New requirements to apply for a residence visa in UAE

To apply for a residence visa, one must meet certain eligibility criteria and requirements. Under UAE rules, a residency visa can only be renewed if the passport is valid for at least six months. If the passport expires before 6 months, it is mandatory to renew your passport before applying for visa renewal.

Foreigners wishing to live and work in the United Arab Emirates for a long period of time require a UAE residence visa. This resident visa offers many benefits to the holder such as allowing the holder to open a bank account, obtain loans, obtain a driver's license, or access government health services.

The applicant for a resident visa should contact the General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs, Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs & Port Security, for residents of Abu Dhabi, Sharjah, Umm Al Quwain, Ajman, and Fujairah.

For further inquiries, the applicant may contact the General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs ('GDRFA') - Dubai, if you are a resident of Dubai or GDRFA - Ras al Khaimah if you are a resident of Ras al Khaimah or Federal Authority.