‘How does an entry permit vary from a residence visa?’ Those traveling to the UAE frequently ask this question. Professionals and top businesses frequently use the emirates to join the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) market. As a result, a large number of foreigners flock to the country in the hopes of making their dreams come true. Professionals and enterprises have always been welcomed by the UAE government. To support such migrations, necessary UAE visa procedures have been made transparent and quick.
Continue reading to learn everything there is to know about the differences between an Entry Permit and a Residence Visa in the UAE:
Should One Apply For An Entry Permit Or Residence Visa?
We’ll go over the differences between entry permits and residency visas in-depth to assist you to grasp the differences. Find out which one you need for yourself or a family member by reading on.
ENTRY PERMIT:
Does One Need Any Entry Permit For UAE?
GCC citizens do not need a visa or an entry permit to visit the UAE; their passport or national ID will sufficient. Citizens of the following countries are also granted a 30-day visa on arrival:
- Andorra
- Australia
- Brunei
- Canada
- China
- Hong Kong
- China
- Japan
- Kazakhstan
- Macau
- China
- Malaysia
- Mauritius
- Monaco
- New Zealand
- Republic of Ireland
- San Marino
- Singapore
- Ukraine
- The United Kingdom and Northern Ireland
- United States of America
- Vatican City
The following passport holders are issued a visa on arrival for 90 days:
- Argentina
- Germany
- Paraguay
- Austria
- Greece
- Poland
- Bahamas Islands
- Honduras
- Portugal
- Barbados
- Hungary
- Romania
- Belgium
- Iceland
- Russian Federation
- Brazil
- Italy
- Saint Vincent and the Grenadines
- Bulgaria
- Kiribati
- San Marino
- Chile
- Latvia
- Serbia
- Costa Rica
- Liechtenstein
- Seychelles
- Croatia
- Lithuania
- Slovakia
- Cyprus
- Luxembourg
- Slovenia
- Czech Republic
- Maldives
- Solomon Islands
- Denmark
- Malta
- South Korea
- El Salvador
- Montenegro
- Spain
- Estonia
- Nauru
- Sweden
- Finland
- Netherlands
- Switzerland
- France
- Norway
- Uruguay
Furthermore, Indian passport holders with a valid US visit visa, US green card, UK resident visa, or EU residence visa are issued a UAE visa on arrival.
Note that your passport must be valid for at least six months after your arrival in the UAE. Because the list of exempted nations is flexible and subject to change, you should contact the UAE Embassy in your own country before traveling.
Who Can Apply For An Entry Permit?
Those who have been invited by a UAE resident or an organization (which could be a public or private company, a relative, a tour operator, a hotel, or a UAE-based airline) can apply for an Entry Permit.
What Are The Different Types Of Entry Permits?
Different sorts of entry permits exist. You can apply for the one that best matches your travel objectives. The following permit categories are available:
- Employment
- Family visit
- Tourism/transit
- Treatment
- Mission
- Attending conferences
How Long Is The Entry Permit Validity?
The duration of an entry permit is determined by the type of permit issued. If the basis for the entry permission is employment, the validity will most likely be two months. To avoid any penalties or fines, the employer must apply for a resident visa within these two months.
Other permit types may have different validity periods.
How Much Is the Entry Permit Fee?
The fee for an Entry Permit is AED 500. (charges may vary according to the visa type). The Entry Permit fee must be paid by the sponsor.
The entry permit can be extended twice for a total of 30 days each time. AED 600 is charged for each renewal. After a 10-day grace period, overstayers are fined AED 100 per day.
Also, read our guide: Types of special visas you can apply for in Dubai
RESIDENCE VISA
Foreigners with a valid Entry Permit who are legally present in the nation can apply for a Residence Visa. Receiving a Residence Visa is often the logical next step after obtaining an Entry Permit. When determining the difference between an Entry Permit and a Residence Visa, this distinction is critical.
Who Can Apply for a Residence Visa?
Sponsors who meet the GDRFA conditions can only apply for a residence visa. This can apply to both businesses and individuals. Universities, for example, can apply for student visas. Similarly, businesses can obtain visas for the employees they hire. Finally, residents of the UAE can apply for Residence Visas for their family members.
Are There Any Other Requirements?
Applicants for residence visas must undergo a medical and security examination.
How Long Is the Residence Visa Validity?
Residence Visa validity depends on the type of visa and the sponsor. It could be one, two, or three years.
What Is the Residence Visa Fee?
The Residence Visa fee varies according to the type of Residence Visa being applied for.
Can One Travel Out and Return to the Uae on the Residence Visa?
Yes, as long as one’s Residence Visa is valid, one can leave and return to the UAE. The document will be regarded void if the travel period exceeds six months.
What Are the Benefits of Acquiring a Residence Visa?
A Residence Visa is required if you intend to stay in the UAE for an extended period of time. People with residence visas can open a bank account, take out a loan, apply for driver’s licenses, use health services, and travel to many other countries without a visa.
What Are the Different Types of Residence Visas?
There are several different types of residency visas. The list includes:
- Investment Visa
- Work Visa
- Student Visa
- Family Visa
- Retirement Visa
What Documents Are Required for a Residency Visa Application?
Documents required to be submitted with a Residence Visa application include:
- Passport
- Two passport-size photos
- Entry Permit
- Proof of your sponsor’s legal residency (if applicable)
- Medical fitness test
- UAE health insurance plan
- Birth/marriage certificate (for family visa)
- Work contract, trade license, and firm card (for a work visa)
The GDRFA can be reached at 511-1800.
The visa laws in the UAE are quite straightforward. Simply make certain that you apply for the appropriate category and provide the required documentation. You can check your visa status online if you are currently resident in Dubai to avoid overstaying.
There are several distinct sorts of Dubai visas that can be applied for, each with its own set of restrictions. The conditions for a Dubai tourist visa, for example, are vastly different from those for a Dubai transit visa.
