Unified UAE Legislation Database

02 UAE visa types

Status

In force

Issuing Authority

Real Law Team

Effective date

XX.XX.XXXX

Official Link

https://

A brief overview by Real Law 

The overview includes analytical materials from Real Law.

Who is this overview for

The overview will be particularly important for the following categories:

  • potential expatriates,
  • tourists,
  • UAE residents,
  • businesses,
  • lawyers and representatives of the related professions,
  • immigration consultants.

 

Key regulation areas

The UAE immigration law in general governs all types of visa - both long-term visas and short-term visas.

 

Visas regulate the entry, stay, and exit of foreign nationals into a country. This aspect of the immigration law encompasses a broad range of issues, including visa eligibility, visa duration, permitted activities.

 

Regulatory Authorities

Key legislation acts on visa conditions and visa types are issued at the federal level by the UAE Cabinet. 

 

The UAE’s Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs & Port Security (ICP) acts as the main specialized body that deals with visa-related processes at the federal level.

 

At the level of each Emirate, there are also government entities that deal with foreigners affairs. For example, in Dubai the General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs (GD...