Description
A Ras Al Khaimah residence visa allows expatriates to legally live in the emirate for an extended period, either through employment, business ownership, property investment, or family sponsorship. This visa grants access to essential services such as banking, healthcare, education, and travel benefits.
Types of Residence Visas in Ras Al Khaimah:
- Employment Visa – Issued to individuals working for a company registered in Ras Al Khaimah. The company sponsors the visa and handles the application process.
- Investor/Partner Visa – Available for business owners or investors in free zones like RAKEZ or mainland companies.
- Family Visa (Dependent Visa) – Allows expatriates to sponsor, if they meet the salary and accommodation requirements.
- Property Investor Visa – For individuals who own real estate in Ras Al Khaimah, usually requiring a minimum property value.
- Retirement Visa – Available for retirees who meet financial and property ownership conditions.
Eligibility Requirements:
- A valid employment contract, trade license, or property ownership document (depending on visa type).
- Minimum salary requirement for sponsorship (usually AED 4,000 with or without accommodation for family visas).
- A valid Emirates ID and UAE medical insurance.
- Fitness test (mandatory for adult applicants).
- Attested educational and marriage certificates, if applicable.
- A valid tenancy contract (Ejari) or company-provided accommodation proof.
Visa Application Process:
- Entry Permit Issuance – Required before entering the UAE (for new applicants).
- Fitness Test – Conducted at authorized centers.
- Emirates ID Registration – Finger scanning and issuance of a UAE identity card.
- Visa Stamping on Passport – Final step where the residence visa is stamped on the passport.
Validity & Renewal:
- Residence visas are generally valid for one, two, or three years, depending on the sponsor and visa type.
- Property investor and retirement visas may have five- or ten-year validity in some cases.
- The visa must be renewed before expiry to avoid fines. The grace period for renewal is usually 30 days.
Cancellation & Overstay Rules:
- If the visa is canceled due to job loss, business closure, or any other reason, the individual has a grace period (usually 30 days) to exit the UAE or apply for a new visa.
- Overstaying results in fines starting from AED 25 per day.
Key Benefits:
– Legal residency in Ras Al Khaimah with access to essential services.
– Ability to sponsor family members under the dependent visa scheme.
– Eligibility to apply for a UAE driving license and open a bank account.
– Travel flexibility within the UAE and GCC region.
Jouhar –
Getting my Ras Al Khaimah Residence Visa was a smooth and efficient experience. The process was well-organized, with clear guidelines and helpful support from the authorities. The visa was processed quickly, and the online services made documentation submission easy. While there are standard costs for medical tests, Emirates ID, and insurance, the overall process was straightforward. If you meet the requirements and have your documents ready, obtaining a residence visa in Ras Al Khaimah is simple and hassle-free. Highly recommend!