Visa Types

UAE Permanent Residency Guide

How you can immigrate to UAE, how to protect yourself from Fraud, and what to expect after you arrive in UAE.

UAE-flag
What are the types of residence visas in the UAE?

The residence visas available to foreigners looking to settle in the UAE include the following:

1. Work Visa: This visa is for individuals who have secured employment with a UAE-based company or the Emirati government. The employer typically sponsors the employee and assists in obtaining the necessary work permit and residence visa.
2. Investor Visa: This visa is for individuals who wish to invest in a business or property in the UAE. The specific requirements and investment thresholds may vary depending on the emirate and the type of investment.
3. Student Visa: This visa is for individuals who have been accepted into a recognized university or educational institution in the UAE. The student visa allows them to study and reside in the country for the duration of their academic program.
4. Family Visa: This visa is for family members of UAE residents or citizens. It allows spouses, children, and other dependents to join their family members in the UAE and reside with them.

Key Points for UAE Permanent Residency Visa >>>

Do you need a visa to travel to UAE?

Yes, Indians need visa to travel to UAE

UAE visa application is made online or offline?

The UAE residence visas are typically sponsored and applied for by an individual’s employer, family member, or investor, depending on the circumstances.

Do I need to give biometrics?

No, Biometrics not required to obtain a visa.

Is there an interview required to obtain a UAE visa?

No, an interview is not usually required to obtain a UAE visa.

What is the maximum length of stay permitted on a Permanent Residency?

Permanent residency in the UAE is a long-term visa that allows you to live and work in the country indefinitely. There is no maximum length of stay on a UAE permanent residency visa. You can renew your visa indefinitely as long as you meet the eligibility requirements.

What kind of visa will we acquire from UAE?

The visa will be stamped in your passport by the UAE immigration authorities. The visa will contain your name, passport number, date of birth, and the purpose of your visit. It will also state the duration of your stay in the UAE.

  • Current Visa fees: (Updated on 16-10-2023)

    The visa fees for the UAE for all categories from India are as follows: Visitor Visa:

    • Single entry: AED 330 (approximately INR 7,400)
    • Multiple entry: AED 800 (approximately INR 17,845)
    • 60-day single entry: AED 650 (approximately INR 14,500)
    Study Visa:
    • For undergraduate studies: AED 1,500 (approximately INR 35,690)
    • For postgraduate studies: AED 2,000 (approximately INR 46,475)
    • For PhD studies: AED 2,500 (approximately INR 57,260)
    Work Visa:
    • For skilled workers: AED 3,000 (approximately INR 68,850)
    • For unskilled workers: AED 2,000 (approximately INR 46,475)
    Permanent Residency:
    • For investors: AED 500,000 (approximately INR 1.14 crore)
    • For entrepreneurs: AED 250,000 (approximately INR 57,260,000)
    • For highly skilled workers: AED 100,000 (approximately INR 2,294,250)
    Please note that these are the standard visa fees. There may be additional fees for expedited processing or for visas that require additional documentation.
 

Step-by-step guide

Here is a general step-by-step guide to obtaining a residence permit (resident visa) in the UAE:

The first step is to determine the type of residence permit you are eligible for, as there are various options such as employment visa, family sponsorship visa, investor visa, etc.

Once you have identified the visa type, you need to find a sponsor who will support your visa application. The sponsor could be a UAE employer, a family member who is a UAE resident, or a company if you are an investor.

If you are being sponsored by an employer, you will need to secure a job offer and sign an employment contract. The contract should outline the terms of your employment, including salary, benefits, and duration.

Your sponsor will guide you on the specific documents required for the visa application. Generally, you will need to provide your passport copy, passport-sized photographs, educational certificates, medical fitness certificate, and any other documents specific to your visa type.

You will be required to undergo a medical fitness test at an approved medical center or hospital in the UAE. The test usually includes a general health check-up and screening for infectious diseases.

Your sponsor will apply for an entry permit (also known as a pink visa) on your behalf. This permit allows you to enter the UAE and start the process of obtaining the residence permit.

Once you have arrived in the UAE, you need to apply for an Emirates ID card. This can be done at an authorized typing center. You will need to submit your passport, entry permit, photographs, and complete the necessary application forms.

It is mandatory to have medical insurance in the UAE. Your sponsor or you will need to arrange for appropriate medical insurance coverage.

After completing the necessary procedures, including medical tests, Emirates ID application, and obtaining medical insurance, you will proceed to the visa stamping process. This involves submitting the required documents, paying the visa fees, and providing your passport for visa endorsement.

Once the visa stamping process is completed, you will receive a residence permit, which allows you to legally reside and work in the UAE. The validity of the residence permit will depend on your visa type and the regulations set by the UAE authorities.

It is important to note that the specific requirements and procedures may vary depending on your individual circumstances and the visa type you are applying for. It is advisable to consult with your sponsor or a professional immigration service provider for accurate and up-to-date information related to your specific situation

DOCUMENT CHECKLIST

There are several pathways to getting permanent residency in the UAE. We are giving you details of the most common pathways along with the requirements of the document checklist:

Employment Visa Path:
This is the most common pathway to get permanent residency in the UAE. To be eligible for this pathway, you must have a job offer from a UAE company that is willing to sponsor your residency. You must also meet certain criteria, such as having a university degree, a good salary, and a clean criminal record.

The documents required for this pathway are:
* Passport
* Job offer letter from a UAE company
* University degree
* Employment contract
* Police clearance certificate
* Medical certificate
* Proof of financial support

Investor Path:
The investor path is another popular pathway to get permanent residency in the UAE. To be eligible for this pathway, you must invest at least AED 10 million in the UAE economy. This investment can be in the form of real estate, a business, or a government bond.

The documents required for this pathway are:
* Passport
* Proof of investment in the UAE
* Bank statements
* Tax returns
* Police clearance certificate
* Medical certificate

Company Registration Path:
If you are a business owner, you can register your company in the UAE and apply for permanent residency for yourself and your employees. To be eligible for this pathway, your company must meet certain criteria, such as having a certain number of employees and a certain amount of annual revenue.

The documents required for this pathway are:
* Passport
* Company registration certificate
* Proof of annual revenue
* List of employees
* Police clearance certificate for all employees
* Medical certificate for all employees

Family Visa Path:
If you are the spouse, child, or parent of a UAE citizen, you are eligible to apply for permanent residency in the UAE. You must meet certain criteria, such as having a valid visa and a clean criminal record.

The documents required for this pathway are:
* Passport
* UAE visa
* Family relationship proof (marriage certificate, birth certificate, etc.)
* Police clearance certificate
* Medical certificate

University Student Sponsor Path:
If you are a student at a university in the UAE, you may be eligible to apply for permanent residency after graduation. To be eligible for this pathway, you must have a good academic record and a clean criminal record.

The documents required for this pathway are:
* Passport
* University admission letter
* Transcripts
* Police clearance certificate
* Medical certificate

VISA APPLICATION FORMS

General provisions for the residence visa
The residence visa in the UAE has certain general provisions that govern its issuance and validity.

Validity of a residence visa

Residence visas in the UAE have different durations depending on the type of visa and the sponsor. Sponsored visas can be valid for 1, 2, or 3 years, while unsponsored visas can be valid for up to 5 or 10 years.

According to recent changes, a residence visa can also be issued for 5 and 10 years, subject to certain conditions. Learn about long-term residence visas, and 5-year retirement visa in the UAE.

The expiry date of the dependent’s residence visa will not exceed that of the sponsor.

 

VISA APPLICATION GUIDELINES:

Here are the different pathways to obtain Permanent Residency (PR) in the UAE, along with a simplified explanation of the process for each pathway:

Employment:

  • Find a job in the UAE or have a job offer from a UAE employer.
  • Meet specific qualifications and salary requirements.
  • Submit your application along with supporting documents.
  • Undergo medical and security checks.
  • If approved, you will receive your PR status.

Property Investment:

  • Invest in real estate in the UAE above a certain value.
  • Purchase the property and provide proof of ownership.
  • Meet specific criteria for property investment.
  • Submit your application with the necessary documents.
  • If approved, you will receive your PR status.

Entrepreneurship and Investment:

  • Establish a business or make significant investments in the UAE.
  • Set up your business and fulfill job creation and investment requirements.
  • Submit your application with the required documents.
  • Undergo assessments and checks.
  • If approved, you will receive your PR status.

Specialized Talents and Scientists:

  • Possess exceptional skills or expertise that align with the UAE's priorities.
  • Demonstrate your talents, qualifications, and contributions to the country.
  • Submit your application with supporting documents.
  • Undergo assessments and checks.
  • If approved, you will receive your PR status.

Outstanding Students:

  • Get accepted into UAE-based universities or educational institutions.
  • Achieve academic excellence.
  • Meet specific requirements for outstanding students.
  • Apply for PR with the necessary documents.
  • If approved, you will receive your PR status.

Please note that each pathway has its own criteria and requirements. The process involves submitting applications, providing supporting documents, and undergoing assessments and checks. It is advisable to consult official sources or seek professional advice to obtain detailed and up-to-date information.