Visa Requirements for Canadian Expats in Dubai
Dubai, as part of the United Arab Emirates (UAE), offers various visa options for Canadian nationals seeking to live and work in the city. Here is a detailed guide on the visa requirements and processes for Canadian expats.
Types of Visas
Employment Visa:
- Eligibility: Issued to Canadians who have secured employment with a company based in Dubai. The employer sponsors this visa.
- Requirements:
- Valid Canadian passport with at least six months validity.
- A confirmed job offer from a Dubai-based employer.
- Educational certificates and professional qualifications attested by relevant authorities.
- Medical fitness test results.
- Process: The employer applies for the visa on behalf of the employee. Once the initial approval is granted, the expat can enter Dubai and complete the formalities, including a medical test and obtaining an Emirates ID.
Investor Visa:
- Eligibility: For Canadians investing in a business or property in Dubai.
- Requirements:
- Proof of investment in a Dubai-based business or real estate.
- Valid Canadian passport.
- Good conduct certificate.
- Process: The investor must show proof of investment and meet the capital requirements. The application is processed through the Dubai Department of Economic Development (DED) or relevant free zone authorities.
Family Visa:
- Eligibility: For family members of Canadians working or investing in Dubai.
- Requirements:
- Valid passport and residency visa of the sponsor.
- Proof of relationship (marriage certificate for spouse, birth certificates for children).
- Proof of sufficient income to support dependents.
- Process: The sponsor (employee or investor) applies for family visas through the General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs (GDRFA).
Student Visa:
- Eligibility: For Canadians enrolled in educational institutions in Dubai.
- Requirements:
- Valid passport.
- Confirmation of enrollment from a recognized Dubai educational institution.
- Proof of financial means to cover tuition and living expenses.
- Process: The educational institution usually assists with the visa application process.
Tourist Visa:
- Eligibility: Short-term visa for Canadians visiting Dubai for tourism.
- Requirements:
- Valid passport.
- Proof of return or onward travel.
- Sufficient funds for the duration of stay.
- Process: Canadians can apply for a tourist visa online or through their airline, travel agent, or Dubai-based hotel. Some short-term visits might be visa-free under specific conditions.
Key Considerations
- Medical Tests: Employment and residency visas do include medical examination which includes test for communicable diseases.
- Emirates ID: Every person is required to get an Emirates ID as it is used for several administrative purposes and activities.
- Visa Validity: Employment and investor visas are usually granted for two to three years and can be renewed provided the conditions are met.
- Residency Visa Renewal: Some documents are to be resubmitted and a new medical examination has to be undertaken.