Are you consideringrelocating to the United Arab Emirates? With about 89% of the population comprising foreign-born nationals, you’re not alone. The UAE has long welcomed expats to enjoy the wonders of the Emirati lifestyle with an extensive and attractive portfolio of visas and residency options. In this post, we’ll give you a run-down of the alternatives out there, focusing particularly on visas that don’t require a sponsor. Keep reading.
How can I get residency in the UAE?
The majority of expats that move to the UAE have work-based visas thanks to their employment at an Emirati-based company or the Emirati government. While this option is by far the most common, it is not the only way to obtain residency. UAE visas without a sponsor exist both for short-term and long-term stays. Let’s take a closer look.
Visit visa to explore investment opportunities
If you are keen to explore investment opportunities in the UAE, you can apply for a visa without requiring a sponsor. This single-entry visa is valid for either 60, 90 or 120 days. To be eligible, you must be financially solvent, a talent or a holder of a high qualification, be a professional in the prospective business in your home country, and fulfil the financial guarantee.
Two-year property investment visa
As its name suggests, this UAE residence visa grants unlimited entry to the country if you haveinvested a minimum of AED 750,000 in property. If the property is mortgaged, a NOC from the bank is required, detailing the amount paid and the outstanding balance. The visa does not require a sponsor and enables you to bring your family with you. Please note that you must have medical insurance.
Residence visa for the retired
Specifically for people over the age of 55 that have worked for a minimum of 15 years inside or outside the UAE, this UAE residence visa is a great option for retirees. To be eligible, you must own a property worth at least AED 1 million and have savings of no less than AED 1 million or a monthly income of AED 20,000 (AED 15,000 for Dubai). You will additionally be required to provide bank statements for the last six months. The visa is valid for 5 years and can be renewed on the condition that you meet the eligibility criteria.
Green visa
The Green Visa is a UAE residence visa without a sponsor for freelancers or people in self-employment. To be eligible, you will need to submit a freelance permit from the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation, proof of a bachelor's degree and evidence of your annual salary for the past two years, amounting to no less than AED 360,000 (or proof of financial solvency for your stay). The visa is valid for 5 years and can be renewed for the same period when it expires.
Golden visa
In May 2019, the Emirati government announced the Gold Card Visa Scheme, a long-awaited development for expats looking forpermanent residency in the UAE. The visa is targeted at foreign talents and comes with multiple benefits:
- Validity for 5 or 10 years that can be renewed.
- No sponsor required.
- The ability to stay outside the UAE over 6 months and keep the visa valid.
- The ability to sponsor family members (regardless of the age of children).
- The ability to sponsor an unlimited number of domestic helpers.
There are four eligible categories for those seeking Gold Card status: Entrepreneurs, Investors, Outstanding Students and Specialised Talents. Each category has different qualifying criteria, which you can read more abouthere.
Get your UAE visa without a sponsor
Now you know theUAE residence visa options available to you, it’s time to start the application process. Turn to Europe Emirates Group and our friendly team specialising in relocation services will be of assistance, walking you through the process and making sure everything goes smoothly.Get in touch today and make the first step to enjoying the delights of the UAE.
Written by
Adrian Oton
CEO, Europe Emirates Group
