entrepreneur’s family members.
• Investors with AED 5+ million investment in UAE properties in case the money is not loaned, and the properties are kept for three years minimum.

The requirements for a 10-year-long residency visa include:

• Specialized talent in a field of science or art approved by the government authority. Applicants must possess a valid work contract in their specialized area that is a priority of the state. The document extends to family members.
• UAE contribution of AED 10 million or more that can take the form of an investment fund deposit, real estate properties, establishing a business. The property owned should be kept for 3+ years, and the funds cannot be on loan.

Besides meeting these requirements for long-term visa approval, you will require a valid entry permit. Moreover, you will have to pass a medical test that proves you are free of infectious diseases, such as tuberculosis, HIV, hepatitis B, and syphilis. A negative pregnancy test is required for female applicants. Considering most long-term permits cover the applicant’s family members, UAE residence visa requirements for family are the same as for individuals.

You won’t find a single figure to encompass all UAE residence visa fees on any official website, as the procedure includes multiple steps and most require small payments. Moreover, individual Emirates might charge different fees for medical examinations, bank charges, typing centers’ services. Similar to residence visa approval, the prices are calculated on a case-by-case basis. The UAE residence visa cost can be as low as AED 420 if you dismiss all extra charges, but even this number is subject to change according to the latest government decisions.