United Arab Emirates (UAE) is one of the most populous countries in the Middle East with a rich history and stunning tourist attractions. This country has become a business hub due to its strategic location between the east and the west. Moreover, UAE welcomes expats to live and work here, which opens the doors to various job opportunities. However, before you plan to travel to UAE, you need to understand the different visa categories available for foreigners.
What is UAE Visa?
A visa is a legal document that allows foreign nationals to enter and stay in UAE for a specific period. This document is issued by the UAE government to regulate and monitor the entry of visitors. Visa requirements for UAE differ depending on your nationality, purpose of visit, and the duration of your stay. It is important to check the visa category that suits your needs and apply for it accordingly. Here are some of the common visa categories in UAE:
1. Visit Visa
A visit visa is granted to foreign nationals who want to visit UAE for tourism, family visits, or business purposes. This visa is usually valid for 30 or 90 days and can be extended up to 90 days. The visit visa can be applied online or through a UAE sponsor. The sponsor can be a hotel, travel agency, or your relative/friend living in UAE.
2. Transit Visa
A transit visa is issued to travelers who have a connecting flight in UAE and want to stay for a maximum of 96 hours (4 days). This visa can be applied for online or through an airline agent.
3. Work Visa
A work visa is issued to foreign nationals who have a job offer from a company in UAE. The employer must apply for a work visa on behalf of the employee. The work visa has a validity of 60 days, and the employee must complete the medical checkup and obtain the Emirates ID and residence visa within this period.
4. Residence Visa
A residence visa is issued to foreign nationals who want to live and work in UAE for a longer period. The residence visa can be obtained by either an employer or a family member who is a UAE resident. The validity of the residence visa varies from 1 to 3 years, depending on your visa category.
5. Student Visa
A student visa is issued to foreign nationals who want to study in UAE. The student visa can be obtained by submitting an acceptance letter from a UAE educational institution. The student visa has a validity of 1 year and can be extended.
6. Investor Visa
An investor visa is issued to foreign nationals who want to set up a business in UAE. The investor visa requires a minimum investment of AED 10 million and must provide a detailed business plan.
7. Retirement Visa
A retirement visa is issued to foreign nationals who are above 55 years old and want to retire in UAE. The retirement visa requires proof of retirement income of AED 20,000 per month or AED 1 million in savings.
Conclusion
In conclusion, UAE offers various visa categories for foreigners based on their purpose of visit, nationality, and duration of stay. It is important to understand the visa requirements and apply for the correct visa category to avoid any legal issues. We hope this article has provided valuable information on the different types of visas available in UAE.
