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.

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

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.

Return to top / Return to Travel Centre - Main Index

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