The glamorous city of skyscrapers is a dream place to live and work for expatriates from all over the globe. You can witness a unique blend of modern living with traditional charm in the most populated emirate of the UAE. However, a Dubai visa is essential for expatriates other than Gulf nations to legalize their entry, stay, and work in the city. 

With so many visa options offered by the UAE visa authority, it is quite easy but at the same time overwhelming to choose the right visa type. This blog will feature detailed information about the two most popular visa types, the Dubai tourist visa and the residence visa among foreign nationals. From providing an overview of these visa types to discussing their advantages and eligibility requirements, this blog will cover everything. 

Let’s start this informative discussion with the Dubai Residence Visa.

Dubai Residence Visa

A Dubai residence visa is issued to expatriates who have already entered the emirate with an entry permit. This UAE visa is a long-term visa and legalizes the living and working of foreign nationals in the nation for a specific period. It can be renewed and provides a minimum of one or a maximum of 10 years of residency in the Emirates. 

Types of Dubai Residence Visa:

Some popular Dubai residency visas are:

1. Green Visa for Work: This type of UAE visa is issued to freelancers and self-employed employees, which allows them to live in the nation for up to 5 years. They can obtain this visa without the need for an employer or Emirati sponsor.

2. Green Visa for Investors: This type of UAE Green visa allows foreign investors and their partners to live and do business in the nation for up to 5 years. However, for this, an applicant needs to establish or prove their engagement in a commercial activity in the nation.

3. Golden Visa: Foreign nationals who wish to seek long-term residency in the UAE are offered the chance to apply for a golden visa, which legalizes their living, working, and conducting business in the country for 10 years. 

Benefits of a Dubai Residence Visa:

• Apart from legalizing the working and living of expatriates, a Dubai residency visa allows access to a world-class healthcare system in the city. 
• You can obtain financial services like loans, funds, etc., and open a bank account. 
• This visa grants free entry to several destinations in the Gulf nations and other countries. 
• This visa ensures your eligibility for being a sponsor for the residency visa of your spouse and children. 
• You can apply for a driving license and admit your child to Dubai’s public or private school.
• You can apply for an Esaad privilege card, which provides discounts in the UAE and other 92 countries.

Eligibility Criteria for a Dubai Residence Visa:

Only applicants who satisfy the following conditions by the GDRFA authority are eligible to apply for a Dubai residency visa:

• You can prove your employment in any public or private organization in the Emirates.
• Proof that you will receive higher education at an educational institution in the UAE is required to apply for it.
• A foreign national who has invested in a commercial activity or bought real estate is eligible for this UAE visa.
• Someone who plans to retire in the Emirates and qualifies a specific financial criteria can also apply for it.
• Dependents, including parents, children, and spouses of a UAE national or residence, are also eligible.

Requirements for a Dubai Residence Visa: 

• To get a Dubai residency visa, an applicant needs to have a sponsor, which can be a UAE citizen, company, or institution. However, this is an exception for investors, freelancers, and skilled self-employed professionals.

• Major documents required for paperwork regarding the visa-obtaining process include a valid passport with a minimum of two blank pages, a recent photo with a white background, proof of the sponsor’s lawful residency, etc.

• Health insurance that qualifies the Dubai Health Authority guidelines and proof that you’ve successfully passed the medical examination and are free from communicable diseases.

Dubai Tourist Visa: 

Foreign expatriates are provided with a Dubai tourist visa if they’re visiting the city for a shorter term and their purpose of the visit is leisure, family visit, or tourism. For those who wish to explore the city’s cultural, recreational, leisure, and iconic attractions. It is also popular among business travelers. 

Types of Dubai Tourist Visa: 

Nationals from GCC nations have free entry to the Emirates, but expatriates from other nationalities are offered the following Dubai tourist visa options:

1. Single and Multiple Entry Visas:  Single and multiple entry visas are two popular options among travelers and are valid for 30 and 60 days, respectively. There is no facility for renewal for a single-entry visa: however, a multiple-entry visa can be renewed. 

2. Transit Visas: Foreign nationals who are transiting through Dubai’s airports to other destinations and will stay in the city for more than 8 hours. This visa further has two types, which are valid for 48 and 96 hours. A transit visa with 48 hours validity can’t be renewed, but the other can be renewed with an additional payment of AED 50.

3. Visas on Arrival: This type of visa is issued to visitors when they arrive in Dubai and its validity varies depending upon the nationality of the applicant.

4. Multiple Entry Long-Term (5 years): It allows an expatriate to stay in the city for 90 days during each visit, which can be extended for more than 90 days. 

Benefits of a Dubai Tourist Visa:

• Dubai tourist visas’ most significant benefit is their flexible options, including single-entry, multiple-entry short and long-term, transit visas, etc. 
• It allows you to attend a business event or family function and explore the city’s tourist attractions. 
• Even while transiting through any Dubai airport, you can explore the airport and the city for a short time with a transit visa.

Eligibility Criteria and Requirements for a Dubai Tourist Visa:

• A colored copy of a valid passport and two colored passport-size photos. 
• A confirmed return or onward ticket from Dubai. 
• Proof of having no association with criminal records or legal offenses.
• Bank statement as financial proof that shows you have sufficient funds to cover your expenses during your stay in Dubai. 
• Verify that your travel insurance policy can pay for unexpected expenses and accidents.

Conclusion:

A Dubai tourist visa authorizes the entry of expatriates into the city for pleasure or business, whereas a residency visa allows longer stays for those who plan to live and work in Dubai. By understanding the basic differences and eligibility criteria for these visa types, you can make an informed decision when choosing a visa to visit the city of skyscrapers. 

Make your entry to the most sought-after destinations for foreign professionals, investors, and travelers possible with Disha Global Tourism LLC. Our professional team with years of expertise will offer the appropriate support and direction. We will help you acquire the visa that perfectly suits your needs and purpose of visiting Dubai. 

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