Detailed Visa Process for London Expats Moving to Dubai
The process of transferring from London to Dubai includes visa issues. This complete manual covers the visa application procedures that London expatriates need to undergo before moving to Dubai.
1. Determine the Appropriate Visa Type
Types of Visas:
- Employment Visa: For people who are holding a job offer in Dubai.
- Investor Visa: For those investing in business or property in Dubai the following tips may be of importance.
- Family Visa: For the members of the families of residents or citizens.
- Student Visa: The following are for students who are studying in any institution of learning in Dubai.
- Retirement Visa: For retirees with certain economic requirements.
2. Gather Required Documents
Common Documents Needed:
- This includes a valid UK passport with at least six months validity on their expiry date.
- Photographs which have been taken in the last six months and with a white background.
- Employment contract or copy of investment made.
- Medical fitness certificate which has to be obtained from Dubai only.
- Emirates ID application form.
- Certificate of health insurance.
- Sponsor’s No objection certificate (for family visas).
3. Entry Permit Application
Process:
- Employer/Sponsor Responsibility: An entry permit will be applied by your employer or sponsor from the General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs (GDRFA).
- Approval: After getting the entry permit one is free to travel to Dubai with the purpose of applying for a residency visa.
4. Medical Fitness Test
Requirements:
- Go to a government recognized health facility in Dubai.
- Have a screening for STIs including HIV, tuberculosis, and hepatitis.
- It is necessary to get a medical fitness certificate which is compulsory for residency visa.
5. Emirates ID Application
Process:
- Apply for an Emirates ID at an approved typing center or fill an online application through Federal Authority for Identity and Citizenship (ICA).
- Photographs and fingerprints will also be captured at an Emirates ID service center.
6. Residency Visa Stamping
Steps:
- Document Submission: Medical fitness certificate and the application for Emirates ID is both to be submitted to GDRFA.
- Fee Payment: Submit the following charges for visa fees and for stamping.
- Visa Stamping: Your passport will have a stamp of the residency visa which shows that you are a resident of Dubai.
Final Steps:
- ID Processing: Once the visa is stamped the Emirates ID will be prepared and will be handed to you.
- ID Collection: You should collect your Emirates ID from the designated center, which is one of the residents’ identification documents.
Key Considerations
- Health Insurance: It is mandatory for everyone with residency visa to have a health insurance cover hence ensure that you have one.
- Renewal and Cancellation: Know when a visa can be renewed or when it is due for renewal and when a visa can be cancelled for instance when changing jobs or sponsors.
- Legal Compliance: People should ensure that they get to know the immigration laws of UAE in order not to fall foul of the law while in UAE.
As a consequence of the mentioned guidelines, the London expatriate will be in a position to become an integrated member of the Dubai society as well as acquire all the necessary documents and procedures. The best and up to date information is encouraged to access the sites of government and other legal entities and if possible consult with immigration lawyers.