Over the years, the UAE has emerged as one of the best jurisdictions worldwide for residency. Furthermore, Dubai and the UAE are preferred alternatives to traditional jurisdictions such as Switzerland, the UK, Singapore, and Monaco.
The UAE is an attractive jurisdiction for residence. Here, individuals are exempt from taxes such as income tax, property tax or net worth tax. Furthermore, the country has straightforward administrative requirements and low processing fees. With excellent accessibility and good weather conditions, the UAE is a truly attractive jurisdiction.
What is the eligibility for a UAE residency visa?
To obtain a residence visa in the UAE, you must fall into the following categories:
- If you work under a private company or government office.
- If you study at an educational institution in the United Arab Emirates.
- If you are an investor in the UAE.
- Depends on the foreign resident or UAE citizen. For example – parent, child, maid, or close relative.
- If you buy property in the UAE.
- If you retire in the UAE.
Who can apply for a residence visa?
Individuals can apply for a residency visa if you are already in the UAE with a valid entry permit. Similarly, you cannot apply for your own visa. Instead, find a sponsor such as a spouse, employer, etc. However, in some cases you can sponsor yourself.
- If you need a UAE work visa, your employer must be your sponsor.
- If you need a UAE family visa, a family member must sponsor your visa.
- If you need a student visa, the school must be your sponsor.
- If you are an investor or looking to buy property in the UAE, apply for a visa yourself. Here, your company or property acts as sponsorship.
What are the different types of residence visas in the UAE?
The residence visa depends on the purpose of your trip. Various visas include,
- UAE Work Visa – Issued to foreigners, ready to start their employment in the UAE with a work permit
- UAE Student Visa – A visa issued to foreign nationals who are willing to join an educational institution in the UAE.
- UAE Family Visa – Issued to immediate family members of foreign residents or UAE citizens.
- UAE Investment Visa – Investment visas are issued to foreign nationals who wish to invest in the UAE. These visas are longer-lasting than other types of visas, valid for up to 10 years.
- UAE Retirement Visa – Retirement visas are issued to elderly foreigners who wish to retire in the country and have the financial means to do so.
What documents are required for a UAE residency visa?
When applying for a resident visa, include the following documents
- Entry visa
- Original passport
- Visa application form
- Proof of UAE citizenship or legal residency of the sponsor
- Two passport-sized photographs as per UAE visa photo requirements
- Medical fitness proof
- Health insurance plan proof
- In case of a work visa, include a valid work contract, valid firm card, and a valid copy of the company’s trade license.
- In the case of a family visa, include family relationships such as marriage or birth certificates.
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