UAE Residency Visa

Residence Visa is issued to an outsider when he has entered the country already. To enter the UAE, you will need an entry permit. A resident of the UAE must sponsor her entry permit. A UAE Residency visa is beneficial if you want to settle in UAE for a longer duration. Let us read in detail about the UAE residency visa.

• Permit to reside in UAE.
• Benefits of UAE Residency Visa
• UAE residency visa validity
• The renewal process of the UAE residency visa

Permit to live in UAE

UAE has permitted foreigners/outsiders to stay longer by applying for a UAE residency visa. The residency visa is issued if you have already entered the country.

You will be permitted a residency visa only if you have been:

1. Employed by the government sector: Here, the government will apply and sponsor your UAE Visa
2. Operated by a company that is in UAE: Here, the company will use and support your visa in UAE
3. Invested in business in UAE: Here, the investor will process for application on his own, but the visa has been under the sponsorship of his company’s registered name.
4. Own / Buy a property in UAE: The visa will be sponsored under his property.
5. University students: They are sponsored by their universities in UAE under the educational institution’s name.

Benefits of UAE Residency Visa

By having a residency visa in UAE, you will have the benefits of the following:

• Opening a bank account
• Apply for a driving licence
• Access financial facilities
• Get your child enrolled in government / private schools
• Can easily access government health services and insurance
• Get a permit to travel to visa-free countries

Read Also: Apply for UAE Visa Online

UAE Residency Visa Validity

UAE residency visa validity may vary according to the type and sponsor. A visa can be for one, two or three years. According to a recent update, a UAE residency visa can also be issued for five or 10 years, subject to certain conditions.

Condition for residency visa: The applicants who are 18 and above years have to undergo a medical test to prove they are medically fit. The report of the same has to be submitted.

The Renewal Process of the UAE Residency Visa

Your sponsor must renew your UAE residency visa before the first visa expires. The GDRFA – General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs allows a grace period of 30 to stay in UAE after the visa has expired. If your visa has expired and you haven’t renewed it, then you will not be allowed to continue your stay in UAE, and you will be charged with acceptable charges and might also face legal consequences.

Note: When the residency visa expires, your Emirates ID card issued by the Federal Authority for Identity and Citizenship will also expire. The time limit to get your expired visa renewed is 30 days from the date of expiry of the first visa.

Basic requirements for renewal of UAE residency visa:

1. A sponsor that must have a valid residency visa permit available
2. Insurance Card
3. Medical fitness certificate
4. Renewed ID Card by ICA 

Required Documents:

• Application form (online or offline) signed by the sponsor.
• Original passport of your sponsor
• Photo of your sponsor.

Read Also: UAE Visa Online Services

If you are working in the private sector, then your sponsor company must submit the following:

• Copy of firm card
• Copy of trade licence
• Copy of sponsor’s renewed labour card

If you are sponsoring your family, then you must submit the following:

• Legal marriage certificate
• The employment contract of the company
• Salary certificate
• Registered tenancy contract
• Latest utility bill

Read Also: UAE Family Visa