Understand The 11 Types of Visa in UAE Like a Pro Traveler

The United Arab Emirates (UAE) is a desired destination for all travelers, known for its towering skyscrapers, bustling markets, and many places to visit or even settle in. Whether you are planning to visit, work, or settle in the UAE, understanding the different types of visa in UAE is essential. 

This WTD guide will walk you through the 11 types of visa in UAE, detailing their sponsorship, eligibility, requirements, documents needed, and validity. Let’s dive in!

11 Types of Visa in UAE You Need to Know About

1. Tourist Visa

The first and one of the most popular types of visa in UAE is the “Tourist Visa“: It allows individuals to explore the UAE for leisure or short-term visits.

Sponsorship

• • This visa can be sponsored by airlines, hotels, travel agencies like “World Trip Deal”, or friends and relatives residing in the UAE. Visa Sponsorship means that a recognized entity or individual in the UAE will vouch for your stay and provide the necessary support. For tourists, it is often simpler when sponsored by a hotel or travel agency, which typically offers packages including visa services, making the application process smoother.

Eligibility

• • Open to tourists from all nationalities.

• • Requires a confirmed itinerary and hotel booking. Eligibility primarily revolves around having a clean travel record and sufficient funds to cover the stay. Tourists must also not have any legal impediments that could bar them from entry. The UAE is generally very welcoming, making it easy for tourists from many countries to apply without stringent conditions.

Requirements

• • Valid passport with at least six months remaining.

• • Travel itinerary and hotel reservation.

• • Financial proof to cover expenses. These requirements ensure that tourists can sustain themselves during their stay without engaging in employment or other activities outside the visa’s scope. A valid passport ensures identification and traceability, while financial proof demonstrates that the visitor can afford the travel and accommodation costs.

Documents

• • Passport copy.

• • Passport-sized photograph.

• • Completed visa application form.

• • Travel itinerary. Providing these documents helps the UAE authorities verify your identity and travel plans, and ensure you meet all the criteria for a safe and lawful stay. Passport copies and photographs are standard for identification, while the travel itinerary shows your plans within the country.

Validity

• • Typically valid for 30 or 90 days, with options for single or multiple entries. The validity period allows tourists to stay in the UAE for a designated time, ensuring they enjoy their visit without overstaying. Multiple entry options are beneficial for those who wish to explore other nearby countries and return to the UAE.

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Looking to explore the UAE? Apply for your UAE Tourist Visa through World Trip Deal and enjoy a seamless application process. Our team handles all the paperwork, ensuring a hassle-free experience so you can focus on planning your adventure. Contact us today to get started!

2. Visit Visa

A Visit Visa is ideal for those wishing to visit family or friends in the UAE.

Sponsorship

• • Sponsored by a UAE resident, a company, or an entity within the UAE. Sponsorship in this context involves a UAE resident or entity taking responsibility for the visitor’s stay. This assures the government that the visitor will be supported and monitored during their stay, reducing the risk of overstaying or illegal activities.

Eligibility

• • Relatives or friends of UAE residents.

• • Business associates visiting for meetings. Eligibility criteria are generally centered around the visitor’s connection to the sponsor, ensuring that the visit is for genuine personal or business reasons. Close relatives like parents, spouses, and children often find it easier to get this visa.

Requirements

• • Proof of relationship with the sponsor.

• • Financial solvency of the sponsor. These requirements help verify that the visitor has a legitimate reason to visit and that the sponsor can support them. Financial solvency ensures the sponsor can cover any costs the visitor may incur during their stay, ensuring they won’t become a financial burden on the state.

Documents

• • Passport copy.

• • Passport-sized photograph.

• • Proof of relationship.

• • Sponsor’s Emirates ID and residency visa copy. These documents help substantiate the relationship between the visitor and the sponsor and ensure the visitor’s identity and intentions. The sponsor’s documents are crucial to confirm their legal status and capability to sponsor.

Validity

• • Valid for 30, 60, or 90 days, with options for single or multiple entries. The flexibility in validity allows visitors to choose a duration that best suits their visit plans, whether it’s a short trip or a longer stay. Multiple entry options are advantageous for visitors needing to leave and re-enter the UAE for business or family reasons.

3. Employment Visa

An Employment Visa is required for those looking to work in the UAE.

Sponsorship

• • Sponsored by a UAE-based employer. Sponsorship involves the employer taking responsibility for the employee’s legal stay and work in the UAE. This includes handling visa paperwork, ensuring compliance with labor laws, and often providing accommodation and other benefits.

Eligibility

• • Job offer from a UAE employer.

• • Approval from the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation (MOHRE). Eligibility criteria ensure that the employee has a legitimate job offer and that their employment complies with UAE labor regulations. This process also involves health checks and background verification to ensure the safety and well-being of the workforce.

Requirements

• • Job contract and job description.

• • Medical fitness test results. These requirements ensure that the employee is fit to work and that their job role aligns with their qualifications and experience. The medical fitness test is crucial to ensure that incoming workers do not have communicable diseases that could affect public health.

Documents

• • Passport copy.

• • Passport-sized photograph.

• • Job contract.

• • Educational certificates.

• • Medical test results. These documents validate the employee’s identity, qualifications, and health status. Educational certificates confirm the employee’s capability to perform the job, while the medical results ensure they are fit for employment.

Validity

• • Initially valid for 2-3 years, renewable upon contract extension. The visa’s validity period aligns with typical employment contracts, providing stability for both the employee and employer. Renewability ensures that employees can continue their stay as long as their employment is active and compliant with regulations.

4. Student Visa

A Student Visa is for individuals pursuing education in the UAE.

Sponsorship

• • Sponsored by a UAE educational institution. Sponsorship involves the educational institution taking responsibility for the student’s legal stay and adherence to the study program. This includes visa processing, monitoring academic progress, and providing support services.

Eligibility

• • Enrollment in a UAE university or college. Eligibility criteria ensure that the student is genuinely enrolled in an accredited institution and meets academic and financial requirements. This helps maintain the integrity of the educational system and ensures students are there for legitimate academic purposes.

Requirements

• • Proof of enrollment.

• • Financial proof for tuition and living expenses. These requirements ensure that the student can afford their education and living costs without needing to work illegally. Proof of enrollment confirms their student status, while financial proof ensures they can sustain themselves throughout their studies.

Documents

• • Passport copy.

• • Passport-sized photograph.

• • Enrollment confirmation.

• • Financial statements. These documents validate the student’s identity, enrollment, and financial capability. Enrollment confirmation from the educational institution is crucial for visa approval, while financial statements ensure the student has adequate funds.

Validity

• • Typically valid for one year, renewable annually based on course duration. The visa’s validity period aligns with academic terms, allowing students to complete their studies without interruptions. Annual renewals ensure that only actively enrolled students remain in the country.

5. Residence Visa

A Residence Visa allows long-term residence in the UAE.

Sponsorship

• • Sponsored by a UAE employer, family member, or through property ownership. Sponsorship for a residence visa involves taking responsibility for the individual’s legal stay in the UAE. This could be by an employer providing employment, a family member reuniting with relatives, or property ownership proving financial stability and commitment to residing in the UAE.

Eligibility

• • Employment in UAE.

• • Family reunification.

• • Property investment. Eligibility criteria ensure that the individual has a legitimate reason for long-term residence, such as employment, family ties, or significant financial investment in property, ensuring they are contributing positively to the UAE economy and society.

Requirements

• • An employment contract or proof of family relationship.

• • Medical fitness test results. These requirements validate the purpose of residence and ensure the individual’s health is in good condition. Employment contracts confirm job roles, while family relationships prove ties. Medical fitness tests prevent the spread of communicable diseases.

Documents

• • Passport copy.

• • Passport-sized photograph.

• • Sponsorship documents.

• • Medical test results. These documents substantiate the individual’s identity, reason for residence, and health status. Sponsorship documents and medical results are vital for processing and approval.

Validity

• • Valid for 2-3 years, renewable. The validity period allows for stable long-term residence, with renewability ensuring individuals can continue their stay as long as their employment, family ties, or property ownership is maintained.

6. Investor Visa

An Investor Visa is for individuals investing in the UAE economy.

Sponsorship

• • Sponsored by the investment company or through property investment. Sponsorship for an investor visa typically involves the investment entity supporting the visa application, demonstrating the investor’s commitment to significant economic contributions, or self-sponsorship through substantial property investment.

Eligibility

• • Substantial investment in UAE business or property. Eligibility criteria ensure the applicant is making a meaningful financial investment, which can stimulate economic growth and development. This includes investments in businesses, real estate, or other substantial financial commitments.

Requirements

• • Proof of investment.

• • Financial solvency. These requirements ensure the investor has genuinely invested and has the financial capacity to sustain their investment without additional income. Proof of investment confirms the legitimacy and value of the investment.

Documents

• • Passport copy.

• • Passport-sized photograph.

• • Investment proof.

• • Bank statements. These documents validate the investor’s identity, investment amount, and financial stability. Bank statements provide a clear picture of financial health and investment capability.

Validity

• • Valid for 3 years, renewable

. The validity period aligns with typical investment horizons, providing stability and confidence to investors. Renewability ensures that investors can continue their stay as long as their investments remain active and beneficial to the UAE economy.

7. Freelancer Visa

A Freelancer Visa allows individuals to work independently in the UAE.

Sponsorship

• • Self-sponsored through a freelance permit. Sponsorship in this context means obtaining a freelance permit from a UAE-free zone, allowing individuals to legally offer their services as independent contractors. The free zone acts as a regulatory body, ensuring compliance with local laws.

Eligibility

• • Freelancers in various fields like media, technology, and design. Eligibility criteria ensure the applicant has skills and a portfolio demonstrating their capability to work independently. This visa is ideal for professionals who do not need a traditional employer-employee relationship.

Requirements

• • A freelance permit from a UAE-free zone.

• • Proof of work and financial stability. These requirements ensure that freelancers have the legal right to operate and the financial means to sustain their business and personal needs. The freelance permit legalizes their work status, while proof of work shows their ongoing projects or clients.

Documents

• • Passport copy.

• • Passport-sized photograph.

• • Freelance permit.

• • Work portfolio. These documents validate the freelancer’s identity, skills, and legal work status. The work portfolio is crucial for demonstrating expertise and attracting clients within the UAE.

Validity

• • Valid for 1-3 years, depending on the free zone regulations. The validity period provides stability for freelancers to establish their business, with renewability ensuring continuous operation as long as they meet the free zone’s requirements.

8. Transit Visa

A Transit Visa is for travelers passing through the UAE.

Sponsorship

• • Sponsored by the airline or travel agency. Sponsorship involves the airline or travel agency handling the visa application and ensuring the traveler’s adherence to the transit period. This facilitates smoother processing and compliance with UAE regulations.

Eligibility

• • A short stopover in UAE while traveling to another destination. Eligibility criteria ensure the traveler is genuinely in transit and has an onward journey planned. The transit visa is designed for short stays, usually between connecting flights or travel legs.

Requirements

• • Confirmed onward journey ticket. This requirement ensures that the traveler has a planned departure from the UAE within the transit period, reducing the risk of overstaying. The onward journey ticket acts as proof of the traveler’s short-term stay intentions.

Documents

• • Passport copy.

• • Passport-sized photograph.

• • Onward journey ticket. These documents validate the traveler’s identity and travel plans, ensuring compliance with the transit visa regulations. The onward journey ticket confirms the travel itinerary and departure date.

Validity

• • Valid for 48 to 96 hours. The short validity period aligns with typical layover times, allowing travelers to rest, explore, or manage the business without exceeding the allowed stay. It ensures quick transit through the UAE while adhering to visa regulations.

9. Retirement Visa

A Retirement Visa is for retirees wishing to live in the UAE.

Sponsorship

• • Self-sponsored or through property investment. Sponsorship involves retirees either proving financial stability through retirement income or demonstrating substantial property investment in the UAE, ensuring they can support themselves without employment.

Eligibility

• • Retirees above 55 years old.

• • Financial proof of retirement income. Eligibility criteria ensure that retirees have a stable income and are of retirement age, allowing them to enjoy their retirement without needing to work. Financial proof ensures they can sustain their lifestyle in the UAE.

Requirements

• • Proof of retirement income.

• • Health insurance. These requirements ensure that retirees can afford their living and healthcare costs. Health insurance is crucial for covering medical expenses, while proof of retirement income confirms financial stability.

Documents

• • Passport copy.

• • Passport-sized photograph.

• • Retirement income proof.

• • Health insurance. These documents validate the retiree’s identity, financial stability, and health coverage. Proof of retirement income demonstrates ongoing financial support, while health insurance ensures access to medical care.

Validity

• • Valid for 5 years, renewable. The long validity period provides stability for retirees, allowing them to settle and enjoy their retirement without frequent renewals. Renewability ensures continuous residence as long as financial and health requirements are maintained.

10. Change Visa

A Change Visa on of the types of visa in UAE that is for individuals who need to alter their visa status without exiting the UAE.

Sponsorship

• • Sponsored by the new employer, educational institution, or individual sponsor. Sponsorship involves the new employer or institution taking responsibility for the individual’s stay and compliance with new visa regulations. This process is essential for maintaining legal status during the transition.

Eligibility

• • Individuals changing their employment, study, or residence status. Eligibility criteria ensure the individual has a legitimate reason for changing their visa status, such as a new job, educational enrollment, or family reunification. The process must comply with UAE immigration laws.

Requirements

• • Approval from current and new sponsors.

• • Necessary clearances from immigration authorities. These requirements ensure that the change of status is legally recognized and that both the current and new sponsors agree to the transition. Immigration clearances confirm that all regulatory requirements are met.

Documents

• • Passport copy.

• • Passport-sized photograph.

• • Old and new visa documents.

• • Sponsorship transfer documents. These documents validate the individual’s identity and the legitimacy of the visa status change. Sponsorship transfer documents ensure a smooth transition between sponsors, maintaining legal residency.

Validity

• • Validity aligns with the new visa type, subject to renewal based on the latest visa regulations. The validity period depends on the new visa type, ensuring that the individual remains compliant with UAE residency laws.

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11. Golden Visa

A Golden Visa UAE is one of the types of visa in UAE that offers long-term residency for investors, entrepreneurs, and specialized talents.

Sponsorship

• • Self-sponsored through significant contributions to the UAE economy or society. Sponsorship involves proving substantial financial investment, entrepreneurial success, or exceptional talent, allowing self-sponsorship for long-term residency. This visa is part of the UAE’s strategy to attract and retain top talent and investment.

Eligibility

• • Investors, entrepreneurs, researchers, and exceptional talents. Eligibility criteria ensure that applicants contribute significantly to the UAE’s economic, scientific, or cultural landscape. This visa targets individuals who can drive innovation, investment, and development.

Requirements

• • Proof of contributions.

• • Financial solvency. These requirements ensure that the applicant’s contributions are substantial and sustainable. Financial solvency demonstrates the ability to support themselves without needing additional income.

Documents

• • Passport copy.

• • Passport-sized photograph.

• • Contribution proof. These documents validate the applicant’s identity and contributions, ensuring they meet the high standards required for a Golden Visa. Contribution proof can include financial statements, patents, publications, or other evidence of significant impact.

Validity

• • Valid for 5-10 years, renewable. The long validity period provides stability and encourages long-term investment and engagement in the UAE. Renewability ensures continuous residence as long as the individual meets the contribution criteria.

Conclusion

Understanding the different types of visa in UAE is crucial for ensuring a smooth application process. Each visa type has its own set of sponsorship, eligibility, requirements, documents, and validity. Whether you are visiting, working, studying, investing, or retiring in the UAE, there is a suitable visa to meet your needs. Always check the latest guidelines of the UAE and consult with the relevant authorities to ensure you have the most accurate and up-to-date information.

About World Trip Deal

World Trip Deal is your trusted partner for all travel and visa needs. With our expert team, we simplify the visa application process, ensuring a hassle-free experience. From tourist visas to residency permits, we handle all the paperwork and approvals, so you can focus on enjoying your journey. Contact us today for personalized assistance and start your adventure with confidence!

Happy travels and best of luck with your visa application!