It will please expats to know that moving to the UAE is relatively simple. UAE hopes to attract skilled professionals with new visa rules The UAE makes moving to their country simple and easy, with an expat population that is nearly five times larger than the population of Emirati citizens.

When moving to the UAE, expats should be aware that seven distinct emirate states make up the nation: Abu Dhabi, Ajman, Dubai, Fujairah, Ras Al Khaimah, Sharjah, and Umm Al Quwain. These states each have their local government and are governed by a single federal body. Expats should research the laws applicable to their particular emirate for specific relocation requirements such as health insurance, school search, and housing.UAE hopes to attract skilled professionals with new visa rules

Moving to the UAE has many advantages, but one of the biggest is that UAE businesses frequently handle all legal aspects of the expat relocation process. Companies in the UAE will not only process all of the necessary paperwork but also sponsor a worker’s residence visa. Employers must legally provide healthcare for foreign workers and their dependents in some emirate states.

Everything You Should Know About Moving Your Household Items and Pets For many foreigners, moving to the UAE is a simple process. The UAE is desirable for many people worldwide due to the promise of tax-free earnings and year-round warm, sunny weather.

Table of Contents

Everything You Should Know About Choosing a New Residence

The biggest cost that expats will encounter in the UAE is housing. Although there are many different kinds of homes to choose from and housing is widely available in both Abu Dhabi and Dubai, ex-pats should plan to spend at least half of their income on rent. Although rental costs have decreased recently, the typical annual rent in Dubai can range from 30,000 to 100,000 AED (8,100 to 27,220 USD). Due to the year-round demand for air cooling, utilities in the UAE are also expensive.

To rent a home in the UAE, not much is required. Residents of Dubai and Abu Dhabi must have their rental agreements approved by the regional authority. The deposit sum and early termination fees will be specified in this contract. Although there used to be tense feelings between renters and landlords in the UAE, breaking a contract early carries serious penalties. Additionally, in some locations, landlords are not allowed to increase rent rates by more than a specific amount each year.

It’s simple for foreigners to own a home. Some foreign nationals may even be granted a visa just for owning real estate in the UAE. However, purchasing a home in the UAE is not inexpensive, much like renting. Average home prices begin at about 500,000 AED at the bottom (136,100 USD).

The UAE has a lengthy list of approved activities. However, expats should also be aware of the country’s prohibited activities. If migrating to the UAE with pets, for instance, be aware that some dogs considered to be “fighting dogs” are not permitted entry into the Gulf nation. Additionally, only two pets may be brought into the nation by expats. Additionally, no materials directly contradict Islamic doctrine may be imported into the nation. You are welcome to bring a Bible or other religious book, but caution is urged.

Although it is acceptable in the UAE, there are limitations on the quantity of alcohol you can import. Additionally, there are limitations on medicine, and foreigners are only allowed to enter the nation with a three-month supply. In the United Arab Emirates, even medications regarded as light or over-the-counter in other nations may be regulated and necessitate a health permit from the Ministry of Health.

Since the UAE is a highly developed nation, expats will need their items when they relocate there. Despite the high cost of the property, it is quite inexpensive to decorate an apartment in the UAE. The majority of what expats require may be purchased in the UAE unless they have sentimental ties to their possessions.

Moving to the UAE is not vaccination-required. Expats may want to think about getting a rabies shot as well as hepatitis A and B injections, depending on any trip they may wish to do in the nearby Middle Eastern nations to be safe.

Visa Types and Work Permit Requirements: A Guide

Obtaining a UAE visa or work permit is necessary whether you are moving to the UAE to further your profession, be nearer to family, or start over. Most ex-pats will require an entry visa to enter the UAE if staying for longer than 90 days. Do not worry if you are currently unemployed in the UAE. Airlines, hotels, and even another expat with a residence visa for the UAE are just a few of the companies that can sponsor entry visas.UAE hopes to attract skilled professionals with new visa rules

Once you obtain an entry permit, applying for a UAE visa is simple. For most expats, your company will handle the visa application and processing on your behalf. Many businesses will also consider the expenditures associated with the employee’s dependents’ visas.

There are numerous UAE visa categories available. There are approximately 40 “free zones” throughout the seven emirates of the UAE. Still, only a few sponsor self-employed visas, so you must register yourself if you intend to go there as a self-employed worker. The requirements for the self-employed visa vary by the emirate, but ex-pats often need to rent an office and have their business licensed within a free zone.

The UAE’s Healthcare System and Health Insurance Explained

The UAE’s healthcare system and health insurance are excellent and extensive. In the Gulf nation, ex-pats are welcome to obtain any medical operation. However, they will always be charged a cost. Only Emirati nationals have access to free or cheap public healthcare. Foreign residents might choose only to use private healthcare or pay for the same services.

In the UAE, health insurance is expensive but worthwhile. The healthcare system has widespread acclaim. Medical tourism is the practice of bringing in foreigners from all over the world to the emirates for a variety of operations. Dubai, in particular, welcomes thousands of medical tourists each year and has some of the best facilities in the Middle East.

The search for a doctor is primarily conducted online. Since there are frequent waitlists to visit a specialist, expats should focus their search on a small number of doctors after consulting other foreigners and conducting their research.

The mother and child are in good hands, so foreigners interested in giving birth in the UAE can relax. Because the UAE thinks this is a crucial part of the first bonding process, unlike some western nations, Emirati hospitals allow newborn children to sleep in the same hospital room as their mothers.

Opening a Bank Account and Managing Your Taxes: A Complete Guide

It is challenging to consider the UAE without also considering banking and taxes. One of the reasons the UAE is so well-liked among expats is its reputation as being “tax free.” This does not imply that there are no taxes; rather, it only implies that the UAE has relatively low tax rates compared to other nations. Although there is no income tax in the UAE, foreigners are nevertheless subject to the rent tax and excise charges on harmful goods like soda and cigarette products.

Although foreigners must be present in the nation to open a bank account, it is simple to do so in the UAE. Many banks require this because they will need account holders to sign some documents physically.

The United Arab Emirates has four different kinds of banks: commercial, industrial, merchant, and Islamic. Each of these banks allows non-native citizens to open accounts only after obtaining a residence visa. Expats may open only a savings account without a residence visa, such as during the visa application procedure. To make it simple for expats to access their money, some banks may provide ATM cards together with savings accounts. An expat can circumvent this requirement if they so choose by opening an account with a foreign bank in both the UAE and their home country. International banks in the UAE offer some of the best banking services and most convenient bank accounts.

The UAE has far less stringent visa procedures for foreign nationals than its neighboring Middle Eastern nations. The UAE tries to make the visa application and process as simple as possible because it is a well-liked expat destination. Most ex-pats first require entry permission, often a pink card, to apply for a UAE visa. This can be supported in various ways, including employment, lodging, or a local family member. Expats can apply for a residence visa and a work permit once in the UAE. Before they travel to the UAE, the majority of foreigners find jobs. A work permit and a resident visa can be obtained most easily. UAE businesses will generally take care of all ex-pat visa needs, including paying for UAE visa expenses. Most of the time, these businesses will also sponsor the visas of an employee’s close relatives.

Work permits and visas based on employment

In the UAE, obtaining a work permit or job visa is not too difficult. Most foreigners have jobs lined up when they move to the UAE. As most UAE businesses take care of all criteria for work permits and residency visas, including paying visa costs, this simplifies the visa application procedure.

The validity of work authorizations and employment visas ranges from one to ten years. The UAE’s first permanent residence program, the Gold Card, was introduced in May 2019. Read more about this visa in our section on residency permits, which mostly pertains to “extraordinary professionals.”

What criteria are there for UAE work visas?

An entry visa, an Emirate ID card, and a resident visa must all be obtained before applying for a work permit in the UAE. Your resident visa will contain a list of your work permit, commonly known as a labor card. For more information about acquiring a residence permit,

The most crucial prerequisite for a work visa is evidence of a work contract or employment offer from a company located in the UAE. There are additional requirements for the work visa as well.

A request form
Dubai ID card
Some passport photos
Passport original and copy
a duplicate of a legitimate company card
The business’s license to do business is valid.
Health certification and medical examination
The Ministry of Labor has approved a permit for entry.

The General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs (GDRFA) and the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation (MoHRE) in the emirate state where work together to issue labor cards. Your labor card will arrive in around ten days. Usually, it is good for two years.

Arabic must be used on all forms and papers submitted. Additionally, the job contract must be written in Arabic. Three copies are required: one each for you, your employer, and the Department of Labor.

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Don’t forget

Working in the UAE while on a tourist visa is prohibited. If you land a job while traveling in the UAE on a tourist visa, you must switch your status before you begin working.

When issuing labor contracts, there is no age restriction; however, work permits for people 65 and over will cost an additional 5,000 AED (1,360 USD) every two years.

Israeli citizens are allowed to enter the UAE. Indian nationals are urged to review the terms of their visas.

What is the price of a UAE work visa?

Whether you are a skilled or unskilled worker will determine how much a UAE work visa would cost.

Ability Levels

Level 1: These people hold a bachelor’s degree or an equivalent qualification. Some of the certified professionals include:

Manager
Engineer
Doctor
Teacher
Accountant
Financial Clerk
Marketing Professional
Quantitative Analyst
executive assistant
Pharmacist
Administrative Assistant
Booking Officer
Officer of Safety
Officer of Public Relations
Operator of computers
Publicity Designer

Level 2: People who fall under this group have earned their diplomas in any area. People in this group often work in mechanical and technological fields.

Level 3: If you have a high school diploma or another higher education credential.

Sales Manager
Representative of Sales
Sales Manager
Site Director
Administrative Assistant
Clerk for correspondence
Clerk for Customs Clearing
Booking Agent
Pay Desk Agent
Receptionist
Cashier
a store clerk
Travel Guide

The percentage of skilled and unskilled workers the company employs is indicated by letters A through D. D has fewer than 5% skilled people, compared to over 40%.

Company Category Skilled (Professions requiring a degree or certificate) Unskilled (Professions requiring a secondary education or below) 1 300 AED (81 USD) 300 AED (81 USD) 2-A 500 AED (136 USD) 1200 AED (326 USD) 2-B 1000 AED (272 USD) 2200 AED (600 USD) 2-C 1500 AED (408 USD) 2700 AED (735 USD) 2-D 2000 AED (544 USD) 3553 A (1361 USD)

This is merely an accounting of work visa expenses. Be sure to account for additional expenditures for medical testing, translation services, legal fees, etc., if your employer does not pay for your visa fees. A UAE visa typically costs 7000 AED (1,900 USD).

Enterprise Visas

The UAE grants business visas to qualified workers who will support the success and development of the nation’s economy because it has such a progressive business culture. Please read our Self-Employment section below if you have questions about self-employment visas.

Mission Permit

This business visa is valid for 90 days. A UAE-based business must support it. It permits foreigners to enter the nation and work there temporarily. Before formally migrating, several ex-pats utilize this visa touring the United Arab Emirates. UAE hopes to attract skilled professionals with new visa rules

Individuals with Specific Talents

This visa covers those with particular skills and researchers in the humanities and sciences. This holds for professionals such as doctors, specialists, scientists, innovators, and creative people working in the arts and culture. The spouse and children also benefit from the visa. In the UAE, all categories must have a current job contract in a high-demand specialty.

The following prerequisites must be met to grant this visa.

A scientist must possess the Mohammed Bin Rashid Medal for Scientific Excellence or be accredited by the Emirates Scientists Council.
The Ministry of Culture and Knowledge Development must accredit those who are artistic and culturally creative.
A valuable patent must be obtained by inventors, which boosts the economy of the UAE. Patents require Ministry of Economy approval.
Patents or scientific research published in a prestigious journal must attest to exceptional talents.
Executives must be the proprietors of a well-known, globally renowned business or hold positions of high academic performance.
At least two of the following requirements must be fulfilled by doctors and specialists:
A Ph. D. degree from one of the world’s top 500 colleges
An honor or certificate of recognition in the applicant’s field of expertise
Contribution to a significant scientific study in the relevant field of study.
Publishes papers or scholarly books in prestigious journals related to the topic of study.
Participation in a field-related organization.
A Ph. D., a university diploma, and ten years of industry experience.
A focus on issues that are important to the UAE.
The duration of this visa is ten years.

Visas for family

The possession of a work visa is not a requirement for ex-pats who wish to sponsor family members. Only a resident visa is required for ex-pats to sponsor family members in the UAE. Without a resident visa, a work permit is not possible.

See our Residency Permits sections for additional details on family visas.

Visas for Self-Employment

What criteria apply for self-employment visas in the UAE?

The first step in obtaining a self-employment visa is to find a sponsor. The simplest approach to locating one is to travel and look there or online, where you may meet potential partners in person. A free zone, an established business, an individual, or a contractor can all serve as sponsors for self-employment. Visas for independent contractors are sometimes known as freelancing visas.

You will be required to provide documentation supporting your eligibility for a self-employment visa, regardless of the field in which you plan to work. For instance, you will be required to demonstrate sufficient qualifications to the Ministry of Health if your self-employment is in the medical industry. It is suggested that ex-pats speak with a lawyer or business expert.

There is a variety of Self-Employment Visa Types to Take into Account:

Investors in Real Estate
Entrepreneurs
Investors with at least 10 million AED in public investments (2.7 million USD)
Freelance
Investors in UAE Real Estate
The following prerequisites must be met in order to grant this visa:
The investor must put money into a property with a gross value of at least 5 million AED (1.3 million USD).
Loans cannot finance the sum put into real estate.
The asset must be kept for a minimum of three years.
Holders of this visa are permitted to stay in the nation for five years.

Entrepreneurs

This group includes those with an ongoing project with a minimum investment of 500,000 AED (about USD 136,00) or who have the endorsement of a recognized business incubator in the nation.

An extended multi-entry visa with six-month validity for the entrepreneur is also available. The spouse, children, partner, and three executives are all included on the long-term visa. Holders of this visa are permitted to stay in the nation for five years. Investors with at least 10 million AED in Public Investments (2.7 million USD)

The investment could take a lot of different shapes, like:

A minimum 10 million AED contribution into a domestic investment fund. They are forming a business in the UAE with a minimum capital of 10 million AED. They collaborate in a new or existing business with a minimum share value of 10 million AED.

As mentioned above, a total investment of no less than ten million AED in each of the regions, provided that no less than sixty percent of the total investment is made in industries other than real estate.

The following prerequisites must be met in order to grant this visa:

The invested sum cannot be lent.
At least three years should pass before disposing of the investment.
Financial stability of up to 10 million AED should be present.
If each partner invests 10 million AED, this visa might be expanded to include business partners.
The spouse, kids, one executive director, and one advisor are all eligible for a long-term visa.
Holders of this visa can stay in the nation for ten years.

Freelance

You’ll need the following to apply for a freelancing v i sa
A request form for a freelance license in your preferred free zone.
Your business plan in copy form.
A photocopied passport.
Letter (s) of recommendation from current or past employers.
Your curriculum vitae and actual diplomas.
A No-Objection Certificate (NOC) confirming the conversion of the residence visa to the freelancer visa must be provided (see the Entry Visa section on entities that can sponsor an Entry Visa).
A bank’s certificate of good standing attesting to your positive banking history.
A portfolio of your work or other examples demonstrating your ability to work independently in the mentioned business activity.
You will require a freelancing license in addition to a freelance visa. The steps to take are as follows:
You must apply to the appropriate free zone authority to have a freelance license and a freelance visa.
Send a request for temporary approval with the business plan, a copy of your passport, and a letter of recommendation.
If the provisional approval is approved, you will get a customer confirmation letter from the relevant free zone authority.
For the final approval, sign the confirmation letter and submit it with the other mentioned documents.
Pay all the dues, including the charge for freelancing permission, the sponsorship fee for an employee’s visa, and (if your chosen free zone so requires) the initial office space rent payment.
Sign the free zone sponsorship agreement, then pick up the freelancing visa and permit.
Usually, the license is granted in 7 to 10 working days.
Remember that Arabic translations of documents are required. Many ex-pats decide to work with a business expert to guide them through the process.

A Remark on Free Zones

Only within defined “free zones” are freelancing visas for independent contractors issued by the UAE.

Within the emirate states, free zones are free-to-trade zones. These areas operate according to their laws, distinct from those that apply to the rest of the nation. They have unique tax, customs, and import regimes of their own. Each free zone serves a particular industry, such as media, development, or design.

The United Arab Emirates has 45 free zones. In light of these zones, as of May 2019, the UAE government grants freelance permits.

Dubai

The permit indicates Dubai Academic City Your status as a solo practitioner. It allows you to operate your business using your real name rather than a brand identity.
Dubai Design District Design and fashion are subject to special licensing, and designers and artists are granted freelance status.
The permit indicates Dubai Knowledge Village, Your status as a lone practitioner. It allows you to operate your business using your real name rather than a brand identity.
The permit indicates Dubai Media City, Your status as a solo practitioner. It allows you to operate your business using your real name rather than a brand identity.
The permit indicates Dubai Studio City, Your status as a solo practitioner. It allows you to operate your business using your real name rather than a brand identity.
Fujairah
Three visas for the Fujairah Free Zone are available for the Fujairah Creative City. 6-7 working days for processing.
Al Quwain, Umm
The permit recognizes you as a lone practitioner in the Umm Al Quwain Free Trade Zone. It allows you to operate your business using your real name rather than a brand identity.
A freelance visa cap might apply to some free zones.
Best Careers to Work as a Freelancer
Web design and development
Teaching
Writing and advertising copy
Innovative style
marketing and sales
designing graphics
Develop mobile applications
Search engine marketing (SEM), search engine optimization (SEO) (SEM)
Branding
Computer-aided design and 3D modeling (CAD)
Interpretation and translation
Legal assistance
Useful Advice
Office SpaceThe majority of licensing bodies in the UAE demand that you have office space under their control. The term “office space” broadly defines and can refer to either a Flexi-desk or a smart office. There are businesses in free zones that provide foreigners with packages for their freelance businesses. A lot of these packages include office space.
Business guru or solopreneur
While you can register your business independently, many ex-pats prefer to use a business professional because it is safer and more effective. Numerous factors must be considered, and almost all documents must be translated into Arabic. An expert in a business setting will handle all the paperwork and legal aspects of getting your license and visa.
How to Work as a Freelancer in the UAE
In the emirate states, most independent contractors find work online. These are the websites that freelancers in the UAE find most helpful for job advertisements and general guidance:

There are property-related visas; however, employment is not permitted with these. Do not believe the myth that you may purchase a home without a freelancing visa and continue to work as a freelancer. A visa for independent work is also nonexistent. Be wary of businesses that charge a price for independent visas because they are highly unlawful. If discovered, the business faces a stiff fine, and the visa holder faces deportation.

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If you intend to work for yourself after moving to the UAE with your spouse, you must still apply for a freelancing visa.

Cost of a Freelance Visa

The cost of a freelance visa may vary from one zone to another. This is the standard cost:

Registration costs between 2,500 AED and 15,000 AED, while licences cost between 550 AED and 2,500 AED and address services cost between 9,000 AED and 2,400 AED (680-4,000 USD)

Permanent and Temporary Residency Permits

Expats could only ponder how to apply for a temporary residency visa until recently. As of May 2019, foreign nationals can now research how to become permanent residents of the UAE.

You must have a resident visa to open a bank account, obtain a driver’s license, register a vehicle, and apply for a mobile phone plan. Usually, the visa is only good for two or three years. It may be sponsored by a business or an ex-pat with a residency status already residing in the UAE. Normally, it is good for two to three years.

What steps must I take to become a permanent resident of the United Arab Emirates?

One permanent resident visa and long-term visa programs are available in the UAE. Five to ten years are covered under long-term visas. They apply to business owners and investors. Visit our Business section to learn more about these lengthy visas.

The Gold Card visa, which the UAE began giving “extraordinary professionals” on May 21, 2019, includes “investors and excellent doctors, engineers, scientists, and artists.” Six thousand eight hundred foreign nationals will receive visas in the first round.

The conditions for a UAE permanent residence visa at this time are as follows:

Belong to one of the following groups:
Investors
Entrepreneurs
specialized skills
Researchers
Scientists
Positively influence the UAE’s “success narrative.”
Have investments worth 100 billion AED (about 272,265,000 USD).

The spouse and children of all Gold Card holders will automatically receive permanent resident status, which is one perk of being a permanent resident. Additionally, all enterprises and other assets will be owned by permanent residents without requiring an Emirate partner.

Partner Visa

Foreigners cannot attain UAE citizenship through marriage alone. Spouses of UAE citizens and residents must either be on a family visa or have their work permit and residence authorization. Find out more in the section below on family visas.

A Temporary Resident Permit in the UAE: How Do You Get One

In the UAE, there are four ways to be eligible for temporary residency:

Employment

The majority of foreigners acquire residency visas through employment. In most cases, the business sponsors your visa and takes care of the entire application, including paying the visa fees. This is the fastest and most straightforward way to apply for residency in the UAE.

Family members of ex-pats who become residents of the UAE through employment are also eligible to be sponsored. Normally, this residency permit is valid for three years.

Buying a house

Buying a home is another option for becoming a resident. Even though this option is primarily for high-income people, foreign business owners frequently choose it. The home must be finished upon purchase, and the valuation must be at least 1 million AED to qualify for a residence visa (about 275,000 USD). This two-year residence permit is valid for. It excludes the right to employment.

Business Registration

By setting up a business in an emirate state or a free zone, you can get residency in the United Arab Emirates. Be aware that whereas a company in a free zone allows for full foreign ownership of that company, establishing an onshore company may require sponsorship from a local Emirate partner with this type of residency visa; foreign nationals can work in the UAE and become shareholders in local businesses. This visa is valid for three years.

How can I apply for a visa for temporary residence?

Initial Step: Entry Visa

An entry visa, often known as the “pink card” or “pink slip,” is required for anyone who intends to reside in the UAE or travel there for longer than 30 days.

The following organizations qualify as entrance visa sponsors:

Emirati national

a foreign national residing in the UAE with a current residency visa

a plane based in the UAE (Air Arabia, Etihad Airways, Emirates Airline, Fly Dubai)

a hotel or travel agency based in the UAE

a body of the state

Private sector businesses or free-trade zones

This visa’s duration might range from 14 to 90 days, depending on your nationality and the reason you are traveling to the UAE. Your pink card is valid for 60 days if you move to an emirate state for work (two months). Your company should sponsor this visa. As of October 2018, entrance visas can have their expiration dates extended twice, each for 30 days. There will be a fee for the extension, but you won’t need to leave the nation.

Emirate ID card in step two

Resident Identity Card is another name for an Emirate ID card. This card is a need for medical examination. Thus ex-pats must have it before applying for their residence visa. Only if you already have an application form verified by the Registration Center at the Emirates Identity Authority are any exceptions made (EIDA).

The address, photo, date of birth, and fingerprints of the card’s owner are all listed on the Emirate ID. Throughout your visit to the UAE, you will use this as your official form of identification.

Expats who wish to apply for an Emirate ID card must
entrance permit
both their authentic and replica passports
Expatriates will deliver these items to the Emirates Identity Authority (EIDA) facility. When there, you’ll:
Bring your paperwork to a typing facility, where you can fill out the appropriate application. This can also be completed in advance online.
Pay a charge of around 270 AED (73 USD).
Take your picture and your fingerprints.
You will use this ID for your residence visa application and medical exam once the EIDA has accepted, stamped, and verified your application form.
Third Step: Resident Visa
The length of your entry visa determines the time you have to apply for and receive your residency visa. Once more, if you move to the UAE for work, your employer should take care of the necessary paperwork for your visa. You will deliver the necessary paperwork to your employer.

All applicants must meet the following criteria for a residence permit:

A request form
Dubai ID card
Several passport photos
Passport original and copy
a duplicate of a legitimate company card
The business’s license to do business is valid.
A health certificate and a medical examination
The Ministry of Labor has approved a permit for entry.

Expats can stay in the UAE for one to three years with a residency visa. Visas can be renewed. Once they are granted, you can invite relatives to relocate to the UAE.

Regulations and procedures for UAE visas are subject to change. Make sure to visit the GDRFA website specifically for the emirate state where you will reside.

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Dubai (Amer) (Amer)

Sharjah

Ajman

RAK AL KIIMAH

Fujairah

Health Checks

Applications for UAE visas must include a medical examination. A health examination is required of applicants in a government hospital or medical facility. Medical examinations must occur within the UAE; examinations from elsewhere are not approved.

Blood tests and a chest X-ray are part of the medical examination. These tests detect infectious diseases, including leprosy, hepatitis, HIV/AIDS, and tuberculosis. Any of these tests that yield positive results will lead to the resident visa being denied and immediate deportation.

Visas for family

After receiving their residency visa, ex-pats can sponsor their family members to move to the UAE. The foreign nationals residing in the UAE must sponsor each family member’s entry visa to begin this process. The sponsoring ex-pat then has 60 days to apply for a resident visa for their dependents. The validity of each family visa will be equal to that of the supporting expat’s visa (typically one to three years).

You should be aware that the standards vary depending on whether the sponsoring ex-pat is a man or woman.

Expat men

If a male resident is employed in the UAE, he may sponsor his wife and children as long as he meets certain requirements, including having a minimum salary of 3,000 or 4,000 AED (816 or 1088 USD) plus housing.

The male sponsor must work in a line of work that enables him to support his family. For instance, domestic helpers and some other categories are not permitted to sponsor their families regardless of their income. For exceptions or more information, check with the relevant GDRFA.

A male ex-pat must present an original marriage certificate translated into Arabic to sponsor a wife and children.

Only unmarried daughters of overseas residents may be sponsored. He can only sponsor his sons till they turn 18 years old. The son may be sponsored up to 21 if he studies after turning 18 in the United Arab Emirates or abroad. The son must enter the UAE at least once every six months for his residency visa to remain valid. For his son’s visa, the resident must submit a deposit to the relevant GDRFA. The residency permit is issued annually and is extendable until the student completes his studies. The mother is not permitted to sponsor the children if the family’s father lives in the UAE and meets the requirements.

Expat women

A woman who is by herself can sponsor her kid. Documents required to sponsor stepchildren may be requested by the authorities.

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If a woman has a residence permit stating that she works as an engineer, teacher, doctor, nurse, or in any other occupation associated with the medical field, and if her monthly salary is at least 10,000 or 8,000 AED (2,722 or 2,177 USD) plus housing, she may sponsor her husband and children. She must submit further paperwork as required by the relevant authority.

Dubai

Even if a woman does not work in one of these categories, the DNRD may approve her to sponsor her family if her monthly income exceeds 10,000 AED (2,722 USD) and with special permission.

Requirements for Family Visa Applications

Through an online form or a registered typing office

copy of each family member’s passport
Each family member’s picture
A certificate of good health for each member of the family
A duplicate of the employer’s or business’s contract with the sponsoring ex-pat
A salary certificate from the employer of the sponsoring ex-pat detailing their monthly pay
certified marriage license (if sponsoring a spouse)
Contract for a registered tenancy
most recent utility bill
Cost of a family visa: 100 AED (27 USD).