United Arab Emirates Immigration Services

The United Arab Emirates' (UAE) immigration system is based on a concept of sponsorship; most travel and all work authorization types require a sponsor. The type of sponsor defines the categories of visas that can be applied for. The UAE provides both short- and long-term visa options for prospective foreign visitors; the availability of the permit depends on the sponsor's jurisdiction and the foreign national's desired duration of stay and activities, among other factors.

The UAE is a federation of seven Emirates. Each Emirate follows the federal laws but has a right to constitute their own laws and regulations (Emirate-specific). As a result, various free trade zones (free zones) have been established across the country with the objective of offering 100% foreign ownership, tax exemption and flexible business regulations. Each free zone is designed around one or more business industry categories and offers licenses to companies within those categories. Dubai is leading in this field with over 30 free zones currently operating in the Emirate. 

The main structure of the immigration process, including eligibility and documentary requirements, is the same across all the Emirates and any differences among free zones and mainland (outside of free zones) are a result of internal regulatory procedures of the free zones. 

Companies in mainland are subject to a classification system which groups them into three main categories, depending on the commitment to Emiratisation, cultural diversity and records of violations; the higher the category the greater the incentives offered to the employer by the authorities.

Select nationalities are either visa-exempt or can obtain a visit visa-on-arrival. The maximum allowable stay depends on an individual's citizenship but it is typically up to 14, 30 or 90 days. Extension of stay is permissible for select categories of entries. Certain business activities (including attending meetings and interviews, negotiating and signing deals and contracts, site visits, etc.) are permissible for visa-exempt and visa-on-arrival nationals provided that no hands-on work is performed.

Visit visas for business are generally issued for a single entry and are valid for a stay of 14, 30 or 90 days. Free zones often allow for a single-entry visa to be converted into a multiple-entry permit. Extensions of stay are permitted under select visa categories only. Citizens of countries that are visa-exempt or eligible for a visit visa-on-arrival are not eligible for business visit visas but may obtain some other categories of visit visas, including service visas.

The main work authorization category in all jurisdictions is an Employment Residence Permit (ERP). The Mission Work Permit (MWP) is an option for those who are seeking short-term work authorization outside of free zones (in mainland). The work authorization process in free zones is less cumbersome and more streamlined than the mainland process.

Note that Emirates other than Dubai exercise significant discretion adjudicating various immigration requests, such as female foreign nationals sponsoring dependents, adoption of children, sponsorship of parents, etc.​

Detailed Immigration Snapshots, Document Lists and Process Guides are available to clients on request.