All You Need to Know About the 9 Types of Visa in UAE

Whether you want to work or simply visit the UAE, several visas are available that can suit your travel plans. While the country issues many other kinds of visas, we're just going to talk about the most common ones.

Also ReadEverything Else You Need to Know About Tourist Visas in the UAE

During the recent months, the UAE has announced a number of new visas available for non-Emiratis to use so they can visit the UAE or choose to reside in it.

Below are 9 different types of visas you can use to enter the UAE.

1. Tourist visa

As it says on the tin, a tourist visa is used by travelers, whose purpose is to roam around and explore the country. This visa allows holders to stay in the country for up to 90 days and can be either a single entry one or multiple.

To get one, you'll need sponsorship by a UAE airline, hotel and tour operators. Each UAE airline offers visa services when you fly with them. Apart from that, travel agents and hotels can also arrange a tourist visa for you. 

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2. Service Visa

This visa can only allow travelers to visit the UAE for a maximum of 14 days once the applicant shows proof of a confirmed return ticket aboard Emirates Airlines.

3. Visit visa

You'll need a friend or relative residing in the country to sponsor your UAE visit visa. They can apply for your visa at any GDRFA office across the emirate and the process takes a few days. After the visa is issued, your sponsor should send you a copy of your permit through fax or email. He should submit the original permit to the airport. When you arrive at the airport, you can collect it from there. It is necessary for you to receive a copy of your entry permit before you leave your country.

4. Transit visa

Have a connecting flight with a lengthy stopover? If you're just passing by, UAE airlines also issue transit visas valid for those whose stopover exceeds 8 hours. Passengers with transit visas must leave the country within 96 hours of arrival. If you have a shorter transit time, worry not! Dubai Airports recently proposed that transit passengers may soon be able to experience the city as part of the Dubai 10X initiative. 

5. Employment visa

An employment visa, also known as a work permit, is issued by the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation. It's valid for two months from the date of issuance and you'll need one if you're looking to work in the UAE. As of late February,  residents who are changing jobs in the UAE will no longer need a good conduct certificate for the visa if they are in the country.

6. Residence visa

The residence visa is the next step after securing an employment visa. Think of it as an evolution of the latter. To secure this, you'll need to get a medical test and apply for another document - the Emirates ID. The UAE Resident Identity Card certifies that the holder is a valid UAE resident. After the whole process is complete, you can now sponsor your family members and bring them into the country as well. 

7. Student Visa

Thanks to the growing number of world-class higher education institutions in the UAE, more and more students wish to receive education in the country. This is why the country has decided to grant college and university students a temporary residence visa for up to 5 years, once students show proof of enrollment. 

8. Golden Visa

This program can grant non-Emiratis the longest residence options in the UAE. According to this visa, scientists, creative individuals in culture and art, inventors, exceptional talents, leading executives, doctors, Ph. D. holders, and others can enjoy an open visa to the UAE for up to 10 years. 

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9. Green Visa aka Freelance Visa

During the COVID-19 pandemic, the world has realized more than ever that many tasks can be carried out remotely as successfully and efficiently as when in a physical office. This has inspired not only businesses to grant their employees a work from home option forever, but also countries to invite freelancers and remote workers to relocate and enjoy the many perks their countries have to offer.

This type of visa grants expats the right to work as free agents in the UAE without any UAE-based company sponsorship. Residents with the green visa will also be able to sponsor their parents and children up to 25 years old.