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Time Out Dubai
16-05-2025
- Business
- Time Out Dubai
6 UAE visas you don't need a boss for
If you're looking to land a long-term UAE visa and don't want to chase a boss for sponsorship, then these might take your fancy. When long-term residency visas such as the golden visa were first launched in the UAE, they were largely aimed towards those who work in key industries. But in the past few years, the process has become a lot more open, and it's possible to be eligible without the need for a traditional nine-to-five. Gamers, influencers, volunteers and more are now able to get their hands on long-term residency permits. Blue visa The 10-year blue visa has officially been launched (Credit: Canva) Officially launched in 2025, the blue visa will grant 10-year residency to people who have made extraordinary contributions to protecting the environment. Candidates for the blue visa will need to be experts in a range of fields including environmental sciences, marine biology and climate action. While many of the criteria for the blue visa include professional achievements in the environmental field, global award winners and activists are entitled to apply for the long-term UAE visa. For more information on the blue visa head here, and to apply for the blue residency, check out the Federal Authority For Identity, Citizenship, Customs and Port Security site. Dubai influencer visa (Credit: Canva) Social media influencers, photographers, writers or any other type of content creator are all able to apply for a golden visa. The creators' visa is eligible for people with a proven track record of impactful content, content creation award winners, show potential for creating value by contributing to the UAE's creative community and those who can demonstrate consistent growth and engagement. A Creators HQ, which will act as your sponsor, was established in 2025 and aims to grant long-term visas to up to 10,000 content creators. Humanitarian volunteers ITP Media Group partners with Dubai Cares for long-term support in the region. Credit: Dubai Cares First announced on World Humanitarian Day in 2021, this visa applies to humanitarian volunteers as well as those who work in a humanitarian organisation. Relevant criteria for volunteers include anyone who has carried out at least 500 hours of service, a minister has nominated them as a humanitarian pioneer and those who have won an award of appreciation from a local or international organisation specialising in humanitarian work. Outstanding students and graduates Students and graduates could qualify for a long-term UAE visa (Credit: Canva) Top students and high achievers in the UAE's secondary school system, top UAE university graduates and high achievers from the best 100 universities worldwide are all able to apply for long-term residence. University students with a grade point average of no less than 3.5 are eligible to apply for the golden visa, while high school students who have obtained an average rate of at least 95 percent in their certificate are also eligible. The families of these students will also be included in the golden visa. UAE gaming visa The Dubai gaming visa aims to grow the industry in the emirate (Credit: Adobe Express) The Dubai government has set up a special website dedicated to the Dubai Program For Gaming 2033, which will focus on bringing talent, content and tech for the industry to the emirate. Dubai aims to increase its Gross Domestic Product by Dhs3.6 billion ($1 billion) by 2033 from gaming alone and create 30,000 jobs in the industry. Aimed towards those who make video games, including smaller indie games, the visa form states it is looking for animators, educators, designers, developers, producers and publishers. UAE investor visa Property investors can qualify for the golden visa if the property's value is Dhs2 million or more, regardless of whether it's off-plan, completed or mortgaged. There is no minimum down payment requirement for the visa application to go through. You could also be entitled to a golden visa if you have made significant public investments including a deposit of no less than Dhs2 million in a company's capital, if you're a partner in a company's capital with no less than Dhs2 million or if you have a letter from the Federal Tax Authority stating that you either pay the government Dhs250,000 annually or that you're a partner in an establishment that pays Dhs250,000 in tax annually. Essential guides to living in Dubai How to live in Dubai without working You need a self-sponsored visa The best restaurants in Dubai More than 50 tried and tested venues Dubai happy hours: Best bar deals, offers and discounts Cheap drinks every night of the week? You've come to the right place
Filipino Times
08-03-2025
- Business
- Filipino Times
Can you sponsor your parents in the UAE? Learn the process!
For many OFWs, being away from family is one of the toughest parts of working abroad. But did you know that, with the right steps, you can bring your parents to the UAE for a visit? Here's what you need to know about sponsoring your parents and having them by your side for a year. Can you sponsor just one parent? Sadly, no. In the UAE, you can't sponsor only one of your parents unless special circumstances apply. For example, if one of your parents has passed away or if your parents are divorced, you'll need to provide official documents to justify sponsoring just one. In most cases, though, you'll need to sponsor both parents together. So, get ready to make sure everything is in order! What do you need? You'll need to show authorities that you're their sole provider back home. This means proving that you're the one supporting them financially, and there's no one else who can take care of them. Next, you need to have a minimum salary of AED 4,000 or AED 3,000 plus accommodation. However, there are other fees you need to pay, such as a deposit as a guarantee for each parent, so make sure your finances are in check. Lastly, don't forget medical insurance! Your parents will need health insurance, and it has to meet the minimum coverage required by the UAE. This insurance needs to be renewed yearly, so keep that in mind. The deposit and paperwork As mentioned earlier, when sponsoring your parents, you'll also need to pay a deposit for each parent as a guarantee. This deposit can vary, but it's a necessary part of the process. Plus, expect to provide official documents that prove your relationship and your support for your parents. Residency and visa renewal Your sponsored family member's visa is tied to your visa status. When the expiration date is near, make sure you start the renewing process early to avoid penalties or fines for overstaying. Residency and visa rules in the UAE change a lot. Make sure you're updated with the General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs Dubai (GDRFA) and the Federal Authority For Identity, Citizenship, Customs & Port Security (ICP), which are the main authorities handling visa matters in the UAE. Why it's worth it Having your parents with you, even just for a year, is priceless. Imagine sharing meals, talking about family, and having them around, all while you're working hard abroad. It's a way to bridge the distance and show them how much you care. Ready to bring your parents over? Make sure you meet all the requirements, and soon enough, you'll have them with you in the UAE.
Khaleej Times
31-01-2025
- Business
- Khaleej Times
UAE residence visa: ICP to temporarily close Khor Fakkan office from February 3
The Residency and Foreigners Affairs Department building in Khor Fakkan in Sharjah will be temporarily closed for four months, starting Monday, February 3, the Federal Authority For Identity, Citizenship, Customs & Port Security (ICP) announced on Friday. The authority announced the closure on social media platform X. During this period, customers can visit the authority's nearby centres to complete their transactions, such as Dibba Al Fujairah Customer Happiness Centre, Fujairah Customer Happiness Centre, and Kalba Customer Happiness Centre. Stay up to date with the latest news. Follow KT on WhatsApp Channels. Authorities encouraged residents to use these alternative locations to ensure smooth processing of their services. The ICP provides a range of services, such as visa issuance, providing entry permits to tourist and residence visas for expats. The authority also issues Emirates ID, which serves as the national identity card for UAE residents. These are among the many services provided by the ICP that ensure a smooth and efficient process for individuals living in or visiting the UAE.
