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Home » Business » Travel » UAE Rolls Out Multi-Entry Visa for Family and Friends in 2025

UAE Rolls Out Multi-Entry Visa for Family and Friends in 2025

Last Updated on 23 January 2025 by Naijadazz

The Multi-Entry Visa is a key service offered by the General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs (GDRFA) in Dubai, UAE. It is designed to facilitate the entry of foreigners who wish to visit their relatives or friends in the UAE without the need for a host or guarantor. This visa is particularly beneficial for individuals who plan to make multiple trips to the UAE within a short period, as it eliminates the need to apply for a new visa each time.

The visa is available in three durations:

  • 30-day visit visa: AED 300
  • 60-day visit visa: AED 500
  • 90-day visit visa: AED 700

All fees are subject to a 5% Value Added Tax (VAT). In addition to the visa fee, applicants must also account for other costs, such as financial guarantees, health insurance, and additional fees if the sponsored person is already inside the country.

Eligibility Criteria

To qualify for the Multi-Entry Visa for a Relative or Friend, applicants must meet the following conditions:

  1. Visitor Status: The visitor must be a foreigner who is either a relative or friend of a UAE resident or citizen. This visa is not available for individuals who do not have a personal connection to someone residing in the UAE.
  2. Documentation of Family Ties: Applicants must provide official documents proving their relationship with the UAE resident or citizen. For example:
    • marriage contract is required if the applicant is the spouse of a UAE resident or citizen.
    • birth certificate is necessary to prove parent-child or sibling relationships.
    • Other documents, such as family books or affidavits, may be required in specific cases.
  3. Financial Guarantee: A financial guarantee of AED 2,000 is mandatory. This amount acts as a security deposit to ensure that the visitor complies with the visa conditions and leaves the country before the visa expires. The guarantee is refundable once the visitor departs the UAE.
  4. Special Cases: In certain situations, additional requirements apply. For instance:
    • If the visa is for a foreign wife visiting her husband, who is a citizen of a Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) country, the husband must first have a valid residence permit in his country of nationality.
    • Applicants from specific countries, such as Iraq, Pakistan, Iran, and Afghanistan, must provide their national identity card as part of the application.

Required Documents

The application process requires the submission of several documents to verify the applicant’s identity, relationship to the UAE resident or citizen, and financial status. The following documents are mandatory:

  1. Personal Photo: A recent passport-sized photograph with a white background. The photo must meet the UAE’s visa photo requirements, such as specific dimensions and clarity.
  2. Passport Copy: A clear copy of the applicant’s passport, valid for at least six months from the date of application. The passport must have at least two blank pages for visa stamping.
  3. Marriage Contract: If the applicant is the spouse of a UAE resident or citizen, a certified copy of the marriage contract must be provided.
  4. Birth Certificate: To establish family ties, such as parent-child or sibling relationships, a birth certificate is required. The document must be officially translated into Arabic or English if it is in another language.
  5. Salary Certificate or Work Contract:
    • For government and semi-government employees: A salary certificate issued by the employer.
    • For private sector employees: A valid work contract.
    • For business partners: A partnership contract or proof of business ownership.
  6. National Identity Card: Applicants from certain countries, including Iraq, Pakistan, Iran, and Afghanistan, must provide a copy of their national identity card.

Application Process

The application process for the Multi-Entry Visa can be completed through digital channels or in-person at customer service centers. Below is a detailed step-by-step guide:

1. Digital Channels (Website/Smart Application)

  • Step 1: Log in to the Smart Services System
    • Access the GDRFA portal using the UAE Pass or your registered username and password. The UAE Pass is a secure digital identity platform that simplifies access to government services.
  • Step 2: Search for the Service
    • Navigate to the “Multi-Entry Visa for a Relative or Friend” service using the search bar or service categories.
  • Step 3: Fill in the Application Form
    • Provide all required information, including:
      • Personal details (name, nationality, passport number, etc.).
      • Relationship to the UAE resident or citizen.
      • Preferred visa duration (30, 60, or 90 days).
  • Step 4: Attach Documents
    • Upload scanned copies of the required documents. Ensure that the files are clear and meet the specified format and size requirements.
  • Step 5: Pay the Fees
    • Pay the visa fee and any additional charges using the available payment methods, such as credit/debit cards or digital wallets.
  • Step 6: Submit the Application
    • Review the application for accuracy and completeness before submitting it for processing.

2. Customer Happiness Centers

  • Step 1: Visit the Nearest Center
    • Locate the nearest GDRFA Customer Happiness Center using the official website or mobile app.
  • Step 2: Get a Ticket
    • Use the automated ticketing system to obtain a queue number and wait for your turn.
  • Step 3: Submit the Application
    • Provide the completed application form and required documents to the customer service representative.
  • Step 4: Pay the Fees
    • Pay the applicable fees at the center using cash, card, or other accepted payment methods.

3. AMER Service Centers

  • The process at AMER Centers is identical to that at Customer Happiness Centers. Applicants can visit the nearest AMER Center, obtain a ticket, submit their application, and pay the fees.

Fees and Charges

The total cost of the Multi-Entry Visa includes several components:

  1. Visa Fees:
    • 30-day visit visa: AED 300
    • 60-day visit visa: AED 500
    • 90-day visit visa: AED 700
    • All fees are subject to 5% VAT.
  2. Financial Guarantee:
    • Guarantee amount: AED 2,000 (refundable).
    • Warranty service fee: AED 20.
    • Fee for collection and return of the guarantee: AED 40.
  3. Health Insurance:
    • 30-day visitor visa: AED 40
    • 60-day visitor visa: AED 60
    • 90-day visitor visa: AED 90
  4. Additional Fees (if applicable):
    • Knowledge Dirham: AED 10
    • Innovation Dirham: AED 10
    • Fee for applicants inside the country: AED 500

Processing Time

The standard processing time for the Multi-Entry Visa is 48 hours. However, this may vary depending on factors such as:

  • The completeness of the application.
  • The accuracy of the submitted documents.
  • The volume of applications being processed at the time.

Benefits of the Multi-Entry Visa

  1. Convenience: The visa allows multiple entries, making it ideal for frequent visitors.
  2. No Host or Guarantor Required: Unlike other visa types, this visa does not require a host or guarantor in the UAE.
  3. Flexibility: Applicants can choose from three visa durations based on their needs.
  4. Streamlined Process: The application process is straightforward and can be completed online or in-person.

Challenges and Considerations

  1. Documentation Requirements: The need for extensive documentation, such as marriage contracts and birth certificates, can be a hurdle for some applicants.
  2. Financial Guarantee: The requirement for a financial guarantee may be a barrier for individuals with limited financial resources.
  3. Health Insurance: The additional cost of health insurance can increase the overall expense of the visa.

For more information, visit the official GDRFA website: www.gdrfad.gov.ae.