1. Tourist / Visit Visas
Tourist or visit visas are for short-term leisure, family visits, transit tourism and short business trips. Many nationalities are eligible for visa-on-arrival or e-visa services, while others must apply in advance. The issuing authority (UAE immigration or an airline/hotel partner) will specify validity and permitted stay.
- Short-term Tourist Visa: Typically single- or multiple-entry stays for a few days up to 30 days depending on the type issued.
- Longer Visit / Multi-entry: Some visitors can obtain 60- or 90-day single-entry or multiple-entry permits through approved channels.
- Visa on arrival / eVisa: Available for citizens of several countries; check eligibility before travel.
- Notes: Tourist visas usually do not allow employment. Extensions are sometimes possible but subject to local rules.
2. Transit Visas
Transit visas help travellers who have longer layovers or need to leave the airport briefly during transit. Depending on nationality and route, transit options vary.
- Short Transit: For brief airport-to-airport transfers; often no visa required if staying airside.
- Transit Visa (24–96 hours): Available for certain itineraries where passengers wish to exit the airport; apply through airline or immigration channels.
- Notes: Check airline rules and passport requirements — some nationalities always need a transit permit even for airside connections.
3. Work & Employment Visas
Work visas in the UAE are typically employer-sponsored and result in a residence permit. The process normally involves a work permit or entry permit followed by medical tests and Emirates ID registration.
- Employment / Work Permit: Employer initiates an entry permit; after arrival, the employee completes medical screening and obtains a residency visa and Emirates ID.
- Temporary Labour Permits: For short-term assignments, contractors or short-duration project work — rules differ by emirate and sector.
- Notes: Work visas tie the holder to the sponsoring company; changing employers usually requires transferring the sponsorship or completing exit and re-entry formalities.
4. Long-Term Residency: Golden & Green Visas
The UAE offers long-term residence options aimed at investors, skilled professionals, entrepreneurs, scholars and exceptional talents. Program names and eligibility may evolve; always check official UAE government sources.
- Golden Visa (Long-term Residency): Targeted at investors, real estate owners meeting thresholds, entrepreneurs, specialised talents, scientists and exceptional contributors — offers multi-year residency without frequent renewals.
- Green Visa / Long-Term Talent Visas: Some long-term categories allow self-sponsorship for skilled individuals, freelancers and certain professionals; benefits include family sponsorship in some cases.
- Notes: Criteria often include investment amounts, recognised achievements, specialised skills, or employment in strategic sectors. These programs are periodically updated.
5. Student & Training Visas
Students accepted at UAE-licensed educational institutions generally require a student residence visa or entry permit. Short courses may be covered by visitor or short-term study visas.
- Student Residence Visa: Issued to those enrolled in UAE universities or colleges; typically sponsored by the institution.
- Short Courses & Training: Language courses or short professional trainings may fit under short-term visit or specialised permits.
- Notes: Student visas usually have conditions about part-time work; check with the education provider and immigration authority.
useful Sources
- 🔗 Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs & Port Security (ICP): https://icp.gov.ae/en/ – The main UAE government portal handling visa issuance, residency, and Emirates ID services across all emirates.
- 🔗 General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs – Dubai (GDRFA): https://www.gdrfad.gov.ae/en – Handles Dubai-specific visa, entry permit, and residency applications.
6. Family & Dependent Visas
UAE residents who meet salary and accommodation thresholds can sponsor family members (spouses, children, and in some cases parents). Family visas are residence permits tied to the sponsor’s status and are subject to specific eligibility criteria.
- Spouse & Children Sponsorship: Residents with qualifying income and suitable housing can sponsor immediate family members for residence visas.
- Parent Sponsorship: In some categories (e.g., long-term residence holders), sponsoring parents may be permitted under defined rules.
- Notes: Documentation typically includes sponsor’s passport/residency, employment proof, salary certificate, tenancy contract and relationship evidence.
7. Investor & Partner Visas
Investor visas are for individuals investing in UAE businesses, real estate (subject to thresholds), or establishing companies in free zones or mainland. These visas often offer flexibility for residency and business operations.
- Investor / Partner Residence Visa: For owners or major shareholders in UAE-registered companies or qualifying investors.
- Free Zone Investor Visas: Specific free zones have tailored investor/residency schemes with varying durations and benefits.
- Notes: Keep formal invoices, company documents and share certificates handy when applying or renewing.
8. Comprehensive UAE Visa Table
| Visa Type | Typical Duration | Purpose | Eligibility | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tourist / Visit | Few days — 30 / 60 / 90 days typical | Tourism, family visit, short business | Passport, funds, return ticket / sponsor | Many nationalities eligible for e-visa or visa-on-arrival |
| Transit | 24–96 hours | Layover / short airport exit | Ticket to onward destination, passport | Airline or immigration may require pre-clearance |
| Employment / Work Permit | Valid while sponsored (1–3 yrs typical) | Employment, contracted work | Employer sponsorship, contract, medical check | Follow-on residency visa and Emirates ID required |
| Golden Visa (Long-term) | 5–10 years (varies) | Investors, specialised talents | Investment threshold, endorsement, qualifications | Offers long-term stability; check current criteria |
| Green / Talent Visas | Multi-year (varies) | Skilled professionals, freelancers | Skill/qualification proof or self-sponsorship eligibility | Self-sponsorship options may be available |
| Student | Course duration (residence visa) | Academic, vocational training | Admission letter, sponsor (institution) | May permit limited work subject to rules |
| Family / Dependent | Linked to sponsor's residency duration | Spouse, children, selected relatives | Sponsor income, housing proof, relationship docs | Renewable with sponsor status |
| Investor / Partner | Residency tied to investment | Business owners, partners | Company documents, investment proof | Free zone rules may differ |
9. FAQs – UAE Visa
It depends on your nationality. Many countries enjoy visa-on-arrival or e-visa facilities while others must apply in advance. Check the UAE government portal or your airline before travel.
Processing times vary by emirate, employer and visa type — typically several days to a few weeks for entry permits, followed by medical checks and final residency stamping after arrival.
Golden Visas provide long-term residency for investors, entrepreneurs, specialised talents and certain professionals. Eligibility criteria (investment amounts, endorsements or achievements) change over time—verify on official portals.
No. Visitors are not permitted to work. Employment requires the correct work permit and residency visa sponsored by the employer.
Short-term visit visas can sometimes be extended once or twice depending on the issuing authority and your nationality. Residency and long-term visas follow renewal rules set by immigration authorities.
Medical visitors often apply for specific medical treatment entry permits; hospitals and medical facilitators typically assist with the visa process and required documentation.