Dubai is one of the most visited cities in the world. Every year millions of people come here, some visit this city with dreams in their eyes while others come here to enjoy their holidays. No matter what the reason be, the city is full of tourists all round the year! This city is a perfect blend of futuristic technologies with a rich cultural background. Be it the Burj Khalifa or the Palm islands; the shopping spree or adventure, this city seems to have some magical effect that makes people wanting to come back!

Be it an infant or adult, it is no surprise that a visa is a must before stepping into this city. Are you planning to visit Dubai anytime soon? Do you plan to look for jobs in Dubai? Or is Dubai your next travel destination? Whatever be the purpose, if you ought to enter this city then you must have a visa beforehand. Sounds confusing? Not sure the type of Visa you need? No need to worry, all your questions will be answered here. 

We have rounded up the list of different visas in Dubai that will help you to figure out the one you need.

Let’s begin.

What documents should I need?

You need to have a valid passport, clear front-facing passport size picture for applying for Dubai Visa.

What’s the Visa processing time?

You can get a Dubai Visa in 24 to 72 hours, however, in some cases, extra documentation may be required that can extend the processing time more than usual.

Different types of Visa

1. Tourist visa

 Tourist Visa as the name suggests is meant for people who wish to visit the city for leisure purposes. You can get this visa if a UAE airline, tour operator, or hotel sponsors you. This Visa is meant for people who cannot apply for visa-free entry or visa on arrival to UAE. Females below the age of 18 can only apply for this visa if they are traveling with their parents. 

There are two types of tourist visas:

1. 30-days Tourist Visa: This visa is valid for 58 days from the date of issue. It permits you to stay for 30 days in UAE. you can also extend this visa for 30 more days without having to leave the country.

2. 90-Day Tourist Visa – You can choose for a long term-90 days tourist visa if you wish to stay longer. However, for extending this Visa, you will have to leave the country and can come back after a month.

2. Transit visa

Do you want a quick layover of Dubai in your lengthy stopover? If yes, then you will need a transit visa to do so. The transit visa is meant for stopovers that exceed 8 hours. The airlines that you’re traveling through can arrange the visa before your tour for you. It is usually for 48 or 96 hours. This visa cannot be extended or renewed. You will need the booking tickets for your destination when applying for this visa.

2. Visit visa

This visa is meant for people who wish to meet a friend or relative residing in the UAE. Your relative or friend living in UAE can sponsor you and apply for your visa via the GDRFA office. It may take a few days to get the permit. The original permit needs to be submitted to the airport whereas, you will be sent the copy via email or fax. You can later collect your original permission from the airport. Make sure you have a copy of your permission when you enter the UAE.

3. Employment visa

Work permit, labor card, or employment visa is issued by the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation. This visa is valid for two months of its issue date. You no longer need a certificate of good conduct for applying for an employment visa in Dubai. Here is the complete guide when applying for an employment visa in Dubai.

4. Residence visa

Residence Visa can be considered as an upgrade of the employment visa. In order to secure the residence visa, you can apply for the Emirates ID. You need a medical certificate and medical insurance to obtain the Emirates ID. This ID will signify that you are a valid UAE resident. It also permits you to sponsor your family members into the UAE.

5. Business visa

The business Visa is meant for people who wish to establish a business in the UAE. It is a part of the Golden Visa system and foreigners can obtain a permit long-term stay in the country. The applicant needs to fulfill the protocols of the Federal Authority for Identity and Citizenship to get this Visa.

Some of the criteria to get this visa include:

1. Applicants must have sound experience as an entrepreneur.
2. Applicants must be a majority shareholder of the business.
3. Applicants must be willing to relocate to any one of the seven emirates.
4. Applicants must have a business idea for carrying out business in the UAE.

6. Patient entry permit

A patient entry visa is issued for people who seek treatment in any of the medical establishments in the UAE. The concerned hospital processes the visa for patients on request. The General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs in Dubai issues this visa for visitors coming to Dubai. It is of two types:

• Single Entry Permit – this permit allows the patient to stay for 90 days and is valid for up to 60 days from the date of issue. It is extendable for only a single entry.

• Multiple Entry Permit– This visa is the same as the Single Entry Permit, however, it can be extended for multiple entries.

The Patient entry permit can be extended only after providing authentic medical reports that state if the patient needs further treatment.

The following documents are required to get the entry permit:

• passport copy of the patient
• A letter from a concerned hospital mentions the reason to visit
• health insurance of the patient
• Financial security.

7. Retirement visa for UAE residents

For UAE residents above the age of 55 can apply for a long-term residence visa for a span of 5 years. It can only be extended if the resident meets the following criteria:

• Invests AED 2 million in a property worth
• At Least AED 1 million savings
• the active income of At Least AED 20,000 per month.

 8. Student Visa

The student visa is meant for students who wish to study in the universities and colleges of UAE. It is valid for a year and can be extended year after confirming the individual will pursue education. A new student visa valid for five years has also been introduced for students since 2018.

Hopefully, now you will be able to figure out the visa you need.

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