5 unsponsored visit visas you can get in the UAE

Dubai: The UAE offers several visa options for travellers, residents’ families, and professionals. While many visitors enter visa-free - citizens of more than 80 countries can enter the UAE without applying for a visa in advance, others may need a visit visa sponsored by a UAE resident, travel agency, hotel, or airline.

However, some visitors may prefer unsponsored visas. These visas allow you to enter the UAE without needing a guarantor or local sponsor, making them ideal for frequent travellers and anyone exploring long-term opportunities.

1. Five-year multiple-entry tourist visa

Dubai’s five-year multiple-entry tourist visa is designed for travellers who visit often. It allows multiple entries within a calendar year and stays of up to 180 days annually.

How it works

You can apply through Dubai’s immigration authority. When submitting the application, you must select a stay duration of 30, 60, or 90 days per visit. Each visit can be extended, provided you do not exceed 180 days in total per year.

Eligibility requirements

According to Dubai authorities, applicants must provide:

• A passport valid for at least six months.

• A confirmed return or onward ticket.

• Health insurance valid in the UAE.

• Proof of a bank balance of US$4,000 (or equivalent) maintained during the six months before applying.

• Maximum stay of 90 consecutive days, extendable once, without crossing the annual 180-day limit.

This visa suits frequent visitors, remote workers who travel regularly, and families who make repeated trips throughout the year.

2. Visa on arrival for eligible Indian passport holders

Indian citizens may also enter the UAE without advance arrangements through the visa-on-arrival facility, provided they meet specific conditions.

Who qualifies?

Indian nationals with an ordinary passport and a valid visa, residence permit, or Green Card from any of the following countries can get a visa on arrival:

• United States

• United Kingdom

• European Union member states

• Singapore

• Japan

• South Korea

• Australia

• New Zealand

• Canada

Your passport must be valid for at least six months from your arrival date.

Visa options and fees

Travellers can choose between:

• A 14-day stay, or

• A 60-day stay

The fee is approximately Dh250. Payment is made at the airport or other entry points, and extensions must be processed before the visa expires.

3. Jobseeker visa for professionals and graduates

If you want to explore career opportunities in the UAE before securing a job, you can apply for the unsponsored Jobseeker Visa. This is one of the UAE’s newest visa types and is designed to support professionals relocating for work.

Visa duration

You can stay in the UAE for 60, 90, or 120 days, giving you time to attend interviews and network with employers - all without needing a UAE sponsor.

Who is eligible?

Applicants must meet one of the following criteria:

• Be a skilled worker classified in the first, second, or third professional level under MOHRE’s occupational classification.

• Hold at least a bachelor’s degree or equivalent qualification.

• Be a graduate of one of the top 500 universities worldwide (as recognised by the UAE Ministry of Education).

This visa is ideal for professionals wanting to test the market before making a permanent move.

4. UAE business opportunities visa

Investors, entrepreneurs, and professionals considering business expansion in the UAE can apply for the business opportunities visa, which also does not require a local sponsor.

What this visa offers

Introduced in 2022 as part of the UAE’s updated visa system, this visa allows visitors to explore investment prospects and commercial partnerships. It can be issued as a single-entry or multiple-entry visa, depending on your profession and eligibility.

Duration options

You can choose a validity period of:

• Two months

• Three months

• Four months

This flexibility allows investors to evaluate business opportunities, meet potential partners, and attend meetings before making long-term commitments.

5. eVisa for GCC Residents

Foreign expatriates residing in the GCC must apply online for a UAE entry visa and obtain approval before travelling.

For GCC residents, the entry permit is valid for 30 days from the date of issue, and they may stay in the UAE for 30 days from the date of entry. This visa can be extended once for an additional 30 days.

Requirements

1. A valid passport or travel document.

2. A copy of the residence permit or an electronic extract showing the holder’s profession and the validity of their residence.

3. A recent personal photograph with a white background.

4. A passport or travel document valid for at least six months.

5. A residence permit valid for no less than one year.

6. The applicant’s profession must be included on the list of approved professions for visa issuance (subject to assessment by the relevant authority).

Where to apply

If you are planning to visit Dubai, you must apply through the General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs – Dubai (GDRFA) at www.gdrfad.gov.ae/en. For visits to other emirates, applications should be submitted through the Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs & Port Security (ICP) at smartservices.icp.gov.ae.

Important note: This article is for informational purposes only. Visa requirements can change, so always contact the relevant authorities for the latest information. You can reach them as follows:

• ICP: +971 600 522222

• GDRFA Dubai: 8005111 (inside UAE) | +971 4 313 9999 (outside UAE)