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Reviewed April 2023

The UAE provides multiple options when it comes to obtaining a visa. Depending on the purpose of your visit, the government of UAE issues several types of visas, including business visas, tourist visas, transit visas, student visas, e-Visa for GCC residents and more.

To further smoothen the visa-acquiring process, the UAE government has announced easing up the process by removing the need to have a sponsor to apply for visas. Here are the types of UAE visas available without sponsors and how to get them.

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UAE visas without sponsors

The UAE has now introduced around ten types of new entry visas, and residence permits, and has expanded the Golden Visa categories. The new system of entry and residence has been introduced to attract and retain global talents and skilled workers from all over the world, boost the competitiveness and flexibility of the job market and foster a high sense of stability among UAE residents and families.

Moreover, several visas, which earlier mandated sponsors, are now sponsor-free and can be easily applied.

The new Entry and Residence Scheme offers 10 types of entry visas with simplified requirements and more benefits. New visas require no host or sponsor, offer more flexibility, multi entry, 60 days validity and one unified platform to apply at pic.twitter.com/0PsCJYaoyR

— UAEGOV (@UAEmediaoffice) April 18, 2022

Below are the residency permits which don’t require a UAE sponsor or employer.

Golden Visa
Green Residence for a freelancer (self-employment)
Green Residence for skilled employees
Green Residence for Investors
Remote work residence permit
Retirement residency
Real estate owners’ residence
Certain trade licenses
Multiple-entry tourist visa
Business entry visa
Job exploration visa
Residence permit for humanitarian cases
Entry permit to visit relatives or friends

How to apply for a sponsor-free UAE visa?

The UAE has yet to officially launch the application process for the newly-announced permits. However, it is best to prepare your documents and other requirements depending on which type of sponsor-free UAE visa you choose.

As of now, visas can be applied through the respective UAE embassies in the country or through these online channels for applying for entry permits: