UAE Residence Visa – Understanding What it is, How to Apply, Eligibility, and More

The UAE is renowned across the world for its incredible infrastructure, cultural sites, economic growth, work and education opportunities, and more. It certainly has no shortage of opportunities whether you are a student, business person, salaried worker, retired individual, and so on.

Whichever category you belong to, you would be required to have a UAE residence visa if you plan to move to the country for a long duration and fulfil your goals. In the article below, we will cover the different types of UAE residence visas, their features, the process of application, and other important details.

What is a UAE Residence Visa?

As mentioned earlier, a UAE residence visa allows you to stay in the country for a long period, unlike tourist or short-visit visas. Depending on your category and requirements, you can apply for one of the many types of residence visas.

Benefits of the UAE Residence Visa

While the specific benefits that you get to enjoy would depend on the type of visa you apply for, here are the general benefits that you may expect with a UAE residence visa –

• With this residence visa, you can open a bank account in any of the leading banks in the UAE
• You can have a long stay of up to 10 years
• You can apply for a loan (provided you fulfil other eligibility criteria for the said loan)
• Once you get a UAE residence visa, you can enter several countries without a visa with the visa-on-arrival facility
• You can invite your family and also have your children easily admitted into schools
• You can get a driving licence and enjoy driving around the emirates
• This visa also allows you to avail of various kinds of benefits related to insurance, government healthcare facilities, and more

Eligibility Criteria for UAE Residence Visa

With respect to the general eligibility criteria, you must have a valid passport and clear the security and medical checks to apply for a UAE residence visa. Keep in mind that you would need to obtain an Emirates ID as well.

Depending on your category, you would have to fulfil certain eligibility specific to your category –

For Students

• You must possess a certificate from the concerned institute that mentions your study period
• Your stay must be sponsored by your parents (if UAE residents) or your university/institute

For Standard Work Visa

• You must be employed in a free zone or government/private sector

For Investors (Green Visa)

• You would be required to have a valid proof of your investment in the country
• The approval of the Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs and Ports Security (ICP) would be required for your investment
• You would also need to get the approval of the relevant local authorities

For Retired Individuals

• You must be at least 55 years old or have a work experience of at least 15 years
• You must have savings or properties worth at least AED 1 million or a minimum monthly salary of AED 20,000 (AED 15,000 if you are in Dubai)

How to Apply for a UAE Residence Visa?

You can apply for this residence visa using any of the multiple modes available in the UAE. If you are applying for a standard work visa, your employer can initiate the application process for you.

If you want to apply for the visa yourself, you can visit the official website of the ICP or download its app. You can also visit the website of the General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs (GDRFA) or download its DubaiNow app to apply.

You can simply access any of the mentioned websites or apps, find visa-related services, and start the application process. Keep in mind that you would have to submit all the specified documents along with the visa application form. The application process would be completed once you make the payment for the UAE residence visa fees.

Documents Required for a UAE Residence Visa

Similar to the eligibility criteria, different sets of documents are required as per the category of the applicant. However, the general documents required for a UAE residence visa include the following –

• Your passport
• Passport-size coloured pictures (against a white background)
• UAE entry permit
• Documents to verify your employer or your sponsor
• Reports of the medical fitness test
• Valid UAE health insurance plan

Wrapping Up

The UAE has numerous opportunities and options for students, investors, corporate workers, retired individuals, and more. With a UAE residence visa, you can take advantage of those opportunities and have a long stay in the country.

Before applying for this visa, however, you must be aware of the eligibility criteria as per your category (student, worker, business person, and so on). You should also be prepared with the necessary documents to avoid rushing at the last minute.

A key requirement for residence visas for the UAE is a medical or health insurance plan that is valid in the emirates. To make sure that you have the best insurance plan for yourself at the most affordable rates, you can compare the top insurance options from the leading insurers in the UAE on Policybazaar UAE.

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