Complete Guide about Types of Dubai Visa & Requirements

Dubai, the largest and most populous city in the UAE (United Arab Emirates), is located on the southeast coast of the Persian Gulf. Due to its thriving economy, lavish style of life, and high standard of living, millions of people from all over the world visit this glittering metropolis for work, study, or leisure. This guide provides all the details you want, whether you are travelling to Dubai for business, for a holiday, or to work there. 

Types of Dubai Visa 

Before you travel to the UAE, check to see if you need to apply for a Dubai visit visa ahead of your travel since certain nationalities can acquire a visa on arrival while others are exempt. Let us look at the different types of Dubai visas and Dubai visa requirements. 

1) Transit Visa - For 48 or 96 Hours

If you have a brief stopover in the UAE, you can apply for a transit visa for 48 or 96 hours. The transit visa can be obtained through the airline you are flying with or a travel agency. It is essential to know that transit visas are neither extendable nor renewable. You must depart the UAE within 48 or 96 hours of arriving. 

2) Tourist Visa - For 30 or 60 Days 

Depending on how long you want to remain in the UAE, a 30-day or 60-day tourist visa for a single or multiple entry might be given. This visa can be obtained through the airline you are travelling with, a travel agency, or through relatives and friends sponsoring your tourist visa.

3) Five-Year Multiple Entry Visa 

If you visit the UAE frequently for work or have family and friends here, a long-term multiple-entry visa is a simple way to enter the UAE without having to apply for an entirely new entry permit each time. Applicants can apply for this visa on the official website of the ICP. A tourist with this visa can remain for up to 90 days for each visit. This can be extended for an additional 90 days. A bank statement for the previous six months with a balance of at least 4000 Dollars (Dh 14700) or its equivalent in foreign currencies is one of the key requirements of the five-year multiple visa.

4) Student Visa 

In recent years, Dubai has become an appealing destination for higher education because of its large selection of international universities and a safe environment for its students. The university sponsors the student visa, although the application is handled and issued by the appropriate General Directorate of Residency and Foreign Affairs (GDRFA). A student visa is valid for one year. To renew this visa, the student must produce certified confirmation of continued studies from their university.

5) Freelancer Visa 

The candidate must apply to the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratization (MOHRE) for a freelancing or self-employment permit. A bachelor's degree or specialist diploma is necessary as a minimum educational background. Annual self-employment income for the past two years should be less than Dh 360000, or the applicant needs to show financial stability throughout their stay in the country. 

 

6) Golden Residency Visa 

The Golden visa is a long-term residency visa that allows the following categories - exceptional talent in the fields of art and culture, sports, digital technology, scientists, chief executives, outstanding students, humanitarian pioneers, and frontline heroes to secure a ten-year visa. To be eligible to apply for a ten-year Golden visa, the applicant must have a property worth AED 2 million or nearly 540000 dollars. Additionally, executives earning Dh 30,000 or more per annum can apply for the visa. The candidate must have five years of work experience and a minimum of a bachelor's degree or its equivalent. They must also have a valid employment contract.

7) Green Visa 

The UAE Green Visa, aimed to attract qualified professionals, investors, freelancers, and entrepreneurs, provides extended privileges for sponsored family members. A monthly salary of Dh 15000 and a bachelor's degree in specified specialized subjects like law, science, culture, and social sciences are required. A Green Visa holder can sponsor relatives for residency for five years. This new visa allows for a six-month grace period after visa expiry or cancellation.

8) Job Seeker Visa 

The Job Seeker Visa is introduced to encourage young talent and qualified professionals to investigate career prospects in the UAE. You do not need a sponsor or a host to apply for this visa. It is awarded to candidates identified by the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratization as having the first, second, or third skill level; and new graduates from the world's top 500 institutions. The applicant's minimum educational level must be a bachelor's degree or its equivalent.

9) Business Entry Visa 

The Business Entry visa makes it simple to enter the country without the need for a host or sponsor, which encourages investors and businesspeople to investigate business and investment possibilities in the UAE.

10) Retirement Visa 

Dubai's General Directorate of Residency and Foreign Affairs (GDRFA) issues the Retirement visa. This visa is only valid in Dubai. Other Emirates have not yet introduced a retirement visa. The Retirement visa is available for five years, and the minimum age to apply for this visa is 55 years. 

Application Process 

1) Determine the type of visa you require

2) Apply online or through a reputable agency

3) Provide all the required documentation

4) Pay your visa cost

Documents Required 

1. Passport - Your passport must be valid for at least another six months beyond the time you want to live in Dubai. 

2. Visa Application Form - You must submit an online visa application form through a registered travel agency or sponsor. 

3. Photographs - You must submit two current passport-sized color pictures. 

4. Flight Ticket - An airline ticket with your arrival and departure dates from Dubai. 

5. Hotel Reservation - A signed hotel reservation or other documentation about your lodging when visiting Dubai. 

6. Financial Documents - Bank statements or other financial records attesting your ability to sustain yourself while visiting Dubai. 

7. Travel Insurance - A Dubai visa requires travel insurance coverage.

Dubai Visa Online 

Residents of GCC nations and their family members are eligible for the GCC visa. Apply for a GCC e-visa online through the ICP or GDRFA websites. If you apply for this visa, you must have a valid GCC resident visa and passport for at least three months from the date of arrival. The admission permit is valid for 30 days from the date of issue, and you have 30 days from the day of entry to remain in the country.

Dubai Visa Cost 

The cost of a Dubai visa varies according to the type of visa required, the length of stay, and your nationality. It is important to note that these visa fees are subject to change, so always verify with the UAE embassy or your travel agency for the most up-to-date information. 

Dubai Visa Processing Time 

An average Dubai visa takes three to five business days to complete. Depending on several variables, including the number of applications received at the time, the kind of visa requested, and other criteria. 

The UAE has implemented new visa policies to draw in global talent and increase job market competitiveness. Major enhancements include easing entry criteria for all types of visas and offering flexible durations to suit the needs of travelers and the purpose of their visit. Additionally, all entry visas can be renewed for the same amount of time lasting 60 days from the date of issuance and are valid for single or multiple entries.