Dubai offers a variety of visa types, each catering to different needs. If you’re looking to move to Dubai or anywhere else in the UAE anytime soon, keep reading to find out which kind of visa is appropriate for you!
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1. Transit Visa – Valid For Only 1 Single Entry Into The UAE
If you’re just passing through Dubai on your way to another destination, a transit visa might be what you need. There are two options: a 48-hour and a 96-hour visa. These are single-entry visas and are sponsored by UAE-based airlines. If you aren’t eligible for a visa on arrival or visa-free entry, you’ll need to secure this transit visa before you arrive.
For more information on eligibility and requirements, visit this website.
2. Hour Visa – 48-Hour To 96-Hour Visa Validity
The 96-hour transit visa costs AED 50 and must be applied for in advance through a UAE-based airline. This visa cannot be extended or renewed, and you must leave Dubai within 96 hours of your arrival.
For more information on eligibility and requirements, visit this website.
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3. Tourist Visa – 30 Days To 90 Days Validity
If you’re planning a longer stay, a tourist visa could be your best bet. You can get a visa for either 30 or 60 days. A UAE-based tourism establishment must sponsor this visa, and there will be a fee and security deposit involved. Enjoy Dubai’s sights, knowing you’ve got up to 90 days to explore.
For more information on eligibility and requirements, visit this website.
4. Jobseeker Visit Visa – Up To 120 Days Validity
Looking for a job in Dubai? The jobseeker visit visa is a great option. It allows foreigners to stay in Dubai for up to 120 days while searching for employment without needing a host or sponsor. There are three durations available: 60, 90, or 120 days. Eligibility requirements include:
- Being in the top three skill levels as per the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation (MOHRE)
- Graduating from one of the top 500 universities worldwide within the last two years
- Holding a bachelor’s degree or equivalent
- Providing a financial guarantee
For more information on eligibility and requirements, visit this website.
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5. Student Visa – 12 Months Validity
Students can stay in Dubai for one year at a time, with the option to renew as long as they remain enrolled in their studies. You’ll either need sponsorship from your parent, who is a UAE resident, or from your university. Key documents include a certificate from your university and other general requirements for a residence visa.
For more information on eligibility and requirements, visit this website.
6. UAE Family Visa – Up To 3 Years Validity
If you’re a resident of the UAE, you can sponsor your family members for up to three years. This applies to both employers and employees, provided you meet the salary requirements of AED 4,000 or AED 3,000 with accommodation. Sponsoring your wife, children, and even stepchildren is possible with the right documentation, and medical exams are mandatory for anyone over 18.
- Sponsoring Daughters: Only unmarried daughters can be sponsored, regardless of age.
- Sponsoring Sons: Sons can be sponsored until they turn 25, and sons with special needs (Sons of Determination) can be sponsored without age restrictions.
- Sponsoring Two Wives: In some cases, Muslim residents may sponsor two wives if certain conditions are met.
- Newborns: If your baby is born in the UAE, make sure to apply for a residence visa within 120 days to avoid fines.
- Stepchildren: You can sponsor stepchildren, though conditions include a deposit and a no-objection certificate from the biological parent.
For more information on eligibility and requirements, visit this website.
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7. Freelance Visa – Up To 3 Years Validity
If you’re a freelancer or self-employed, the freelance visa is perfect for you. It allows you to live and work in Dubai legally without needing an employer’s sponsorship. Available in sectors like media, education, IT, and marketing, this visa offers flexibility and is issued by the Dubai Department of Economic Development (DED).
For more information on eligibility and requirements, visit this website.
8. 5-Year Multiple Entry Visit Visa – 5-year Validity
Planning on visiting Dubai frequently? The 5-year multiple-entry tourist visa lets you come and go as you please. Each stay can last up to 90 days, with the possibility of an additional 90-day extension. All nationalities are eligible to apply for this visa.
For more information on eligibility and requirements, visit this website.
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9. Green Visa – 5-Year Validity
The UAE’s Green Visa is a type of residence visa that allows its holders to sponsor themselves for five years, eliminating the need for a UAE national or employer to sponsor their visa. This is ideal for freelancers, self-employed individuals, and skilled employees who wish to live and work in the UAE independently.
For more information on eligibility and requirements, visit this website.
10. Residence Visa – From 1 To 10 Years Validity
Residence visas offer different durations based on your type and sponsor. You can get one for 1, 2, or 3 years through sponsorship or for up to 5 or 10 years without a sponsor, subject to certain conditions. With recent updates, long-term visas, such as the 5-year retirement visa, are now available. The dependent’s visa expiry will align with the sponsor’s.
For more information on eligibility and requirements, visit this website.
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11. Gaming Visa – 10-Year Validity
Gamers, content creators, and industry professionals are now eligible for Dubai’s Gaming Visa. This special visa offers a 10-year residency, providing plenty of opportunities to advance your career in Dubai’s booming gaming industry.
For more information on eligibility and requirements, visit this website.
12. Golden Visa – 10-Year Validity
For long-term residency, the Golden Visa is an attractive option. It’s valid for 10 years and is available to investors, entrepreneurs, scientists, outstanding students, graduates, humanitarian pioneers, and frontline heroes. The Golden Visa allows you to live, work, or study in the UAE while enjoying exclusive benefits. The “One Touch” Golden Visa service makes the application and renewal process quick and easy.
For more information on eligibility and requirements, visit this website.
Also read: Making These 4 Mistakes With Your Emirates ID Can Land You Fines Of Up To AED 20,000!
Essential Documents For Your Visa
No matter which visa you choose, some essential documents are required for your application, including:
- Recent passport-sized photo
- Passport valid for at least six months
- Valid health insurance
- National ID card (for certain nationalities)
- Travel ticket for onward journeys (especially for transit visas)
- GCC residents will need a copy of their residence permit
- Indian nationals eligible for visa on arrival must show a permanent residence card (green card) from the USA or a residence visa from the UK or EU countries
Once you have everything ready, you can apply online through the General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs (GDRFA) website or go through an authorized agency. Processing times vary, but most visas are issued within 48 hours.
For the most accurate and detailed information, always check the GDRFA website or consult with your travel agent.
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