There are multiple visas for people in the UAE depending on their needs and professional backgrounds. Ranging from short-term entry visas, job-seeker visas, to residency visas, the full repertoire of Visas in the UAE ensure that individuals get a visa category that is specific to their interests and objectives.
Before doing a deep dive, here is a summarized view of the broad categories of Visas that the UAE has to offer-
Non-residential Visas
● Transit Visa (48 to 96 hours)
● Tourist Visa (30 to 90 days)
● Five-year multiple entry Visa
● Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) residents e-visa
● Job seeker Visa
Residential Visas
● Company sponsored Visa
● Sponsored by family
● Golden Visa
● Green Visa
● Student Visa
● Retirement Visa
Investment Visas
● Company shareholder visa
● Golden Visa for real estate investors
● Golden Visa for entrepreneurs
Now that we have highlighted the broad categories of visas, let’s look at some specific categories that pertain to the professional field-
Job Seeker Visa
The new job seeker visa permits individuals to come to the UAE without the need of a sponsor to search for work, business or investment opportunities. The following requirements must be fulfilled in order to be eligible for a job seeker visa-
● Those classified in the first, second or third skill level as per the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation (MOHRE).
● Fresh graduates of the top 500 universities in the world
● The minimum educational level of the applicant should be a bachelor’s degree or its equivalent.
Company-sponsored Visa
If the applicant wishes to work and live in the UAE, he/she needs to make sure that they have an offer of employment ready from a company. After signing the offer of employment, the company will issue an entry permit that will enable the applicant to travel to the UAE.
Upon arrival, the company will start the applicant’s visa process which includes a biometric for the Emirates ID, getting the visa stamped, and a medical fitness test.
Golden Visa
One of the most attractive and lucrative visas on offer by the UAE these days is the Golden Visa. It allows applicants to stay for a period of 10 years and a provision to sponsor family members that includes spouse, children or support staff for the same time length. The Golden Visa has received an incredible amount of applications and a surge of interest from qualified professionals and entrepreneurs ever since the expansion of the categories of professionals eligible was announced.
Below are the list of categories that qualify for the visa:
Exception talents in the field of
● Culture and art
● Investors and innovators
● Sports
● Digital technology
● Other vital fields
Other specific categories include-
● Scientists and professionals
● Outstanding students and graduates
● Humanitarian pioneers
● Frontline heroes
Green Visa
With a five-year residency permit in the UAE, Green Visa is another category of visa that does not require a sponsor. Apart from that, Green Visa allows applicants a six-month grace period after visa cancellation or expiry and also sponsors first degree family members.
The Green Visa is applicable for the below mentioned categories-
● Freelancers or Self-employed individuals
● Skilled employees
● Investors and partners
