The UAE, or United Arab Emirates, is a peaceful federation of seven emirates situated in the Arabian Peninsula. Abu Dhabi, being the largest and its capital, the other emirates include Ras Al Khaimah, Umm Al Quwain, Dubai, Sharjah, Fujairah, and Ajman. Featuring a population of over nine million, the UAE is a relatively young country that was founded in the 1970s.
Over the last few decades, the UAE has developed rapidly into a prosperous and modern nation – courtesy of its vast and exquisite oil and gas reserves – which account for more than 60 per cent of its exports. However, the country’s government is also diversifying its investments into other industries, such as financial services, tourism, and manufacturing. As of today, the UAE’s economy is the fourth-largest among the Middle Eastern countries, trailing countries such as Israel, Saudi Arabia, and Turkey. In addition to that, the construction industry within the country is also booming at a rapid pace, with an estimated value surpassing $350 billion.
If you are a foreigner and are looking to enter the UAE – whether for work, education, or tourism – then obtaining a visa is highly required. And if you have already applied for a visa or want to check the status of your current one, then our step-by-step guide can help you complete your objective.
How to Check Status of UAE Visa Online
Whether you want to check the status of your newly submitted UAE visa application or need to check the status or validity of an already-issued one, be sure to follow the below-mentioned steps for a seamless experience.
- Start your journey by visiting the official website, as per your preferences. If you have applied for or obtained a visa to Abu Dhabi, Umm Al Quwain, Sharjah, Ajman, Fujairah, and Ras Al Khaimah, then you can check the status of your visa application here or visa validity here. Alternatively, if you have applied for or obtained a visa to Dubai, then visit here (to check the status of your visa application or your issued visa validity).
- When checking the status of your visa application, ensure that you have to provide your reference number, while for checking the validity of your issued visa, you need to provide your passport information (such as your passport number, passport expiration date, and nationality).
- Once you have entered all the required information, proceed to hit “Search”.
- If the information provided is genuine, your visa application or validity status will be shown automatically on your screen.
How to Contact For Help?
For UAE visas issued by Abu Dhabi, Umm Al Quwain, Sharjah, Ajman, Fujairah, and Ras Al Khaimah, you will need to contact the respective authorities at 600522222. Phone lines are open 24×7 and the number is toll-free. Additionally, you can also contact them via their online “Contact Us” web form here.
On the other hand, for UAE visas issued by Dubai, you need to contact the relevant authorities via the toll-free number at 800 5111 (when living in the UAE) or +9714-313-9999 (when living outside the UAE).
Overview of Visas
The UAE offers two primary types of visas – visit visas and residence visas. Visit visas can be multi-entry or one-entry, which allows the applicant to visit the country for a specific reason. It is known as an “Entry Permit” and can be used for tourism purposes, visiting a relative or a friend, exploring job or business opportunities, etc. Likewise, residence visas are required if an applicant wants to work, study, or do business in the UAE.
Visit visas can be segregated into the below-mentioned types.
Jobseeker Visit Visa: Ideal for applicants who are in search of new job opportunities without requiring a sponsor or host within the country. Jobseeker visit visas have a validity of 60/90/120 days.
Visit Visa For Investment Opportunities: If you are looking to explore investment opportunities in the UAE, then obtaining such a visa is a worthwhile effort. Keep in mind that the validity of this visa can be 60/90/120 days.
Patient Visa (With Companion): Under the sponsorship of a medical establishment where the applicant would be obtaining his or her treatment, a patient visa can be obtained. A visa extension will only be provided upon the presentation of a duly certified medical report stating that the patient needs to stay (including his or her companion) to continue the treatment.
Visa For GCC Residents: GCC (Gulf Cooperation Council) residents include citizens from one of the following countries: Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, the Kingdom of Bahrain, the Sultanate of Oman, the State of Qatar, and the State of Kuwait. The visa will be valid for 30 days and will only be extended once for another 30 days.
Tourist Visa: Visitors who are not eligible for visa-on-arrival or visa-free entry into the UAE will be granted a tourist visa. Tourist visas can be applied for via travel agents, airlines, and hotels.
Transit Visa: Transit visas in the UAE can be of two types: 48 hours, which is free, and 96 hours, which costs AED 50. These visas are usually sponsored by UAE-based airlines and should be processed before entering the UAE.
On the other hand, residence visas are of the following types.
Golden Visa: Otherwise known as the “long-term residence visa,” the golden visa enables foreigners to work, live, and study in the UAE with exclusive advantages. Eligible for scientists, investors, entrepreneurs, outstanding students and graduates, front-line heroes, and humanitarian pioneers.
Working Residence Visa: Working residence visas can be of three types: standard work visas, which are issued for employees working in the private and government sectors; green visas for skilled employees carrying validity for five years; and domestic worker visas for domestic helpers.
Retired Residence Visa: Retired residents who are aged 55 years or older can apply for a long-term visa of five years.
Business Residence Visa: Also known as “Green Visa,” it is provided to investors participating in or establishing commercial activities in the UAE.
Study Residence Visa: Created for students staying in the UAE for educational purposes – under the sponsorship of his or her parents and the accredited college or university where he or she is studying.
Family Residence Visa: Employees and employers having valid UAE residence visas can sponsor residence visas for their family members.
