VISA & RESIDENCY APPLICATION
Navigate the UAE visa and residency process with confidence
Navigate the UAE visa and residency process with confidence
Navigate the UAE visa and residency process with confidence
VISA TYPES
Employment Visa
Sponsored by employer for working professionals
Requirements:
Valid employment contract
Passport with 6+ months validity
Educational certificates (attested)
Medical fitness certificate
Emirates ID application
Security deposit (varies by profession)
Process:
Employer initiates application through Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation (MOHRE)
Employment Visa
Sponsored by employer for working professionals
Requirements:
Valid employment contract
Passport with 6+ months validity
Educational certificates (attested)
Medical fitness certificate
Emirates ID application
Security deposit (varies by profession)
Process:
Employer initiates application through Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation (MOHRE)
Employment Visa
Sponsored by employer for working professionals
Requirements:
Valid employment contract
Passport with 6+ months validity
Educational certificates (attested)
Medical fitness certificate
Emirates ID application
Security deposit (varies by profession)
Process:
Employer initiates application through Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation (MOHRE)
Family Visa
Sponsor spouse, children, and parents
Requirements:
Minimum salary: AED 4,000 (or AED 3,000 + accommodation)
Marriage certificate (attested)
Birth certificates for children
Tenancy contract (Ejari registered)
Salary certificate and bank statements
Medical fitness for all family members
Process:
Sponsor applies through General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs (GDRFA)
Family Visa
Sponsor spouse, children, and parents
Requirements:
Minimum salary: AED 4,000 (or AED 3,000 + accommodation)
Marriage certificate (attested)
Birth certificates for children
Tenancy contract (Ejari registered)
Salary certificate and bank statements
Medical fitness for all family members
Process:
Sponsor applies through General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs (GDRFA)
Family Visa
Sponsor spouse, children, and parents
Requirements:
Minimum salary: AED 4,000 (or AED 3,000 + accommodation)
Marriage certificate (attested)
Birth certificates for children
Tenancy contract (Ejari registered)
Salary certificate and bank statements
Medical fitness for all family members
Process:
Sponsor applies through General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs (GDRFA)
Investor Visa
For business owners and investors
Requirements:
Business license or company ownership
Minimum investment varies by visa type
Business plan and financial statements
Office space lease agreement
Bank statements proving financial capacity
No objection certificate (if applicable)
Process:
Apply through Department of Economic Development (DED) or relevant free zone authority
Investor Visa
For business owners and investors
Requirements:
Business license or company ownership
Minimum investment varies by visa type
Business plan and financial statements
Office space lease agreement
Bank statements proving financial capacity
No objection certificate (if applicable)
Process:
Apply through Department of Economic Development (DED) or relevant free zone authority
Investor Visa
For business owners and investors
Requirements:
Business license or company ownership
Minimum investment varies by visa type
Business plan and financial statements
Office space lease agreement
Bank statements proving financial capacity
No objection certificate (if applicable)
Process:
Apply through Department of Economic Development (DED) or relevant free zone authority
Golden Visa
Long-term residency for exceptional talent
Requirements:
Exceptional talent in sports, arts, or science
Investors with minimum AED 2 million property
Entrepreneurs with successful projects
Outstanding students and researchers
Specialized doctors and engineers
Recommendation letters and proof of achievements
Process:
Apply through Federal Authority for Identity and Citizenship or relevant government entity
Golden Visa
Long-term residency for exceptional talent
Requirements:
Exceptional talent in sports, arts, or science
Investors with minimum AED 2 million property
Entrepreneurs with successful projects
Outstanding students and researchers
Specialized doctors and engineers
Recommendation letters and proof of achievements
Process:
Apply through Federal Authority for Identity and Citizenship or relevant government entity
Golden Visa
Long-term residency for exceptional talent
Requirements:
Exceptional talent in sports, arts, or science
Investors with minimum AED 2 million property
Entrepreneurs with successful projects
Outstanding students and researchers
Specialized doctors and engineers
Recommendation letters and proof of achievements
Process:
Apply through Federal Authority for Identity and Citizenship or relevant government entity
Application Process
1
Entry Permit
Sponsor applies for entry permit through immigration system. Approved permit valid for 60 days for entry. 3-5 working days
1
Entry Permit
Sponsor applies for entry permit through immigration system. Approved permit valid for 60 days for entry. 3-5 working days
1
Entry Permit
Sponsor applies for entry permit through immigration system. Approved permit valid for 60 days for entry. 3-5 working days
2
Entry to UAE
Enter UAE with entry permit. Must complete remaining steps within permit validity period. Within 60 days of permit issue
2
Entry to UAE
Enter UAE with entry permit. Must complete remaining steps within permit validity period. Within 60 days of permit issue
2
Entry to UAE
Enter UAE with entry permit. Must complete remaining steps within permit validity period. Within 60 days of permit issue
3
Medical Test
Complete medical fitness test at approved centers. Tests for infectious diseases. Results valid for 3 months. 1-2 days for results
3
Medical Test
Complete medical fitness test at approved centers. Tests for infectious diseases. Results valid for 3 months. 1-2 days for results
3
Medical Test
Complete medical fitness test at approved centers. Tests for infectious diseases. Results valid for 3 months. 1-2 days for results
4
Emirates ID Application
Apply for Emirates ID at typing center or online. Biometric data collection required. ID delivered by courier. 5-10 working days
4
Emirates ID Application
Apply for Emirates ID at typing center or online. Biometric data collection required. ID delivered by courier. 5-10 working days
4
Emirates ID Application
Apply for Emirates ID at typing center or online. Biometric data collection required. ID delivered by courier. 5-10 working days
5
Visa Stamping
Submit passport for residence visa stamping. Can be done inside UAE. Passport returned with visa sticker. 2-3 working days
5
Visa Stamping
Submit passport for residence visa stamping. Can be done inside UAE. Passport returned with visa sticker. 2-3 working days
5
Visa Stamping
Submit passport for residence visa stamping. Can be done inside UAE. Passport returned with visa sticker. 2-3 working days
COST BREAKDOWN
Entry Permit
AED 500 - AED 1,000
Entry Permit
AED 500 - AED 1,000
Entry Permit
AED 500 - AED 1,000
Medical Fitness Test
AED 300 - AED 500
Medical Fitness Test
AED 300 - AED 500
Medical Fitness Test
AED 300 - AED 500
Emirates ID
AED 370 (2 years) / AED 670 (3 years)
Emirates ID
AED 370 (2 years) / AED 670 (3 years)
Emirates ID
AED 370 (2 years) / AED 670 (3 years)
Visa Stamping
AED 500 - AED 1,000
Visa Stamping
AED 500 - AED 1,000
Visa Stamping
AED 500 - AED 1,000
Typing & Service Fees
AED 200 - AED 500
Typing & Service Fees
AED 200 - AED 500
Typing & Service Fees
AED 200 - AED 500
Status Change (If Applicable)
AED 500 - AED 1000
Status Change (If Applicable)
AED 500 - AED 1000
Status Change (If Applicable)
AED 500 - AED 1000
IMPORTANT INFORMATION
Visa Validity
Residence visas are typically valid for 2-3 years. Renewal process must begin 30 days before expiry to avoid fines.
Visa Validity
Residence visas are typically valid for 2-3 years. Renewal process must begin 30 days before expiry to avoid fines.
Visa Validity
Residence visas are typically valid for 2-3 years. Renewal process must begin 30 days before expiry to avoid fines.
Document Attestation
Educational and personal documents must be attested by UAE embassy in home country and Ministry of Foreign Affairs in UAE.
Document Attestation
Educational and personal documents must be attested by UAE embassy in home country and Ministry of Foreign Affairs in UAE.
Document Attestation
Educational and personal documents must be attested by UAE embassy in home country and Ministry of Foreign Affairs in UAE.
Overstay Penalties
AED 25 per day for first 6 months, AED 50 per day thereafter. Grace period of 30 days after visa expiry for exit.
Overstay Penalties
AED 25 per day for first 6 months, AED 50 per day thereafter. Grace period of 30 days after visa expiry for exit.
Overstay Penalties
AED 25 per day for first 6 months, AED 50 per day thereafter. Grace period of 30 days after visa expiry for exit.
Sponsor Obligations
Balance rent costs with commute time. Living further from work may save rent but increase transport costs and time.
Sponsor Obligations
Balance rent costs with commute time. Living further from work may save rent but increase transport costs and time.
Sponsor Obligations
Balance rent costs with commute time. Living further from work may save rent but increase transport costs and time.
NEED ASSISTANCE?
NEED ASSISTANCE?
Visa processes can be complex. Consider working with a PRO (Public Relations Officer) service or typing center for assistance. Many employers provide visa processing support as part of relocation packages.
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Copyright © 2025 by Middle East Sports Network
The premier source for GCC sports news and relocation guidance for athletes and sports executives. Powered by Premier Sports Network.
Copyright © 2025 by Middle East Sports Network
MIDDLE EAST
SPORTS NETWORK
The premier source for GCC sports news and relocation guidance for athletes and sports executives. Powered by Premier Sports Network.
Copyright © 2025 by Middle East Sports Network