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Process You Need to Know on Getting a Dubai Residence Visa

Dubai is one of the leading cities in the world where many people aspire to live or work. To live or work, you need to have a Dubai residence visa.

The whole process of applying for a Dubai residence visa can be confusing if you are not aware of how to go about it. For any Sri Lankan aspiring to work or live in Dubai, you will find this page used as it entails everything about Dubai residence.

Here you get to know the requirements you need when applying for the residence visa, the process, how to check the status and much more.

Dubai is a prime with opportunities hence why it is referred to as the "City of Gold." There are job opportunities and even opportunities for companies to come and invest in Dubai.

The UAE government has eased getting a Dubai residence visa to attract workforce and investors. Here we share with you all you need to know and have a smooth time applying for the Dubai residence visa.

What is a Dubai Residence Visa?

Dubai residence visa refers to the permit you require as Sri Lankans to be allowed to work or live in UAE or Dubai. The residence visa allows you to stay in Dubai for a long period, like 3 or 5 years, legally.

Even when the visa expires, you can renew it as many times as you would like. It is important to understand that the Dubai residence visa means you gate your passport visa stamped, indicating you can live in UAE or Dubai.

Types of UAE Residence Visas

There are different types of Dubai residence visas based on why you are traveling to Dubai. These types of UAE or Dubai residence visas are;

UAE Work Visa

The UAE Work Visa is meant for anyone who has found a job in Dubai. For you to move to Dubai and start working, you need a Work Permit

UAE Student Visa

The Dubai student visa is meant for a foreigner looking to travel to Dubai for studies.

UAE Family Visa

UAE Family residence visa is given to close any UAE citizen close family member but is not a UAE citizen.

UAE Investment Visa(long-term residence)

UAE Investment residence visa is meant for any foreigner looking to invest in the UAE. Under this residence visa, you get up to 10 years which is longer than other residence visas timeline.

UAE Retirement Visa

If you are retiring and would like to spend most of your time in the UAE, you can because that is what UAE retirement residence is meant for. You need to prove you have enough money to spend in your retirement in the UAE.

Golden Visa

Golden Visa is reserved for a specific category of foreigners who would like to start living in the UAE; Investors, entrepreneurs, specialized skills and researchers in various sectors of science and knowledge, and brilliant students with promising scientific abilities.

Green Visa

A green residence visa was introduced recently by the UAE government, and you don't need any sponsor or employer for you to get it. However, the visa is reserved for investors, top students and graduates entrepreneurs, and highly qualified people. If you get hold of this visa, you can sponsor your immediate family to obtain a residence visa.

What Type of UAE Residence Visas do You Need to Work in Dubai

If you are a Sri Lankan who has found a Job in Dubai, the type of Dubai residence you need is a UAE work residence visa. Your employer should apply for the work visa on your behalf. But during the application process, some documents shall be required.

Requirements to Apply for Dubai Residence Visa

During the process of your employer applying for a work residence visa, the documents which will be required are;

The UAE Visa Application For which is obtained online or through the relevant typing center
Your original passport
Two passport-size pictures, in line with UAE visa photo requirements
Your entry visa
Proof of your sponsor's legal residency / UAE citizenship
Proof you have passed a medical fitness test*
Proof of UAE health insurance plan
Family visas include proof of family ties, such as birth/marriage certificates.
For a work visa, your sponsor must include the work contract and copies of the company's valid trade license and valid firm card.
Any other documents that show your purpose of travel to Dubai.
All foreign nationals who want to live in the UAE on a Residence Visa have to pass a medical exam proving their fitness.

What are The Dubai Residence Visa Rules and Regulations?

It is a must to have a Dubai residence visa if you are Sri Lankans wishing to stay in the country no matter what you are doing there. Therefore, you need to understand the rules and regulations you need to meet for acceptance of the visa application.

Unlike in other nations, where you are required to apply for a residence visa before entering the country, you are required to apply for a residence visa while in UAE. It's important to remember that applying for your initial admission permit differs from applying for a residency permit.

Those in the UAE on a visitor's visa and receive a job offer while on vacation can apply for a work permit once they have left the country. However, you are not required to return to your home country; some airlines offer a Dubai-Oman-Dubai flight option if you need to make a quick visa run from one nation to another.

It is also possible that your employer will go through a "Change of Status" procedure that will allow you to remain in the United Arab Emirates through the General Directorate of Residency and Foreigner Affairs (GFDRA) emirate where the company is located.

If you own a home in Dubai valued at more than one million dirhams, you can apply for a residency permit that will last for two years. Please keep in mind that this Investor Visa does not provide you with a work permit, and you are not permitted to spend more than six months a year outside the UAE without your visa becoming invalid.

Don't be concerned if you are launching a business in the United Arab Emirates without an employer's sponsorship. Creating a business allows you to obtain a work visa and, eventually, permanent residency in the country.

How to Apply for a Dubai Residence Visa

The process of applying for a Dubai residence visa starts with applying for a work permit. Work permits enable the holder to work in the United Arab Emirates and are valid for two months from the date of issuance.

Following the employee's entry into the UAE based on the work permit, the sponsoring company arranges for the completion of the necessary formalities, including medical testing, the acquisition of a UAE Resident Identity (Emirates ID) Card, the acquisition of a Labor Card, and the stamping of the work residency permit on his passport, all within 60 days. In the employee's passport, the work residency permit indicates the company which sponsored you in the country.

You don't have to worry about applying for the Dubai work residence visa because the employer will assume the responsibility. It is also the employer who will incur all the costs.

The Dubai residence visa process of application is easy to understand. Below are the steps by step to follow;

The Ministry issues an entry permit visa, which permits the employee to enter the UAE and remain for 30 days at the start of their employment.
The employee is on a business trip to Dubai. Once they arrive, they will have 60 days to apply for a resident visa before being deported.
Following the employee's arrival in Dubai, the employer will begin obtaining a work permit, also referred to as a "labour card."
A valid passport and entry visa are required for the employee to visit an Emirates ID service facility to receive an ID card.
Medical examination, so the employee visits a government hospital for examination.
The employee submits an application for a resident visa with the appropriate immigration authorities.
The employee to take all of their required documentation to the Department of Naturalization and Residency Dubai (DNRD), where the resident visa will be stamped onto their passport.

After successfully obtaining the Dubai work residence visa and work permit, you can now start working in Dubai.

How to Check Dubai Residence Visa Status

You can check the status of your Dubai residence visa application online and get to know if it is approved or not. The UAE government understands the importance of getting a residence visa on time. You can check the Dubai residence visa status through the following steps for you not to be in the dark knowing what is going on.

You can be assured you will get accurate status because you get access to the UAE government portal and check your Dubai residence visa validity.

Visit UAE government official through this link - https://smartservices.ica.gov.ae/echannels/web/client/default.html#/fileValidity.
Select the 'Passport Information' radio button.
Select either 'residency' or 'visa.'
Enter passport number and passport expiry date.
Enter nationality from the dropdown on the right. On the left, a corresponding number will appear on the box.
Click the captcha check box and click on search.
The page will now display your visa details along with the date of expiry.

The Difference Between The UAE Entry Permit and Residence Visa

It is important to understand the difference between UAE Entry Permit and Residence Visa when applying for a Dubai residence visa. The two are important, but they are different.

The Entry Permit is a document issued to permit you to enter the UAE, although it is only valid for a certain period (usually up to three months). The permit is issued according to the reason you wish to enter UAE. For example, a UAE Tourist Visa is a visa that allows you to enter the country for tourism purposes.

Before entering the UAE, your sponsor must apply for your entry permit. Once you have entered the country with an entry permit, your sponsor will be able to apply for your resident visa on your behalf.

The Residence Visa permits the holder to reside in the United Arab Emirates for an extended period. After you arrive in the country, your sponsor will need to submit an application for your resident visa to the appropriate visa-issuing authorities.

How to Maintain the Dubai Residence Visa?

After getting the Dubai residence visa, it is important to maintain it. Otherwise, it will be cancelled, and you get to down to the process of re-plying it. Here are the best practices you need to follow and maintain the Dubai residence visa up to expiry time without cancellation;

Be living in UAE or frequent traveller to UAE. If you are a frequent traveller or don't live in UAE, you have at least to enter UAE once every six months. Failure to do so will lead to the cancellation of the residence visa. You also have to adhere to all UAE laws and regulations.

How to Renew a Dubai Residence Visa?

When you obtain a Dubai residence visa, you are told its validity time. When that time is over, it was three years you have to renew the visa.

The process of renewing a Dubai residence visa is simpler than when applying. The process of renewing involves getting a medical checkup and renewing the Emirates ID.

You have to go for medical screening two weeks before the expiry of your residence visa and undertake the necessary screening and tests. After that, you apply for the Emirates ID renewal.

When the medical results are out, you send them to the immigration office along with your passport. The results will be reviewed, and you will get your passport stamped with a new Dubai residence visa.

How Long Can I Stay with a UAE Residence Visa?

The time or duration you can stay in UAE with a residence visa depends on the type of residence visa you applied for and issued. Most of the UAE residence visa like work residence visa allows you to stay in Dubai for 1-3 years, and you can renew after time expires.

The investor and retirement residence visa have to linger the period to stay in UAE between 5-10 years, and there is a renewal option.

What's The UAE Residence Visa Expiry Grace Period?

The UAE authorities grant expats a 30-day grace period, which begins on the day their visa expires and ends 30 days later. Providing your visa has expired, you can still stay for an additional 30 days if you have a valid travel document.

However, if you do not have a valid visa renewal before that time, you will be required to leave the country and re-enter through an entry permit. You will be penalized for each day you overstay your visa if you overstay your visa.

What are The Benefits of a Dubai Residence Visa?

If you are Sri Lankan and would like to live or work in Dubai, you need a residence visa. The residence visa comes with several advantages, including allowing you to stay in UAE for a long period without having to worry about a visa. Other benefits include

Ability to open a bank account in UAE
Ability to apply for a bank loan
You can visit all UAE visa-free countries
Take your children to school in UAE, either government or private schools
Apply for the driver's license
Ability to access government health services and health insurance

How Long Does it Take to Get a Residence Visa in Dubai?

After submitting your Dubai residence visa application, it takes around 2-3 days to process the residence visa. The most important document that will delay the process is the medical result.

How Much Does it Cost to Renew a Dubai Residence Visa?

After your Dubai residence visa is al cost of expires, you need to renew it to continue staying in Dubai legally. The renewal cost is a combination of several factors and depends on the type of residence visa.

If you are renewing the work residence visa, the cost will include;

Government fees: AED 1,263.53
Labour fee: AED 300 – AED 5,000 ( varies according to company category)
PRO fee for visa: AED 1,575
Government for medical & Emirates ID: AED 1,130
PRO fee for medical & Emirates ID: AED 1,050

If you are renewing partners or investors residence visas, the cost includes;

Medical typing fees: AED 857.50
Emirates ID typing fees: AED 371.50
Residence visa typing fees: AED 925.65
PRO fee: AED 2625

If you are grouped under the limited skills, there is an insurance fee between AED 420 and AED 5,120.

How Much Does the Dubai Residence Visa Cost?

The cost of a Dubai residence visa depends on the type of visa you are applying for and the processing fee. If you are applying for a work residence visa, the government fee is AD 100. However, that is not the final cot as there is a processing fee and the duration you would like to apply for a stay in UAE. Also, there are other costs like medical insurance and insurance.