Residency - dda
Residency
Residence Visas, Passports, and Emirates ID
The General Directorate of Identity and Foreigners Affairs - Dubai (GDRFA) manages provision of services related to residence, passports, visas, and entry permits in Dubai.The GDRFA regulates entry, residence, and exit of individuals, ensuring compliance with UAE laws and regulations.
The Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs, and Port Security (ICP) provides all services related to Emirates ID, a mandatory identification card for all UAE residents, and citizens.
Residence Visas
To reside in Dubai, expatriates must obtain a valid residence visa, which allows expatriates to stay in Dubai for extended periods. There are several types of residence visas, and each type depends on the individual’s purpose for staying, such as employment, investment, or study.
Types of residence visas include standard residence visa, golden visa, and green visa, etc.
Standard Residence Visa for Work
The standard residence visa entitles employees and workers in the private and public sectors to reside in the UAE for a period of 2 years, renewable for a similar period or periods in accordance with the same conditions under which it was granted. The standard residence visa enables its holder to bring their family to stay in Dubai under specific conditions related to salary and accommodation.
Steps to get a resident visa for employment in Dubai are as follows:
1- Employment Offer: Secure a job offer from an employer in Dubai, who will be your sponsor for the visa.
2- Work Permit: The employer applies for a work permit through the UAE’s Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratization (MOHRE).
3- Entry Permit: Once the work permit is approved, an entry permit is issued, allowing you to enter Dubai within 60 days to complete the visa process. This step is replaced with a change status permit if you are already in Dubai.
4- Medical Fitness Test: You will undergo a medical fitness test at an authorized center in Dubai. The test typically includes a blood test and chest X-ray.
5- Visa Issuance: Once medical fitness test result is released, your employer can apply online for the residence visa which will be issued within 48 hours.
6- Emirates ID Application: Apply for an Emirates ID by submitting your biometrics (fingerprints and photo) at an authorized typing center.
7- Health Insurance: Ensure you have health insurance coverage.
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Golden Visa
The Golden visa is a long-term residence visa which enables foreign talents to live, work, invest or study in the UAE while enjoying exclusive benefits. The golden visa is given to specialized talents like athletes, digital talents, and art and culture professionals. The visa is also available to investors, entrepreneurs, specialized scientists, outstanding students/graduates, frontline heroes, and humanitarian pioneers.
The golden visa is valid for 5 or 10 years and this period may be extended if the exact requirements are met. Golden visa holders have the privilege to stay outside the UAE for more than the usual period of six months, sponsor their family members, and sponsor unlimited number of domestic helpers. Learn about golden visa requirements.
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Green Visas
A green residence visa allows a commercial project investor/partner, high skilled workers, and self-employed people to reside in the Dubai for up to 5 years without need for a sponsor or employer. It is renewable under the same terms as when it was first issued.
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Residence visa for the retired
The Retirement Visa is designed for retirees who are willing to settle in Dubai. This type of visas is available for individuals aged 55 and above and is valid for 5 years. It can be renewed if eligibility criteria are met.
The applicant must have complete 15 years of service and is 55 years old or more. Furthermore, the applicant must own a property of not less than AED 1 million, have financial savings of no less than AED 1 million, or have a fixed annual income of AED 240,000.
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Residence visa for family members
Both male and female expatriate residents can bring their family members to reside in Dubai, including the spouse and children under 25 years. Children above 18 will undergo a medical fitness test.
Dubai residents can bring their parents, and the residence visa will be granted on a yearly basis regardless of the duration of the sponsor’s visa.
Steps to get a residence visa for family:
1- Apply for an entry permit to enter the UAE.
2- Apply for a medical fitness test (members above 18)
3- Apply for residence visa
4- Apply for an Emirates ID
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Student Residence Visa
A foreign student enrolled in an accredited university, college, educational institution, or research institute in the UAE is given a residence permit. In this case, the educational institution serves as the student's host and guarantor.
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Virtual Work Residence Visa
Foreigners employed outside the UAE are permitted to live in Dubai legitimately with a virtual work visa. The one-year visa allows foreigners to enter the UAE under self-sponsorship and work in line with the terms and conditions issued with the visa.
Applicant must provide proof that he/she works remotely for an organisation outside the UAE and receives a monthly income of USD 3,500.
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