How to Apply for Residence Visa in UAE – Types of UAE Residence Visa Explained
Now is the ideal time for expats and their families to settle in the UAE. With the offering of long-term residence visas, green visas, freelance visas, and more, the UAE provides an excellent opportunity for a fulfilling life abroad.
Among entrepreneurs, the investor visa stands out as one of the most preferred options in the UAE. It is valid for 2 years in the free zone and mainland. Sharjah’s free zones offer some of the most cost-effective residence visa options in the UAE, with prices ranging from approximately 3,500 to 4,000 AED for investors/employees.
Dubai, with its advantages of 100% foreign ownership, no income tax, no corporate tax, full profit repatriation, and a favorable business environment, emerges as the perfect choice for business investment and establishing a company.
Across the Free Zones of the UAE, there are numerous affordable residence visa options available, and some even include special offers where the cost of one residence visa is waived. Opting for the cheapest residence visa in the UAE can significantly reduce overall business setup costs for investors.
Types of UAE Residence Visa for Expats
Dubai offers various avenues for obtaining a residence visa. Here are a few options that expats in the UAE can explore to secure their residency.
1. Free Zone Business License
Starting a small business and obtaining a single visa quota business license from any Free Zone in the UAE is the simplest route to securing a residence visa. These Free Zones provide virtual business licenses to investors, along with flexible desk and co-working spaces for conducting business activities under the obtained license.
The Free Zones play a crucial role in driving economic growth, even in the face of the ongoing pandemic. There has been a significant influx of new company registrations across various Free Trade Zones in the UAE. These zones offer a secure business environment, granting UAE residence to both company owners and employees registered within the respective Free Zone. Additionally, they provide all the necessary infrastructure facilities to support thriving businesses.
2. Mainland Company License
To successfully enter the UAE market and expand your local business, opting for a mainland company license is the ideal decision. By establishing a Limited Liability Company (LLC) in mainland Dubai, you can obtain an investor visa, sponsor employees, and propel your business to new heights.
Investing in a mainland business offers numerous advantages. Enjoy 100% ownership for expatriates, seamless bank account opening, reduced rental expenses, and the flexibility to expand your operations. LLC Company formation is a top choice among investors looking to maximize their opportunities.
3. Freelance Permit
For aspiring young entrepreneurs venturing into the UAE market for the first time or testing the waters before establishing a full-fledged company, obtaining a Freelance Permit is an excellent choice. This type of self-employment visa allows freelancers to independently conduct business activities.
Several Free Zones in the UAE offer Freelance Permits for a wide range of business activities. The permit is issued to an individual rather than a company. Entrepreneurs can obtain a Self-Employment Visa from the respective Free Zone, which is valid for two years and can be renewed.
With the Freelance Permit, individuals can undertake projects related to the specified business activity mentioned in the permit. Additionally, they have the option to apply for a UAE residence visa and sponsor dependents for a renewable period of two years.
Freelancers in the UAE can take advantage of affordable Freelance Permits offered by various Free Zones.
Freelance Permits from SHAMS free zone begin at AED 5,740. Additionally, other Free Zones like Ajman Free Zone and Umm Al Quwain Free Zone offer affordable Freelance Permits, making them attractive options for entrepreneurs.
4. Golden Visa
The UAE has recently introduced comprehensive long-term visas for expatriates, aiming to foster their continued presence in the country and promote economic growth. This initiative not only seeks to retain top talent in the UAE but also generates numerous business opportunities. These long-term residence visas, ranging from 5 to 10 years, are not tied to specific employers as sponsors and can be renewed upon expiration.
Referred to as the Golden Visa, this program is expected to attract substantial foreign investment from global investors who envision Dubai as their long-term home. It is anticipated that this will have a positive impact on the economic outlook of the region.
Furthermore, the UAE’s strategic industries, such as tourism, real estate, and commercial sectors, stand to gain immense advantages from the influx of skilled professionals and increased foreign investments facilitated by these long-term golden visas. Undoubtedly, this will contribute significantly to their overall business growth.
To summarize, the introduction of long-term visas in the UAE marks a remarkable milestone in nurturing talent, fostering economic development, and positioning the country as an alluring destination for global investors.
5. Green Visa
To bolster the economy, foster job creation, and attract global talent, the UAE Government has introduced the Green Visa. This initiative brings forth a myriad of visa benefits, including the ability to stay in the UAE for 3 to 6 months without employment obligations. Self-employed individuals can now sponsor themselves and their families without the need for an employer. Additionally, the revised UAE residence laws allow for the sponsorship of parents and children up to the age of 25, among other provisions. These recent amendments aim to encourage expatriates to remain in the UAE and make further contributions to its thriving economy. To facilitate this, the UAE has launched various residence visas and supportive programs, providing expatriates with the opportunity to live, work, and study in the UAE alongside their families with ease.
6. Property Investment
The real estate market in the UAE is highly developed, offering numerous projects ready for occupancy in prime locations. From affordable homes to luxurious penthouses, UAE provides a wide range of properties to cater to different preferences. The real estate market is experiencing significant growth, thanks to the availability of long-term residence visas and property visas tied to property purchases.
Investing a minimum of AED 1 million grants investors a 3-year visa and the ability to sponsor dependents. Property owners must meet specific criteria to qualify for a property visa in the UAE. Moreover, investors who own properties worth AED 5 million or more are eligible for a 5-year golden visa.
To know more read: Property Visa in UAE
7. Employment Visa
Securing employment in the UAE grants you a UAE resident visa sponsored by your employer. The validity of the visa depends on whether it is obtained through a Free Zone (3 years) or the Mainland (2 years). For first-time visitors looking to gain UAE market experience, this pathway is ideal before potentially establishing their own company.
In addition to the aforementioned residence visa, the UAE offers various initiatives to promote expat living. These include retirement visas, special work permits for teenagers, 1-year residence visa extensions for widowers, 6-month employment visas, and more. These developments aim to facilitate a diverse range of opportunities for individuals seeking to live and work in the UAE.
What is UID Number?
The Unified Number (UID) is a 6-digit code that can be found on the entry stamp of your passport or visa sticker. It is an essential requirement for completing the Emirates ID application. The UID is a unique 9-15 digit number assigned to visitors, tourists, and residents by the General Directory of Residency and Foreign Affairs (GDRFA). This permanent identity number remains the same regardless of changes in visa or status. You can locate the UID on the visa page, right above the file number. It’s worth noting that many expats are often unaware of the various codes and numbers on their residence visa page.
How to Check UID Number Online?
To verify UID numbers online, simply visit the GDRFA website. From the homepage, navigate to the e-Services section and select ‘Find my UID’. Fill in the required information, including passport number, nationality, and date of birth, then click on the submit button. The webpage will promptly provide you with the UID Number.
If, for any reason, you are unable to obtain the UID Number online, you can visit the GDRFA main center located in Al Jafiliya, Bur Dubai, or Dubai International Airport Terminal 3. Upon reviewing your request, they will be able to issue the UID number for you.
How to Merge UID Numbers?
There may be situations where an applicant is assigned multiple UID numbers, usually due to system errors. However, this can impact the processing of your resident visa. Therefore, it is crucial to merge these multiple UIDs into a single UID number by submitting a merging request. This process ensures that the immigration records are cleared, and only one active UID is associated with the applicant.
To merge UID numbers, follow the steps below:
1. Visit the immigration office in UAE – GDRFA – Al Jafliya, Bur Dubai.
2. Submit the required documents: a copy of your passport, a copy of your entry visa (if applicable), and any old, expired, or canceled visa pages in your passport for reference.
3. The authorities at GDRFA will review your documents and provide you with an updated UID number.
4. You can use this updated UID number for your new residence visa application, Emirates ID, and other related purposes.
By following these steps, you can effortlessly merge your UID numbers and proceed with your essential applications. In summary, UAE is transforming into a welcoming destination for families and expats, offering abundant facilities and infrastructure to support businesses of all sizes and attract global talent, thus fostering growth opportunities. If you want to learn more about UAE Residence visas and the application process, get in touch with our team of expert business consultants immediately!