Many people travel to other countries from their home country for several reasons like education, better job opportunities, etc. And the UAE is one of the topmost countries where every individual likes to settle to make good money. People from different countries, religions and from various social backgrounds settle and work together in UAE. The United Arab Emirates is an assembly of different cultures.
Compared to many other countries, the UAE is a very safe and secure place for expats. Not only the safe place but also expats can earn more compared to other countries due to no/ less tax & good opportunity for business development. To settle in a foreign country it is mandatory to get a residential Visa. Here we learn the complete details about residence visas in the UAE.
Become a resident in UAE:
Expats can live as residents when they buy a property in the UAE or employed by a company in the UAE or by investing in a business or studying in a university in the UAE, etc.
Find More: UAE Visit Visa
Note: A residence visa will be issued only after an expat enters the country with a visit visa or tourist visa or an entry permit.
Living in the UAE is a fabulous experience for anyone. To get a residence visa in the UAE, it is mandatory that an expat has to fulfill all the below requirements.
- Must be 18 years old or above
- A medical test that proves you are medically fit at any one of the government-approved health centers in the UAE.
- You will be tested for two communicable diseases (HIV & Pulmonary Tuberculosis) at the time of renewal or first time applying for a visa.
- You should pass a security check
- Contact the Federal Authority for Identity and Citizenship for an Emirates ID card.
Types of residence visas in the UAE:
According to recent updates, under certain conditions, a residence visa in UAE may also be issued for 5 and 10 years. Generally, it can be for 1 year, 2 years or 3 years.
Long-term visas will be issued for 5 or 10 years and they will be renewed automatically.
Long-term residence visas in the UAE:
Long-term visas will be issued for 5 or 10 years and they will be renewed automatically.
Read this: Permanent Residence Visa for expats in the UAE
Eligibility for 10 Years – Residence Visa:
- Partnership in an existing or new business with a share value of AED 10 million or more
- The investors who invest at least AED 10 million in public investments
- For at least three years, the investment should be retained
- A deposit of at least AED 10 million in an investment fund within the UAE
- Established a company with a capital of not less than AED 10 million in the UAE
- People with advanced abilities in the fields of science and technology such as doctors, experts, engineers, inventors, and creative individuals in the area of culture and art.
Eligibility for 5 Years – Residence Visa:
- The investor must spend not less than AED 5 million in a gross value property
- There must be no loan-based amount invested in real estate.
- For at least three years, the property must be retained.
- Those with an existing project with a minimum capital of AED 500,000 or those with the approval of the country’s accredited incubator.
- Outstanding pupils of at least 95 percent of high-schools with a GPA distinction of at least 3.75 after graduation in public and private universities within and abroad.
Note: If you have a residence visa, you can apply for permanent residency in the UAE. You can even get a visa for your immediate family members like children under 18 years old, spouse (wife/husband).
Read more: Know about Dubai labor contract in the UAE
The validity of a residence visa in the UAE:
The validity of a residence visa depends on the type of visa the individual holds and the sponsor. Once the visa validity is expired, you can renew it any number of times.
When should we renew the residence visa?
You must renew your residence visa within 30days of grace period after your visa expired. You can only stay 30 days in the UAE after the visa expiration. So, it is better to renew the visa on or before the expiration date.
Penalty to stay after the expiration of the grace period:
The government of UAE charges some fees on staying in the Emirates with an expired Resident Visa. The charges are as follows:
- During the first 6 months (180 days) – AED 25 per day
- During the second 6 months (180 days) – AED 50 per day
- After a year and more – AED 100 per day
Requirements to renew the residency visa:
- A sponsor who has a valid residency permit
- Age: You must be 18 or above
- In Dubai & Abu Dhabi, Insurance card is mandatory
- ICA registered original receipt or a renewed identity card issued by ICA
Check here: How to renew UAE visa
Documents required to renew the residency visa:
- Sponsor original passport
- A photo of the sponsored
- Online application or an application from the registered typing office which is signed by a residency permit sponsor
Visa rules for traveling abroad for residence visa holders in UAE:
The general rule for expats in the UAE is, the residence visa will become invalid when they live outside the UAE for more than six months. They must visit the UAE at least once in six months. Otherwise, they have to apply for a new entry permit to enter the UAE again.
Some of the exceptional cases for this rule:
- An Emirates’ overseas spouse who is sponsored by her husband
- Government expatriate employees sent for treatment abroad
- Expatriates who are working for the public sector sent by their employers to attend special courses or to attend training
- Expatriate students who are studying in the universities or institutes abroad ( as per Dubai rules)
When you are living in another country as an expat, don’t break their rules. Therefore ensure you abide by the UAE rules and make your life peaceful!
About the author
Sameera’s interest in the finance niche and immense interest in reading has made her a personal finance writer for MyMoneySouq. She calls herself a writer by day and reader by night. She enjoys writing as much as cooking.
