Category · Q&A index
Visas & Immigration
Golden Visa, residence visa, employment visa, sponsorship.
3YEARS
Golden Visa validity period for investors
30DAYS
Notice period to cancel residence visa
AED 870
Visa processing fee for family sponsorship
2YEARS
Standard employment visa validity term
Start here
01
I need to obtain or renew a UAE residence visa
Learn about residence visa types, eligibility requirements, application processes, costs, and renewal procedures for different visa categories including employment, sponsorship, and family visas.
4 questions
02
I want to sponsor my family members to live in the UAE
Understand sponsorship eligibility criteria, requirements for sponsoring parents, spouses, and dependents, associated costs, and the documentation needed for family visa applications.
03
I'm leaving the UAE and need to cancel my visa
Find out how to cancel your residence visa, obtain cancellation papers, process exit procedures, and understand overstay penalties and related administrative requirements.
19 answered questions
0 lawyer-reviewed
I need to obtain or renew a UAE residence visa
- Provisional
Where Is Amer Center in Sharjah?
There is no Amer Center in Sharjah. Amer is a Dubai service only. For Sharjah visa matters, use ICP through Tas'heel centers or the ICP smart app instead.
- Provisional
How to Track Your Emirates ID Card Application
Track your Emirates ID using the ICP website (icp.gov.ae) or UAEICP app with your PRAN. Processing takes 5-10 working days for new residents, 24-48 hours for urgent service at AED 150.
- Provisional
How to Apply for and Renew a UAE Passport?
UAE passports are issued to citizens only through ICP or GDRFA. Adult passports cost AED 300, valid 5 years, processed in 2–5 working days. Visa-free access to 180+ destinations.
- Provisional
How Do UAE Free Zone Visas Work — Types, Cost, and How to Apply?
Freezone Visa in the UAE: What You Actually Get If you're setting up a company in a UAE free zone, the freezone visa is usually bundled into the package — but most people don't understand what they're actually buying. Here's the straight version. Quick Answer A freezone vi
Other questions
- Provisional
Can I Sponsor My Parents on a UAE Residence Visa?
Yes, you can sponsor both parents if you earn AED 20,000+ monthly, provide suitable accommodation, and arrange mandatory health insurance at your cost.
- Provisional
How Do I Cancel My UAE Residence Visa?
Cancel a UAE residence visa through your employer or sponsor via ICP or GDRFA. You have 30 days to leave, transfer, or change status after cancellation.
- Provisional
Who Qualifies for UAE Golden Visa in 2025?
Qualify for UAE Golden Visa via 7 routes: AED 2M property/investment, specialised talent, top students, or humanitarian pioneers. 5 or 10-year permit.
- Provisional
How Much Does a Family Visa Cost in Dubai?
Family visa costs AED 4,500–7,000 per member in Dubai 2025. Includes entry permit, status change, medical, Emirates ID, and stamping. Parent visas cost more due to mandatory deposits and insurance.
- Provisional
General Directorate of Foreign Affairs Dubai: What It Does
GDFA Dubai attests foreign documents for UAE use, coordinates diplomatic missions, and handles protocol. Most residents use it for document attestation; visas and passports are handled elsewhere.
- Provisional
GDRFA Dubai: Visas, Residency and Overstay Fines
GDRFA-Dubai handles UAE visas, residency permits, golden visas, overstay fines, and entry bans. Overstay fine is AED 50/day. Standard employment residence is 2 years.
- Provisional
How to Get a Residence Visa in Sharjah?
Immigration in Sharjah is handled by GDRFA Sharjah, not Dubai or ICP. Residence visas take 5–10 working days; fees range AED 1,100–3,500 for 2-year visas.
- Provisional
UAE Visit Visa for Saudi Residents: What You Need to Know
If you're living in Saudi Arabia on an iqama and planning a trip to Dubai, Abu Dhabi, or anywhere else in the Emirates, the good news is you've got a faster route than most. The UAE visit visa for Saudi residents is a st
- Provisional
UAE Visit Visa: What Type Do You Need?
UAE visit visas range from 30–90 days free on arrival for 80+ nationalities, or AED 200–1,150 via advance application. Choose single or multiple entry based on travel plans.
- Provisional
UAE Visa for Oman Residents: What Do You Need?
UAE Visa for Oman Residents: What You Actually Need If you're an Oman resident planning a trip to Dubai or Abu Dhabi, the rules depend heavily on your nationality, not just your Omani residency. Most clients get this wrong on the first try. Quick answer GCC nationals livin
- Provisional
How to Get a Freelance Permit in Dubai?
Get a freelance permit from Dubai free zones like GoFreelance or twofour54 (AED 7,500–22,500/year with visa). Most freelancers skip mainland routes. Already have a UAE visa? Permit-only costs less.
- Provisional
How to Get an Entry Visa for UAE?
Get a UAE entry visa by applying through an airline, hotel, or ICP app. Processing takes 48 hours. Fees range from free (transit) to AED 1,850 (multi-entry).
- Provisional
What Is an India MBC in Dubai and How to Get It?
India MBC Dubai means the Marital Status (Bachelorhood) Certificate from the Indian Consulate in Dubai — needed for marriage abroad or some visas.
- Provisional
How Does a UAE Work Visa Actually Work?
A UAE work visa is two documents: a work permit from MOHRE and a residence visa from ICP/GDRFA. Processing takes 3-6 weeks if paperwork is clean. Your employer pays all fees legally.
- Provisional
Cancellation Paper UAE: What It Is and Why You Need It
If you're leaving a UAE job, your old employer has to officially close your work permit and residency file. The document that proves they did is the cancellation paper — and without it, your next employer (or your exit plan