The United Arab Emirates is possibly the only country where one can enjoy skyscrapers and desert scenes on the same day. However, the natural attraction for businesses and individuals is the tax regime, which is the lowest in the world. It is the gateway to many of the fastest-growing economies, situated at a strategic location that connects Europe, Africa, and Asia. The UAE ranks among the countries with the highest ease of business on multiple indices, and this is due to its world-class infrastructure, efficient bureaucracy and robust legal framework. The dedicated work of the Talent Attraction and Retention Committee (TARC) ensures that individuals and businesses in the country can thrive.
The UAE Visa System
The UAE has an elaborate visa system to accommodate all kinds of needs. These include multiple types of tourist, student, work, residence, Blue, Golden, Green, transit, family, humanitarian, and other visas. Since Dubai is among the top medical tourism destinations in the world, the
UAE also has a separate patient and caregiver visa format.
The best part is the family-friendly regulations for relocating to the country, making it even more attractive for skilled workers looking to work outside their home countries.
Check which visa suits your needs from the following list:
Pink visa
The pink visa, also known as the employment entry visa, allows foreign nationals to enter the UAE to formalise their work visa and apply for a residence visa. Your employer will need to take things further and initiate the process of obtaining a work visa on your behalf with the Ministry of Labour.
Work Visa
A work visa is the most basic visa, only granted after an individual has secured employment in the UAE. The employer (UAE-based only) must sponsor this visa and share the employment contract for the visa application. Businesses must receive approval from the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation (MOHRE) to hire and relocate workers from abroad.
Green Visa
This visa is a 5-year visa that does not require a sponsor or an employer. Individuals, entrepreneurs, freelancers, and skilled workers can apply for a Green Visa to explore growth opportunities in the country. However, there are specific prerequisites to apply for a Green Visa:
- A minimum of a bachelor’s degree in relevant skills is required.
- Minimum salary of AED 15,000 for skilled employees who have secured employment.
- Proof of annual income of at least AED 360,000 for freelancers.
Blue Visa
A Blue Visa is a 10-year residence visa granted to those who have made outstanding contributions to sustainability and environmental protection in and outside the UAE. They must prove their willingness and ability to drive sustainability measures in the country forward. You can apply for this visa directly with all the details of your environmental preservation work or through designated competent authorities in the UAE.
Golden Visa
This long-term visa is issued to exceptional foreign talent, entrepreneurs, researchers, scientists, humanitarian pioneers, and frontline heroes. Individuals in medicine, AI, and big data, computer/electronics/electrical/genetic, and biotechnology engineering can apply for a Golden Visa. They must meet field-specific requirements for 10 years before applying.
Multiple Entry Visa
There are numerous types of multiple-entry visas, such as the Jobseeker Visit Visa, Visit Visa (for business owners and investors), and Patient Companion Visit Visa. These offer multiple-entry permits for 90 days from the first entry, only for the purpose specified in the visa application. Certain eligibility criteria, such as minimum account balance and skill-proficiency proof, must be fulfilled to get the visa.
Validity of UAE Visas
All visas to the UAE are valid for 60 days from the date of issuance, except for the 48-hour and 96-hour visas. These are valid for 30 days from the date of issuance.
Applying for a UAE Visa
You can submit visa applications online with the following documents in a machine-readable format/quality:
- Valid passport
- Recent photograph
- Educational certificates
- Proof of skill/employment/income
- Medical and health insurance coverage
How Long Does Visa Approval Take?
If all requirements are met, visa approval takes less than a week in the UAE. However, immigration approvals are mandatory to enter the country, which may have more stringent regulations and verification processes.
How Access Financial Can Help
Deciphering the extensive list of visas with specific requirements can be tedious. Our immigration and visa services help you and your employees enter and stay in the UAE effortlessly. Our EOR and Employed solutions support immigration and talent management while fully complying with the country’s labour laws.
Please message or call us at +971 503075121 for all your UAE needs.
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