Bureaucracy is hard to escape, but understanding the different types of visas in Abu Dhabi is essential if you are planning a visit, moving for work, studying, or even considering long-term residency.
The best part about living in the UAE will always remain its flexibility, and the capital doesn’t disappoint when it comes to the types of visas in Abu Dhabi as well. Even as recently as last week, the UAE announced 4 new visa categories that included AI specialists as well, making this a great place to live for all.
There is a wide range of entry and residency options tailored to different needs, whether you are a tourist on a short break, a professional seeking opportunities, or an investor looking to build roots in the Emirates.
While the most popular ones are residence visas given by employers, visit visa Abu Dhabi, Golden Visa, and Green Visa, to name a few, there is so much more to consider. Each visa has its own requirements, duration, and benefits, so understanding the distinctions will help you choose the most suitable pathway.
Take a look!
Check out all the different types of visas in Abu Dhabi
Entry Visa
An Entry Visa is the most common way to legally enter the UAE. It acts as an initial permit that allows a foreign national to enter Abu Dhabi before converting it into another visa category. The duration of an entry visa can vary depending on the purpose of your visit, whether for work, tourism, or to join family.
For an entry visa, like all types of visas in Abu Dhabi, applicants would need a passport with at least six months’ validity. You also need someone to sponsor you, be it an employer, a family member, or a recognised institution. The application process is carried out through official portals such as the Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs and Port Security (ICP) or the Abu Dhabi Residents Office (ADRO).
Residence Visa
A Residence Visa is one of the long-term visas in Abu Dhabi, issued to foreign nationals who plan to live in the capital for longer. Usually valid for two years, there are certain categories, like the Golden Visa or Green Visa, for even longer periods.
Similar to the entry visa, a residence visa requires sponsorship as well. However, in some cases, the applicant themselves can apply under special categories like investors or property owners.
To obtain a residence visa, applicants must undergo medical tests, provide biometric data, and secure health insurance. Once approved, the visa allows the holder to access key services in the UAE, including obtaining an Emirates ID, opening a bank account, and enrolling children in schools.
Tourist Visa
If you’re looking for short-term types of visas in Abu Dhabi, this one is a good option. Visitors can apply for single-entry tourist visas valid for 30 or 60 days, or opt for a 5-year multiple-entry visa that allows stays of up to 90 days at a time.
This flexibility makes it ideal for frequent travellers who wish to explore Abu Dhabi’s attractions, from the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque to Louvre Abu Dhabi.
Tourist visas can be arranged through airlines, hotels, or licensed travel agencies, and extensions are possible in many cases. Applicants need a valid passport, confirmed accommodation, and proof of return travel.
Visit Visa
Similar to the tourist visa, a visit visa is also one of the short-term types of visas in Abu Dhabi typically issued to visit for personal reasons or employment purposes. Abu Dhabi generally offers 30-day, 60-day, or 90-day single-entry visit visas. These visas provide a simple and legal way to spend quality time with loved ones or conduct personal matters in the UAE.
Applications can be made online through government portals, and the process is straightforward as long as the sponsor is a UAE resident or citizen. Visit visas are a popular option for families who want to bring relatives over temporarily without committing to longer-term residency.
Business Visa
The Business Visa caters to entrepreneurs and professionals who wish to explore commercial opportunities in Abu Dhabi. It allows foreign nationals to attend meetings, conduct research, or explore investments in the UAE’s thriving economy. A business visa does not require an employment contract, making it more flexible for individuals in the early stages of setting up or exploring ventures.
Transit Visa
For travellers passing through Abu Dhabi on their way to another destination, the Transit Visa provides short-term permission to stay in the UAE. Typically available in 48-hour or 96-hour durations, these types of visas in Abu Dhabi are useful for those wishing to break up their journey with a stopover in the capital.
Transit visas are usually arranged through airlines and are not extendable. Requirements include a valid onward ticket and a confirmed hotel booking if you plan to leave the airport.
Golden Visa
The Golden Visa is one of the most well-known types of visas in Abu Dhabi and the UAE at large. It offers long-term residency of 5 or 10 years. Designed for investors, entrepreneurs, highly skilled professionals, researchers, outstanding students, and other individuals, the Golden Visa aims to attract those who contribute significantly to the UAE’s growth.
One of the key advantages of the Golden Visa is that it does not require a sponsor, and holders can also sponsor their family members, including spouses, children, and domestic staff. Golden Visa holders can also stay outside the UAE for longer periods without their residency being affected.
Golden Visa Requirements
The eligibility criteria for the Golden Visa vary depending on the category:
- Investors: Real estate or business investment meeting set thresholds.
- Entrepreneurs: Founders of successful start-ups or those with innovative business projects.
- Skilled Professionals: Individuals with a monthly salary above AED 30,000, a valid employment contract in the UAE, and relevant qualifications.
- Scientists and Specialists: Recognised for contributions in medicine, engineering, research, and other key fields.
- Outstanding Students: High academic achievers in UAE schools or universities.
Green Visa
The Green Visa is a relatively new category introduced to provide more flexible residency options. It is valid for 5 years and is aimed at skilled employees, freelancers, and the self-employed. Unlike the standard residence visa, the Green Visa allows individuals to sponsor themselves without requiring an employer or family sponsor.
This visa is particularly attractive for freelancers and remote professionals who want to base themselves in Abu Dhabi while working with clients worldwide. Applicants typically need to demonstrate professional qualifications, proof of income, or relevant permits, depending on their category.
Non-Working Visa
A Non-Working Visa is a residency option for individuals who are not employed in the UAE but still wish to reside in Abu Dhabi. This could apply to dependents such as spouses or children sponsored by a resident, or individuals under categories such as retirement or long-term cultural exchange.
While non-working visas do not allow employment, they do provide residency rights and access to essential services. In many cases, holders of non-working visas may later switch and choose from the above-mentioned different types of visas in Abu Dhabi if they take up employment or invest in the country.
Other Visa Categories
In addition to the main visas, there are several other types of visas in Abu Dhabi to consider:
- Retirement Visa: A 5-year visa for individuals aged 55 and over who meet financial criteria.
- Virtual Work Visa / Remote Work Visa: A one-year visa allowing foreign professionals to work remotely for employers outside the UAE.
- Student Visa: Issued to foreign nationals admitted to universities or educational institutions in Abu Dhabi.
- Employment Visa: Sponsored by UAE-based companies for individuals hired to work in Abu Dhabi, usually valid for two years.
Whether you are travelling for leisure, joining family, pursuing business, or planning to settle down, the Emirate has structured its system such that you can choose from different types of visas in Abu Dhabi to suit your needs.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about the different types of visas in Abu Dhabi
How and where does one apply for any visa?
Most types of visas in Abu Dhabi can be applied for through the Official Portal of the UAE Government or directly via the Abu Dhabi Residents Office (ADRO). Some visas, such as transit and tourist visas, can also be arranged through airlines or licensed travel agencies. Applicants should ensure they use official channels to avoid fraudulent services.
What are some general documents required to apply for visas in Abu Dhabi?
- A valid passport with at least six months’ validity
- Recent photographs
- Proof of purpose (such as employment contracts, business documents, or acceptance letters from universities)
- Health insurance
- Payment of visa fees
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