Many people consider Dubai their dream destination because it offers opportunities for work and settlement, as well as investment possibilities and sightseeing. Before you purchase your flight ticket, you need to understand different types of visa in Dubai. Having knowledge about different visa choices enables precise planning of your stay, as well as selecting the best visa type that matches your requirements.
Below, we have listed 11 different types of visa in Dubai:
1. Tourist Visa
2. Visit Visa
3. Transit Visa
4. Student Visa
5. Employment Visa
6. Freelance Visa
7. Investor Visa (Golden Visa)
8. Retirement Visa
9. Family Visa
10. Mission Visa
11. Remote Work Visa
1. Tourist Visa
The tourist visa serves visitors who want to explore Dubai for recreational purposes or to meet friends and family. Tourist visas in Dubai typically last for 30 or 90 days before they can be extended twice for additional 30-day periods. One major perk? The flexibility! How many times you will visit Dubai depends on whether you request a single-entry or multiple-entry visa.
Benefits:
- Easy application process
- Multiple-entry option available
- Extension flexibility
2. Visit Visa
Visitors receive a visit visa equivalent to a standard tourist visa for the purpose of family or friend visits. It usually lasts 30, 60, or 90 days.
Benefits:
- Extended validity compared to tourist visas
- Can be sponsored by a relative or friend in Dubai
- Ideal for long-stay visits
3. Transit Visa
A transit visa serves as the ideal choice for travelers who need to explore Dubai during layovers longer than 8 hours. The visa duration extends between 48 and 96 hours based on your planned travel schedule.
Regular travelers should consider obtaining a transit visa (also known as a 96-hour transit) when they need to reach their final destination. The national airlines provide transit visa pickup services to their passengers. The granting of this visa depends on Dubai immigration department approval, which makes it a guaranteed visa. The price for a transit visa starts at AED 50.
Benefits:
- No fees for 48-hour visas
- Perfect for short Dubai layovers
- Hassle-free application through airlines
4. Student Visa
International students are increasingly choosing Dubai as their study destination because of its outstanding universities. Students who study at UAE-based educational institutions can obtain a student visa, which remains valid for one year and allows annual renewals. The student visa exists exclusively for international students who want to study at Dubai educational institutions. Students need to obtain an admission letter from their university along with passing medical fitness tests and a visa sponsor who can be the university or a parent or relative approved by the relevant General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs (GDRFA) to apply for this visa. The visa’s validity is 1 year.
Benefits:
- Access to top universities in Dubai
- Opportunity to work part-time while studying
- Renewable for the duration of your studies
5. Employment Visa
Your employer from UAE will provide an employment visa sponsorship after you secure a job in Dubai, UAE. The employment visa enables legal residence and work opportunities in the UAE for a period of two to three years.
Benefits:
- Renewable without leaving the country
- Provides a pathway to residency
- Allows access to UAE labor benefits
6. Freelance Visa
The freelance visa enables independent professionals to establish their own business in Dubai. This visa proves fundamental for independent professionals seeking employment in educational technology and media sectors and fields related to technology across Dubai. The Freelancer Permit program includes this visa, which remains valid for one year before it can be renewed annually.
The cost of a freelance visa in Dubai ranges from AED 7,500 to AED 20,000. The total price depends on several factors, including the work permit, establishment card, medical test, entry permit, and residency visa. Prices may also vary based on the free zone you choose. To know more contact AB Capital Services at www.abcapital.ae
Benefits:
- No need for a local sponsor
- Ability to work with multiple clients
- Eligibility to apply for family sponsorship
7. Investor Visa (Golden Visa)
Potential investors and entrepreneurs planning an operation in Dubai must consider applying for the Dubai Golden Visa. The Golden Visa gives residency rights to entrepreneurs combined with investors and highly qualified professionals and their families. The visa lasts for either five years or ten years. Business owners can obtain an investor visa.
The application process requires business license validity along with photographs and medical reports and passport documentation. To obtain this visa, the applicant must hold shares worth more than AED 70,000 and provide a refundable deposit of AED 10,000. The refundable amount will be returned to you after your visa cancellation process. Business owners who invest at least AED 500,000 or obtain approval from a business incubator program can obtain a five-year multiple entry visa.
For applicants with less than AED 70,000 shares, the security deposit will be AED 20,000.
You can read in-depth about UAE Golden Visa: https://abcapital.ae/uae-golden-visa-for-entrepreneurs/
Benefits:
- Long-term residency in the UAE
- No need for a local sponsor
- Full business ownership rights
8. Retirement Visa
Expats who want to retire in Dubai can obtain a retirement visa if they are 55 years old or older and fulfill financial criteria. The retirement visa maintains validity for five years and provides renewal possibilities.
Benefits:
- Residency stability after retirement
- Access to UAE healthcare services
- Enjoy Dubai’s tax-free benefits
9. Family Visa
Dubai residents and workers can use their family visa to sponsor their spouse and children and parents. The visa remains valid for one to three years before renewal becomes possible.
Benefits:
- Keeps families together
- Can be extended to include dependents
- No employment requirement for spouses
10. Mission Visa
Dubai residents and workers can use their family visa to sponsor their spouse and children and parents. The visa remains valid for one to three years before renewal becomes possible.
Benefits:
- Quick processing time
- Ideal for project-based work
- No long-term commitments required
11. Remote Work Visa
The city of Dubai has established a one-year remote work visa to support professionals who work for international companies outside the UAE.
Benefits:
- Live in Dubai while working remotely
- No need for UAE employer sponsorship
- Access to UAE banking and telecom services
Conclusion
Dubai provides multiple visa choices which accommodate different types of visitors. The city of Dubai provides suitable visa options for every purpose including visiting, working, studying, investing and retiring. Having awareness about Dubai visa categories will enable you to choose wisely for smooth experiences in this vibrant destination.
The financial consultancy firm AB Capital Services lead Dubai’s market by providing investment strategies and business setup services and financial planning solutions. AB Capital uses its extensive experience to help clients through visa applications and residency planning and investment opportunities in the UAE. AB Capital provides a smooth and stress-free process for entrepreneurs who want Golden Visas and freelancers who need sponsorship and retirees who plan their Dubai future. AB Capital Services serves as your reliable partner to help you establish a Dubai residence or business center.
Research all your visa options before moving to Dubai because different types of visas will match your lifestyle and personal objectives. Happy travels! You can also reach out to AB Capital Services at the below number and email.
FAQs
1. What is the most common type of visa in Dubai?
The tourist visa is the most common type, allowing visitors to explore Dubai for 30 or 90 days. It can be extended without leaving the country.
2. How can I get a work visa in Dubai?
To get an employment visa, you must secure a job in Dubai. Your employer will handle the application process, including medical tests and residency permits.
3. What is the difference between a tourist visa and a visit visa?
A tourist visa can be obtained through travel agencies or airlines, while a visit visa is sponsored by a friend or family member residing in Dubai. Both allow short-term stays, but have different sponsorship requirements.
4. Can I apply for a Dubai visa without a sponsor?
Yes, certain visas like the freelancer visa and Golden Visa allow individuals to apply without a sponsor. However, most work and visit visas require sponsorship.
5. How long does it take to process a Dubai visa?
Processing times vary depending on the visa type. Tourist visas take 3–5 days, while employment visas may take a few weeks due to medical and legal formalities. Golden Visas and investor visas can take longer due to verification processes.
