Types of Visas in Dubai UAE

Dubai offers various visa types for work, business, travel, and familyā€”choose the one that fits your purpose best.

Introduction to Types of Visas in Dubai

Dubai is one of the most dynamic and globally connected cities in the world, attracting professionals, investors, students, and families alike. To accommodate its diverse population and growing economy, the UAE offers a variety of visa typesā€”each tailored to specific needs such as employment, business ownership, freelancing, tourism, education, and family sponsorship.
Understanding the right visa for your purpose is the first step toward a smooth and successful stay in the UAE.

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Benefits of Holding a UAE Residence Visa

A UAE residence visa offers significant advantages for individuals and families looking to live and build a secure future in the Emirates. Key benefits include:

  • Legal residency across all seven emirates
  • Ability to open personal and corporate bank accounts
  • Right to purchase property in approved areas
  • Eligibility to sponsor immediate family members
  • Access to government healthcare and education services
  • Apply for a UAE driving license
  • Seamless travel to and from the UAE
  • Pathway to long-term visas such as the Golden, Green, and Blue Visa

Required Documents for UAE Residence Visa

(General Guide ā€“ May vary slightly by visa type)

  1. Passport Copy
    ā€“ Valid for at least 6 months
  2. Passport Sized Photographs
    ā€“ White background, recent
  3. Entry Permit/Visa Copy
    ā€“ If applicant is already in the UAE
  4. Medical Fitness Test Report
    ā€“ Mandatory for applicants aged 18+
    ā€“ Includes blood test & chest X-ray
  5. Emirates ID Application Form
    ā€“ Biometrics to be completed at an ICA-approved center
  6. Health Insurance Policy
    ā€“ Must meet minimum UAE coverage requirements
  7. Sponsorā€™s Passport & Visa Copy (if applicable)
    ā€“ For family, employer, or business sponsorship
  8. Tenancy Contract or Accommodation Proof (sometimes required)
    ā€“ Ejari (in Dubai) or other emirate equivalent
  9. Labor Contract or Offer Letter (for employment visa)
    ā€“ Issued by the Ministry of Human Resources & Emiratisation (MOHRE)
  10. Trade License Copy (for investor or partner visa)
    ā€“ Required if visa is linked to business ownership

āš ļø Note: Requirements may vary depending on the visa category, emirate, or applicant nationality.

How To Get a UAE Visa?

Applying for a UAE visa opens doors to endless opportunities ā€” and with Brightlink Consulting, the process is simple, fast, and hassle-free.

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Comprehensive Guide to UAE Residency & Entry Visas:

What is a UAE Residence Visa?

A UAE Residence Visa allows foreign nationals to live, work, study, or invest in the UAE for an extended period (usually 2ā€“10 years, depending on the type of visa).
It’s a mandatory legal requirement for all non-GCC nationals planning to stay in the UAE for more than just a visit.

Obtaining a UAE Residency Visa

In the United Arab Emirates, a residency visa is a legal requirement for all foreign nationalsā€”except citizens of the UAE and GCC countriesā€”who wish to live, work, or invest in Dubai or other emirates.

For many expatriates, the residence visa is sponsored by their employer. However, if you’re an entrepreneur or investor, you also have the option to set up your own companyā€”either in a Free Zone or as a Local LLCā€”and obtain a residency visa as the business owner.

Brightlink Consulting can help you with all visa services in Dubai. Get in touch with our team today.

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Why Is a UAE Residence Visa Important?

A valid residence visa is essential to access many key services in the UAE, including:

  • Applying for a UAE Driving License
  • Registering a vehicle
  • Opening a bank account
  • Setting up a PO Box
  • Buying property
  • Enrolling children in school
  • Accessing healthcare and other government services

Whether youā€™re relocating for work, setting up a business, or sponsoring your family, having the right visa is your first step toward building a secure and successful life in the UAE.

All Types of UAE Visa Services

1. Tourist Visa

Purpose: For leisure and tourism.

  • 30 or 60 Days Tourist Visa: Single or multiple-entry.
  • Extendable once for 30 days.

Sponsored by airlines, travel agencies, or hotels.

2. Visit Visa

Purpose: To visit friends or family.

  • 30 or 90 Days Visit Visa
  • Multiple Entry Options

Sponsored by a UAE resident (friend or relative).

3. Transit Visa

Purpose: Short stopover in the UAE.

  • 48-Hour Visa (free)
  • 96-Hour Visa (fee applies)

Arranged by UAE-based airlines.

4. Employment/Work Visa

Purpose: For expatriates employed in the UAE.

  • Initial 60-day entry permit issued by MOHRE, followed by residence visa.

Includes medical test, Emirates ID, labor contract.

5. Residence Visa

Purpose: Long-term stay.

  • Types include Family, Student, Employee, and Sponsored Residence Visas.
  • Valid for 2ā€“3 years, renewable.

Required for all long-term residents.

6. Investor/Partner Visa

Purpose: For business owners or partners.

  • Based on shareholding or investment in a UAE company.
  • Valid for 2ā€“3 years.

Self-sponsored, allows family sponsorship.

7. Freelance Visa

Purpose: For self-employed professionals.

  • Requires freelance permit + visa (via a free zone).
  • Popular in tech, media, education, and design sectors.

Allows self-sponsorship and family sponsorship.

8. Golden Visa

Purpose: 5- or 10-year residency for top talent.
Eligible Categories:

  • Investors, Scientists, Entrepreneurs
  • Skilled Professionals (Doctors, AI Experts)
  • Outstanding Students & Graduates

No sponsor required, automatically renewable.

9. Green Visa

Purpose: For freelancers, skilled workers, and investors.

  • Valid for 5 years
  • Self-sponsored (no employer required)
  • Can sponsor family

Income and education/professional criteria apply.

10. Retirement Visa

Purpose: For those 55+ retiring in the UAE.

  • Valid for 5 years, renewable
  • Requirements include savings/income or property investment

Launched to attract wealthy retirees.

11. Student Visa

Purpose: For international students.

  • Sponsored by UAE universities or guardians
  • Can work part-time (under conditions)

Usually valid for the duration of study.

12. Mission Visa

Purpose: For short-term work or consulting.

  • Valid for 90 days

Issued through employers for temporary projects.

13. Dependent/Family Visa

Purpose: To bring family members.

  • Sponsored by a UAE resident
  • Spouse, children, and sometimes parents

Income threshold applies.

14. Remote Work Visa (Virtual Work Program)

Purpose: For people working remotely for companies outside UAE.

  • Valid for 1 year, renewable
  • Must meet minimum income and employment proof requirements

Popular with digital nomads.

15. Job Seeker Visa

Purpose: To explore employment opportunities in the UAE.

  • No sponsor required
  • Valid for 60, 90, or 120 days
  • Applicants must hold a bachelorā€™s degree or higher and fall under the skilled category

Designed to attract global talent.

16. Domestic Worker Visa

Purpose: For hiring household staff.

  • Includes maids, drivers, cooks, nannies, gardeners, etc.
  • Sponsored by a UAE national or eligible expatriate
  • Requires employment contract, accommodation, and salary compliance

Employer bears full legal responsibility.

17. Blue Visa

Purpose: A new 10-year visa for individuals who contribute to environmental sustainability.
Eligible Individuals:

  • Environmental scientists
  • Climate change researchers
  • Conservationists
  • Sustainability innovators and advocates

Part of UAEā€™s commitment to environmental leadership.

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Frequently Asked Questions: Types of Visas in Dubai, UAE

To work legally in Dubai, you need an employment visa (also called a work or residence visa), sponsored by your employer. It begins with a work permit from the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation (MOHRE), followed by the issuance of your residency permit and Emirates ID.

  • Tourist visa: Short-term stay, typically 30ā€“90 days, with extensions possible.
  • Visit visa: Usually sponsored by a resident for family or friends; similar in duration to tourist visas.
  • Transit visa: Valid for 48ā€“96 hours for airport layovers.
  • Investor or partner visa: For those establishing or investing in a UAE company; validity varies by investment size.
  • Golden visa: Long-term (5ā€“10 years) residency for investors, entrepreneurs, specialists, and talented individuals.

Anyone enrolled in a registered UAE educational institution needs a student visa, issued for the duration of their academic program.

A green visa allows skilled professionals, freelancers, and investors to self-sponsor their residency without the need for an employer sponsor.

Yes, you can transition to an employment visa while in the UAE, but you must have a valid job offer and follow the official MOHRE and immigration procedures.

Standard visas (tourist, visit, transit) typically take 3ā€“7 working days. Employment and residency visas take 1ā€“3 weeks, depending on the type. Golden and green visas may require a longer approval process.

Yes. Holders of employment, investor, golden, or green visas can sponsor eligible family members (spouse, children, and parents) provided income and housing criteria are met.

Most visas (employment, family, student, visit) require sponsorship by a UAE resident, company, or educational institution. Golden and green visas allow self-sponsorship, eliminating that requirement.

Overstaying can lead to fines, potential blacklisting, and entry bans. Tourist and visit visas usually carry a short grace period, but you should always renew or exit before expiry to avoid penalties.

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