How to stay in Dubai for more than 90 days

The UAE legislation is quite accommodating when it comes to visas for tourists and short-term visitors. Citizens of over 70 countries can obtain a visa on arrival (VoA), with durations varying from 30 to 90 days. For example, citizens of Great Britain, Australia, the United States, and Canada receive a 30-day VoA with the possibility of extending it for up to 60 days. Russian citizens can stay in the UAE for 90 days within six months without any additional documentation. Therefore, this article will explore the various ways you can extend your visa and enjoy staying in Dubai beyond 90 days.

Content:

• Understanding the UAE Visa Regulations
• Visa Options for Real Estate Buyers
• Business and Freelance Visas
• Consequences of an Expired Visa
• How to Extend Your Stay Beyond 90 Days

Understanding the UAE Visa Regulations

For citizens of most European countries, the visa on arrival at the airport permits a stay of up to 90 days in the UAE. This visa requires no pre-registration, but travelers must present a passport with at least six months' validity. Upon arrival at the airport, the immigration officer will stamp your passport with the visa on arrival. In some cases, you might be asked a few questions about your stay and your plans, but no additional forms are usually required.

The visa becomes effective from the date of entry and remains valid for 180 days, although the stay is limited to a maximum of 90 days.

Visa Options for Real Estate Buyers

Purchasing real estate is a popular and accessible route to obtaining a residence permit in the UAE. The investment threshold and the type of visa you can obtain depend on the value of the property you purchase:

 Three-Year Residence Visa:

For investors who buy property in Dubai valued at a minimum of AED 750,000 ($204,000), a three-year residence visa is available. This visa provides a temporary stay in the UAE and is ideal for those looking to spend extended periods in the country. The process involves submitting proof of property ownership along with a visa application. Investors will also need to demonstrate their financial stability and the legitimacy of the property transaction.

Five-Year Residence Visa:

In Abu Dhabi, property investments of AED 2 million ($544,500) or more qualify for a five-year residence visa. This visa is beneficial for investors who prefer a longer-term stay in the UAE and offers greater stability compared to shorter-term options. As with the three-year visa, you will need to provide proof of ownership and meet specific requirements to qualify.

Ten-Year Residence Visa:

Investors who acquire property in Dubai worth AED 2 million ($544,500) or more are eligible for a ten-year residence visa. This long-term visa is an attractive option for high-net-worth individuals seeking to establish a more permanent presence in the UAE. It offers the security of a longer stay and the possibility of renewal. Investors must provide evidence of the property's value, demonstrate financial stability, and comply with UAE regulations concerning property ownership.

Additional Considerations:

• Property Ownership: To be eligible for any of these visas, the property must be freehold or leasehold, and it must be located in a designated area where foreign ownership is permitted.
• Family Members: Residence visas for real estate investors typically extend to immediate family members, including spouses and children. The application for family visas will need to be submitted alongside the primary investor’s visa application.
• Maintenance of Investment: Visa holders must maintain their investment and ensure the property remains in their name throughout the visa's validity period. Any changes in property ownership or value may affect visa status.

Business and Freelance Visas

The UAE provides an array of visa options for entrepreneurs, business owners, and freelancers. Each type of visa is designed to accommodate different professional needs and investment levels. 

Entrepreneur and Investor Visas

Those who start their own business or invest in an existing company can secure a two-year residence Business visa. This visa facilitates business operations without imposing specific requirements for minimum share capital or annual income, though general residence permit requirements such as health insurance and background checks still apply. 

Additionally, significant investors who contribute to large-scale projects or sectors of national interest may qualify for a prestigious ten-year Golden Visa. This long-term visa is aimed at individuals making substantial investments and offers the benefit of extended stay and renewal options.

Freelance and Highly Skilled Professional Visas

Freelancers have access to long-term visa options tailored to their needs. The Green Visa, a five-year renewable permit, is available for those with a proven annual income of at least 360,000 AED ($98,000) and a bachelor’s degree or higher qualification. This visa is designed for specialized professionals and freelancers in high-demand fields, providing greater stability without the need for a local sponsor. 

Freelancers who do not meet the Green Visa criteria can opt for a freelancer permit, typically valid for one year and renewable. This permit supports self-employed individuals across various sectors, from technology to creative industries.

Other Visas

Beyond these, the UAE offers long-term visas for specific purposes. Students enrolled in accredited educational institutions can obtain a visa valid for the duration of their studies, requiring proof of enrollment and financial means. For those seeking medical treatment, a medical visa can be secured for the treatment period, supported by a UAE-based medical report and proof of financial capability. Employment visas, sponsored by employers, are available for employees, with durations ranging from two to three years based on employment contracts. Family visas enable residents to bring their family members to live with them, with the visa validity aligning with the sponsor’s visa and requiring proof of relationship and financial support.

Consequences of an Expired Visa

Overstaying a visa in the United Arab Emirates can result in significant penalties. If you remain in the UAE beyond your visa’s expiration date, you will incur daily fines.

For the first six months (180 days) after your visa expires, you will be charged a daily fine of 25 AED ($7). This period allows for a grace period to rectify your visa status or make arrangements to leave the country. 

If you overstay beyond the initial six months, the fine increases to 50 AED ($14) per day for the subsequent six months. This escalation reflects the growing seriousness of the overstay and the increasing administrative burden.

After one year (365 days) of overstaying, the fine rises to 100 AED ($27) per day. This higher penalty underscores the severity of long-term overstays and aims to encourage compliance with visa regulations.

In addition to daily fines, overstaying your visa can lead to further complications:

Legal Consequences: Persistent overstaying may result in legal action, including deportation and a possible ban from re-entering the UAE for a specified period. This could affect future travel and visa applications.

Detainment: In extreme cases, individuals who overstay their visas may face detention until their departure arrangements are made. Detainment can be particularly stressful and inconvenient.

Increased Costs: Besides the daily fines, individuals may incur additional costs related to their departure or visa extension, including legal fees and administrative charges.

Impact on Future Visas: Overstaying a visa can negatively impact your ability to obtain future visas for the UAE or other countries. Immigration authorities may view visa overstays as a serious infraction, which could influence their decisions on future applications.

To avoid these consequences, it’s essential to keep track of your visa’s expiration date and take timely action to renew or extend your visa, or make plans to exit the UAE before the visa expires. If you find yourself at risk of overstaying, consulting with an immigration lawyer or contacting the UAE’s immigration authorities for guidance can help you navigate the situation and mitigate any potential penalties.

How to Extend Your Stay Beyond 90 Days

If you enter the UAE on a visa on arrival, your stay is limited to a maximum of 90 days. This visa cannot be extended beyond this period. Even with a five-year multi-entry tourist visa, the stay remains capped at 90 days, although an extension can be requested for up to 180 days in total. This temporary visa option is suitable for short-term visitors but does not accommodate longer stays.

For those looking to remain in the UAE for more than 90 days, it is essential to secure one of the long-term visas available. These visas must be obtained prior to your trip, as the application process can be time-consuming. Long-term visa options include:

1. Investor Visa: For individuals investing a substantial amount in real estate or business in the UAE. This visa is typically valid for up to ten years, offering a more extended stay for investors.
2. Employment Visa: Issued to individuals with employment contracts in the UAE. The visa's duration usually aligns with the employment contract, generally ranging from two to three years.
3. Student Visa: Available for students enrolled in accredited educational institutions. This visa covers the duration of the study program, ensuring that students can stay for the length of their course.
4. Family Visa: Granted to the family members of UAE residents or citizens. The validity of this visa is linked to the sponsor's visa, accommodating family reunification.
5. Freelancer Visa: Designed for self-employed individuals and freelancers. This visa is typically valid for one year and can be renewed, providing flexibility for those working independently.
6. Green Visa: Targeted at highly skilled professionals, investors, and freelancers. This visa offers a five-year renewable option, but requires proof of a certain income level and educational qualifications.

Obtaining these long-term visas requires preparation and planning. Make sure to apply for the appropriate visa well in advance of your travel to avoid any interruptions in your stay and to ensure compliance with UAE immigration regulations.