Are you considering relocating to the United Arab Emirates? With about 89% of the population comprising foreign-born nationals, you’re not alone. The UAE has long welcomed expats to enjoy the wonders of the Emirati lifestyle with an extensive and attractive portfolio of visas and residency options. In this post, we’ll run through how to get a visa in UAE, detailing the various options that are available to you, focusing particularly on visas that don’t require a sponsor.
The majority of expats that move to the UAE have work-based visas thanks to their employment at an Emirati-based company or the Emirati government. While this option is by far the most common, it is not the only way of getting a UAE visa. There are certain types of UAE visa available that do not require a sponsor, permitting both short and long-term stays. Keep reading to discover your options.
How to get a visa in UAE
It goes without saying that obtaining a UAE residence visa is an essential part of your relocation. Every situation is different and not every person will be eligible for a work-based visa, for instance if you are an entrepreneur setting up your company in Dubai. Here we will list the main options available to you if you want to acquire a UAE visa without a sponsor.
How to get a visa in UAE: Visit visa to explore investment opportunities
If you are keen to explore investment opportunities in the UAE, you can apply for a UAE visa without requiring a sponsor. This single-entry visa is valid for either 60, 90 or 120 days. To be eligible, you must be financially solvent, a talent or a holder of a high qualification, be a professional in the prospective business in your home country, and fulfil the financial guarantee.
How to get a visa in UAE: Two-year property investment visa
As its name suggests, this UAE residence visa grants unlimited entry to the country if you have invested a minimum of AED 750,000 in property. If the property is mortgaged, a NOC from the bank is required, detailing the amount paid and the outstanding balance. The UAE visa does not require a sponsor and enables you to bring your family with you. Please note that you must have medical insurance.
How to get a visa in UAE: Residence visa for the retired
Specifically for people over the age of 55 that have worked for a minimum of 15 years inside or outside the UAE, this UAE residence visa is a great option for retirees. To be eligible, you must own a property worth at least AED 1 million and have savings of no less than AED 1 million or a monthly income of AED 20,000 (AED 15,000 for Dubai). You will additionally be required to provide bank statements for the last six months. The UAE visa is valid for 5 years and can be renewed on the condition that you meet the eligibility criteria.
How to get a visa in UAE: Green visa
The Green Visa is a UAE residence visa without a sponsor for freelancers or people in self-employment. To be eligible, you will need to submit a freelance permit from the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation, proof of a bachelor’s degree and evidence of your annual salary for the past two years, amounting to no less than AED 360,000 (or proof of financial solvency for your stay). The visa is valid for 5 years and can be renewed for the same period when it expires.
The UAE Golden visa
In May 2019, the Emirati government announced the Golden Visa Scheme, a long-awaited development for expats looking for a UAE 5-year residence visa that can be renewed.
The Golden Visa is a renewable permanent residency scheme that grants holders a visa that is valid for 5 or 10 years. Beyond not needing a sponsor, UAE golden visa holders enjoy additional advantages including an entry visa for six months with multiple entries, the possibility to exit the UAE for longer than 6 months (the usual visa validation period), the opportunity to sponsor spouses, children and domestic helpers, and permission for family members to remain in the UAE until the end of the permit duration should the primary visa holder pass away.
The UAE golden visa is targeted at foreign talents and comes with multiple benefits:
- Validity for 5 or 10 years that can be renewed.
- No sponsor required.
- The ability to stay outside the UAE over 6 months and keep the visa valid.
- The ability to sponsor family members (regardless of the age of children).
- The ability to sponsor an unlimited number of domestic helpers.
There are four eligible categories for those seeking Gold Card status: Entrepreneurs, Investors, Outstanding Students and Specialised Talents. Each category has different qualifying criteria.
How to get a UAE residence visa
Getting a UAE visa without a sponsor doesn’t have to be a stressful process. Turn to the experts at Europe Emirates Group to discuss your situation and we will get the ball rolling, outlining which UAE visa is most suitable for you before clearly detailing the information required of you and filing all documentation on your behalf.
Our friendly relocation team will help you every step of the way so that you can enjoy the delights of living and working in the UAE in no time. Get in touch with us today to take your first step to moving to Dubai.
