Difference between Entry Permits and UAE Residence Visas
Those headed to the UAE often ask, ‘what’s the difference between entry permits and residence visas?’ The UAE government has always welcomed professionals and businesses to its shores. Similarly, relevant UAE visa procedures have been made transparent and swift to facilitate such moves. Let’s take a look at everything you need to know about the difference between an entry permit and a residence visa in the UAE.
DIFFERENCE BETWEEN ENTRY PERMITS AND RESIDENCE VISAS
The UAE paves the way for professionals and top businesses interested in entering the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) market. Hence, a huge number of expats head to the country hoping to turn their dreams into reality.
Let’s take a brief overview of the two terms to help you understand the difference between entry permits and residence visas. This will help you figure out which one you need for yourself or a family member.
ENTRY PERMIT
The Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs & Ports Security issues entry permits allowing foreigners to enter the UAE and stay in the country legally for a specified time period. The document can be issued online or as a hard copy.
WHO NEEDS AN ENTRY PERMIT FOR THE UAE?
GCC Nationals don’t require a visa or an entry permit to enter the UAE as their passport or National ID will suffice. Similarly, citizens of the following countries are issued a visa on arrival for 30 days:
- 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
- Austria
- Bahamas Islands
- Barbados
- Belgium
- Brazil
- Bulgaria
- Chile
- Colombia
- Costa Rica
- Croatia
- Cyprus
- Czech Republic
- Denmark
- El Salvador
- Estonia
- Finland
- France
- Germany
- Greece
- Honduras
- Hungary
- Iceland
- Italy
- Kiribati
- Latvia
- Liechtenstein
- Lithuania
- Luxembourg
- Maldives
- Malta
- Montenegro
- Nauru
- Netherlands
- Norway
- Paraguay
- Peru
- Poland
- Portugal
- Romania
- Russian Federation
- Saint Vincent and the Grenadines
- San Marino
- Serbia
- Seychelles
- Slovakia
- Slovenia
- Solomon Islands
- South Korea
- Spain
- Sweden
- Switzerland
- Uruguay
Please note that Indian passport holders with a valid US visit visa, a US green card, a UK residence visa or an EU residence visa are also granted a UAE visa on arrival.
Note: Your passport must have a validity of at least six months from the date of your entry into the UAE. The list of exempted countries changes frequently, so it is strongly suggested that you check with the UAE Embassy in your home country before travelling.
DIFFERENT TYPES OF ENTRY PERMITS
There are various types of UAE entry permits. You can apply for the one that best suits your purpose for the trip. Entry Permit categories include:
- Employment
- Family visit
- Tourism/transit
- Treatment
- Mission
- Attending conferences
ENTRY PERMIT VALIDITY
Entry permit validity depends on the type of permit issued. For instance, the permit is valid for 2 months for normal visas and green residence visas. Whereas for golden visas, the permit is valid for 6 months.
Please note that the validity period may differ for other permit types.
ENTRY PERMIT FEE
The cost of an Entry Permit depends on the type of permit. For instance, a multiple-entry tourist permit for a five-year validity will cost you AED 650 which breaks down into the following:
- AED 100 for the application
- AED 500 for issuance
- AED 50 for electronic services
RESIDENCE VISA
Foreigners who are staying in the country legally with a valid entry permit can apply for a Residence Visa. So, in many cases, getting a UAE residence visa is the next step after getting an entry permit. That distinction is important to note when understanding the difference between an entry permit and a residence visa.
WHO CAN APPLY FOR A RESIDENCE VISA?
Residence Visa applications can only be made by sponsors who meet the GDRFA criteria. This can include companies or individuals. For example, universities can apply for visas for students. Similarly, companies can get visas for the individuals they hire. Lastly, individuals living in the UAE can get residence visas for their family members.
Please note that Residence Visa applicants have to undergo a medical and security test. Here is the process to check online medical reports in Dubai.
RESIDENCE VISA VALIDITY
Residence Visa validity depends on the type of visa and the sponsor. It could be one, two or even three years. Whereas, for non-sponsored visas, the validity can be 5 to 10 years.
RESIDENCE VISA FEES
The Residence Visa fees vary according to the type of visa applied. For instance, the Green Visa fee comes to AED 2,280.
BENEFITS OF ACQUIRING OF A RESIDENCE VISA
If you plan to stay in the UAE for a long time, you would need a Residence Visa. This type of visa allows you to open a bank account, get a bank loan, apply for driving licences, access health services, and enjoy visa-free entry into many countries.
DIFFERENT TYPES OF RESIDENCE VISAS
There are different types of residency visas. The list includes:
- Long-Term Investor Visa or 10-Year Golden Visa
- Property Investor Visa or 5-Year Golden Visa
- Retirement Visa
- Company Investor Visa
- Employment Visa
- Family Visa
- Specialist Resident Visa
- Domestic Workers Visa
- Student Visa
- Remote Working Visa
DOCUMENTS 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 licence, and firm card (for a work visa)
- Any additional documents as per individual visa type.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
WHO CAN APPLY FOR AN ENTRY PERMIT?
Those invited by an individual residing in the UAE or any organisation (could be a public or private enterprise, a relative, a tour operator, a hotel or a UAE-based airline) can apply for an entry permit.
IS THERE AN ENTRY PERMIT WHICH CAN BE APPLIED WITHOUT A SPONSOR?
Yes, as per the latest UAE visa rules, you can apply for a job exploration entry visa without a sponsor. Similarly, a multi-entry tourist visa falls into the same category.
CAN I TRAVEL OUT AND RETURN TO THE UAE ON A RESIDENCE VISA?
Yes, one can travel out of the country and return to the UAE as long as their residence visa is valid. The period of travel cannot exceed six months or the document would be considered void.
I HAVE A SPECIFIC QUERY, WHO CAN I CONTACT?
You can call the GDRFA on 800-5111.
And that’s a wrap! Hope you now understand the difference between entry permits vs residence visas. UAE visa laws are fairly easy to understand. Just make sure that, as an applicant, you choose the right category and provide the mandatory documents.
Don’t forget that different types of Dubai visas often have different application requirements. For example, mandatory conditions for a Dubai tourist visa differ greatly from those for a Dubai transit visa.
Want to apply for the UAE long-term golden visas? If you’re eligible, you can opt for a 5 or 10-year visa. The Golden Visa offers exclusive benefits to the holders such as no restriction on living the country for the chosen time period, ability to sponsor your family and much more.
If you wish to move to the UAE long term, you can also read up on how to get property investor visa.
The government has also made it easier to check your visa status online. It is a sure way to avoid overstaying penalities.
