Many people plans to shift United Arab Emirates for work, visit, study, invest or live in. But you should know that you need a valid Dubai Visa and UAE Visa. If you are thinking to proceed then it is essential for you to understand the visa process. No doubt, Dubai is one of the most popular destination for Tourist, Job Seekers, Business Owners, Students as well as family. You need to know that the type of visa depends on the reason for which you are visiting and how long you plans to stay in UAE.
The UAE has various visa and entry permit option for visitors, employees, tourists, students, investors, family members and other eligible applicants. You can easily get all type of visa lists from official portal of UAE Government such as Visit visa, Tourist visa, Residence visa, Student visa, Golden Visa, Transit visa, and other categories.
In this article, you will detailed information about Dubai visa and UAE visa. We have provided essential information about major types of visa, who need a visa, how to apply for visa, required documents, common mistakes and other useful tips.
Important Point to Remember:
Visa rules, documents, eligibility criteria and fees may change at anytime. So, you need to check latest requirements from the official UAE Government portal, ICP or Dubai GDRFA before submitting any application process. According to UAE Government, visa applications are made through ICP and GDRFA channels. The process completely depends on the application type and emirate.
What is a Dubai Visa?
Dubai Visa is considered as an entry or residence permission which allows the foreigners to enter or stay in Dubai. You must know that Dubai is one of the seven emirates of UAE. So, people makes use of the term “Dubai Visa” when talking about the permission to enter Dubai whereas UAE visa a broader term. It is recognized as the visa and residence permission for United Arab Emirates.
You need to decide your exact visa type which completely depends on your purpose. For example, If any person is going to Dubai for holiday then they need Tourist visa. Sometimes, you may be eligible for visa free entry or visa on arrival which depends on the nationality. If any person is going to Dubai for employment then they will need an employment related residence visa and students may require student resident visa.
This is the reason why you need to choose your visa carefully. Firstly, you need to decide why you are traveling and how long will you stay in Dubai.
Who needs a UAE Visa?
Not every traveler needs to apply for UAE visa before traveling. Basically, visa requirements completely depend on your nationality, purpose of travel, passport or other applicable conditions. Many tourists gets visa free entry or visa on arrival whereas some has to obtain a visa before traveling.
You can get all the required information and visa requirements from official UAE Government portal. For the visa process, do not rely on the information which you get from friends, social media, unofficial agents etc. Just visit the UAE Government source and check the current requirements before booking your travel.
It is also essential that your passport should also meet the valid requirements. Different types of visa categories can have different conditions, so check the requirements carefully.
What are the types of Dubai Visa and UAE Visa?
There are various types of visa and entry permits available in the UAE. You can choose the correct option depending on your reason for travelling.
- UAE Tourist Visa
You should know that Tourist visa is for the people who only want to visit UAE for their holidays and tourism. In fact, tourists can visit Dubai to enjoy shopping, explore famous attractions, visit their family or friends as well as attend any event.
UAE Government clears states that tourist visa is extremely important for the people who are not eligible for visa free entry. You can apply for the visa through approved channels which includes travel agents, hotels, airlines etc. Before proceeding for applying, you need to check the important points which are mentioned below:
- Validity of your passport
- Whether you need a visa
- Required document
- Application fees
- Entry conditions
- Visa validity and permitted stay
Every tourist does not receive the same visa duration. It totally depends on the applicant as well as current UAE rules.
- UAE Visit Visa
You can get visit visa for different purposes other than tourism. It means UAE allows the people to visit their friends or relatives for specific purpose. With visit visa, you can also explore for property investment or job searching. Don’t be confused visit visa gives you only temporary stay in the country. If you want to stay permanently then you have to check legal requirements for residence visa.
- Job Seeker Visa UAE
If you are a job seeker and want to visit UAE for employment opportunity then you can get jobseeker visit visa. For this visa, you does not require a host or sponsor in the UAE. There are various validity options of 60, 90 and 120 days which you can get according to your eligibility requirements.
It is very useful for the qualified professionals who are looking for job opportunity in Dubai or UAE. If you receive any job offer then you must follow the residence procedures before you begin to work legally.
- Work and Residence Visa of UAE
If you have got employed by any UAE company then you need work and residence permission. With Residence visa, you will be eligible to live in UAE for a approved period. This validity will depend on the sponsor and issued for generally one, two or three years.
In this process, your employer will guide your normally through the employment related process. You can’t begin your work in Dubai with tourist or visit visa. Before beginning your employment, carefully understand your legal work to avoid unwanted issues.
- UAE Family Visa
If any person has UAE residence visa then they are eligible to sponsor family members according to the requirements. Generally, family residence visa are given to the spouses or children. For current requirements, you can check ICP or GDRFA.
You must need to include documents such as passports, proof of relationship, housing documents or other required papers.
- UAE Student Visa
Student who wants to study in UAE requires student residence arrangements. In this process, you also need to involve your educational institutions or relevant authority. They can confirm the exact process from their university or educational institutions.
- UAE Golden Visa
The UAE Golden visa is a long term residence visa which can allow the foreigners to live, work or study in UAE. The most common eligible categories include investors, entrepreneurs, scientists, outstanding graduates or frontline heroes.
Its eligibility is based on specific conditions. So, if you simple want to live in Dubai then it does not make you eligible for Golden Visa.
What are the Requirements for Dubai Visa?
Generally, Dubai visa requirements depend on the visa type you are applying for. You need to have the important documents which are mentioned below:
- Valid passport
- Your recent passport sized photograph.
- Application for the visa
- Proof of travel or purpose
- Accommodation details if required
- Return details
- Medical or health documents.
- Proof of relationship for family members
- Employment or sponsorship documents
How to Apply for Dubai Visa or UAE Visa?
As you know, application process mainly depends on the type of visa. The simple process is mentioned below:
Step 1: Firstly, Decide your purpose
Firstly, you need to make sure why you want to travel to UAE? The common reasons are :
- Tourism
- Visiting family member
- Searching for a job
- Business
- Employment
- Study
- Investment
- Long term residence
After deciding, you can easily determine your required visa category.
Step 2: Check your Eligibility
It is extremely essential to check your eligibility criteria. You need to check that your visa meets the requirements of the chosen category.
In fact, nationality also makes major difference to entry requirements. So, you should avoid copying any other person’s applications.
Step 3: Arrange your Documents
Applications are advised to collect their required documents for the specific application. You need to assure your name, passport number, date of birth are correct on all the documents. Sometimes, small errors are reason for unwanted delays.
Step 4: Always Apply through Correct Channel
The UAE Government states that visa permit can be applied through official ICP and GDRFA Dubai channels as well as registered centers.
Make use of correct authority for your application
If you are applying through a travel agent then make sure it is genuine. Try to ask for clear information about the application process, documents as well as fees.
Step 5: Wait for the Decision
Once you submitted your application, you need to wait as it is processed by the relevant authority.
The processing time varies on the visa type and its circumstances. Before approval of visa, you should not make any financial decision based on assumption that visa will be approved.
Can UAE Visa get extended?
Some categories of UAE visa gets extended but it depends of various circumstances. It is not necessary that every visa will be extended.
You need to check the current extension rules from official portal of UAE Government before your permission gets end. It is illegal to stay in UAE after visa gets expired. You have to pay fine or immigration consequences.
According to UAE Government, you may have to pay AED 50 per day if you stay with expired visa.
What are the common mistakes to avoid in Dubai Visa?
If you are entering incorrect information or using unofficial sources for application Dubai Visa then it can create unwanted troubles for you. You should not perform the common mistakes which are mentioned below:
Applying for Wrong Visa
You need to carefully understand every category before applying for visa. Firstly understand your purpose and then proceed.
Using Outdated Information
You should know that visa rules can change at any time. If you are watching any article or social media post from several years ago then it may create troubles. Always check the official sources before applying for visa.
Enter Correct Information
Make sure that you have entered correct information in the application. Double check your name, passport number, date of birth as well as other information.
Do not Unrealistic Promises
If any agent or person makes unrealistic promises then do not trust them blindly. You should not trust the points which are given below:
- Guaranteed approval of visa
- Guaranteed employment.
- Immediate approval without submitting any document.
- Guaranteed residence in Dubai
Avoid Checking the Passport
Password is extremely an important document for international travel. So, you should check its validity and make sure it is applicable.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Q: Can foreigners apply for Dubai visa?
A: Yes, eligible foreigners can easily apply for Dubai visa or permit. They should clearly mention their purpose, nationality or visa category.
Q: Is Dubai visa same as UAE visa?
A: Dubai is one emirate without the UAE. You need to have UAE visa to visit other emirates.
Q: Can I work in Dubai on a tourist visa?
A: No, you cannot work in Dubai with tourist visa. If you have got your job employment then you need to follow the employment and residence process.
Q: Is UAE visa guaranteed after applying?
A: No. Submission of application does not approves visa. The relevant authority will check all the eligibility condition. Your visa gets approved only after you meet all the requirements.
Q: Can I get UAE residence visa?
A: Eligible people can get residence visa through various routes which include employment, family sponsorship, study as well as investments. It only depends on the category.
Final Thought
Dubai Visa or UAE visa is extremely important if you want to visit Dubai or UAE. Getting the correct visa gets simple if you understand why you want to travel and how much time you have to stay.
Tourists may need a tourist visa or may qualify for visa-free entry or visa on arrival. Job seekers may be eligible for a jobseeker visit visa. Employees, students, investors and family members may need different residence arrangements. The UAE also offers long-term options such as the Golden Visa for eligible applicants.
Always use accurate information while submitting application for visa. You should always check the official portal of UAE instead of asking from friends, finding on social media or trusting unknown agents.
ICP and GDRFA handled the immigration services. Before applying for Dubai visa, check your eligibility, prepare your documents and make use of legitimate application channel.
It is extremely important to choose the correct visa if you want to visit Dubai for work, searching a job or join the family or spending vacation.
Always verify the latest visa rules before you travel or submit an application