Sponsor’s nod not needed on visa transfer in six conditions in UAE

The sponsorship transfer will be granted without the need to get the first sponsor’s approval in six conditions. The ministerial order which came into effect from 10 th September 2005 in implementation of Article No. 5 of the Cabinet Decision No.18 of 2005 has specified six conditions when the Ministry will grant sponsorship transfer without the need for the sponsor’s approval :
· For unpaid workers in the private sector, the Ministry of Labour and Social Affairs will grant sponsorship transfer to them if their complaints of pending wages for three months or more are upheld after a joint investigation by the Labour Relations and Inspection Departments of the Ministry.
· If the worker filed a complaint to the Ministry which was later transferred to the Court, the Ministry will grant the worker a sponsorship transfer based on a relevant judicial order.
· Sponsorship transfer will also be granted by the Ministry in case of the closure of the company following the death of its owner. The closure should be documented before the Ministry.
· Sponsorship transfer will be granted by the Ministry should the ownership of the company be transferred to another establishment. This means that the worker of a sold company will be transferred by the Ministry without the approval of the seller, under the name given by the buying company. This is also applicable in case of mergers between companies. The ownership transfer of the company should be proved in documents before the Ministry. If part of the company was sold to another company, workers of the sold part of the company can be granted exemption for sponsorship transfer.
· The closure of the company against an administrative or judicial decision gives the Ministry the right to grant sponsorship transfer to the workers.
The Minister will endorse sponsorship transfer for cases that are recommended and submitted to him by the concerned departments of the Ministry.
The other conditions referred above in the first paragraph on this chapter should also be fulfilled.

Work permit and residence visa cancellation Dubai UAE

Normally your employer will arrange cancellation of your residence visa and work permit when the time comes to leave the UAE, or when changing jobs. The procedure will usually involve closing bank accounts, returning credit cards, cancelling telephone subscriptions, electricity and water accounts, moving out of company provided accommodation, and anything else for which the employers sponsorship was required. If you are remaining in the UAE, you will have to negotiate some way of retaining bank accounts, telephone lines etc, with your employer.

It's worth considering carefully your departure procedure before you hand in your resignation notice, because once you do tell your company, certain events may be set in motion which can cause complications for you, especially if you have a less than harmonious relationship with your employer. These are some items to deal with:

• Money in the bank - will you still have access?
  
• Outstanding loans - do they need to be paid off and when?
  
• Credit cards - will they be cancelled, and when do they have to be fully paid off?
  
• Final salary and bonus / gratuity - how will it be paid and when?
  
• Accommodation (if company provided) - when do you have to move out or can you stay if you want to, and how are the lease terms affected (rent may go up, there may be a transfer cost to change name)?
  
• Telephone, internet, water, & electricity connections - if you want to retain them, how, or when are they cancelled?
  
• Shipping goods to another country if you are leaving
  
• School fees if paid by company
  
• Residence or employment ban - will you be subject to either or both?
  
• Changing jobs - will you transfer sponsorship, or will you leave country and return and make a new application?
  

Doing a runner - no we're not advocating this method, or telling you how to do this, just saying that you should consider the implications carefully if you choose this option - it's likely you'll be banned from re-entering the UAE forever, or for a long time at least. You'll of course lose any gratuity and final salary the company might owe you.

Telephone lines

Employers may not have a problem with you keeping your telephone line, but if they do, a possible alternative is to transfer the number to a friend who has a residence visa in the UAE, or visit Etisalat and leave a hefty deposit as a temporary solution while changing sponsorship (note that it is unknown if this method is an officially sanctioned option, or just luck of the draw depending on who you talk to at Etisalat). Note that prepaid subscriptions (Al Wasel with Etisalat) should not need to be cancelled anyway, and some people get a second line as a back up in case their main mobile phone account is cancelled.

Bank accounts

Bank accounts are a different story, it would be unusual for an employer to allow you to keep an account open once you're off their sponosrship. As soon as you inform your employer that you will be leaving, it is common for them to notify your bank of your departure, and it is possible that your account gets frozen. Therefore you may want to withdraw any cash before you let your employer know of your departure, unless you're fairly certain that access to your account won't be prevented.

You could also consider opening another account at another bank before you inform your employer of your departure. A company may only be interested in the bank account where your salary is deposited.

Accommodation

If you are in company provided accommodation, then you are supposed to be allowed to stay there for up to 30 days (not 1 month) after cancelling your work permit but check your contract carefully.

Visa cancellation grace period

Once your residence visa is cancelled, you also have up to 30 days (not 1 month) to exit the country, otherwise you will be considered an overstayer and will have to pay fines of 100 dhs per day plus an initial 100 dh charge.

Cancellation request denied

According to a report in the Khaleej Times 28 May 2008, the employer must not refuse a worker's request to cancel their visa, in response to a complaint from a secretary in Abu Dhabi that her employer would not cancel her visa. "The worker should abide by the law informing the employer before the notice month that he/she will resign. The sponsors have no right to detain the workers like this," said Obaid Rashid Al Zahmi, the Executive Director of the Inspection Section at the Ministry of Labour (MoL) in Abu Dhabi. If a company will not cancel a visa, the employee should file a complaint at the Disputes Department at the MoL.

Negotiation

As with many rules and procedures in Dubai, you may find a degree of flexibility in how company policies are applied - a good reason to stay on the right side of your PRO and other administrative staff at your company.

UAE- Mission Visa - 90 to 180 days

This is a relatively new visa arrangement intended for people working in the UAE temporarily with the permission of the Labour Ministry. The DNRD website information is not very clear - this information comes from articles in the press.

Visa is issued for 3 months, cost is 600 dhs. Extension for another 3 months costs 1200 dhs. Maximum stay is 180 days (so if you stay 6 months, you may be in trouble for the extra couple of days although there is apparently a grace period of 7 days for 3 month visas - may not apply for the second 3 months).

Apparently you need to get a Temporary Work Permit from the Ministry of Labour first before applying for the Mission Visa. MOL website does not have further information about a TWP (at least, not in English).

According to the Interior Ministry, it is only available to expatriate doctors, engineers, lawyers and technicians.

Residency Visas with property purchases in Dubai and Ajman

If you own property in Dubai, Ajman, or Ras Al Khaimah then you are probably entitled to apply for a residency visa. There are some conditions and restrictions thoughThe residency visa is only available to the first named owner of the property (consider which name to put first if it's a joint purchase).

The residency visa is not available until after the property is completed.

You can only apply for a residency visa under this scheme if you don't have any other way of obtaining a residency visa.There will be a charge (about 5000 dhs in January 2008) for the residency visa application. For that, the developer makes the application on your behalf. That's not something you have a choice about.

Owning a property does not guarantee successful application for a residency visa. The immigration department decides that, not the property developer.

The residency visa only entitles you to live here, not to work here - you still need to apply for a work permit for employment.

Expat residents can still be deported for the normal deportation reasons.

In early 2008 there was a report that residence visas could be applied for before completion of property but no further information found to confirm that. Treat with skepticism any comments from property agents that indicate you can do this.

In mid-2008, the whole residence visa with property thing was in a state of flux in Dubai, due mostly to property developers and real estate agents misleading customers by advertising a "guaranteed residence visa" with property purchases, when there was no way they could "guarantee" a visa. Some developers have put applications on hold, and some reports say that authorities are no longer issuing residence visas on this basis. Get information from either the DNRD or the master property developer before committing to a purchase if your decision depends on whether or not you are eligible for a residence visa. Treat whatever a real estate agent or developer says (other than the master developer - and even then be careful) with a pinch of salt.

Residency visas have been on hold or suspended since around mid-2008 for most/all Dubai and Ajman property purchases - check with the master developer or the relevant government authority (RERA in Dubai), don't take the word of the real estate agent or property developer as some have been issuing misleading advertisements about the residence visa eligibility. Ras Al Khaimah property purchases may still allow application for a residency visa.

The Federal National Council calls for tightening of sponsorship rules in UAE

Abu Dhabi: The Federal National Council (FNC) on Tuesday proposed increasing the minimum salary requirement to sponsor families of expatriates in the UAE.

According to the proposal, the minimum salary required for an expatriate - without company accommodation - to sponsor a family should be Dh10,000 and an expatriate with company accommodation, Dh8,000. The FNC resumed its session yesterday after National Day and Eid holidays.

An ad-hoc committee of the House also suggested that family-visa applicants should be asked to submit bank statements of six months, detailing salary transfer.

In its first ever open session to discuss the demographic structure of the UAE since its establishment in 1972, the House also suggested that an only an expatriate with a minimum salary of Dh15,000 should be allowed to sponsor housemaids.

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It also recommended increasing the annual fee for sponsoring a housemaid to Dh7,000.

According to a report worked out by the committee, there are 5.5 million foreign workers, including 3.1 million workers registered with the Ministry of Labour and 2.4 million registered with the Ministry of the Interior, while the total population was 6.3 million by the end of last year.

The legislature said the Labour Ministry issued 640,000 work permits over the first four months of this year, an increase of 100 per cent compared with the same period last year.

These include 525,000 work permits for individual workers and 115 group permits.

The House expected that 1.920 million permits would be issued by the end of this year, taking into account the visas issued by the Ministry of Interior.

The House was told that foreign workers account for 90 per cent of the total workforce in the UAE at the end of 2006.

Asian workers represented 87.1 of the labour force, while workers of other nationalities including Arabs account for 12.9 per cent.

An estimated 98.7 per cent are concentrated in the private sector, namely in the construction, agriculture, retail business, and also restaurants, hotels, fisheries, security and guarding and cleaning companies.

Residency Visas - 3 years

Note that you cannot open a bank account, register a car, get a telephone connected, and so on until you have a residency visa or permit.

Usually residents will be sponsored by their employer (or an employed member of their family). The sponsor will normally make the visa arrangements and explain to you what documents you need. For those employed from overseas, the employer is responsible for all costs associated with obtaining your work permit (or labour card) and residency visa.

• If you are sponsoring family members, cost is 300 dhs for each visa, valid for 3 years but it expires if the person is out of the UAE for a period more than 6 months.
• It is possible to sponsor parents but a special request needs to be made. If successful, a deposit of 5,000 dhs (refundable) for each parent is required, visa validity is one year (renewable) and cost is 100 dhs per year.

Residency Visas for free hold property purchases - 3 years

If you own property in Dubai, Ajman, or Ras Al Khaimah then you are probably entitled to apply for a residency visa. There are some conditions and restrictions though.

• The residency visa is only available to the first named owner of the property (consider which name to put first if it's a joint purchase).
• The residency visa is not available until after the property is completed.
• You can only apply for a residency visa under this scheme if you don't have any other way of obtaining a residency visa.
• There will be a charge (about 5000 dhs in January 2008) for the residency visa application. For that, the developer makes the application on your behalf. That's not something you have a choice about.
• Owning a property does not guarantee successful application for a residency visa. The immigration department decides that, not the property developer.
• The residency visa only entitles you to live here, not to work here - you still need to apply for a work permit for employment.
• Expat residents can still be deported for the normal deportation reasons.
• In early 2008 there was a report that residence visas could be applied for before completion of property but no further information found to confirm that. Treat with skepticism any comments from property agents that indicate you can do this.
• In mid-2008, the whole residence visa with property thing was in a state of flux in Dubai, due mostly to property developers and real estate agents misleading customers by advertising a "guaranteed residence visa" with property purchases, when there was no way they could "guarantee" a visa. Some developers have put applications on hold, and some reports say that authorities are no longer issuing residence visas on this basis. Get information from either the DNRD or the master property developer before committing to a purchase if your decision depends on whether or not you are eligible for a residence visa. Treat whatever a real estate agent or developer says (other than the master developer - and even then be careful) with a pinch of salt.

Dubai visa List and fees

Type	Length	Cost	Renew	Effective	Notes
Conference Visit Visa	30 days	Dh100	no	01 Aug 2008
Employment Visa	30 days				employer arranges, not a work permit, entry only
Exhibition Visa					see Conference Visa
Family Visit Visa	60 days	Dh100		*not available	min 3-6k salary requirement, Dh2000 deposit
Friend Visit Visa	30 days			01 Aug 2008	min 10k salary, Dh1000 deposit, not confirmed
Friend Visit Visa	60 days	Dh100		*not available	min 3-6k salary requirement, Dh2000 deposit
Investor Visa	3 yrs	Dh300			invest Dh70k in company with UAE National
Medical Visit Visa	90 days	Dh1000	yes, 1x	01 Aug 2008	renewal Dh500
Mission Entry Visa	14 days	Dh220	no	*not available	only from hotels or companies
Mission Visa	90 days	Dh600	yes, 1x	*not available	renewal Dh1200, need Temporary Work Permit first?
Mission Visa	90 days	Dh200	no	01 Aug 2008
Multi-entry Visa	180 days	Dh1000		*not available	30 day max per visit, company application only
Multi-entry Visa	180 days	Dh2000	yes, ?x	01 Aug 2008	14 day max stay each visit
Parent Visa	1 yr	Dh100	yes	01 Aug 2008	deposit Dh5000, need special FNRD permission
Relative Visa					see Family Visa
Residents Permit					see Residence Visa
Residence Visa	3 yrs		yes		employer should arrange
Residence Visa - property	3 yrs	Dh5000*	yes		*estimated, may vary
Residence Visa - family	1-2 yrs				Dh5000 deposit needed
Student Visa (residence)					ask college or university when applying for entry
Student Visit Visa	60 days	Dh1000	yes, 2x	01 Aug 2008	UAE university registration, renewal Dh500
Tourist Visa	30 days	Dh120	no	*not available	only from hotels and tour operators
Tourist Visa	30 days	Dh110	yes? 1x	01 Aug 2008	only from hotels and tour operators
Transit Visa	96 hours	Dh30	no	*not available	may be free - conflicting information seen
Transit Visa	96 hours	Dh100	no	01 Aug 2008	need outbound ticket, some reports say 14 days
Visit Visa 30 days	30 days	Dh500	no	01 Aug 2008
Visit Visa 30/60 days	30 days	free*	yes, ?x		*see free visit visa nationalities list, may be 60 days
Visit Visa 60 days	60 days		yes, 2x	*not available
Visit Visa 90 days	90 days	Dh1000	no	01 Aug 2008
Visit Visa GCC residents?	30 days	Dh100	yes, 1x	01 Aug 2008	renewal Dh500
Visit Visa GCC nationals*	30 days	Dh100	yes, 1x	01 Aug 2008	renewal Dh200, *visitors with GCC nationals
Visit Visa extension	30 days	Dh500	no	*not available
Work Permit					not a visa, employer arranges after arrival in UAE
Work Visa					see Work Permit or Employment Visa

• This information is correct to the best of our knowledge as of Tuesday 30-Sep-2008
• * in "Effective" column means that visa type is expected to be no longer available after 01 August 2008.
• * Residence Visas available via property purchases are in a state of flux with some reports saying they are not available. Whatever the true story is, no developer can "guarantee" a visa, and never could. They could only ever apply on your behalf to the UAE immigration / residency department, which would make the final decision.
• Nationalities eligible for free visit visas on arrival will continue to be able to receive them after 01 August 2008, according to statements reported on 09 June 2008.
• Visitors from countries which get a visit visa on arrival may still have a 60 day visit visa after 01 August 2008, even though passport will be stamped with a 30 day visa. Ask when you arrive how long it's valid for ... and tell others in the visit visa discussion.
• If "Effective" column is empty, then that visa type will continue to be available as far as we know.
• Most Visit Visas will require a deposit of 1000-2000 dhs to be left with the Naturalisation and Residency Department, refunded after visitor departs the UAE.
• Limitations on renewal for free visit visas supposed to be 2x but many visitors have exceeded that with no problems.
• Employers are required to arrange and pay for employee residence visas and work permits (but not their families).

How to avoid Labour Ban In Dubai

I am working for a private sector company in Dubai, but I wish to join another company. What do I have to do? If I leave my present company they will ban me so I cannot come back immediately. So kindly advise me on how to break the ban.

I would like to say that if the questioner resigns from their current company then he will be subject to either a six-month ban in case of an ordinary cancellation which does not include any violation of the labour law, or a one-year ban if he has breached his labour contract.

Therefore, I advise the questioner to seek an amicable agreement with his employer in order to be granted a no-objection certificate (NOC) to transfer his visa. His employer might accept this if the employee, for instance, compensates him for all expenses incurred in issuing his visa and other expenses.

Lifting Labour Ban in Dubai

I am currently working with my employer but I want to work for another company once I complete one year of service. The other company asked me if my current one could provide a No Objection Certificate. I consulted our administration personnel who told me they could provide one. Am I safe doing this? What else do I need to consider, to avoid being banned?

The Ministry of Labour has amended the labourers' Visa Transfer Law, which, I believe, are in favour of both - the labourers and the labour market.

The ministry has ceased the previous condition that obligates the labourer to complete one year continuous service for his/her employer before being permitted to transfer his/her visa to another employer. According to the new rule, the Ministry of Labour no longer requires such a condition. So, any labourer who has not completed a year's service for his/her employer may transfer to another employer after obtaining a No Objection Certificate (NOC) from the employer to transfer the visa to another employer, provided that the newly imposed fees should be settled.

Such fees are called "the one year non-completion fees" which is calculated at the rate of Dh500 per month. For instance, if the employee continues a period of two months service only then he/she would be obliged to pay a fee of Dh5,000 for 10 months.

Now any labourer, who completes a period of three years service and who could not obtain an NOC, can resign and can approach the Ministry of Labour and the ministry - as per his demand - will cancel the visa and apply a six-month ban. With the new rules and upon completion of three years' service, this ban can be lifted and the employee can transfer to another employer without the need to obtain such NOC from the previous employer, provided that the newly imposed fees should be settled in addition to the visa transfer fees. Such new fees are called 'ban lifting fees'.

Worth saying is that this new law is not applicable in Abu Dhabi but might be in the future. Therefore, the reader as per the new law will not have any problem as long as the company has promised to grant him a n NOC to transfer his visa.

Residence visa renewal linked to tenancy contract in Sharjah

Thousands of families who live in shared accommodation in Sharjah will be hard hit by the new rule of the Sharjah Naturalisation and Residency Department requiring a tenancy contract in the applicant's name or his close relative.

According to the new regulations, those applying for residency visas for their families should produce a copy of their tenancy contract.

The contract, which is considered proof of one's eligibility to afford a family, must be attested by the Sharjah Municipality.

Residents said they will have to send their families back home as it is no longer affordable to rent a one-bedroom or two-bedroom apartment in Sharjah.

Many said since the rents started skyrocketing in Sharjah in the last two years by more than 30 to 50 per cent, people have opted for shared accommodation. Under the new rule they will not be able to renew their residency permits without having tenancy contracts in their names.

Lieutenant Colonel Salim Ali Mazaini, head of the visa section at the Sharjah Naturalisation and Residency Department, told Gulf News that the rule has been introduced to ensure that only those who are financially capable of providing decent accommodation can bring their families to the emirate.

"We are not insisting that the tenancy contract should be in the applicant's name. The contract can be in the name of his close relatives also, such as a brother or sister," said Mazaini.

He added that it is acceptable to share living space with one's own family members, but not with friends.

According to him, the rule is not applicable to professionals like doctors, engineers and people in managerial positions because they earn enough money to sponsor their families.

"We are being very flexible and taking each application on a case by case basis. For example, if a family does not have children, a studio flat in their name is more than enough to get a family residence permit. Or if a family with one or two children can show that they are sharing a three-bedroom apartment with a close relative, it will also get them the residency status," Mazaini said.

However, some residents said their applications have been rejected even after they produced tenancy contracts of their relatives.

Hussain, a Sharjah resident who refused to give his second name, said his application to sponsor his family was rejected because he could not produce a tenancy contract.

"Now with this new rule, I doubt whether I can bring my wife and child to the UAE," said Hussain who works as an administrative assistant.

Another resident, Riyas Mohammad from Pakistan, said he has shelved his plan to bring his family because of the new regulations.

New categories: Renewal for one year only

The Sharjah Naturalisation and Residency department has also issued a list of 60 categories of low income groups including hairdressers, butchers, shop assistants, chefs, clerks and others for whom residency permits will be renewed only for a period of one year. These categories must also get prior approval before their applications are typed.

The typing centres have been instructed that the categories listed below need prior approval before applications are typed.

Beauty therapist
Spice/pulse grinder
Watchman
Dining-room servant
Fishmonger
Fisherman
Calligrapher
Digger
Porter
Office boy
Pipe fitter
Cobbler
Sailor
Pipe filer
Grocer
Tyre repairer
Shoemaker
Manicurist
Hairdresser
Clerk
Follow-up clerk
Archive clerk
Tinker
Mechanic assistant
Ironsmith
Welder
Carpenter
Builder
Shop attendants
Light vehicle driver
Barber
Makeup artist
Janitor
Shift operator
Typist
Watchman
Chef
Turner
Plumber
Tile fitter
Meat griller
Falafel maker
Dessert maker
Pastry maker
Waiter
Machine operator
Clothes presser
Car washer
Coffee maker
Butcher
Slaughterer
Painter
Tailor
Baker
Kneader
Goldsmith
Electrician
Upholsterer
Blancher
Drawer/draftsman

Get a Dubai visit visa for a family member

Last updated: July 28, 2008

Please note the new changes to the procedures and fees effective from 29th July, 2008

Criteria:

Visit visas for immediate family members can be obtained by residents (called sponsors), whose monthly salary is not less than AED 4000 or AED 3000 + accommodation.

Validity of Visa:

Short term visa: 30 days
Long term visa: 90 days
No extensions are permitted beyond this period.

Fees
• Short term visa: AED 620 application fee + typing fees
• Long term visa: AED 1120 application fee+ typing fees

Documents Required:
• Typed Application form
• A copy of the sponsor’s passport & family member's passport
• 1 photo of the family member (may be required)
• Marriage contract attested from Ministry of Foreign Affairs or UAE Embassy (for sponsoring a wife or husband)
• Attested birth certificates (for sponsoring children)
• Relationship proof attested from the Embassy (in case relationship cannot be proved from family names in sponsor and relative's passport)
• Attested work contract if the sponsor is working in a private company or a salary certificate if working in government.

Procedure:
1. Go to any authorized typing office & get application form typed.
2. Go to DNRD & submit along with your documents to Visa Section.
3. Send either original or copy to your relative. If only copy was sent, then deposit original at the airport or the DNATA counter at DNRD.

DNRD to Implement New Visa Rules from July 29 In Accordance with Ministerial Decisions

Dubai Naturalisation and Residency Department (DNRD) has completed all preparations for implementing the Council of Ministers’ Decision No. 16 for the Year 2008 and the Ministerial Decision No. 322 for the Year 2008 regarding amendments to certain provisions of the law of entry and residence of foreigners. Brigadier Obaid Moheir Bin Suroor, Deputy Director of DNRD, said that the new visa rules will be effective from July 29 (Tuesday) at all ports and entry points. Bin Suroor confirmed that all entry permits issued before the implementation of the new law will remain subject to the current rules and regulations, until the expiry of their dates. Brigadier Bin Suroor pointed out that the earlier procedure of issuing entry permits on arrival to citizens of 33 countries remains unchanged with no fees for these visas upon issuance. However these entry permits can only be renewed for an additional period of 30 days only, instead of the current 60 days, for a fee of AED620. Brigadier Bin Suroor revealed that the law of entry and residence of foreigners laid down that the cost of establishment card insurance is AED75,000 in addition to the AED1,000 payable for each tourist permit. Brig. Bin Suroor confirmed that the mechanism for collecting the insurance charges will be implemented at a later stage. Major Mohammed Al Hammadi, Manager, Entry Permits Department, said as per the new regulations, the cost for issuing tourist visa is AED210 if processed online and AED220 if submitted by hand at DNRD offices. The tourist visa is valid for 60 days prior to entering the country for a stay of 30 days, renewable once, for a period of 30 days at the charge of AED610 if processed online and AED620, if submitted manually at DNRD offices. Major Hammadi added that the above mentioned fees included all federal and service charges. Al Hammadi also revealed that according to the new regulation, the tourist visas that were previously issued for 79 nationalities only will now be available for all nationalities. In addition to that, the new rule allows tourism companies to apply for two kinds of permits – Tourist Visas and Mission Visas. In case the holder of either type doesn’t enter the country during the validity period, a new application should be submitted.

Visiting Dubai- Visa rules

Thank you for visiting this page. At the bottom you will find a link to download a visa application form and also links to the UAE's Embassies and Consulates around the world.

Many people consult this page in order to find information on how to apply for a visa to enter the UAE. The good news is that the UAE authorities have taken many steps to make this process as straightforward as possible. Apart from the fact that citizens of 39 countries (i.e. GCC nationals plus nationals of listed countries) do not require visas prior to arrival at a UAE airport, there are efficient systems in place to facilitate visitors not falling into one of the above categories. If you are coming to work in the UAE you will require a visa that can only be obtained on your behalf by your employer or sponsor.

As noted above, the kind of visa that you require for entry into the UAE depends on several different factors such as your nationality, the purpose of your planned visit and its planned duration. Please read the following notes carefully. You may also find information on this subject in our news archive. Regulations do change from time to time and, whilst we do endeavour to keep up to date with these note, please do not rely uon them for complete accuracy. You should also check with your airline and regional UAE embassy or consulate.

- If you are a national citizen of a GCC country you do not require a visa to visit the UAE. You will simply need to produce your GCC country passport upon arrival at the point of entry into the UAE

- The following categories of visitors may receive their visit visa at the airport, upon arrival.

1. AGCC Residents

who are not GCC nationals but who have a high professional status such as company managers, business people, auditors, accountants, doctors, engineers, pharmacists, or employees working in the public sector, their families, drivers and personal staff sponsored by them, are eligible for a non-renewable 30-day visa upon arrival at the approved ports of entry.

2. National citizens of the following countries:

UK(with the right of abode in UK), France, Italy, Germany, the Netherlands, Belgium, Luxembourg, Switzerland, Austria, Sweden, Norway, Denmark, Portugal, Ireland, Greece, Finland, Spain, Monaco, Vatican, Iceland, Andorra, San Marino, Liechtenstein, United States, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, Japan, Brunei, Singapore, Malaysia, South Korea and holders of Hong Kong SAR passports will be granted a free of charge visa for a single visit upon arrival in the UAE. It should be noted that this list may vary slightly from time to time and it is therefore best to check with your local UAE embassy or the airline that you are using to fly to the UAE.

- If you do NOT fall into one of the above categories, you will require a visa and a sponsor for your visit. The sponsor normally applies for the visa on your behalf.
Valid sponsors may be as follows:-
a - Hotels & Tourist Companies can apply, on your behalf, for a Tourist Visa (valid for 30 days); or a Service Visa (valid for 14 days); or a Visit Visa (valid for 30 days and can be extended for other 30 days)
b - Airlines & Airlines Handlers apply on behalf of their crew members for a 96-hour Transit Visa.
c - Other Organizations based in the UAE may only apply for Visit Visas and Service Visas.
d - Individuals (Relatives or Friends) already resident in the UAE may, subject to guidlines, also apply on your behalf for a Visit Visa.

Entry Service Permit

An Entry Service Permit applies to the following categories and their families accompanying them: company manager’s representatives, sales managers, account auditors, delegations from companies or establishments to carry out a commercial activity in the UAE, consultants requested by companies operating in the UAE that are required to carry out an urgent task.

This visa is valid for use within 14 days from the date of issue. The duration of stay is 14 days from date of entry, exclusive of arrival and departure days. It is non-renewable.

In order to complete the application, the sponsor will require the visitor’s date of arrival and flight details, and a photocopy of the first few pages of the visitor’s passport which should be valid for at least three months. This type of entry permit will only be issued as urgent at a fee of AED 220.

The Entry Service Permit holder may enter and depart the UAE through any airport.

Visit Visa

The Visit Visa applies to tourists who wish to spend more than 14 days in UAE, those coming for family visits as well as those on long-term business visits. It requires the sponsorship of any UAE resident or any company or hotel licensed to operate within the UAE. A refundable AED 2,000 guarantee from expatriates who wish to sponsor distant relatives is imposed.

This visa is valid for entry within two months from its date of issue.

The Visit Visa is valid for 60 days and is renewable for a total stay of up to 90 days. A fee of AED 500 is charged for this renewal.

In order to complete the application, the sponsor will require the visitor’s date of arrival and arrival details and a photocopy of the first few pages of the visitor’s passport, which must be valid for at least three months. There is a fee of AED 100 for obtaining a visit visa. There is also a fee of AED 10 for visa delivery service by DNATA. Hotels, hotel apartments, tour operators, travel agents and airlines may not levy supplementary charges or processing fees in excess of AED 50/- for arranging visas for visitors.

The Visit Visa holder may enter and leave the country through any port of entry in the UAE.

Tourist Visa

A special category of visas under the Visit Visa type is a Tourist Visa, which can be obtained for individual tourists from: East and West Europe, Turkey, Bulgaria, Poland, Ukraine, Albania, Russia, the Hellenic Republic, St Kitts-Navis, St Lucia, Mexico, Cuba, Bermuda, Belize, Guyana, French Guiana, Martinique, Antigua and Barbuda, St Vincent, Kingston, Palao other non-defined American nationalities, Thailand, South Africa, Singapore, China, Malta, Cyprus.

The Tourist Visa entitles its holder to a 30 day stay and is non-renewable. The Tourist Visa requires the sponsorship of hotels and tour operators who bring in visitors from the above listed countries. The fee is AED 100. There is also a fee of AED 10 for visa delivery service by DNATA. Hotels, hotel apartments, tour operators, travel agents and airlines may not levy supplementary charges or processing fees in excess of AED 50/- for arranging visas for visitors.

Multiple Entry Visas

Multiple-entry Visas are issued to business visitors who have a relationship with either a multinational or other reputable local company, and who are frequent visitors to the UAE. This type of visa is valid for six months from the date of issue and the duration of each stay is 30 days. The validity is non-renewable. The cost of this visa is AED 1,000.

The visitor must enter the UAE on a visit visa and obtain the multiple entry visa while in the country. The visa is stamped on the passport.

Transit Visa

Transit passengers stopping at Dubai International Airport for a minimum of 8 hours and meeting the certain conditions mentioned below are eligible for obtaining a 96-hour transit visa. These conditions are as follow:

Airlines sponsored only (prior arrangements maybe required)

Applications should have confirmed onward booking to the 3rd destination

For transit passengers or those holding special permits, or for visit or mission, the passport or the document must be valid for at least three months

Citizens of the following countries are not eligible for the 96 hours visa on arrival:

Somalia, Afghanistan, Iraq, Niger, and Yemen.

The transit visas for passengers arriving at Dubai International Airport can be arranged by Emirates Airline for its passengers or by Marhaba Services for those travelling on other airlines. Marhaba Services Tel: 00971 4 2162657; 2164629

email: marhaba@emirates.co

German Citizens

The German citizens (tourists and business people) may apply to the UAE embassy in Germany for a one or two year multiple-entry visa. No sponsor is required. The maximum duration of stay of visa holders should not exceed three months a year. The visa fee is AED 1,500

US Citizens

The US citizens (tourists and business people) may apply to the UAE embassies in the US for one to ten year multiple-entry visas. A sponsor is required and the visa will be granted free of charge. The maximum duration of stay should not exceed six months a visit

Information that you will need to apply for a Visa

We suggest that you enquire from your airline whether you require a visa to be issued in your passport prior to flying to the UAE and you also check with your nearest UAE Embassy or Consulate.You may download a visa application form here but this is subject to change and you should check with your UAE Embassy or Consulate whether this is acceptable.Your application on a valid form must be submitted to your nearest UAE Embassy or Consulate.

Some additional links are provided below:

Up-to-date information on visas is available from the UAE Immigration Services.

The UAE Naturalisation and Residency Administration of the Ministry of the Interior in Dubai also runs a website.

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IMMIGRATION DEPARTMENTS in the UAE

Abu Dhabi

Saeed bin Tahnoon St.

Abu Dhabi

Tel: 02 4462244

Al Ain

Aditaba Road, near Dubai Islamic Bank, opposite Carrefour supermarket.

Tel: 03 7625555

Dubai

Department of Naturalization and Residency, Trade Centre Road, near Bur Dubai Police Station

Tel: 04 3980000

Sharjah

Department for Naturalization and Residence, near General Post Office

Tel: 06 5726777

Umm al-Qaiwain

Tel: 06 7666419

Ajman

Tel: 06 7422255

Ra's as-Khaimah

Tel: 07 2273333

Resident visa for your parents -Dubai Visa Rules

Criteria ( see the new posting for changes)


UAE expatriates, holding valid resident visas having a minimum salary of AED 6,000 with accommodation or AED 7,000 without accommodation can get one year renewable resident visas for their parents or parents-in-law.


As per new regulations, you have to sponsor both your mother and father together and show proof that you are their sole provider and that there is no one to take care of them in your home country. However, if your parents are divorced or one is deceased, you should carry documentary proof, when visiting DNRD to obtain the entry permit visa, which is the first stage before you can apply for a residence visa.


Documents required for entry visa• Typed application form
• Original passport of sponsor
• Passport copy of parent/s & 1 photo
• Proof of relationship from your embassy/consulate attesting both relationship and that you are sole provider for your parent/s
• Copy of job contract for the sponsor or salary certificate from employer.


Procedure:• Take the documents and go to Dubai Naturalisation & Residency Department (04 398 0000). Submit along with a letter from your side appealing on humanitarian grounds for entry visa for your parent/s. Enclose copies of all above documents along with your contact numbers. The Approval Committee will either confirm or reject your application within two weeks. If approved, go to next step.
• Have a registered typist complete the form after paying the fees.
• Go to the residency section of DNRD and hand in the documents.
• Entry Permit will be sent by Empost usually within 48 hours, or if you have applied for urgent visa, then you should receive it from the counter in a few minutes.


Fees:


- AED 5,000 refundable deposit (keep receipt safely for renewal or reimbursement)


- AED 110 application fee + typing centre fee (or pay AED 100 more for urgent application)


Convert entry visa to residence visa for parents


Once your parents enter the country with the entry visa, you must convert it to a residency visa no later than 60 days from the date of entry.


Documents required for residence visa
• Application form & 3 photos of parent
• Original passport of parent/s and sponsor
• Original entry permit
• Health card or medical insurance policy for parent/s
• Refundable deposit receipt
• Original job contract or salary certificate of the sponsor


Fees:


- AED 110 residency fees each year + typing centre fee
- AED 100 urgent application (optional)
- AED 10 Empost fees


Procedure:• Do a health check up and obtain a medical card.
• Take the documents and go to Dubai Naturalisation & Residency Department
• Have one of the typists there complete the form for you after paying the fees.
• Go to the residency section and hand in the documents.
• The passport/s with the residency visa stamp will be sent to you through Empost.

Criteria for sponsoring a maid in Dubai

Last updated: February 2008

A maid’s visa can be obtained by the head of the family (called sponsor, and usually the male), whose salary is not less than AED 6000 a month or AED 5000 + accommodation. Bachelors are not eligible to sponsor a maid. You can only sponsor a maid from the following countries: India, Sri Lanka, Philippines, Ethiopia, Bangladesh, and Indonesia.

Employment of domestic workers now requires work contract

A new unified contract (called employment agreement for domestic workers and sponsors) to regulate the rights and duties of domestic workers has been put into place from 1st April, 2007. The contract will be valid for one year with option to renew and governs vacation, air tickets, medical care and procedures, in case of breach of contract. See media update, media update.

The sponsor must provide the maid: Airfare to home country at least once every two years, decent living conditions in sponsor’s house or additional AED 500 for external housing. All 11 articles of the unified contract must be adhered to.

Country specific requirements

Do keep in mind that each country has its own regulations regarding minimum salary, age etc and you will have to check with the respective consulate embassy for these details. A maid from India or Philippines must be older than 30, but not over 60. Even recommended minimum salaries differ, with Indian maids to be paid from AED 1,100 onwards (see update), as advised by the Indian Embassy, while new regulations from the Philippines say the minimum salary should be AED 1,400. See update . As per the Sri Lankan embassy, the minimum salary for Sri Lankan maids is AED 825. See update.

Dubai.ae Tip: Maids from the sponsor’s country are subject to approval by DNRD. In addition, an affidavit from your country's embassy/consulate certifying that the maid is not related to you. If you need more than one maid for a large family, DNRD has the right to decide, but much will depend on sponsor’s salary and size of the family. Always carry copies and original documents, including labour contracts, salary certificates and passports. You may be asked to show your accommodation contract and are advised to carry this.

Documents Required for Residence Visa:Salary certificate of sponsor in Arabic (for government employee) OR, labour contract of sponsor (for private employee) and accommodation contract
Filled up application form from authorized typing office
Sponsor’s passport
Copy of maid’s passport
Passport photos of maid (minimum 3 required, though advisable to carry more)
Affidavit from embassy/consulate certifying non-relationship, if maid from same country
Also obtain a list of people that you are already sponsoring from DNRD (eg. wife, children, other maids, etc)

Steps: Apply in the following order:Residence Visa (employment permit to enter country)

Medical Check & Health Card (after maid enters)

Residence Stamp on Maid's Passport & Labour Card

Procedures: Go to authorized typist & get form filled up. Pay AED. 100 for application fee + separate typing fee (which varies from typist to typist). If urgent, pay additional AED 100 and mention to typist. Do keep in mind that an additional AED 10 is charged as knowledge fee for each transaction.

1. Go to Immigration & Naturalization Department & submit all documents after attaching Empost sticker for non-urgent visa. For urgent, wait for a few minutes and receive the employment entry permit. You will have to pay a refundable deposit of AED 5000/- along with the application. Please ensure that you collect the deposit receipt.
2. Empost will courier the visa to you within 2 working days, at the address listed on the sticker.
3. Send either original or copy to your maid. If only copy was sent, then deposit original at DNATA Visa Desk at Dubai airport, at least three hours before flight. Write flight number/date & time on reverse of original & get your copy stamped by DNATA as proof of their receipt of original.

Applying for a residence visa for your maid

1. After your maid arrives, you must apply for a residence permit and health card. This must be done within 30 days of your maid’s entry into the country. You will need to go to a typist, pay for either urgent or or non-urgent residence permit and submit to residency section.

2. After stamping, you need to take your maid for her medical test and health card (average cost AED 250, though waiting time differs from 12 hours to 36 hours for some government hospitals to receive the results - Iranian Hospital can give it to you in 12 hours for AED 400)

3. Take medical results to the typist and pay AED 5,200 (or 5,100 for non-urgent) to apply for residence visa.

4. Submit medical report with stamped employment permit, maid's original passport, sponsor's passport copy and a salary certificate/labour contract to residency section. It is preferable to take your maid with you. You must declare to the officer what salary you propose to pay your maid, and this will be entered into the contract. You will receive 4 printouts of the unified contract which has to be signed by both sponsor and maid. If your maid is with you, request her to sign. Go to the bank inside the visit visa section and purchase an AED 10 sticker for attestation, and re-submit copies of the contract to the officer, who will counter-sign all copies, attest one and return 2 copies to you. One is for the sponsor, the other for the maid to keep. A residence stamp valid for one year will then be placed in your maid's passport. You may have to return after 24 hours to collect the labour card.

4. To collect your deposit, take your AED 5,000 sticker receipt and the passport to Counter 17 (Deposit Refund Counter). Get it signed by the officer and present the sticker to the Commercial Bank of Dubai branch inside the Immigration office for refund of deposit.

For further enquiries, or clarifications, you can call DNRD on 04-3980000 or the toll-free Amer helpline

A visit visa for your friend coming to Dubai

Last updated: March 2008

Criteria: Visit visas for friends can be obtained by residents (called sponsors), whose monthly salary is not less than AED 10,000

Documents Required:
• Typing form
• A copy of the sponsor’s passport
• A copy of the sponsored person's passport & 3 passport photos
• Attested work contract if the sponsor is working in a private company or a salary certificate if working in government

Fees
• AED 110 + typing fee
• Additional AED 100 for urgent application fee (optional)
• AED 10 Empost sticker for non-urgent visa
• AED 2000 refundable deposit (must retain receipt to obtain refund)

Procedure

1. Go to any authorized typing office & get forms typed. If urgent visa required, ask for urgent visa form to be typed & pay additional AED 100.
2. Go to any DNRD branch or main office. If you are applying for non-urgent visa, go to Empost Counter & purchase AED 10 sticker before submitting visa form. Urgent visas are given in 5-10 minutes.
3. Empost will courier non-urgent visas to you within 2 working days at the address you have listed on the sticker.
4. Send either original or copy to your friend. If only copy was sent, then deposit original at visa counter at respective UAE airport at least 5 hours before flight lands.

Please Note:

This visit visa is valid for 60 days from date of entry into UAE. It can be renewed for a further 30 days, on payment of AED 500. Any stay beyond this is punishable with fines. For more information, visit DNRD website or call their friendly Amer Toll free service on 800-5111

Dubai visit visa for a family member

Criteria:

Visit visas for immediate family members can be obtained by residents (called sponsors), whose monthly salary is not less than AED 4000 or AED 3000 + accommodation.

Documents Required:
• Typed Application form
• A copy of the sponsor’s passport & family member's passport
• 1 photo of the family member
• Marriage contract attested from Ministry of Foreign Affairs or UAE Embassy (for sponsoring a wife or husband)
• Attested birth certificates (for sponsoring children)
• Relationship proof attested from the Embassy (in case relationship cannot be proved from from family names in sponsor and relative's passport)
• Attested work contract if the sponsor is working in a private company or a salary certificate if working in government

Fees
• AED 110 Application fee + typing fees
• AED 100 urgent application fee (optional)
• AED 10 Empost label (if you do not need urgent service)

Procedure:

1. Go to any authorized typing office & get application form typed. Specify if urgent or non-urgent visa.
2. Go to DNRD & for non-urgent visa, purchase an AED 10 Empost sticker. Write your complete address & contact details. Submit along with your documents to Visa Section.
3. Empost will courier the visa to you within 2 working days, at the address listed on the Empost sticker.
4. Send either original or copy to your relative. If only copy was sent, then deposit original at the airport. It is advisable to deposit visa giving sufficient time for flight to land. You can also write flight number/date & time on reverse of original before submission.

Please Note: This visit visa is initially valid for 30 days, though it is automatically renewed without charge for another 30 days. To extend beyond these 60 days, you can renew for a further 30 days on payment of AED 500. Any stay beyond this is punishable with over-stay fines.

For more information, visit DNRD website or call their friendly Amer Toll free service on 800-5111