Difference between UAE Residence Visa and Entry Permit

An entry permit for ex-pats who live in UAE is the official legal document that helps them enter the country. UAE entry permit, as the name refers, is just the document that provides entry. At the same time, UAE residency visas are used for entry and staying inside the country. After entering, with a UAE entry permit, ex-pats can only remain inside the country for a short duration. The residency visa is ex-pat inside UAE after the individual has already entered with a UAE entry permit. A relevant person in UAE must sponsor a UAE residency visa and entry permit.

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UAE Entry Permit And UAE Residency Visa

Issuance: The UAE entry permit is processed and issued to foreign nationals by the Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs & Ports Security. The General Directorate of Residency and Foreign Affairs is responsible for a residency visa and another immigration visa in UAE.

UAE Entry Permit Types

There is a tourist visa in UAE for 14 to 60 days stay validity. There is different kind of UAE entry permits according to the reason and purpose.

• Entry permit for employment to enter UAE.
• Entry permit for the mission to enter UAE.
• Entry permit for tourism or visit to enter UAE.
• Entry permit for attending meetings/ conferences in UAE.
• Entry permit for medical treatment in UAE.
• Entry permit for visiting relatives/family in UAE.

Any individual invited by their family member, organization, etc., can apply for a UAE entry permit. To acquire an entry permit, the sponsor must ask the applicant. An applicant who is sponsoring a UAE entry permit can be:

• Friend
• Relative
• Family
• Employer
• Host
• Business or company
• Hotel
• Emirates-based airline

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UAE entry permit charge and residency visa fee

The UAE residency visa fee varies depending on the type and purpose. The price for obtaining a UAE entry permit is AED 500 (it can change). The extension charge for entry permit extension is AED 600. Stayin in UAE after the entry permit validity is over is illegal. The overstay charge for an ex-pat living in UAE with an entry permit is AED 100/ day. 

UAE entry permit validity and Residency visa validity

Foreign nationals can only enter UAE within the validity date of the entry permit. It must be used to enter through one of the UAE international airports, borders, or seaports. The validity of the UAE entry permit is just two months. A UAE residency visa is generally valid for one, two, or three years. The UAE residency visa validity can depend more on the purpose and type of residence visa. The UAE entry permit is non-extendable if it is already expired. At the same time, the UAE residency visa is extended and can be renewed after the end of the validity. Within two months' reality of the entry permit, foreign nationals should apply for a UAE residency visa.

Renewal:  Due to the new entry permit rules in 2018. UAE Residency visa can be renewed for one, two, or three years according to the visa type. The UAE entry permit can also be extended for 30 days.

UAE Residency Visa Types

UAE offers many types of residence visas according to the purpose of stay, which can be work, study, retirement, etc.

• Investment visa UAE- This type of residency visa provides long-term residency to foreign nationals. There is no need for sponsors for individuals qualifying for the investment visa requirements.
• UAE family visa- Any eligible foreign national staying in UAE can invite or sponsor family members, spouses, or children.
• UAE work visa- Expatriates can get a work visa in UAE and have a proper job in UAE.
• UAE student visa- students from all over the globe seeking international studies in UAE.
• Retirement visa- For retirees, it stays valid for five years.

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Conclusion

A UAE entry permit is issued when foreign nationals haven't applied for residency visas yet. Or if the individual wants to go to UAE for work, business, tourism, etc., for less time. An individual planning to get a UAE Residency visa after reaching the Emirates. Then they can also get an entry permit to carry out the residence visa procedure in UAE. An eligible ex-pat obtains a residency visa in UAE for a more extended stay. 

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