UAE 4 Types of Residency Visas That Allow Expats to Work. The United Arab Emirates (UAE) has long been a hub for expatriates seeking better career prospects, tax-free incomes, and a high standard of living. With more than 9.06 million expats from over 200 countries, the UAE boasts a rapidly growing expatriate community. This growth is largely attributed to various residency visa reforms, which aim to attract skilled professionals, entrepreneurs, and investors from around the world.
One of the most critical requirements for expats looking to live and work in the UAE is obtaining a residency visa. A residency visa allows foreigners to reside in the UAE and work legally. It can range from two to ten years, depending on the visa type and the sponsor involved. In this article, we’ll explore the four types of UAE residency visas available to expats wishing to work in the country. These visas provide an opportunity for skilled professionals, entrepreneurs, investors, and even domestic workers to live and work legally in the Emirates.
1. Green Visa for Work
The UAE’s Green Visa is one of the most innovative visa programs aimed at self-sponsorship, particularly for skilled workers and investors. Unlike traditional residency visas, which require an employer or UAE national sponsor, the Green Visa offers a five-year residency without the need for a sponsor. This program was introduced to attract top talent in various sectors such as technology, medicine, engineering, and entrepreneurship.
Who Can Apply for the Green Visa?
The Green Visa program targets professionals with high-level skills, investors, entrepreneurs, and students. It allows these individuals to live and work in the UAE while contributing to the economy.
Eligible categories for the Green Visa include:
- Freelancers/Self-employed People
- Skilled Employees
Application Process for Freelancers and Self-Employed Individuals:
Freelancers or self-employed individuals wishing to apply for a Green Visa need to meet the following requirements:
- Freelance/Self-employment permit from the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation (MOHRE).
- Proof of a bachelor’s degree or specialized diploma.
- Evidence of income: You must show an annual income of at least Dh360,000 for the past two years, or demonstrate financial solvency to cover your stay in the UAE.
Application Process for Skilled Employees:
Skilled employees applying for the Green Visa must meet the following criteria:
- Valid Employment Contract with a UAE-based employer.
- Classification in the first, second, or third occupational level according to MOHRE.
- Educational Qualifications: A minimum of a bachelor’s degree or its equivalent.
- Salary Requirements: Applicants must earn a monthly salary of at least Dh15,000.
Renewing the Green Visa
The Green Visa is renewable for the same duration upon expiration, provided that the applicant continues to meet the criteria.
2. Standard Work Visa
The Standard Work Visa is the most common type of residency visa in the UAE. It is typically valid for two years and is usually tied to the applicant’s employment in the country. To obtain this visa, the expat must have a valid employment offer from a UAE employer, who will apply for the residency visa on their behalf.
Who Can Apply for the Standard Work Visa?
- Private Sector Employees: If you are employed by a private company in the UAE, your employer must apply for the residency visa.
- Government Sector Employees: Those working for the UAE government can apply for a residency visa through their respective government departments.
- Free Zone Employees: If employed within a free zone, a separate application for a residency visa must be made through the respective free zone authority.
Renewing the Standard Work Visa
The Standard Work Visa is typically issued for two years and can be renewed based on the terms of the employment contract. Renewal procedures must be followed through the employer or free zone authority.
3. Golden Visa
The UAE Golden Visa is a long-term residency visa that offers several benefits to foreign talents. This visa is designed to attract investors, skilled professionals, scientists, doctors, researchers, and exceptional talents in various fields. The Golden Visa grants residency for up to 10 years and can be renewed upon expiry.
Exclusive Benefits of the Golden Visa:
- A long-term, renewable residency visa with a duration of 5 or 10 years.
- No sponsor required for employment or residence.
- Ability to stay outside the UAE for extended periods without invalidating the visa.
- Family Sponsorship: Golden Visa holders can sponsor their spouses, children (regardless of age), and domestic helpers.
- Survivor Benefits: If the main visa holder passes away, their family can remain in the UAE until the expiration of the visa.
Golden Visa Requirements:
To qualify for the Golden Visa, applicants must meet the following conditions:
- Clear coloured photo with a white background.
- Valid Passport (at least six months validity) and a valid residency visa.
- Approved Employment Contract from the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation (MOHRE).
- Academic Certificates: A bachelor’s degree or higher (attested by relevant authorities), depending on the skill level.
- Professional License: For professions like doctors, nurses, teachers, fitness trainers, and advocates, an attested professional license from the relevant authority is required.
4. Domestic Worker Visa
The UAE recognizes the importance of domestic workers in its society, and therefore, has specific visa regulations for them. Domestic workers in the UAE typically come from other countries and work in households performing tasks like cleaning, cooking, caregiving, or driving.
Who Can Apply for a Domestic Worker Visa?
The employer must fulfill certain criteria to sponsor a domestic worker:
- Salary Requirements for Sponsor: The sponsor must earn a monthly salary of at least Dh25,000.
- Relationship to the Domestic Worker: The domestic worker cannot be a relative of the sponsor.
- Residential Requirement: The sponsor must be a resident of the UAE and must live with their family.
- Private Driver Requirement: If the domestic worker is hired as a private driver, the sponsor must have at least two cars registered under their name in the UAE.
Summary of UAE Residency Visas for Expats
| Visa Type | Duration | Sponsor Requirement | Eligibility Criteria | Renewability |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Green Visa | 5 Years | Self-Sponsorship | Skilled professionals, investors, freelancers, self-employed | Renewable for same duration |
| Standard Work Visa | 2 Years | Employer/Free Zone | Employment in private/government sector or free zone | Renewable based on employment |
| Golden Visa | 5 or 10 Years | None | Highly skilled professionals, investors, exceptional talents | Renewable for same duration |
| Domestic Worker Visa | As per contract | Employer | Salary of Dh25,000, sponsor must be UAE resident, domestic worker not a relative | Dependent on employment terms |
Conclusion
The UAE has a variety of residency visa options to accommodate the diverse expatriate community, each designed to meet the needs of different categories of professionals, entrepreneurs, and domestic workers. Whether you are a skilled employee looking for a long-term work opportunity, a freelancer seeking self-sponsorship, or a domestic worker coming to work in a UAE household, the country offers visa pathways to suit your needs.
