Visa stamping is a crucial process in obtaining a residency or entry permit for the UAE. It involves the official endorsement of your visa into your passport or travel document by the UAE authorities, making it legally valid for entry and residence in the country. This process is generally completed after the approval of your visa application and is necessary for obtaining work, residence, or family visas.
What is Visa Stamping?
Visa stamping is the procedure by which a visa, whether it's for employment, residency, family sponsorship, or a tourist visit, is physically placed into your passport by the UAE immigration authorities. This step officially authorizes you to enter the country or stay for the duration of your visa's validity.
Types of UAE Visas Requiring Stamping
Employment Visa:
Issued to individuals employed in the UAE, allowing them to live and work in the country.
Residence Visa:
Issued to expats, their families, or dependents for long-term stays in the UAE.
Tourist Visa:
For visitors coming to the UAE for tourism, which may require stamping depending on the nationality.
Family Visa:
Issued to the family members of UAE residents or citizens, allowing them to live in the country.
Investor Visa:
Issued to individuals who are investing in a business or real estate in the UAE.
Student Visa:
For students pursuing education in the UAE.
Golden Visa:
A long-term residency visa for investors, specialized talent, researchers, and their families.
Steps Involved in Visa Stamping
Visa Approval:
The visa application must first be approved by the relevant UAE authority, such as the General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs (GDRFA) or the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation (MOHRE).
Entry Permit (if applicable):
In many cases, an entry permit is issued to allow the individual to enter the UAE and complete the final steps of the visa stamping process. This is common for employment and family visa applicants.
Medical Examination:
Applicants must undergo a medical examination at an authorized medical center in the UAE to check for diseases like tuberculosis, hepatitis, or HIV.
Emirates ID Application:
During the visa stamping process, applicants must also apply for the Emirates ID, which is a mandatory identity card for all UAE residents.
Visa Stamping Application:
Once the applicant has completed the medical tests and applied for the Emirates ID, the visa stamping can be done at the immigration office.
The applicant may need to visit the GDRFA or another government office to submit their passport for the stamping.
Payment of Fees:
Fees for the visa stamping process must be paid before the visa can be stamped. The cost varies depending on the type of visa, the applicant's nationality, and the duration of stay.
Passport Stamping:
The immigration authority will officially stamp the visa onto the passport. This is typically done at the GDRFA or through an authorized typing center.
Collection of Stamped Visa:
Once the stamping is completed, the applicant will be notified to collect their passport with the visa stamp. This process may take a few days to a week.