Visa requirements for the United Arab Emirates

Whether you want to travel to Abu Dhabi or Dubai for business, a visa is typically needed to enter the UAE. The requirements will change depending on your country. Let's look at the UAE visa application process. Visa waiver options, sponsorship, and necessary paperwork.

Who is required to have a visa to enter the United Arab Emirates?

With a few nationality exceptions, visitors who want to go to the UAE must either apply for a visa before leaving or get an entry permission once they arrive. The most common visa kinds are:

the 48 to 96 hour transit visa, which is for travelers passing through the UAE;

the 48 to 96 hour transit visa, which is for travelers passing through the UAE;

the "exceptional student" visa, issued on the basis of grades and results for a renewable period of one year; 

the "retiree" visa, valid for 5 years for those over 55 who can justify a certain level of assets or resources; 

the 30- or 90-day single- or multiple-entry tourist visa, obtained through airlines and licensed hotels and tourist agencies in the country;

The "digital nomads" visa (Remote Work Visa), which is for foreigners intending to telework from the UAE, is a one-year renewable visa. They must include proof of income (more than or equal to USD 5,000 per month) and proof of salaried employment or business ownership with their application;

the "Business" visa, often known as the "Golden Visa," is intended for foreigners who have a sponsor and wish to relocate to the UAE for business purposes. In Dubai, certain specialized profiles (highly qualified individuals, investors, and businesspeople) may also be eligible to apply for a lengthy Golden Visa that is good for 5 to 10 years. A particular Freelancer visa of 1 to 3 years is also available in Dubai for applicants who want to start businesses in the media, education, technology, or creative industries.

The Green visa, which aims to simplify the rules of residence for highly qualified foreigners and, in particular, their obligations in terms of sponsors, could soon be accessible in Dubai.

It's important to remember that these various visas do not let their holders to engage in professional activities. They must be accompanied by a work permit in order to do this.

Instances of visa exemption for the UAE

Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) nationals do not require a visa to enter the United Arab Emirates. Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, and Qatar are the nations that fall under the purview of this exception.

French nationals have been granted visa-free travel into the UAE since 2015 for stays up to 90 days.

instances of acquiring an entry permission at the entry point into the United Arab Emirates

On arrival in the UAE, nationals of Andorra, Australia, Austria, Belgium, Brunei, Canada, Cyprus, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hong Kong, Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Liechtenstein, Luxembourg, Malaysia, Malta, Monaco, Netherlands, Norway, Portugal, St. Maarten, Singapore, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, the United Kingdom, and the United States can obtain a free 30-day tourist visa.

The United Arab Emirates' criteria for visas

Are you in a position where you must get a visa in order to travel to the UAE? You'll frequently need to look for a sponsor and present some paperwork.

The sponsor

Typically, a sponsor is needed in order to secure a visa for the United Arab Emirates. In some circumstances, the sponsor will handle a portion of your visa application. There are various kinds of sponsors available, including:

Organizations engaged in the tourism industry, such as airlines, hotels, and authorized travel agencies; legal organizations that fall under both public and private law, such as businesses, employers, and governments; and persons (family or friends).

Documentation required

Your application for a visa must include at least the following records.

the visa application form, a copy of your passport that is still valid for at least six months, documentation pertaining to a potential sponsor (such as letters of invitation or paperwork establishing a familial connection), a passport photo, and proof of assets and/or income, as necessary.

Please be aware that most Emirates demand evidence of health insurance before issuing a visa. In some circumstances, your company might offer this.