How Tos

Applying For A Residence Visa - Employment

To live in Dubai, you need a UAE residence visa. There are two types available: one is for those sponsored for employment, and the other is for residence only (see Applying for a residence visa – family). The visa permits you to live in the UAE, and you can live and work in different emirates; some people, for example, choose to work in Dubai and live in Sharjah due to cheaper rents there.
The validity of the visa is two years, or three years if you work in some free zones or government jobs. Both visas are in line with the validity of the labour card. Consequently, any family member that you sponsor will then receive a residence visa on the same time frame as yours. If you leave the UAE for a period of more than six months at any one time, your residency will lapse.

Prerequisites

  • Aged under 65 years old.
  • Minimum six months validity on passport.
  • Have a job offer or are currently employed.
  • Entry permit (organised by employer).
  • Medical completed (and passed). See Taking the medical test.
  • Resident Identity Card application is underway.

What to bring

  • Passport (original).
  • Resident ID application form certified by the Registration Centre at the Emirates Identity Authority (EIDA).
  • Entry permit.
  • Medical test certificate.
  • Attested education certificates.
  • Company’s establishment immigration card and trade.
  • licence (copies).
  • Five passport-sized photos.
  • Dhs.310 fee (plus typing fees).

Procedure

  • General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs (GDRFA).
  • Your company’s PRO (public relations officer) should handle and process all the paperwork, meaning you won’t have to visit the GDRFA yourself for an employment sponsored residence visa.


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