Explaining the Different Types of UAE Residence Visas

People who wish to visit or reside in the UAE typically require a visa to do so. There are many types of resident visas available, and this includes visas for business owners and their foreign employees.

In this guide, we will go over some of the key UAE residence visas business owners and their foreign staff require to stay in and work in the country.

Golden Visa

The UAE’s ‘Golden visa’ is a long-term residence visa which enables foreign talents to live, work or study in the UAE while enjoying exclusive benefits which include:

1. an entry visa for six months with multiple entries to proceed with residence issuance
2. a long-term, renewable residence visa valid for 5 or 10 years
3. the privilege of not needing a sponsor
4. the ability to stay outside the UAE for more than the usual period of six months in order to keep their residence visa valid
5. the ability to sponsor their family members, including spouses and children regardless of their ages
6. the ability to sponsor unlimited number of domestic helpers
7. the permit for family members to stay in the UAE until the end of their permit duration, if the primary holder of the Golden visa passes away.

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Employment Visa

The Employment visa is a visa for people who are employed by companies in the UAE. The company that has hired the employee is required to sponsor them for his visa.

To apply for this visa, the UAE government requires details from both the company as well as the employee. Any foreigner who is over the age of 18 can work in the UAE, provided that they meet the standards set by the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation (MoHRE). There is no maximum age for those who can be employed in the UAE, but for workers over the age of 65, the company pays a higher fee. 

Employers sponsor their employees for a period of 1/2 years depending on the type of employment contract. Investor Visa

Company registration in Dubai mainland and free zones is the easiest way to get an investor visa in Dubai. When you form your company in Dubai, you become either the owner or shareholder in the company, depending on the legal structure of your business. 

To apply for your investor visa, you must first form your company and then submit the following documents to the Dubai immigration department:

1. Trade license copy
2. Copy of legally attested company Memorandum of Association (for partnership) or Local Service Agent Agreement (for sole proprietorship)
3. Company establishment card copying
4. Cancellation document of existing visa (if you have an existing employment or Dubai residence visa you must cancel it)
5. If you have a visit or tourist visa, a copy of it

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Virtual work residence Visa

Foreigners employed outside the UAE are permitted to live here legitimately with a virtual work visa. The one-year visa allows foreigners to enter the UAE under self-sponsorship and work in line with the terms and conditions issued with the visa. 

To apply for a remote work visa, you must provide proof:

1. that you work remotely for an organisation outside the UAE
2. that you receive a monthly income of USD 3,500 (three thousand five hundred US dollars, or its equivalent in a different currency).

Visa holders are also permitted to sponsor their family members and bring them to the UAE.

How Capatt Services Can Help

As you can see, there are many different types of UAE residence visas available to business owners and employees. If you intend to start or take over a business in the UAE, you may be wondering which visa is right for you.

At Capatt Services, our consultants are well-versed in each visa type and can inform you which visa to apply for. They can also guide you through the application process to ensure it goes quickly and smoothly. Contact us today and take the next step toward running a business in the UAE.

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