Difference Between Employment and Residence Visa in UAE

1. Difference Between EMPLOYMENT AND RESIDENCE VISA EMPLOYMENT AND RESIDENCE VISA IN UAE

2. UAE is the land of opportunities, not just for its nationals, but also for the aspirants around the globe. Be it for starting a business or for the sake of employment, every year thousands and thousands of expats relocate to the Emirates in search of a bright future. The first challenge they are faced with is the application of an appropriate visa that would allow them to stay, work, and live in the nation and achieve their personal and professional goals. That is where it becomes important to understand the differences between various forms of visas available. Most people query about the difference between employment visa and residence visa in UAE. Well, technically, an employment visa is a category under the residence visa. In this blog, we will guide you to understand the basic difference between an employment visa and a residence visa, their meanings, application processes, requirements, and so that you can go for the right visa application without any doubts. Let us clear all confusions

3. MEANING OF RESIDENCE VISA UAE A residence visa in the UAE refers to an official permit that allows foreigners to live in the nation for a specific duration. The duration depends on the type you are obtaining, which can be two, five, or even ten years. The residence visa can even be renewed upon expiry, allowing for continued stay. For anyone who wants to relocate to the UAE, enjoy the luxurious and prosperous life of the nation, study here, work here, or start a business empire here, a residence visa would be the key to the door. Thus, there are many purposes for which a residence visa is obtained.

4. Meaning of EMPLOYMENT VISA UAE A UAE employment visa, which is also referred to as work visa, is an official document that allows foreigners to stay in UAE and work here for a specific time period. Basically, employment visa is a category of residence visa, specifically issued for the purpose of working in UAE For example, you get a job with UAE based company, in that case the visa you get would be the employment visa.

5. Understanding difference between EMPLOYMENT VISA AND RESIDENCE VISA IN UAE Now that we know the basic definitions of the UAE employment and residence visa, lets also discuss the points where they differ from each other. The following is the difference between employment visa and residence visa in UAE: 2. Validity 1. Sponsorship Residence visa: Residence visas may or may not require a local sponsor. Some types, like the family visa, may need a sponsor from a family member, but many of them can be obtained through investment, property ownership, etc., in the nation. Residence visa: Residence visas can have different range of validity. Generally, it is longer termed and can go up to ten years (golden visa). Employment visa: Employment visas have shorter validity which is often fixed to the duration of the employment contract. Employment visa: An employment visa is generally sponsored by the employer who offers the job in the UAE.

6. 3. Purpose 4. Renewal Residence visa: Residence visas offer greater flexibility and are more focused on living in the Emirates for the long term. Residence visa: Residence visas can easily be renewed upon expiry, provided you continue meeting legal requirements. Employment visa: The employment visa is more focused on jobs, employment, and earning. Employment visa: Employment visas can be renewed but is subject to employers’ sponsorship. 5. Employment status 6. Application Residence visa: A residence visa may not be affected by changes in employment status if it is from another category, such as the Golden Visa or Investor Visa. Residence visa: Application process can be handled by the individual himself/herself with help of professional consultants. Employment visa: An employment visa is linked to the employer, and if the employee is terminated, the visa may be cancelled, and the individual may have to leave the country in search of another job. Employment visa: Application is handled completely by the employer.

7. UNDERSTANDING THE ELIGIBILITY Let us understand the eligibility criteria for each of the types. This will further help you understand the difference between employment visa and residence visa in UAE. 1. UAE residence visa eligibility 01 02 03 04 05 Family Student Businesses Golden visa holders Property investor Those who have an offer letter from an educational institution in the UAE can get a student visa. Entrepreneurs looking to start their venture in the UAE may get a business visa. Through a family visa, a UAE residence holder can bring dependents, such as children, parents, and spouse, to the UAE. There is a minimum salary that the sponsor must be earning. This is a special UAE residence visa that offers 10 years of residency. You must have a minimum investment of AED 2 million in UAE property or an authorized fund, or, as a professional, you must earn at least AED 30,000 in monthly . Those who own property worth a minimum of AED 1 million can apply for a residence visa.

8. 06 07 Employment visa Retiree This visa requires proof of financial stability through investments and savings. A minimum age of 55 years is needed. The work visa itself is a type under the broader UAE residence visa. Please note requirements are subject to changes made by government.

9. UAE EMPLOYMENT VISA ELIGIBILITY The employment visa is UAE has certain eligibility rules applicable, which includes: Applicants age must be at least 18 yeas The hiring company must have a valid business license. The applicant should at least hold a bachelor’s degree or a postgraduate diploma in any field or a high school diploma. Applicant’s work must match the nature of hiring company.

10. DIFFERENCES AT A GLANCE DIFFERENCES AT A GLANCE The table below will help you understand the difference between employment visa and residence visa quickly. Have a look: Particular Residence visa Employment visa Sponsorship of employer required. Not needed for certain categories. Sponsorship Validity Can be 2, 5 or 10 years. Up to two years Renewal with employment. Renewable, requirements must be continually met. Renewal Not tied to specific employment (unless its employment visa category) Tied to specific job and employer. Employment restrictions Limited to employment related activities. Flexibility to engage in various activities. Opportunities

11. Difference between RESIDENCE VISA AND EMPLOYMENT VISA COST There are various factors that influence the costs of UAE visa, especially the category you are applying for. Residence visa cost Employment visa cost The cost of UAE residence visa depends on the category and its duration. estimates: UAE family visa cost: AED 3,000* to AED 7,000* The cost of employment visa is entirely handled by the employer. Some cost Standard UAE employment visa cost: AED 200* plus 5% VAT UAE (property investment category) golden visa cost: AED 12,000* Please note that costs are subject to changes. For more details on cost, you can contact our experts at Dubiz Business Setup.

12. PROCESS AND REQUIREMENTS FOR RESIDENCE VISA Now, let us understand the difference between employment visa and residence visa in terms of process and requirements. Steps for obtaining residence visa in UAE 01 02 03 Check eligibility and category Obtain a sponsor, if needed Get the entry permit First, you must check the appropriate visa for your needs. For example, if you are a student, a student visa may be the right choice. Certain categories may require partnering with a local sponsor. For example, a family visa The entry visa allows an individual to enter the borders of the nation for a short duration. During this time, residency visa formalities can be completed. 05 06 04 Emirates ID Visa issuance Medical examination The next step is the application for an identification card, also called the Emirates ID. Finally, residence visa can be made through GDRFA channels. Once approved, the visa will be issued successfully an application for the As part of the visa process, the applicant must pass medical tests that confirm their fitness to stay and work in the UAE.

13. Documents required for RESIDENCE VISA UAE Valid passport Filled visa application form Passport-sized photographs Medical fitness report Bank statements Category-associated documents such as investment proof, qualification documents, university enrolment letter, etc.

14. PROCESS AND REQUIREMENTS FOR EMPLOYMENT VISA Steps for obtaining employment visa in UAE 01 02 03 Employee receives a job offer Employer sponsorship Undergo medical testing Individuals who want to come to the UAE for job purposes must first have a job offer in place. The employer applies for a work permit through MOHRE. He then arranges for an entry visa through which the applicant can enter the UAE A medical assessment is conducted at government-approved institutions to check the applicant’s health fitness. 05 06 04 Labour contract Final stamping Emirates ID A labour contract signed by both the employer and employee is submitted to the MOHRE. Once all steps are completed successfully, the visa is stamped on the applicant’s passport. Application for the Emirates ID is made.

15. Documents required for EMPLOYMENT VISA UAE Filled visa application form Applicant’s valid passport Medical fitness certificate Recent passport photographs Medical insurance coverage Academic and professional certifications as needed MOHRE issued work permit Emirates ID Entry visa Note: There is difference between employment visa and residence visa in terms of documentation requirement. Also, the paperwork may vary based on specific needs. You can talk to our experts one on one for more information

16. BENEFITS OF HOLDING A UAE Here are the benefits of holding a UAE visa, whether residence, employment, or other type: Massive opportunities Legal residency A UAE visa allows you to legally stay in the UAE for the duration of the visa. Once you have a UAE visa in hand, you become open to career and business opportunities in one of the most thriving economies in the world. Access to services Family sponsorship With a visa in hand, you can access UAE’s top-notch banking, healthcare, telecom, and utilities services. With a UAE residence visa, you can sponsor the residence of your loved ones like parents, spouse, and children Quality of life Tax benefits UAE has no personal income tax and very low corporate tax, which means more financial savings for you. You can enjoy world-class facilities, lifestyle, and luxury living in the UAE.

17. Get expert PRO services WITH DUBIZ It becomes important to understand the difference between employment visa and residence visa in UAE for those who are looking to stay, work, and live here. Obtaining the right type of visa in UAE can open doors to opportunities for you! Dubiz Business Setup has been helping countless entrepreneurs in establishing their presence in UAE, along with handling their residence visa requirements. They have experts who handle business licenses, bank accounts, visas, and approvals with utmost care. If you are looking for Dubai business setup or have queries about UAE visa, business licenses, taxation, communicate it to our company formation experts.

18. CONTACT US Phone +971 563695485 Email info@dubiz.co Website dubiz.co Location Office number 2908, Al Manara Tower, Business Bay Dubai.