How to get a student visa to Dubai?

A student visa to Dubai makes it possible to stay and study in Dubai for a long time. But for its registration it is necessary to enroll in a higher educational institution in this city, since it is the administration of the educational institution that deals with the process of applying for a visa.

Reasons to get a study visa to Dubai

Dubai is known for its academic excellence. Recently, universities have been attracting students from all over the world. In the coming years, many new projects will be launched in various fields. This will lead to a dramatic increase in employment opportunities. 

Below are the reasons why students should study in Dubai:

  1. The UAE has a well-established education system;
  2. Dubai universities have modern infrastructure;
  3. Dubai is free from crime, high level of student safety;
  4. Tuition and living costs are lower than in other countries such as the UK, USA, European countries, etc.;
  5. The UAE is considered one of the fastest growing economies. Thus, more opportunities open up in the future. Students can get a job after graduation;
  6. As students from all over the world come here for higher education, they are exposed to a multicultural environment that is very valuable to the entire industry.
  7. There are opportunities to find full-time jobs due to the extensive development in trade, commerce and infrastructure.

Highly recommended for students interested in design. Here they can learn more. Lots of program options. There are huge opportunities in the construction of buildings and in interior design. Universities are very good at preparing students for the professional world they will enter after graduation.

Obtaining a visa to study in Dubai

There are many universities and colleges where international students can study, but they must meet the entry requirements. Students require a study visa to study in Dubai if they are not citizens of the United Arab Emirates or do not belong to any of the 5 Gulf countries i.e. Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia.

Students wishing to study in Dubai require a study visa, which is valid for full-time programs. To apply for a student visa to Dubai, the following steps must be followed:

  1. Fill out the visa application form and attach a passport size photo to it;
  2. Make sure that the attached photograph meets the required specifications;
  3. Fill out the application by attaching the necessary documents according to the checklist;
  4. Apply at the application center in Dubai;
  5. Once the visa is approved, obtain a copy of the visa from the application center.

The college or university applies for a UAE student visa at the GDRFA office of the relevant emirate in which the student plans to live. If the application is approved, GDRFA will insert the resident visa into the applicant’s passport and they will be issued with an Emirates ID valid for the same period as the visa.

It is important to know! Being admitted to a higher education institution in the UAE does not necessarily mean automatically obtaining a visa. The decision does not depend on the educational institution, but on the immigration authorities of the UAE.

Documents for a student visa to Dubai

Before issuing a student visa, students must complete all university formalities. Below are the documents required to apply for a student visa to Dubai:

  1. Valid passport;
  2. Four copies of the passport;
  3. Twelve passport size photographs on a white background;
  4. Letter of offer for admission from a UAE university;
  5. Student bank statement to verify financial security;
  6. Lease contract. If the student does not have them, he must receive a letter from the university if he lives in a university dormitory;
  7. A copy of the tuition fee receipt for the current year of the program;
  8. A copy of the visa payment receipt for the current year of study under the program; 
  9. Graduate students must present a document confirming that they have a bachelor’s degree.

As soon as the student arrives in Dubai, he needs to undergo a medical examination at an authorized medical center. The test usually includes a physical examination and a chest x-ray for HIV, hepatitis C, hepatitis B, leprosy, syphilis, and tuberculosis.

If any of these tests are positive, the student will be deported, except for syphilis because it can be cured.

Dubai student visa cost

All the hassle and expenses after receiving and approving the application are borne by the educational institution. Registration and extension of the visa is free for the student.

The student visa is valid for 12 months, so students must renew their visa at the end of the 12-month period if their program is longer than that. Short-term visas are issued for programs lasting less than 12 months. Students should start the process 1-2 months before the start of the semester. 

How to get an investor visa to Dubai?

The Dubai investor visa is designed for citizens of other countries from all over the world who are looking for investment opportunities or planning to open a business in the UAE . Another name is a partner visa. The application process may vary depending on the selected Emirate. A business investor visa in Dubai allows you to live and work in the emirate. Below is an overview of its application, including the documentation process, application fees, and more.

What is a Dubai Investment Visa?

It is ideal for foreign nationals who want to start a business in Dubai or invest in an existing business. They can also live and work in the UAE and sponsor family members. The validity of the visa is 3 years.

According to the rules for obtaining, a Dubai investor visa is granted only to persons who:

  1. Buy shares in an existing company for at least AED 72,000;
  2. Establish a company with a capital investment of the same amount.

The following documents will need to be attached to the application:

  1. Sponsor’s IBAN bank account number;
  2. Company card;
  3. Memorandum (statutory) documents (MOA) as proof of ownership;
  4. One photograph on a white background;
  5. Partner’s current visa in the UAE (if applicable);
  6. A copy of the partner’s passport;
  7. Sponsor’s original Emirates ID;
  8. Copy of trade license.

Previously, a UAE citizen or an agent was required as the majority shareholder, who must liaise with government departments. However, recent rule changes allow full foreign ownership in mainland Dubai. More than 1,000 commercial and industrial activities can now be carried out without a company having a majority shareholder from the Emirates.

Obtaining an investor visa to Dubai

In order to apply for the visa in question, the following steps must be followed:

  1. Apply for an entry permit at the immigration office, typing center, or Tashil center;
  2. Visit any public health center to take a medical fitness test. When filling out the entry permit form, you should name the medical center that you plan to visit;
  3. Apply for an Emirates ID card at the Federal Office of Identity and Citizenship. Bring your original Emirates ID (if applicable), photos of family members and their Emirates ID application at the time of submission. If you have never previously applied for an Emirates ID, you will need to provide biometric data;
  4. Buy health insurance as part of your visa application.

Visa cost for investors in Dubai

The cost of an investor visa in Dubai is as follows:

  1. Entry permit: AED 1,175 for individuals who are in the UAE and AED 525 for individuals outside the UAE;
  2. Change of status: AED 675 (not required for persons entering from outside the UAE);
  3. Visa stamping: approximately AED 870;
  4. Emirates ID: AED 405;
  5. Medical tests: 322.5 dirhams.

It is important to know! There is an additional fee for the Immigration Card required to obtain an Investor Visa in Dubai.

In addition, the charges mentioned above are charges charged by GDRFA. This amount does not include fees for a trade license issued by the Dubai Economic Department.

It is also possible to apply for an investor visa through the online portal of the e-Government Office of the Department of Naturalization and Residence (eDNRD) . Companies and institutions in Dubai use it to apply for visas.

The visa application process will depend on the type of investor’s business and the free zone in which they operate.

3-year, 5-year and 10-year visas for investors in Dubai

The government has introduced long-term visas to the UAE, including 10-year and 5-year visas for investors from Dubai. The terms of the three-year visa for investors in Dubai have been revised. Investors with an AED 5 million real estate investment in Dubai who meet certain criteria will be granted a 5-year resident visa.

10 year visa

To be eligible for a 10-year investment visa, you must meet certain conditions, including a government investment of at least AED 10 million. Interested parties can invest in the following areas:

  1. Investment funds in the UAE.
  2. Establish a company in the UAE with a capital of 10 million dirhams.
  3. Become a partner of a new or existing company with a share value of at least AED 10 million.

Speaking about the conditions of investment, it is necessary to remember the following rules:

  1. Of the total investment, 60% must be in sectors other than real estate;
  2. The amount invested must not be a loan;
  3. Financial solvency up to 10 million dirhams.

5 year visa

To obtain a 5-year investor visa in Dubai, the following conditions must be met:

  1. The investor must buy a property with a minimum value of AED 5 million;
  2. This amount must not be purchased as a loan;
  3. Minimum three-year property storage period;
  4. The investor must invest in real estate without the right of ownership.

3 year visa

The following conditions must be met in order to qualify for a 3-year investor visa in Dubai:

  1. The investor owns a property with a minimum value of AED 750,000;
  2. If the property is mortgaged, then 50% of the total value must be paid to the bank in advance;
  3. The investor must provide a letter of no objection written in Arabic from the bank;
  4. Property can be divided between spouses, but the investor will need to provide a marriage certificate;
  5. The property must be residential and not commercial;
  6. An investor can also apply through joint ownership, provided that their share is worth AED 750,000 or more.

Dubai government policy has always been attractive when it comes to investment. With the economy recovering from the pandemic, this could be the best time to make investment decisions in the UAE.

How to get a freelancer visa in Dubai?

A freelancer visa in Dubai for Russians allows you to legally stay for a long time and work. The policy of the Emirates is flexible in relation to business owners, investors and freelancers. With the rise of the gig economy, initiatives have been taken to make it easier and cheaper for freelancers to work in Dubai.

One such initiative is the GoFreelance package from the TECOM Group in partnership with the Dubai Creative Cluster Authority. It allows media, technology and education freelancers to easily apply for a permit and visa. Freelancing in Dubai is a promising career path for both locals and expats.

What is a freelance visa in Dubai?

The Dubai Freelancing Permit is a license issued by the TECOM group that allows you to work as an independent contractor and is renewed every year. A freelancer permit is ideal for those on a spouse or parent visa who only need a license to work as a freelancer. 

However, those who are not sponsored by a parent or spouse can also apply for a freelance visa in Dubai:

  • represents a residence permit;
  • allows a person to live and work in the Emirate;
  • renewed every three years.

There are several areas of activity in which you can get the right to freelance in Dubai – education, media, technology.

They also accept applications from citizens who are engaged in such professions as acting, screenwriting, journalism, advertising, and teaching. Educational, customer service or web development consultants may also apply for it.

Before you can apply for a freelance visa in Dubai, you need to obtain a special permit. It is issued by specialists at the request of applicants in special free zones, more about which below.

Free zones for freelancing permission

Free Trade Zones or FTZs are being created in the UAE to offer companies and professionals working in these areas tax and customs exemptions. Freelancer permits or licenses can be obtained from these free zones.

In addition, several free zones in the UAE offer freelancing permits in various industries and fields of activity and are managed by the relevant authorities. These permits can be obtained in trade, services, investments, media and some other industries.

In doing so, the following must be taken into account:

  1. Dubai Internet City issues a freelancing permit if the applicant works in the technology sector;
  2. Dubai Media City – in the media sector;
  3. Dubai Knowledge Park – in the educational sector. 

These are only three free zones. Together with the fourth, Dubai Design District , they form the GoFreelance initiative launched by Sharjah Media City or SHAMS Free Zone, Dubai Development Authority and TECOM Group.

There are many free zones in the UAE that offer licenses for freelancers in Dubai. Here are some of these free zones:

  • Abu Dhabi Economic Development Department ;
  • Dubai Development Authority (DDA) ;
  • Ras Al Khaimah Economic Zone ;
  • Fujairah Creative City ;
  • Umm Al Quwain UAQ Free Trade Zone ;
  • Ajman Free Zone .

With permission in hand, you can apply for a freelance visa.

How to get a freelance visa to Dubai?

Obtaining a freelance visa in Dubai is not difficult, although the application process can be lengthy and tedious. Before applying for a visa, you need to do the following steps:

  1. Collect all necessary documents;
  2. Apply for a freelancing permit;
  3. Apply for a Dubai Institution Card;
  4. Apply for a visa.

Required documents for a freelance visa in Dubai

The first step to obtaining any of the permits or visas is the collection of documents. The list is not exhaustive, but extremely important. While the Dubai government is making the visa application process more accessible, any incorrect document may result in the visa application being rejected.

List of required documents:

  • detailed resume;
  • a recent (less than 6 months) photograph taken;
  • valid passport for at least 6 months;
  • freelancing permission in Dubai;
  • Dubai Institution Card;
  • confirmation of the availability of funds;
  • Bank statements;
  • medical examination report;
  • UAE phone number;
  • medical insurance;
  • portfolio with work experience;
  • letter of no objection.

Keep in mind that additional documents may be required for each step. Preparing documents reduces the time of the entire process.

Applying for a Freelancing Permit in Dubai

As mentioned earlier, a permit is required to obtain a freelancer visa along with other required documents. In Dubai, the GoFreelance initiative was launched by the TECOM group.

The first step is to visit the GoFreelance online application webpage to complete the form and begin the application process. In response to the sent forum, a confirmation email and OTP will be sent to the specified phone number.

You may need to visit Dubai Knowledge Park, Dubai Media City or Dubai Internet City with original passports and other documents to get permission to freelance. The whole process takes approximately 5-7 business days.

A permit fee must be paid. As soon as the application is approved, permission to freelance will come by email.

Apply for Dubai Institution Card

After obtaining permission for freelancing, an application is sent to the card of the institution. For this you need:

  • website AXS ;
  • apply by providing your freelancing permission in Dubai and your phone number;
  • pay the fees.

An institution card can be obtained from the GDRFA website by submitting an online application. Then the final step remains – the direct receipt of a freelance visa in Dubai.

Apply for freelancer visa in Dubai

After collecting all the documents, the last step is to apply for a freelancer visa. You can apply for a freelancer visa in Dubai through the GoFreelance website. It will take 5-7 business days to complete.

After receiving permission to enter, an application for a long-term visa is submitted. For example, you can apply for a resident visa in Dubai on the GDRFAD website . You must provide all the necessary documents and pay visa fees.

After the residence permit is approved, you can live and work in Dubai. In addition, the freelancer can sponsor his wife and other family members in Dubai to obtain a residence permit.

How much does a freelancer visa cost in Dubai?

The cost of a freelancer visa depends on the urgency, the duration of the permit and whether the application is being made from Dubai or outside of Dubai.

In addition, separate fees must be paid for the freelancer license or permit, institution card, and freelancer visa. The cost of a freelancer visa to Dubai is:

  1. Freelancing permit is valid for a year and must be renewed annually – AED 7,000;
  2. The institution card is valid for a year and must be renewed annually – 2000 dirhams;
  3. Freelance visa – AED 4960 (regular) or AED 6340 (express). Valid for 3 years when applying from the UAE;
  4. Freelance Visa – AED 3,330 (Regular) or AED 3,990 (Express). Valid for 3 years when applying outside the UAE;
  5. Freelance work visa cost AED 2,750 for a year and AED 5,000 for a three-year work visa through GoFreelance;
  6. The total cost of a freelancer visa in Dubai can range from AED 10,000 to AED 25,000;
  7. The cost of the Talent Pass license is AED 9,500, which must be renewed annually.

The cost of a freelance visa may vary depending on the location of the free zone:

  1. Ras Al Khaimah Free Zone – from 15,000 dirhams;
  2. Fujairah Free Zone – from 14,000 dirhams;
  3. Umm Al Quwain Free Zone – from 13,000 dirhams;
  4. Ajman Free Zone – from 16,250 dirhams;
  5. D-Tech FTZ in Dubai – from AED 7500;
  6. Twofour54 in Abu Dhabi – from 2,500 dirhams;
  7. Dubai Multi Commodities Center (DMCC) FTZ – from AED 20,000.

You may have to pay additional fees throughout the visa process, such as paying for health insurance. Freelance visa fee includes medical examination, visa stamping and Emirates ID.

How to get a residence permit in the UAE?

A residence permit in the UAE does not exist as such, its role is played by a residence visa , which provides significant benefits. Among them are tax-free status, high quality of life, excellent business development opportunities both on the mainland and in dozens of free zones and, of course, economic and political stability.

What gives a residence permit in the UAE ?

Unlike the tourist visa , the standard resident visa classes grant a two-year residence permit. It can be extended an unlimited number of times.

What gives a residence permit in the UAE? This status allows you to obtain a visa for immediate family members and children under 18 years of age. The condition for maintaining a valid resident visa is that it is necessary to enter the UAE at least once every six months. If this is not done, there is a risk of getting a canceled visa status.

It is possible to obtain a standard resident visa in the UAE under the following circumstances: 

  1. Buying real estate . When buying residential property in Dubai or any other emirate in the amount of at least one million dirhams, you can apply for a UAE resident visa for a period of two years;
  2. Conclusion of an employment contract. If you plan to get an official job in a company based in the UAE or in the government of the Emirates, a work visa will be required ;
  3. Registration of own company in the UAE . This option is the most efficient and convenient way to obtain a residence visa in the UAE as an investor or shareholder. The process takes only a few weeks and the costs are relatively low. The business structure can be purely formal if it complies with the necessary rules of economic presence. Visas for investors or shareholders are valid for three years;
  4. Study in the UAE. You can get a student visa to take a course of study in the Emirates;
  5. As a family member of a UAE resident or citizen.

It is important to know! In all these cases, it is necessary to renew each visa after a certain period, otherwise it may be cancelled.

When hiring in the UAE, you should be aware that the employer must complete all the formalities of the visa sponsorship process. It will take an average of two to three weeks to obtain an initial work permit, which is valid for two months. This permit is then converted into a residence visa valid for two or three years, depending on the issuance zone.

How to get a residence permit in the Emirates?

Depends on the grounds. In each case, the procedure is different. For students and employees, the entire procedure is handled by educational institutions and employers, respectively. Below are the criteria and features for groups of persons who can apply for a resident visa for a period of 10 years.

  1. Investors. It is necessary to invest at least AED 10 million, while ensuring its solvency for at least this amount, without investing funds in the form of a loan and keeping these investments for three years or more;
  2. People with special talents. These individuals must have an employment contract in the UAE in an industry that is high on the national agenda.

The latter may include:

  • inventors holding patents that benefit the economy of the Emirates with the appropriate seal of the Ministry of Economy;
  • creative workers in the field of culture and art;
  • scientists and doctors working in leading research institutions, if they have supporting reviews from influential journals, recognized accreditations from government ministries and specialists. 

For other categories of persons, a residence permit is available for a period of 5 years. The conditions for registration are as follows:

  1. Investors in real estate in the UAE, if the amount of investment is not less than 5 million AED. You must meet the following conditions for obtaining a visa:
    • own real estate for at least three years;
    • do not purchase real estate in the form of a loan.
  2. Entrepreneurs who have a project with the approval of a business incubator in the UAE or an existing idea with a capital of at least AED 500,000.

For reference! Entrepreneurs can also apply for a six-month multiple entry visa, which can be extended for another six months.

Also, outstanding students can apply for a residence permit for a period of 5 years. Their criteria are as follows:

  1. Public or private high school results with a GPA of at least 95%;
  2. University student in the UAE with a cumulative GPA of 3.75 (on a scale of 4.0) upon graduation;
  3. Visas for outstanding students provide for their issuance for family members of students.

Possible reasons for refusal to issue a residence permit

The presence of grounds for a residence permit in the UAE does not mean that it will necessarily be issued. Common reasons for rejection are:

  • suspicion of criminal connections or intentions;
  • public anti-Islamic or anti-Emirati statements, including on social media.

They rarely get rejected. This is evidenced by the fact that among the residents of the UAE, only 10% are citizens of the country, the remaining 90% are foreigners. Compliance with all the rules and seeking help from migration lawyers who will prepare documents for a residence permit in the UAE increases the chances of obtaining a residence permit.

The Emirates is a rich developed country where you can earn and gain knowledge and skills that will help you find a well-paid job in other countries. The residence permit in the UAE provides these opportunities for immigrants.

How to obtain UAE citizenship

Can I get UAE citizenship?

In January 2021, the UAE government approved amendments to the Citizenship and Passports Act Implementing Regulations , allowing certain categories of foreigners, their spouses and children to acquire Emirati citizenship. The amendments provide for certain conditions for each category and allow a naturalized citizen to retain their original citizenship.

For reference! According to 

the Henley Passport Index, the United Arab Emirates passport ranks as the 15th most powerful passport in the world in the first quarter of 2022.

Obtaining UAE citizenship provides great benefits:

  1. UAE passport holders can now enter 175 countries around the world without a visa;
  2. UAE passport holders are exempt from income tax and do not need to file a tax return;
  3. The government cares about free housing, farmland, education, study abroad grants and big money/capital;
  4. UAE citizens can own real estate, except for other foreigners who buy real estate on a 99-year lease;
  5. Safe and stable environment for families;
  6. UAE passport holders are allowed to have dual citizenship.

To obtain it, you must fulfill the conditions necessary for applying for UAE citizenship. Citizenship may be revoked if the conditions are violated.

How to obtain UAE citizenship

It is possible for a Russian to obtain UAE citizenship if he belongs to one of the following categories:

  • investors;
  • doctors;
  • specialists;
  • scientists;
  • intellectuals;
  • creative people.

Conditions for each category of nominees:

  1. The investor must own real estate in the UAE;
  2. The doctor or specialist must specialize in a scientific discipline that is in high demand in the UAE. Must have a recognized scientific contribution and practical experience of at least 10 years and be a member of a reputable organization in the field of specialization;
  3. The scientist must be an active researcher in a university, research center, or in the private sector. Applicants must have at least 10 years of practical experience in the same field and contribute to it. In addition, it will require a letter of recommendation from a recognized scientific institution in the UAE;
  4. The inventor must have one or more patents approved by the UAE Ministry of Economy or any other reputable international body. He will also be required to provide a letter of recommendation from the MoD;
  5. People with creative talent in the arts and culture must receive at least one international award. Government agencies must also provide a letter of recommendation.

Other conditions for applicants:

  1. Take an oath of allegiance to the UAE;
  2. Commit to comply with the laws of the UAE;
  3. Any change of nationality must be reported to the UAE government authority.

UAE citizenship by investment

UAE citizenship by investment was announced in 2021. Historically, the Gulf states have never granted citizenship to foreigners, granting them only residence permits and visas .

To contribute to the economy, the United Arab Emirates is looking for special talents and investors. Eligibility for UAE citizenship will be determined by the cabinet, executive councils and local courts. The law was amended by Vice President and Prime Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum to “attract talent that helps them develop.”

Benefits of UAE citizenship by investment for an investor and his family, or what gives UAE citizenship :

  1. Gives the right to live, work and study in the Emirates ;
  2. Family reunification. The applicant may add a spouse and children to the program;
  3. Register assets without restrictions. UAE citizens are not subject to the restrictions that foreigners and expatriates face when registering their assets;
  4. Open bank accounts and set up companies in the UAE ;
  5. Visa-free access to 175 countries with a UAE passport.

Under the new UAE citizenship law, those who have obtained citizenship can retain their existing citizenship. But they should check with the relevant rules of their home country on this matter.

How to get a student visa to Dubai? How to get an investor visa to Dubai?How to get a freelancer visa in Dubai? How to get a residence permit in the UAE? How to obtain UAE citizenship?