The UAE is a popular destination for tourists, expats, and investors, offering a high quality of life, a diverse culture, and a dynamic economy. However, obtaining a long-term residence visa in the UAE can be challenging, as it usually requires sponsorship from an employer, a family member, or a business partner.
But not anymore. In a landmark move aimed at fostering inclusivity, the UAE has introduced a new 5-year residence visa, catering to international travelers looking for extended stays. Priced at a nominal fee of 720 dirhams (Rs 55,000), the visa is designed to enhance the living experience for foreign residents within the Emirates.
In this post, we will explain everything you need to know about the 5-year residence visa, including who is eligible, what are the benefits, and how to apply.
Who is eligible for the 5-year residence visa?
The 5-year residence visa is available for three categories of UAE residents:
- Freelancers or self-employed individuals
- Investors or partners in commercial businesses
- Highly skilled workers
To qualify for the 5-year residence visa, you must meet certain criteria depending on your category. Here are the details:
Freelancers or self-employed individuals
If you are a freelancer or a self-employed individual, you must have:
- A proof of a bachelor’s degree or a specialized diploma
- A freelance permit from the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation (MoHRE)
- A proof of annual income in the last two years of at least 360,000 UAE dirhams, or a proof of financial solvency through your stay in the UAE
Investors or partners in commercial businesses
If you are an investor or a partner in a commercial business, you must have:
- An approval and a proof of investment from the relevant local authorities
- A proof of owning one or more properties with a combined financial value of not less than 1,000,000 UAE dirhams, assessed by the authorities in the respective emirate
- A deposit of at least 1,000,000 UAE dirhams, transferred to a local financial institution within 60 days of residency issuance
Highly skilled workers
If you are a highly skilled worker, you must have:
- A valid employment contract
- A salary of at least 15,000 UAE dirhams per month
- A minimum of a bachelor’s degree or equivalent
- A classification in the first, second, or third occupational level as per MoHRE
What are the benefits of the 5-year residence visa?
The 5-year residence visa offers several benefits to its holders, such as:
- The ability to sponsor yourself for five years without the need for company sponsorship
- The ability to easily get residency permits for your children, spouse, and first-degree relatives
- The ability to sponsor your male children up to the age of 25 and your daughters regardless of their age
- The extension of the overstay period to six months after the visa is cancelled or expires
- The eligibility for a 60-day entry work permit if you are applying from overseas
How to apply for the 5-year residence visa?
To apply for the 5-year residence visa, you need to follow these steps:
- Visit the official website of the Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs, and Ports Security
- Choose the type of residence permit that suits your category
- Fill out the online application form and upload the required documents
- Pay the visa fee of 200 UAE dirhams, plus the knowledge fee of 10 UAE dirhams and the innovation fee of 10 UAE dirhams
- If you are applying from within the UAE, pay an additional in-country fee of 500 UAE dirhams
- Wait for the approval and issuance of your visa
The 5-year residence visa is a great opportunity for international travelers who want to enjoy a longer and more enriching experience in the UAE. Whether you are a freelancer, an investor, or…
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