This article is reviewed regularly (on a monthly basis) by Wego’s editorial team to ensure that the content is up to date & accurate.
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.
Table of Contents
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.
- 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
- Five-year multiple tourist visa
- Certain trade licenses
How to apply for sponsor-free UAE visa?
The UAE has yet to officially launch the application process for the newly-announced permits.
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:
- the ICA portal
- the website of GDRFA – Dubai
- the mobile apps:
- GDRFA Dubai on Google Play and App Store
- ICA on Google Play and App Store
- Dubai Now on Google Play and App Store