How to Apply for a UAE Residence Visa – A Step-By-Step Guide

If you’re planning to move to the United Arab Emirates (UAE) for work, you’ll need a residence visa. Whether you’re chasing career opportunities or moving with your spouse, obtaining a UAE residence visa is your first step towards making this dream a reality. This visa allows you to live and work in the UAE legally. While the process might seem complicated, breaking it down into six simple steps can make it much more manageable. This guide will help you understand the process, required documents, and fees involved.

Step 1: Checking Eligibility and Visa Category

Before you start filling out forms and gathering documents, it’s crucial to understand if you qualify for a UAE residence visa and which category suits you best. The first step in getting a UAE residence visa is to determine if the worker is eligible and which visa category they fall into.

The UAE offers two main types of residence visas for employees:

1. Standard Work Visa: This is the most common option, valid for two years.
2. Golden Visa: A prestigious long-term visa for exceptional talents and investors.

Standard Work Visa

Most foreign nationals apply for the standard work visa, which is valid for two years. To qualify, applicants must:

• Be between 18 and 60 years old.
• Have relevant academic qualifications (a degree certificate for skilled jobs and a high school diploma or equivalent for unskilled jobs).
• Provide proof of a formal job offer. (You can’t apply for a residence visa on your own. You need a formal job offer from a UAE-based company. This company will act as your sponsor throughout the visa process.)

Also, with a residence permit, expats can sponsor their family members (spouses and dependents). However, they need to earn a minimum salary of 4,000 AED ($1080 USD) per month.

Golden Visa

The Golden visa is a long-term residence visa valid for up to ten years. It is typically granted to investors, entrepreneurs, specialized talents, researchers, and outstanding students.

Note: Companies operating within one of the UAE’s 46 free zones have a visa quota, limiting the number of foreign workers they can sponsor at one time. Make sure to secure approval if your company is within a free zone.

If you’re unsure about your eligibility or need help navigating these requirements, don’t hesitate to reach out to residence visa consultants in Dubai. They can provide expert guidance tailored to your specific situation.

Step 2: Preparing Your Supporting Documents

Once you’ve confirmed your eligibility, it’s time to gather all the necessary paperwork. Think of this as creating a comprehensive portfolio that showcases your identity, qualifications, and job status.

To apply for a UAE residence visa, you need to gather several important documents. These documents will be required at different stages of the application process.

Required Documents

1. Passport: A valid passport with at least six months remaining and two spare pages.
2. Passport Copy: A colored copy of the passport.
3. Passport-sized Photo: A digital passport-sized photo with a white background.
4. Work Contract: A copy of the work contract.
5. Academic Certificates: Legalized academic certificates.
6. Financial Guarantor Document: Proof of financial stability.

It’s important to note that the UAE Immigration authorities require all documents to be authenticated:

• Attestation: Your documents need to be attested by the relevant authorities in your home country.
• Translation: All documents must be professionally translated into Arabic.
• Counter-attestation: If you’re applying from outside the UAE, you’ll need to get your documents counter-attested by the UAE Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

While this process might seem daunting, remember that residence visa consultants in Dubai can guide you through each step, ensuring your documents meet all requirements.

Step: 3. Obtaining an Entry Visa

Before you can set foot in the UAE to begin your new life, you’ll need an entry visa. Think of this as your initial pass into the country. Here’s what you need to know:

GCC Citizens: If you’re from a Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) country, you’re in luck! Citizens from Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, Oman, Qatar, and Kuwait don’t need an entry visa. You can enter the UAE using your government-issued ID card.

For Everyone Else: If you’re not from a GCC country, your employer will need to apply for an entry permit on your behalf. Here’s how it works:

How to Apply for an Entry Visa

1. Registration: Create an account on the UAE immigration website if you don’t already have one. This account can be used for future visa and residence applications.
2. Application: Upload the supporting documents and pay the 1350 AED ($370) visa fees.
3. Collection: Receive the entry permit within 48 hours of application submission.

The worker must enter the UAE within 59 days of receiving the entry permit and has six months to apply for the residence permit.

Step: 4. Arranging a Medical Examination

The UAE prioritizes public health, which is why a medical examination is a mandatory part of the residence visa process. Here’s what you need to know about this important step:

To apply for a residence permit, the visa applicant needs a certificate of good health from a Dubai Health Authority (DHA) accredited hospital. This involves X-rays and blood tests for communicable diseases.

Medical Examination Process

1. Schedule an Appointment: Book an appointment at a DHA-accredited center.
   The cost of a DHA Normal is 350 dhs.
   The cost of DHS VIP is 750 dhs.
2. Results: The hospital will send your results directly to the immigration officials within two days.

You can schedule your medical examination appointment online through Any Tasheel Center. Try to book your appointment as soon as possible after arriving in the UAE to avoid delays in your visa process.

Note: Health Insurance – While not part of the medical examination itself, it’s worth noting that health insurance is mandatory in the UAE. Many emirates require employers to provide health coverage for their employees. Make sure to discuss this with your employer as you prepare for your move.

Step: 5. Applying for an Emirates ID

The Emirates ID is a crucial document for life in the UAE. It serves as your official identification card and is necessary for many day-to-day activities.

Before filing for the residence permit, the worker must get their Emirates ID card. The Federal Authority for Identity and Citizenship (ICP) issues these IDs.

Steps to Get an Emirates ID

1. Receive ID Application Form: The ICP sends an ID application form within one to three days of the medical appointment.
2. Apply for ID: Complete the application form and ensure that the worker is enrolled in health insurance, as medical coverage is mandatory in the UAE.
3. Biometric Appointment: Within 15 days of receiving the ID form, the worker must visit an ICP-accredited testing center for biometric data collection.

Importance of the Emirates ID: This card is essential for various aspects of life in the UAE, including:

• Opening a bank account
• Setting up utilities
• Accessing government services
• Proving your residency status

Remember, your Emirates ID is linked to your residence visa, so it’s crucial to keep it safe and up to date.

Step: 6. Filing for Residency

Once you are done with Emirates ID application process, you can apply for the residence permit on the official portal of the UAE government. This last step involves filing for your actual residency permit.

Filing for Residency

• Submit Application: Upload all supporting documents and pay the filing fees (up to 750 AED or $205).
• Processing Time: The immigration office will process the application within 48 hours. If approved, the worker will receive their Emirates ID card within two weeks.

Validity and Renewal

• Standard Work Visa: Valid for up to two years with the option for renewal.
• Golden Visa: Valid for up to ten years.

Renewal Process:

• When it’s time to renew your visa, you’ll need to repeat some steps, including the medical examination and residency application.
• Start the renewal process well before your current visa expires to avoid any issues.

You have to go through the same steps and medical examinations at the time of your residency visa renewal in UAE.

Talk to Experts at Abatera Pro Services

Relocating to the UAE for work and obtaining a residency visa involves several steps, but understanding the process can make it smoother. Whether you choose to handle the visa process yourself or seek the help of residence visa consultants in Dubai, following these steps will guide you through obtaining a UAE residence visa. From checking eligibility to filing for residency, each step is crucial in ensuring a successful application.

Working with residence visa consultants in Dubai can be especially beneficial if you’re unfamiliar with the process or need additional support. They can provide expert guidance and help streamline the application, ensuring all requirements are met promptly.

Moving to a new country is always a big step, but with the right preparation and support, it can be an exciting and rewarding experience.