Visa in Abu Dhabi: how to get to a promising emirate and stay there

In this article, we explore the visa landscape in the UAE for Russian nationals. We’ll first outline the requirements for short-term tourist visits, perfect for those looking to experience the allure of the Emirates. Then, we’ll delve into the exclusive details of the UAE’s coveted residency visa – the local counterpart of a long-term residence permit, offering unparalleled access to the luxury lifestyle and investment opportunities that define this prestigious destination.

For Russian nationals, the UAE offers a simplified visa process. This means there’s no need for prior arrangements – your tourist visa will be issued upon arrival at the airport. This visa grants the right to stay in the country for 90 days, with multiple entries allowed, and it remains valid for six months from the date of issuance. Should you wish to extend your stay beyond this period, you will need to apply for a residency visa. Alternatively, if you choose to depart, a new tourist visa can be obtained after six months. Unfortunately, leaving the country for a week and then immediately returning is not an option.

The only document you’ll need is your international passport. Here, we come to the first key requirement: since the visa is issued for six months, your passport must be valid for at least six months beyond the date of entry. In some cases, border control officers may also ask to see your return tickets. However, there is no need to present a negative PCR test or proof of vaccination – COVID-19 restrictions are no longer in effect in the UAE.

Before departure, you are also required to purchase medical insurance for the entire duration of your stay. The cost and specifics of coverage are not as important as ensuring that the policy covers the entire period of your visit.

If you are traveling with children, each child must have their own international passport – they can’t enter the country using yours. If a child is traveling with someone other than their parents, the passport control will request to see the original birth certificate and a notarized letter of consent for travel from both parents. These documents must be translated into English, though notarization of the translation itself is not required.

Entry issues primarily appear for those who find themselves on the Ministry of Foreign Affairs' blacklist. This list is designated for offenders, and it only takes a single violation of the country’s laws to be included. For example, receiving a fine for breaching social norms or overstaying a visa can lead to being flagged. For individuals deemed undesirable, entry into the country is virtually impossible.

Complications may also arise from stamps indicating travel to Israel – especially if multiple entries are documented in your passport. In such cases, be prepared to answer additional questions and undergo a more thorough personal inspection. While entry refusals for this reason are uncommon, it is wise to be ready for any eventuality.

Which bank cards work in the UAE  

Bank cards issued in Russia are not operational in the UAE due to sanctions. This applies to all payment systems, including Western brands like Visa and Mastercard, as well as the Russian Mir system. As an alternative, you can use cards from other countries – such as Kazakhstan, Georgia, or Turkey – for payments. If you decide to obtain a residency visa, you can easily open an account with a local bank, resolving this issue permanently.

Another way to circumvent these restrictions is to acquire a UnionPay card. In theory, these should function in all ATMs and payment terminals across the country, as confirmed by the experiences of many Russian travelers. In Russia, such cards are issued by Gazprombank, Rosselkhozbank, Solidarity, and several other private banks.

Everything we've discussed so far is primarily information for tourists. However, if you plan to relocate to the country or stay for an extended period, you will need a residency visa. This visa serves as the local equivalent of a residence permit, allowing you to reside in the Emirates for a prolonged duration and effectively placing foreign nationals on the same legal level as citizens. Importantly, holders of this visa are not required to remain in the country constantly; simply visiting the chosen emirate for a minimum of eight hours every six months is sufficient.

A residency visa grants the following benefits:

• The ability to open accounts with local banks and get loans;
• Access to the local healthcare system; 
• The option to secure medical insurance;
• Enrollment of children in both private and public educational institutions;
• Acquisition of a driver's license;
• Use of local internet and mobile service providers; 
• Employment within emirate-based companies; 
• The ability to fully transfer business and capital to the new country;
• Operation of a business within the territory; 
• Attainment of tax residency status in the UAE;
• Leasing residential property with formal contracts; 
• Exemption from personal income tax; 
• Eligibility for citizenship through naturalization after 30 years of residence.

The simplest way to obtain a residency visa is through investment in real estate. While there are other pathways, such as securing employment with a local company or enrolling in a university, this article will focus specifically on real estate.

Who can obtain an investor visa  

The UAE government sets several requirements for investors and their family members. Let’s first examine what is required of the investor:

• Age of 18 or older; 
• Legally verified sources of income; 
• No criminal convictions; 
• Absence of serious infectious diseases such as HIV, hepatitis, or tuberculosis.

Now, let's clarify who can accompany the investor in obtaining the visa. If the visa is valid for two years, only a spouse is eligible. If it is valid for ten years, all children may also be included. This includes unmarried sons under the age of 25 and unmarried daughters of any age.

Duration of the investor visa  

The validity of the visa directly correlates with the amount of investment:

• From $204,000 – visa is issued for 2 years; 
• From $544,000 – visa is issued for 10 years.

The program's conditions allow for the purchase of property through a mortgage from an accredited UAE bank. In this case, the down payment must be at least 50%. Investors can purchase both off-plan and completed properties. The visa application must include the mortgage agreement and a letter from the bank confirming no objections, presented in Arabic.

Here is the list of documents you will need to submit with your residency visa application:

• Certificate of ownership for the property;
• Purchase agreement/mortgage agreement; 
• Confirmation of property value from the land department of your emirate;
• Certificates of no criminal record from both Russia and the UAE;
• Original marriage certificate; 
• Original birth certificates of children;
• Originals of certificates confirming the absence of marriage for children under 18;
• Copy of your international passport;
• Copy of medical insurance; 
• Copy of your valid UAE visa;
• Certificate of medical examination;
• Color photo 3x4 cm on a white background.

All Russian documents must be translated into English or Arabic. It’s important to consider additional expenses for government fees, registration costs, medical examinations, insurance, and various legal services when planning your budget. These cumulative expenses amount to approximately $13,500.

All documents should be submitted to the General Directorate of Residency and Foreign Affairs. Applications are typically processed within 5-7 days, though processing times can occasionally extend up to a month.

Conclusion  

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