Dubai Visas
A Dubai residency visa provides holders with a host of benefits. These include eligibility to:
- Open a bank account
- Obtain a bank loan (personal or car loan)
- Obtain a UAE driving license
- Access government health services and health insurance
- Receive a Covid 19 vaccine*
*Eligibility criteria applies.
Dubai Covid 19 Vaccination
Dubai remains one of the leading countries in its response to the coronavirus pandemic. The country has one of the fastest vaccination roll-outs in the world. Dubai started administering the vaccine in December, and by mid-March, over 60% of its adult population has now been vaccinated. This means the country is on track to vaccinate 100% of the adult population by the end of 2021.
Dubai Covid-19 vaccine eligibility criteria for Visa Holders
Following Dubai’s success in vaccinating the elderly and people with chronic diseases, the country has now expanded the eligibility criteria for vaccination. Under new rules from the Dubai Heath Authority, all valid Dubai resident visa holders are now eligible for vaccination. Resident visa holders aged 16 or above with chronic diseases or a disability are also eligible. Those aged 60 and above with a resident visa from other emirates, but residing in Dubai, can also register for the vaccine.
Frequently asked questions
Can tourists get a vaccine in Dubai?
No. To qualify for the Covid vaccine, individuals must hold a valid residency visa which Charterhouse can assist you with through the establishment of a Freezone company. Valid Dubai resident visa holders aged 16 and above with chronic diseases or a disability are also eligible.
The Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine can be administered to individuals 16 years and above and the Oxford-AstraZeneca vaccine administered to individuals aged 18 and above.
What Covid 19 vaccines are available in Dubai?
There are four vaccines against Covid 19 in use in Dubai. These include the Sinopharm vaccine, the Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine, Sputnik V vaccine and most recently, the Oxford-AstraZeneca vaccine.
The Dubai Health Authority has recently expanded the age limits for receiving vaccines. The Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine can now be administered to all individuals 16 years and above and the Oxford-AstraZeneca vaccine can now be administered to anyone aged 18 and above.
Which groups are excluded from taking the vaccine?
At the moment, the following groups are excluded from being administered the vaccine:
- Children under 16 years old
- Individuals who contracted Covid 19 and had a severe reaction
- Individuals with a severe allergy to the vaccine
- Pregnant and breastfeeding women
How do I book a vaccine in Dubai?
Vaccines against COVID-19 are available throughout the UAE for eligible citizens and residents. Currently there are numerous DHA health facilities administering the vaccine and you will need to register with the Dubai Health Authority ( call or through DHA App). We can help you with booking an appointment with the relevant authorities, along with organising the necessary documents you will need on arrival.
How long does it take to get a Dubai Residency Visa?
Getting a Dubai residency visa can take a while, particularly when trying to obtain one without professional help. With our assistance, the entire process (travel permitting) can take as little as one month for an individual. Charterhouse Lombard have had an office in the UAE for the past sixteen years and will hold your hand throughout the entire company formation and residence visa process, including collecting and taking you for your medical and Emirates Identity card processing and hand delivering your passport back to you, complete with residence visa stamp.
Who is eligible for a Dubai Residence Visa?
In order to qualify for a Dubai residency visa, you’ll need to fulfil the following criteria:
- You will need to own / be a shareholder or an employee of a Dubai registered Freezone or Limited Liability (LLC) company.
- Be available to travel to UAE to process visa application and to fulfil basic medical and provide biometrics for your Emirates Identity card processing.
How do I obtain a Dubai Residency Visa?
Here are the steps required to get your mainland Dubai visa:
- Incorporate Freezone Company – can be done from your home country.
- Process Establishment Card
- Travel to UAE
- Apply for Entry Permit / residency visa
- Change your “status” from “tourist” to in “country”
- Medical Test – basic Blood test and Chest X-Ray – results in under 2 hours.
- Attend Emirates Identity Card processing Centre and provide biometrics and photograph
- Submit your passport for visa stamping.
- Receive passport complete with visa – visa valid for three years and maintain said visa you will need to visit the UAE for at least one day every 180 days.
Once you have your residence visa, you’ll be able to apply for a family visa, or visas for your employees.
For further information – please fill out our contact form, request a call or e-mail us at info@charterhouselombard.com.
