The United Arab Emirates (UAE) is a popular destination for individuals seeking employment opportunities or planning to settle for an extended period. If you're an expat looking to work in the UAE, you might be wondering about the visa requirements and sponsorship options. However, the good news is that the UAE provides self-sponsorship residency visas for working individuals, allowing them to live and work in the country without a sponsor. In this article, we will discuss the three types of self-sponsorship residency visas available for working professionals who want to work in the UAE.
Where to Apply for Self-Sponsored UAE Residence Visa?
In the UAE, visas are authorized and issued by two separate entities depending on the emirate. In Dubai, visas and entry permits are issued by the General Directorate of Foreign Affairs (GDRFA), while the Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs, and Ports Security (ICP) handles visa issuance for the emirates of Abu Dhabi, Sharjah, Ajman, Ras Al Khaimah, Fujairah, and Umm Al Quwain.
Three Types of Self-Sponsorship Residency Visas Available in the UAE
Here are the details on the three types of self-sponsorship residency visas available for working individuals who want to work in the UAE:
1. Green Visa
A Self-Sponsorship Residency Permit in the UAE for Skilled Employees and Freelancers
The Green Visa is a five-year residency permit in the UAE that allows skilled employees and freelancers to live and work without a sponsor. However, applicants must meet certain requirements to be eligible for this visa.
- Skilled Employees:
To apply for the Green Visa as a skilled employee, the following four conditions must be met:
• Hold a valid UAE employment contract.
• Be classified in the first, second, or third occupational level as per the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation (MOHRE).
• Hold a Bachelor's degree or equivalent.
• Have a minimum salary of Dh15,000 per month.
Additionally, Green Visa holders can sponsor their first-degree relatives, such as their parents, children, or siblings, to live in the UAE. Moreover, they can exit the UAE within six months after the visa's cancellation and expiry, which is up to 30 days to the other residents. Finally, the Green Visa provides a pathway for skilled employees and freelancers to work in the UAE without being tied to a specific employer, allowing for more flexibility and independence.
- Freelancers:
Self-employed individuals or freelancers can apply for the Green Visa if they meet the following three requirements:
• Hold a freelancer permit from MOHRE.
• Hold a Bachelor's degree or specialized diploma.
• Have a minimum income of Dh360,000 or equivalent in other currencies for the past two years.
2. Golden Visa
The Golden Visa is a long-term residency program that enables expats to live, work, and study in the UAE for up to ten years without a sponsor. The program is open to several categories of individuals, including investors, entrepreneurs, scientists, frontline heroes (such as doctors and nurses), outstanding high school students and college graduates, and humanitarian workers. The Golden Visa is designed to attract high net worth individuals and skilled professionals who can contribute to the country's growth. Golden Visa holders can also sponsor their spouses and children to live in the UAE. The visa offers several benefits, including access to education, healthcare, and a favorable business environment.
Benefits of having Golden Visa in UAE:
• Sponsor spouse, children, and support staff without any limit
• No restriction on the maximum duration of stay outside the UAE to keep the Golden Residency valid
• Receive a six-month e-visa to complete the Golden Visa issuance process
• Allow family members to stay in the UAE until the end of their permit's duration in the event of the original holder's death.
• Access to the same benefits as Emirati citizens in areas such as healthcare, education, and business ownership
Also Read:
How To Check Your Eligibility For The UAE Golden Visa In Two Minutes
Golden Visa Holders In The UAE Can Now Sponsor Parents For 10-year Residency
3. Virtual Work Residence Visa
The Virtual Work Residence Visa UAE allows foreigners to live in the UAE and work remotely for their employer abroad for a period of one year. The visa is self-sponsored and issued by the Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs and Ports Security (ICP) in the emirates of Abu Dhabi, Sharjah, Ajman, Umm Al Quwain, Ras Al Khaimah, and Fujairah.
To be eligible for the virtual work visa in the UAE applicants must meet specific requirements, such as
• You must provide evidence that you are working remotely for a company based outside of the country.
• Having a monthly income of at least US$3,500 (Dh12,853) or equivalent in another currency.
Dubai's Remote Work Programme: Requirements and Eligibility
To apply for Dubai’s remote work visa, one must apply through GDRFA Dubai.
To be eligible for Dubai's virtual work visa, applicants must meet the following criteria according to the official website of Dubai Tourism, and the visa is valid for one year:
• Must have a passport with a minimum of six months validity and valid health insurance covering their residency in the UAE.
- For those employed:
• Need to provide proof of employment from a current employer with a one-year contract validity.
• Minimum of US$3,500 (Dh12,853) per month salary, last month's payslip and three preceding months’ bank statements.
- For business owners:
• They need to provide proof of ownership of the company for one year or more, subject to extension, with an average monthly income of US$3,500 per month (Dh12,853) or its equivalent in foreign currencies.
• Three preceding months’ bank statements.
• They also need to provide proof of work or employment outside the United Arab Emirates and that the work is conducted remotely.
Conclusion: In summary, the process of obtaining a work visa in the UAE can be complex, but there are options available for individuals who do not have a sponsor. The GDRFA and ICP are responsible for issuing visas in the different emirates of the UAE. It is crucial to note that each visa option has specific criteria that must be fulfilled. Therefore, it is advisable to conduct thorough research and understand the eligibility requirements and conditions of each visa before submitting an application. Ultimately, these visa options can offer excellent opportunities for those looking to work and reside in the UAE without sponsorship.