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Updated 10 May 2022

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

In April 2022, the UAE announced a new system of visas that offers new types of residence permits for investors, skilled employees, self-employment and family members effective September 2022. 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.