UAE Visas That Do Not Require A Sponsor : 2023 Updated:

Can You get a UAE Visa without sponsor?

Are you looking for visa options to work and live in the UAE without the need for a sponsor? The good news is that there are several options available that allow you to live and work in the UAE visa without sponsor. With the new amendments introduced for new visa categories from October 3, 2022, You can now apply for a UAE visa without sponsor establishment , individual, airline or hotel . The new amendments covered Golden Visa, Green Visa, a special visa for job seekers and residency permits for humanitarian cases. These visas cater to different needs and professions, from skilled employees and entrepreneurs to remote workers and students to boost the competitiveness and flexibility of the job market and foster a high sense of stability among UAE residents and families.

7 UAE visas that do not require a sponsor, along with their eligibility requirements and benefits.

1. Golden Visa
2. Residence visa
3. Green Visa
4. Five Year Multiple entry tourist visa
5. Visit visa to visit relatives and friends
6. Job Seeker Visa
7. Visit visa to explore business opportunities

1. Golden Visa

The Golden Visa is a long-term residency option that allows expats to live, work, and study in the UAE on a 10-year visa without a sponsor. Individuals who are eligible for the Golden Visa include frontline heroes (doctors and nurses), outstanding high school students and college graduates, investors, entrepreneurs, scientists, and humanitarian workers. The Golden Visa allows the visa holder to sponsor family members including spouse, children, and support staff without any limit, and there is no restriction on the maximum duration of stay outside the UAE to keep the visa valid.

The Golden Residence is a 10-year residence visa which is granted to the following categories:

• Investors
– Public investment
– Real estate investment

• Entrepreneurs
– Owner of a registered successful startup
– Approved idea of a startup
– Previous founder of a successful startup that was sold inside or outside the UAE

• Exceptional Talents

– Culture & Art
– Digital Technology
– Inventors & Innovators
– Sports
– Other Vital Fields

• Scientists & Professionals
– Scientists
– Chief Executives and Senior Officials
– Science Professionals
– Engineering Professionals
– Scientists & Professionals
– Health Professionals
– Education Professionals
– Business and Administration Professionals
– Information Technology Professionals
– Legal, Social and Cultural Professional

• Outstanding Students & Graduates
– Best performing students in secondary schools
– Best graduates from UAE universities
– Graduates of the best 100 universities worldwide

• Humanitarian Pioneers
– Distinguished members of international and regional organisations
– Outstanding members of associations of public benefit
– Recipients of recognition awards in humanitarian fields
– Distinguished volunteers and sponsors of humanitarian efforts

• Frontline Heroes
– Frontline workers with extraordinary efforts in crisis like Covid-19 Pandemic

2. Residence visa

 The following residence visa categories do not need a local sponsor:

–Remote work residence (one year visa)

The Virtual Work Visa is a one-year visa that allows foreigners employed outside the UAE to live and work in the country under self-sponsorship. To be eligible for the Virtual Work Visa, applicants must prove that they work remotely for an organisation outside the UAE and earn a monthly income of at least US$3,500 (AED 12,853) or its equivalent in a different currency. The Virtual Work Visa is available for individuals who plan to work remotely from Abu Dhabi, Sharjah, Ajman, Umm Al Quwain, Ras Al Khaimah, or Fujairah and must be applied for through ICP.

–Retirement residence (five year visa)

The Retirement Residence Visa is a long-term visa designed for retirees who wish to spend their golden years in the UAE. The visa is valid for a period of five years and can be renewed upon expiry. It allows retirees to live in the UAE without the need for a sponsor, as long as they meet the eligibility criteria.

To be eligible for the Retirement Residence Visa, retirees must meet certain requirements, including being 55 years or older, having a monthly income of at least AED 20,000 (or its equivalent in foreign currency), having proof of investment in a property worth at least AED 2 million, or having a combination of these criteria.

Retirees who obtain the Retirement Residence Visa can enjoy several benefits, such as being able to sponsor their spouse, children and domestic workers, as well as having the freedom to work part-time without the need for a work permit. Additionally, they can access healthcare services and educational institutions, just like any other resident of the UAE.

It’s important to note that retirees with the Retirement Residence Visa cannot work full-time in the UAE and are not entitled to any government benefits or pensions. However, they can continue to receive their retirement income from their home country while living in the UAE.

– Real Estate Owners’ Residence (Two years)

The Real Estate Owners’ Residence is a type of visa that allows property owners in the UAE to stay in the country for a period of two years. This visa does not require a sponsor, and instead, is issued to individuals who have invested in real estate in the UAE. To be eligible for this visa, the property owner must have purchased a property in the UAE with a minimum value of AED 1 million (approximately $270,000 USD), and the property must be in a habitable condition.

Once the Real Estate Owners’ Residence visa is issued, the property owner can stay in the UAE for a period of two years, and can also sponsor their immediate family members to join them. Additionally, the visa allows the property owner to enter and exit the UAE as many times as they wish during the two-year period.

It is important to note that this type of visa does not provide the property owner with the right to work in the UAE, and they must obtain a separate work permit if they wish to work in the country. However, the visa does allow the property owner to open a bank account in the UAE, obtain a driver’s license, and access various other services and benefits.

3. Green Visa

The five-year Green Visa for is available for the following categories:

1. Freelancers
2. Skilled employees
3. Investors and partners

Applicants under all these categories can get the visa on self-sponsorship.

To be eligible for the Green Visa, skilled employees must have a valid UAE employment contract, hold a Bachelor’s degree or equivalent, earn a salary of at least AED 15,000 per month, and be classified in the first, second, or third occupational level as per the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation (MOHRE). Freelancers must have a valid UAE residence and hold a degree or diploma from a recognised academic institution, while investors must have an investment in a property worth at least AED 2 million, or have a deposit in a UAE bank of at least AED 1 million.

4. Five-year multiple entry tourist visa

You can get a five-year tourist visa to the UAE without the need for a sponsor, either. However, you do need to provide a copy of a health insurance valid in the UAE during your stay as well as a copy of your bank statement, with a balance of at least $4,000 (Dh14,692) or its equivalent in foreign currencies in the last six months.

5. Visit visa to visit relatives or friends

As per the announcement made by the UAE Cabinet on the new visas that have come into effect this month, people can apply for several visit visa categories, without need a sponsor. This includes the visit visa to visit relatives and friends.

A visit visa to visit relatives or friends in the UAE is a temporary permit that allows non-UAE residents to enter the country for a short period of time for the purpose of visiting family or friends who are living in the UAE. This visa can be obtained by submitting an application to the UAE embassy or consulate in the applicant’s home country or through a sponsor in the UAE, such as a relative or a friend who is a resident or a hotel.

The duration of this visa varies depending on the applicant’s nationality and the purpose of the visit. Some nationalities are eligible for visa-free entry or visa on arrival, while others require pre-approval before entering the UAE.

It is important to note that visit visas do not permit the holder to work or engage in business activities in the UAE, and the visa holder must leave the country before the expiry date of the visa.

6. Jobseeker visa

The visit visa to explore job opportunities also does not require a local sponsor.

The job seeker visa is a temporary visa that allows individuals to come to the UAE to look for job opportunities. It is issued for a period of six months, during which time the individual can search for a job and attend interviews with potential employers. If the individual is successful in securing a job offer, the visa can be converted into a work visa without the need to leave the country.

To be eligible for a job seeker visa, the individual must meet certain criteria, such as having a minimum level of education and relevant work experience. The application for the visa must also be supported by a sponsor, which can be either an employer or a recruitment agency in the UAE.

The job seeker visa is a good option for individuals who are looking to explore job opportunities in the UAE before committing to a full-time job. It allows them to get a feel for the job market, network with potential employers, and make informed decisions about their career path. It also gives employers the chance to assess the candidate’s skills and suitability for the job before offering them a permanent position.

7. Visit visa to explore business opportunities

Another category of a visit visa that does not require a UAE-based company or individual as a sponsor is the visit visa to explore business opportunities.

Looking to work in the UAE without a sponsor? Consider these three types of visas:

If you are looking to work in the UAE without a sponsor, there are three types of self-sponsorship residency visas available. These options are ideal for those seeking long-term residency in the country or those looking to relocate for remote work. The three visas are the Green Visa, Golden Visa, and Virtual Work Visa. Each visa has its own requirements and benefits, which we will explain in more detail below.

Three Visa Options for Working in the UAE Without a Sponsor

The United Arab Emirates (UAE) has been a hub for businesses and job opportunities for many years, attracting people from all over the world. Traditionally, expats working in the UAE would require a sponsor, either an employer or a family member, to apply for a residency visa. However, the UAE government has recently introduced new visa options that allow individuals to work and reside in the country without the need for a sponsor. In this article, we will discuss three types of visas that can be obtained without a sponsor, opening up opportunities for skilled professionals, entrepreneurs, and remote workers.

1. Green Visa:

The Green Visa is a popular option for skilled employees, freelancers, and investors, offering a five-year residence permit without the need for a sponsor. To be eligible for the Green Visa, applicants must have a valid UAE employment contract, a bachelor’s degree or equivalent, a salary of not less than Dh15,000 per month, and be classified in the first, second or third occupational level as per the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation.

For Skilled Employees:

• Skilled employees, freelancers, and investors can apply for the Green Visa
• Skilled employees must meet four conditions, including having a valid UAE employment contract, holding a Bachelor’s degree or equivalent, and earning a salary of not less than Dh15,000 per month
• Green Visa holders can sponsor first-degree relatives and have a six-month grace period to exit the UAE after the visa’s cancellation and expiry

For Freelancers:

• Freelancers must have a freelancer permit from MOHRE, proof of a Bachelor’s degree or specialized diploma, and proof of income of minimum Dh360,000 or equivalent in other currency for the last two years.

2. Golden Visa:

Golden Visa, which allows expats to live, work and study in the UAE for 10 years without a sponsor. This visa is available to individuals such as frontline heroes, outstanding high school students and college graduates, investors, entrepreneurs, scientists, and humanitarian workers. The Golden Visa offers several benefits, including the ability to sponsor family members without any limit, no restriction on the maximum duration of stay outside the UAE, and a six-month e-visa for applicants.

• Eligible individuals include frontline heroes (doctors and nurses), outstanding high school students and college graduates, investors, entrepreneurs, scientists, and humanitarian workers.
• Benefits of the Golden Visa include the ability to sponsor family members, no restriction on the maximum duration of stay outside the UAE, and a six-month e-visa provided to applicants.
• Family members are also allowed to stay in the UAE in the event of the original holder’s death until the end of their permit’s duration.

3. Virtual Work Residence Visa:

Foreigners who are employed outside the UAE have the option to live and work in the country on a virtual work visa. This self-sponsorship visa is valid for one year and allows the visa holder to enter the UAE and work remotely for an organization outside the country, as per the terms and conditions specified on the visa. The visa must be applied for through the Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs and Ports Security (ICP) if the individual plans to work remotely from Abu Dhabi, Sharjah, Ajman, Umm Al Quwain, Ras Al Khaimah, or Fujairah. To be eligible for this visa, the applicant must prove that they work remotely for an organization outside the UAE and have a monthly income of at least US$3,500 or its equivalent in a different currency.

Dubai’s Remote work Programme:

To apply for Dubai’s remote work visa, you need to apply through GDRFA Dubai. The visa is valid for one year and requires applicants to meet certain criteria. For employed individuals, they must provide proof of employment from their current employer with a one-year contract validity, a minimum salary of US$3,500 (Dh12,853) per month, last month’s payslip, and three preceding months’ bank statements. Business owners, on the other hand, must provide proof of ownership of the company for one year or more, subject to extension, with an average monthly income of US$3,500 per month (Dh12,853) or its equivalent in foreign currencies and three preceding months’ bank statements. Additionally, applicants must have a passport with a minimum of six months validity and valid health insurance covering their residency in the UAE.

Where to apply for a UAE Residence Visa?

The United Arab Emirates has two authorities responsible for issuing visas. The General Directorate of Foreign Affairs (GDRFA) issues entry permits and visas for Dubai, while the Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs and Ports Security (ICP) issues visas for the emirates of Abu Dhabi, Sharjah, Ajman, Ras Al Khaimah, Fujairah, and Umm Al Quwain.

In conclusion, these visa options provide great opportunities for individuals who wish to work and live in the UAE without the need for sponsorship. However, it is important to note that each visa has its own eligibility requirements and conditions that must be met. Therefore, it is recommended to research and understand each visa option thoroughly before applying.

Frequently Asked Questions FAQs on work in the UAE without a sponsor: