The United Arab Emirates (UAE) has been working hard to position itself as a global hub for work, investment, entrepreneurship, education, and lifestyle. With over 9.06 million expatriates already calling the Emirates home, the nation is poised for exponential growth through its visionary visa schemes.
UAE Visas Overview
| Visa Type | Description |
|---|---|
| Remote Work Visa | Allows individuals to work remotely while living in the UAE, offering a taste of the country’s high standard of living without traditional work constraints. |
| Retirement Visa | Offers retired individuals a 5-year visa for a comfortable and secure retirement lifestyle in the UAE. |
| Student Visa | Enables outstanding students to study in the UAE, either under parental sponsorship or through the educational institution they attend. |
| Jobseeker Visit Visa | Allows individuals to explore job opportunities in the UAE without needing a host/sponsor, valid for one trip with durations of 60, 90, or 120 days. |
| Green Visa | Provides a five-year residence permit for skilled professionals and investors, allowing self-sponsorship without needing a UAE national or employer. |
| Golden Visa | A long-term residence visa for foreign talents, including investors, entrepreneurs, scientists, students, and humanitarian pioneers. |
6 Types of UAE Residence Visas for Pakistani Expats
In this article, we have mentioned six types of non-work UAE residence visas available to expats:
1. Remote Work Visa
The UAE introduced the remote work visa, also known as the ‘virtual working programme’, enabling individuals to work remotely while residing in the country. This initiative offers a pathway for foreign nationals to experience the UAE’s high standard of living without the constraints of a traditional work visa.
Eligibility Requirements
- Passport with a minimum of 6 months validity.
- Health insurance with UAE coverage.
- For Employees: Proof of employment, salary, and bank statements.
- For Business Owners: Proof of ownership and financial stability.
- Application Process: Online application through GDRFAD portal.
You can get more details on the official website of the UAE government.
2. Retirement Visa
Retired individuals can apply for a 5-year retirement visa, fostering a comfortable and secure retirement lifestyle in the UAE.
Eligibility Criteria
- Work experience or age requirement.
- Property ownership or financial savings.
- Monthly income threshold.
- Application Process: Submission through GDRFAD or DLD.
More details can be found on the government’s official portal.
3. Student Visa
Outstanding students have the opportunity to obtain student visas, facilitating their pursuit of education in the UAE. A student can stay in the UAE to study either under the sponsorship of his/her parent, who should be a resident of the UAE, or under the sponsorship of the accredited university/college he/she is studying at.
Student Affairs offices at universities will facilitate the process to assist students with their visas. A student visa is given for a duration of one year, at a time, renewable for a similar period upon proof of continuation of a study issued by the educational institute where the student is studying.
Expatriate residents can sponsor their male child/children up to the age of 25. Therefore, male students over the age of 25 can stay on their parents’ sponsorship if they provide evidence of attending a higher educational institute for a minimum of one year’s course.
Expatriate residents may continue to sponsor their female children for study, regardless of their age, until she is married.
Eligibility and Application
- Exceptional academic achievements.
- Five-year or ten-year residency options.
- Applications are facilitated by university Student Affairs offices.
For more information you can visit UAE government’s official portal.
4. Jobseeker Visit Visa
Individuals seeking employment opportunities can apply for a jobseeker visit visa, enabling them to explore job prospects in the UAE. Foreigners are granted a visit visa to search for a job without requiring a host/sponsor in the country, for one trip. You can apply for a job-seeker visa with a validity of either 60, 90 or 120 days.
Eligibility and Documentation
- Skill level or academic qualifications.
- Financial guarantee and required documents.
- Application Process: Submission through MOHRE.
For complete details, check out UAE’s official website portal.
5. Green Visa
The Green Visa offers a five-year residence permit, allowing self-sponsorship and attracting skilled professionals and investors to the UAE. There is no need for a UAE national or an employer to sponsor the visa, making the entire process much easier.
Benefits and Features
- Self-sponsorship and flexibility.
- Ability to sponsor family members.
- Longer grace periods for visa renewal.
Complete details for the Green Visa can be obtained here.
6. Golden Visa
Introduced in 2019, the Golden Visa is a long-term residence visa that enables foreign talents to live, work or study in the UAE while enjoying exclusive benefits. Investors, entrepreneurs, scientists, outstanding students and graduates, humanitarian pioneers, and frontline heroes are among those eligible for the Golden visa.
Eligibility and Renewal
- Various categories include investors, professionals, and outstanding students.
- Monthly salary threshold for certain professions.
- Renewable and inclusive of family sponsorship.
Here are the complete details on the official website of the UAE government.
The UAE’s visionary visa expansion initiatives pave the way for a diverse and thriving community of residents, investors, entrepreneurs, and students. By offering tailored visa options, the Emirates positions itself as a premier destination for individuals seeking new opportunities and a vibrant lifestyle.
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