Visa to UAE

The United Arab Emirates is a state of the Arabian Peninsula, consisting of 7 administrative centers. The desert, majestic skyscrapers, giant fountains, Jabal Ali and Jumeirah Palm trees are not a complete list of associations associated with this unique country of the Middle East.

And, of course, the UAE is one of the most popular vacation destinations. But people go to the Emirates not only to relax. In this country, you can implement promising business projects, find a well-paid job or get an education at a prestigious university. 

Many Russians have several stereotypes about crossing the state border of the Emirates. For example, that a tourist visa can be issued only if you purchase a ticket from an agency. There is also an opinion that the authorities of the "Middle Eastern" country refuse entry to unmarried foreigners who are under 30 years old.

In fact, such rumors are greatly exaggerated. The Arab authorities do not prohibit Russians who want to study, work or do business in the UAE from crossing the border. But one desire is not enough – you still need to get the appropriate visa category.

If the period of stay in the Emirates does not exceed 3 months during each six months, then you do not need to issue any permission to enter the country (there is a visa-free agreement between the Russian Federation and the UAE). A visa will be required if an expatriate plans to stay in a Muslim state for more than 3 months.

The period of visa processing depends on the category of entry permit. In particular, a tourist visa is issued from 5 to 7 days, a "student" visa – from 15 to 20 days, a "working" visa – from 1 to 3 months. An application for the possibility of crossing the Emirates border can be submitted remotely (on the government's website - gdrfad.gov.ae).

Freelancer Visa

The authorities of the Emirates have provided for a program "Working remotely from Dubai" in 2020. It focuses on a wide range of professions, such as: website developer, database administrator, Data Science specialist, artist, animator, copywriter, brand consultant, director. To apply for a freelancer visa, the applicant will need to obtain an appropriate work license. It is also necessary to confirm that the income received meets the established standards (monthly earnings – not less than $3,500).

The remoter is prohibited from cooperating with companies registered in the territory of a Muslim state. The holder of a digital nomad visa has the right to engage in professional activities in any Emirate, open bank accounts, and enjoy tax preferences (exempt from income tax and fiscal payments provided for at the regional level). Freelancers can also act as sponsors for family members if there is a question about relocation to the UAE. The validity period of the document is 5 years (after the residence permit can be extended).

How much does a visa cost?

The cost of an entry permit depends on the category of the applicant and the length of his stay in a Muslim state. In most cases, the amount of the state fee is $54. If an expatriate travels to the Emirates with family members, he pays additional fees. The size of the "latter" often does not exceed $141 (per relative).

Types of visas

The authorities of the Emirates have provided standard categories of entry permits for foreigners. Expatriates mainly request:

• Student's;
• Tourist; 
• Business;
• Guest; 
• Work; 
• "Golden"; 
• "Green".

Let's look at each visa category in more detail.

Student's visa

A student visa to the UAE is provided to foreign citizens who plan to study at one of the country's educational institutions. The main categories of people eligible for this visa include students enrolled in universities, colleges or specialized educational institutions recognized by the UAE authorities. It is usually issued for a period of one year with the possibility of extension, depending on the duration of the training program.

The visa requires a sponsor, which is usually the educational institution itself. Sometimes parents or guardians living in the UAE can become a sponsor. International students can work during their studies, but only if they have a work permit from the authorities.

Tourist visa

The format of the entry permit is issued to those who travel to the Emirates on vacation. Russians will only need a tourist visa if their stay in a Muslim country exceeds 90 days (for every six months). For "vacationers", a single-entry visa is provided, which allows you to stay in the Emirates for no more than 60 days. For a permit issued for 30 days, you will have to pay a fee of $54, but a two-month stay in a Middle Eastern country will cost $81.

UAE officials also issue travelers a multiple-entry visa with a five-year validity period. Its holders are exempt from the need to have guarantors (sponsors) in an Arab country. The cost of such a visa also dependson the length of stay:

• 30 days – $81;
• 60 days – $136;
• 90 days – $190.

Additionally, the applicant for a five-year visa is required to confirm financial guarantees in the amount of $544.

Business visa

The visa is intended for persons who visit the country in order to participate in business meetings, negotiations, conferences, exhibitions or establish business contacts. This visa is convenient for entrepreneurs, investors, employees of international companies and business partners. To obtain a visa, you must provide an invitation from a company or organization in the UAE confirming the business purpose of the visit.

However, this visa does not give the right to employment. In Dubai, the price of a business visa varies from 3,500 to 5,500 AED, while in Abu Dhabi it can reach from 4,000 to 8,500 AED. There are also short-term visits for business purposes, such as participation in conferences and meetings, which cost from 350 to 600 AED, depending on the length of stay (up to 60 days).

Guest visa

This category of visa can be requested by those who travel to the UAE to visit relatives, take a short-term internship (training courses), learn more about employment options or conduct business negotiations with partners. The cost of a permit for a single visit to a relative in the Emirates also depends on the duration of the visit (30 days – $54; 60 days – $81; 90 days – $109).

If a person who travels to an Arab country for an internship receives a guest visa, then they must submit an invitation letter from the host party. The fee for staying in the country for 1 month is $54; 2 months – $81$; 6 months – $109. Additionally, you will need to pay for insurance – $272.

Work visa

This type of visa permit is "opened" by foreign applicants who intend to formalize an employment agreement with an Arab employer. Often, the visa is valid until the contract ends. A state fee of $54 is charged for processing the document. If the applicant travels to the Emirates with a family member, the cost of the entry permit increases by the amount indicated above.

"Golden Visa"

A privileged relocation program is provided for large investors, talented people, entrepreneurs and scientists. The "golden" visa provides a long-term residence permit in a Muslim state. Holders of a special status can work, study, engage in startups, and open bank accounts in the Emirates. Applicants for a visa can include family members in the application.

One of the ways to get an interesting position in the UAE is to invest capital in the national economy. In particular, you can purchase real estate or invest in investment funds in the amount of $544,512 to become a resident for 10 years.

An alternative option for obtaining a "Golden Visa" can be used by people who have achieved great heights in their professional activities, as well as those whose talent has been recognized internationally.

"Green visa"

Digital nomads, self-employed, qualified personnel, entrepreneurs and investors can count on a resident visa. The document, which is issued for 5 years, can be extended an unlimited number of times. The procedure for obtaining it does not imply sponsorship. But its owner can himself provide financial support to family members who move with him to the Emirates.

As for certified employees, their specialties should fall under the first, second or third level of "class" in the qualification system developed by officials from MOHRE. In particular, applications from top managers of enterprises, professionals in the field of humanities and specialists with technical education are being considered.

They have special requirements: they need to have a bachelor's degree and receive a salary of at least $4,083. The fee for applying for a "Green visa" is $54.

Required documents

The basic set of documents required for obtaining a visa to the Emirates includes:

• application form;
• passport;
• civil passport;
• bank statement (income statement);
• color photographs (2 copies);
• certificate of no criminal record; 
• certificate of health status;
• documents confirming a strong connection with the Homeland (certificate of ownership of housing, marriage certificate, etc.);
• medical insurance policy;
• a document confirming the payment of state duty and administrative fees.

The list of certificates and certificates will expand depending on the category of expatriate. If, for example, a person with unique talents applies for a "Golden Visa", letters of recommendation from relevant departments will be required from him. Those who travel to the UAE to undergo rehabilitation in one of the clinics provide a letter from the host party.

Don't forget!

Before submitting the documents, they must be translated into Arabic and apostilled.

Recent changes in the visa issue

The authorities of the Emirates have taken significant measures aimed at increasing the tourist flow to the country. For travel enthusiasts, they have introduced a multiple-entry visa, which is valid for 5 years.

As for entrepreneurs and investors, the requirement for sponsorship from the host party has been canceled for them. Also, this obligation does not apply to those who travel to the UAE to visit relatives or friends. The list of applicants for the "Golden Visa" has been expanded at the expense of persons with exceptional talents. All documents required for obtaining a visa permit can be submitted remotely.

Residence visas are no longer recorded in passports, and belonging to the resident status is confirmed by the presence of an "Emirates ID".