The United Arab Emirates (UAE) is a preferred destination for expatriates worldwide, offering a range of residence visa options to meet diverse needs. In this article, we explore the different types of residence visas in Dubai, along with eligibility criteria and the benefits of each Dubai visa type.
Residence Visa for Partners in a Dubai Company
Eligibility Criteria
This visa is for individuals who are partners or shareholders in a company registered in Dubai, whether in mainland or free zone. Note that establishing an offshore company in the Emirates does not grant you a Dubai residence visa eligibility.
Application Process
Applicants must complete all steps for company registration and gather all necessary documents before applying for a Dubai residence visa.
Partners must submit documents proving their status within the sponsoring company, along with personal documents such as their passport and ID photo. The process also involves a medical examination and fingerprinting for Emirates ID issuance.
Benefits of this Visa Type
Holders can reside in Dubai, manage business affairs with multiple entries, and sponsor their family members (spouse, children, and parents) to join them via family visas. For investors, there are two types of residence visas, one allowing up to a full year outside the country compared to a maximum of six months for the “classic” investor visa.
Residence Visa for Freelancers in Dubai
Eligibility Criteria
Ideal for independent professionals in creative, technological, and media sectors, this visa requires a freelance permit issued by a Dubai free zone or another Emirate.
Application Process
Freelancers must submit their application to competent authorities, including a passport copy and proof of professional competence for a Dubai visa.
All visa types involve a common step: medical examination and fingerprinting, required only once and not during renewal.
Benefits
This visa allows freelancers to work independently in Dubai, access free zone infrastructure, and expand their professional network in a dynamic environment.
Residence Visa for Employees of a Dubai Company
Eligibility Criteria
Any individual, regardless of nationality, can be employed by a registered company in Dubai or the UAE in general, after obtaining a Dubai visa. Employers must complete the necessary procedures and cover associated costs.
Application Process
Employers submit visa applications to competent authorities, providing the employment contract, employee’s passport, ID photo, and medical examination results. This procedure is necessary to apply for a Dubai visa. The employee must then visit a biometric center to capture biometric data for Emirates ID issuance.
Benefits
This visa allows employees to legally reside in Dubai for a renewable period of 2 years, work for their sponsoring employer, access healthcare services, and sponsor family members.
Residence Visa for Family (Spouse/Children) in Dubai
Eligibility Criteria
Dubai residents can sponsor their spouses, children, and sometimes parents for a family residence visa. Sponsors must demonstrate financial ability to support family members (salary and housing size) to obtain a Dubai family visa.
Application Process
Sponsors must submit passport copies, marriage and birth certificates, as well as proof of income and adequate housing. Family members over 15 years old must undergo a medical examination and biometric data capture at a center for Dubai visa issuance.
Benefits
This visa allows families to live together in Dubai, providing children access to local schools and spouses the opportunity to work under certain conditions. Specific Dubai entry rules also apply to this Dubai visa.
Residence Visa for Real Estate Investors (Golden Visa) in Dubai
Eligibility Criteria
This visa is for real estate investors who have purchased property in Dubai of a specified minimum value.
For real estate investments, there are two cases:
- If the property value exceeds AED 2,000,000, you can apply for a 10-year Golden Visa.
- If the property value is between AED 750,000 and AED 1,999,999, you can apply for a 2-year investor visa.
Application Process
To obtain the Golden Visa, investors must provide the property deed, passport copy, ID photo, and local health insurance to submit the file to competent authorities, including DLD.
Afterwards, they must undergo medical examinations and have their fingerprints taken (only for new visas). Once the Golden Visa is obtained, they can begin the process to sponsor family members.
Benefits
The Golden Visa offers long-term residence with multiple entries and exits, allowing investors to reside and manage their properties in Dubai. This Dubai visa also provides sponsorship benefits for families.
The United Arab Emirates offers a variety of residence visas to meet the needs of partners, freelancers, employees, families, real estate investors, and more. Understanding the requirements and benefits of each Dubai visa type is crucial for choosing the option that best suits your personal and professional needs. By following the correct procedures, you can fully enjoy the dynamic life and opportunities offered by Dubai.
If you choose to establish a company, this requires maintaining accounting records, a service our firm can provide. For all residence visa matters, Merritt Middle East (a division of the same group as Ares) handles all administrative procedures on your behalf. For more information, contact us at support@ares-accounting.com.