GETTING A UAE RESIDENCE VISA
Getting a UAE visa is important for foreigners who want to reside in this country. We at GCS Group appreciate the intricacies involved and offer step-by-step assistance throughout this procedure. Our proficiency enables us to guarantee a stress-free experience, allowing you to concentrate on your new life in the UAE as we tackle the complicated issues of obtaining a visa.
Getting A UAE Residence Visa is Easy With Us
Ever wondered why the United Arab Emirates (UAE), with its prosperous economy and fancy hub, Abu Dhabi, is such a hot destination? This happening place is full of opportunities for action and starting new businesses. The UAE has become an attraction to people who want to live good lives as individuals or families.
If you’re considering a move to the country, you will need to apply for a UAE residence visa. It also enables one to put down permanent roots in the country, and this visa allows you to invest in it, too. In this guide, we shall take you through every step involved in obtaining a residence visa in the UAE so that by the end of it all, you are fully aware of what you should do and why.
The Lowdown on UAE Residence Visas
A UAE residence visa is an official document that permits foreigners entry into the United Arab Emirates for long periods. Unlike short-term visas like tourist visas, residency visas usually have an initial period of validity lasting from two to three years and may be renewed up to 10 years after.
Residence visa is a must-have, if you are an immigrant who wants to remain here on a long-term basis. Most foreigners prefer applying for visas to renew them time and again so that they can stay here with their relatives.
Obtaining a UAE residence visa can be confusing. Here’s a brief overview to show you the path that may be waiting for you ahead.
What Are the Eligibility Requirements for a UAE Residence Visa?
There are several ways that you can become a resident of the UAE based on your situation and preferences. The different pathways through which one can obtain residency in the UAE include:
- Work: Getting a job in UAE.
- Enterprise or startup: Setting up a business in the country.
- Self-employment: Obtaining a freelance permit to work as a freelancer inside the country.
- Study: Enrolling in university or college.
- Relatives: Joining someone already living in the UAE as a family member.
- Golden Visa: Having a golden visa for UAE.
- Home Ownership: Possessing property that is worth more than AED 1 million.
Among these choices, establishing your own company within the UAE is, without doubt, an easier path to obtain a residency permit. To do this, you open a company by your actual name under relevant authorities who regulate business registration in the United Arab Emirates. Other companies involved throughout this process are about 40 and they offer business registration services within UAE. The procedure for filling out all requisite forms is pretty simple and transparent, bearing all charges required upfront and affordable for everybody.
What Are the Residency Options for UAE Visa Holders?
Once you’ve locked in that UAE residence visa, you’re pretty much good to go anywhere in the Emirates. With a visa issued in Dubai or another Emirate, you can hunt for an apartment and set up camp wherever takes your fancy. You’ve got full flexibility to live it up anywhere across the Emirates. Just keep in mind that you can only score a driver’s license in the Emirate where your visa was issued. So if you’ve opened a business in Dubai or plan on doing a lot of driving around there, you’ll need to get yourself a Dubai driver’s license.
Lots of people opt to make Dubai their home base since it’s jam-packed with prime entertainment options and cutting-edge infrastructure. But one thing to remember is that the costs of shacking up there can be a bit steeper compared to some of the other Emirates.
Navigating the Procedure to Obtain a Residence Visa in the UAE
In contrast, the procedure for obtaining a UAE residence visa by establishing a mainland company is relatively simple. Thus, to follow these steps:
- First and foremost, register your company: First things first; you will need to officially register your company in the UAE.
- Establishment card required: Once registered this bad boy should be issued.
- Time for entry permit: Next obtain an entry permit into the UAE.
- Emirates ID is a must: You must have an Emirates ID – the mandatory identification card of residents.
- Medical examination time: Required medical tests shall be done and completed by you.
- Passport stamping time: After medical checks are over, your passport will be stamped with your bright new UAE residence visa.
Much of the visa process can be handled from your home country. However, just do not forget that only after you arrive in the UAE (usually within five business days) can it be done through medical tests and stamping of passports. During this period you may not leave the country so plan accordingly.
How Much Does It Cost to Become a UAE Resident?
Depending on what type of visa you hold and the Emirate in which your company is registered, there are a number of different fees for becoming an official UAE resident. Here are some general considerations:
- Visa Fees: The cheapest visa fees usually apply to the northern Emirates of Umm Al Quwain, Sharjah, Ras al Khaimah, and Ajman.
- Business Location Impact: Starting a business in Dubai will cost you slightly higher fees. The reason is the rising costs of registration for doing business in Dubai, as well as obligatory health insurance coverage.
It is important to look into and understand the exact costs entailed in establishing your business and obtaining residency in each Emirate where you want to set up shop. Every Emirate may have a different fee structure and requirements.
What Advantages Come with Obtaining a UAE Residence Visa?
There are many advantages to becoming one of the 8.84 million expats in the UAE. Here are some benefits:
Convenient Visits: You may freely and conveniently journey to the UAE as often as you desire without constantly applying for tourist visas. It is particularly conducive to citizens of countries that may not qualify for tourist visas in the UAE by initial criteria.
Bank Account Access: Getting residency in UAE makes opening bank accounts in Dubai easy. This is a big plus for investors and corporations who want to extend their operations into the UAE. Having an account in a local bank makes financial transactions and business operations much smoother.
What Are the Procedures for Sustaining My UAE Residence Visa?
Maintaining your residence visa in the UAE is a relatively simple matter. Here’s what you need to do:
Make sure you enter the UAE at least once every six months. This small detail allows you to keep your visa valid. If this condition is not met, one may have to reapply for a visa.
What is the Process for Renewing a UAE Residence Visa?
Obtaining a new visa in the UAE is quite simple. Follow these steps for a hassle-free renewal:
- Check your health condition at a medical examination center about 1-2 weeks before you get a visa.
- During the medical examination, undergo all necessary tests.
- After you get your medical results, send the report and passport to Immigration.
- Your ticket will be stamped by the immigration office, further extending your stay in the UAE.
How Can I Obtain a Long-Term Residence Visa in the UAE?
Now long-term residence visas have made it easier than ever to extend your stay in the UAE. Here’s how you can apply for a 5-year or 10-year visa:
High-Value Investor Category:
Put between 5 and 10 million AED into real estate, business or investment funds.
Collect the required documents to accompany your investment.
Talented Professionals or Researchers Category:
Prove expertise in the fields of art, medicine or science.
Prepare evidence of your talents and accomplishments.
Once you fulfill the conditions for one of these two categories, then you may apply to visit UAE. For this visa is more elongated stay in country without too much need for renewing frequently.
What is the Procedure for Cancelling My UAE Residence Visa?
It’s usually quite simple to cancel one, as illustrated by the following example. Your visa sponsor might be your business or employer, family (parent; spouse), or some authority of a UAE government such position listed below may apply based on its jurisdiction: Here are some key points to consider:
Visa Sponsorship
- Cancellation must be initiated by the visa sponsor, depending on the relationship.
- Sponsors may be such bodies as businesses, employers or parents; spouses and government authorities.
Paperwork:
- For each person cancellin a visa, the relevant paperwork must be done.
- Depending on the sponsor and circumstance, paperwork may differ.
Eligibility for Benefits:
There are some sponsors who offer health and salary benefits upon cancellation.
Location Matters:
When you want to cancel a visa, it will have different rules based on if this happens in the UAE or another country.
To be safe, learn about the special visa cancel things and steps that are needed for your situation.
Cancelling a Visa in the UAE
Ending your visa is the easiest way to stop being a resident in UAE. People in the UAE can quickly begin getting rid of their visas by sending their passports to who issued them. Then, you must wait for the visa cancellation process that comes after. This usually means we have to wait for a few days up to some weeks.
Cancelling a Visa Outside the UAE
How Do I Cancel a UAE Residence Visa?
Once you’ve identified the appropriate authority to cancel your visa, it’s time to initiate the process, bearing in mind that the issuing authority must cancel the visa. Various authorities issue visas, including Free Zones and GDRFAD for Dubai Mainland Visas.
After determining the correct authority, you have three options to proceed with the cancellation process:
Using the ICA or GDRFAD online services: Access online services provided by the ICA (Federal Authority for Identity and Citizenship) or GDRFAD (General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs in Dubai) to facilitate the cancellation.
Visiting an approved typing center: Alternatively, you can visit an approved typing center to process the cancellation.
Using the GDRFAD or ICA mobile app: Utilize the mobile applications provided by GDRFAD or ICA to navigate the visa cancellation steps.
It’s essential to note that these methods are applicable for canceling Mainland visas. For Free Zone visas, the cancellation process involves visiting the issuing authority directly instead of utilizing government special services. Below are guidelines for canceling a visa using each of these approaches.
Cancellation of a UAE Visa via GDRFAD Online Services
You can start the visa cancellation process as such: Access GDRFAD’s online portal. On the portal, find and click on option titled Cancellation of residency visa.
When you click, a new page will be opened. Go to the bottom of the screen and click on “Start Service.”
That action will take you to a special login page. Here, you will be asked to provide details and bring documentation.
Fill out the form carefully following instructions. Subsequent to the work being finished, you should expect either a phone call or an e-mail confirming that your application has been submitted successfully.
Cancelling Your UAE Residence Visa Using a Typing Centre
When personally visiting a typing center in Dubai or elsewhere to cancel your UAE residence visa, remember that you’ll need the following documents:
- Document Gathering: Gather all the documents needed to cancel your visa.
- Visit an Approved Typing Centre: Go to the nearest approved typing center. Once there, the agents will give you all the necessary forms and help fill them out.
- Submission of Documents: If agents at the typing center ask you to turn over any documents, do so. At this point, the center will assume responsibility for further steps in withdrawal.
- Process Completion: The typing center will take care of the following steps, and you can cancel your visa without unnecessary contact with administrative procedures.
What Documents Are Required to Cancel a UAE Residence Visa?
If you choose to proceed with the cancellation of your UAE residence visa, ensure that you have the following essential documents ready:
- Signed Copy of Cancellation Paper: Prepare a signed copy of the cancellation document.
- Labour Card and Emirates ID: Add the labor card and Emirates ID to your list of necessary documents.
- Original Passport: Have your original passport at hand.Clearance Document from the Ministry of Human
- Resources and Emiratisation: attach a clearance certificate from the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation.
With these documents in hand, canceling your UAE visa will be simple.
Secure Your UAE Residence Visa Today
Getting a UAE residence visa is a big step in making this lovely place your new house. Use this guide and getting your visa becomes not so hard.
If you want to start on the journey of becoming a UAE resident, then please get in touch with our team. We are here to help you make your dream of living in the UAE come true.