There are two main types of visas that the Dubai authorities issue – Visas for visitors and visas for residents.

There are many subtypes of each of these two main types.

Depending on your nationality, what you are going to do in Dubai, and how long you want to stay, you can decide what type of visa to apply for.

Visitor Visa

Your visit visa has to be applied for by a UAE sponsor, who is a person or organization who will be responsible for you while you are visiting the UAE. He will be required to be responsible for you on behalf of the authorities if this will be required. For a visit visa, your sponsor could be:

1. – Hotel or tourist company. They can apply, on your behalf, for
   • a 30-Day Tourist Visa, which can be extended to 40 days
   • a 14-Day Service Visa, Or
   • a 30-Day Visit Visa which can be extended for other 30 days.
2. – Airlines and airlines handlers can apply on behalf of their crew members for a 96-hour transit visa
3. – Other organizations based in the United Arab Emirates may only apply for Visit Visas and Service Visas
4. – Individuals (Relatives, Spouse, Parents Or Friends) already resident in the United Arab Emirates may, subject to guidelines, also apply on your behalf for a Visit Visa.

30-day visit eligibility

If you are a passport holder of the below country or territory, no advance visa arrangements are required to visit the UAE. Simply disembark your flight at Dubai International airport and proceed to immigration, where your passport will be stamped with a 30-day visit visa free of charge.

90-day visit eligibility

If you are a passport holder of one of the below countries or territories, your passport will be stamped with a multiple entry 90-day visit visa that’s valid for 6 months from the date of issue, and for a stay of 90 days in total. Citizens of the below European countries are also entitled to apply for a pre-arranged visit visa if their 90-day visa on arrival has been fully utilized.

180-day visit eligibility

If you hold a Mexican passport you’re eligible for a multiple entry 180-day visit visa that’s valid for 6 months from the date of issue, and for a stay of 180 days in total.

                                                      Residence Options with WORK Rights 

Employment in Dubai, UAE – Being hired as an employee – Your employer should apply for your Visa directly

Students with work Rights – Student visas allow a student in one of Dubai’s universities or colleges to work as an intern as per academic requirements.

Self Employed Employment – Your company or your local agent will be your sponsor who will apply directly. If your company is based in a Free Zone, the relevant Free Zone Authority will be your sponsor.

Domestic workers – Butlers, housemaids, nannies and chauffeurs can be hired on work visas

Duration of Visa – Residence visas are issued for a specific period of time and must be renewed every one, two or three years

Please email [email protected] with your enquiry about Visas to UAE or Dubai