UK Visa Requirements for UAE Residents
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Introduction
All these factors have contributed to a burgeoning demand for UK visas among UAE residents. This has inevitably led to longer waiting times as the UK visa processing centers grapple to keep pace with the volume of applications they receive.
Types of UK Visas Available for UAE Residents
UAE residents who are neither eligible for visa exemption nor can avail of an Electronic Visa Waiver can travel to the UK on a visitor visa. Some of the common types of visitor visas are as follows:
Standard Visitor Visa: This visa is ideal for tourism, family visits, business meetings, and short-term courses. The visa has a validity of six months
Marriage Visitor Visa: This visa allows foreign nationals to stay in the UK by marrying or entering into a civil partnership with a British citizen. The visa holder can also work or study in the UK
Transit Visa: This visa permits travelers to pass through the UK while they are en route to another country. It is valid for up to 48 hours
A UK work visa permits applicants to stay and work in the country for a specific period. The primary types of work visas in the UK are as follows:
Skilled Worker Visa: This visa is for individuals having a confirmed job offer from a UK employer approved by the Home Office. Further, the applicant must have a certificate of sponsorship from the employer
Temporary Worker Visa: This visa allows creative workers, seasonal workers, charity workers, volunteers, and interns to work in the UK for a short period
Health & Care Worker Visa: Medical professionals seeking employment within the UK NHS or any eligible healthcare sector must obtain this visa
Intra-Company Transfer Visa: This visa is for UAE residents who are employees of multi-national companies and are being transferred to the UK for work
Graduate Work Visa: Foreign students who have a study visa and have completed an eligible study program can work in the UK for up to two years by applying for this visa
Youth Mobility Scheme Visa: Young people in the age group of 18-30 years can live and work in the UK for up to two years on this visa
A UK family visa permits foreign nationals to join their family members who are citizens of the UK. Eligible individuals can stay in the UK for six months or more. UAE residents can apply for a family visa to live with a spouse, partner, child, parent, or relative who can provide long-term care in the UK.
Investor Visa: This visa is for high-net-worth individuals who intend to make significant financial investments in the UK
Innovator Visa: Individuals who wish to establish an innovative business in the UK can apply for an innovator visa
Global Talent Visa: This visa is ideal for individuals with specialized talent or promise in fields like technology, academia, and culture
Start-up Visa: Early-stage entrepreneurs planning to set up their first UK-based business must obtain a start-up visa
List of UK Visa Requirements
UK Visitor Visa Requirements
Eligibility Criteria:
The purpose of visiting the UK is tourism, family visits, short-term courses, or business meetings. There must be no intention to work or live permanently in the UK. The applicants must have sufficient funds to cover their expenses.
Documentation:
Valid passport and UAE residence visa
Travel itinerary (including return or onward ticket)
Proof of financial means (e.g., bank statements, pay slips) to cover your expenses in the UK
Proof of accommodation in the UK (hotel reservation or an invitation letter from your host in the UK)
Employment letter (for employees) and trade license or business registration certificate (for self-employed applicants)
Any other relevant supporting documents based on the purpose of your visit
UK Work Visa Requirements
Eligibility Criteria
The applicant must have a valid job offer from a UK-based employer
The employer must be eligible to sponsor the applicant
The job must be on the list of eligible occupations
The applicant must meet the minimum salary requirements for the specific job
The applicant must meet the prescribed English language proficiency requirement
Documentation:
Valid passport and UAE residence visa
Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS) from the employer
Certificates of academic and professional qualifications
Certificate of evidence of English language proficiency
Proof of financial means (unless exempt due to employer support)
Criminal record certificate (for specific job roles)
UK Student Visa Requirements
Eligibility Criteria:
The applicant must have an admission letter from an authorized educational institution and demonstrate an interest in studying full-time in the UK. He/she must have sufficient financial means to cover the tuition fees and living expenses in the UK.
Documentation
Valid passport and UAE residence visa
Acceptance letter from a UK educational institution
Proof of sufficient funds (e.g., bank statements)
Proof of English language proficiency
Parental consent letter (for applicants under 18)
How to Apply for a UK Visa?
Select the correct visa type based on your requirements. The list of various types of visas issued by the UK is given on the UK government website
Check the eligibility criteria and the documentation requirements for your chosen visa type
Gather all the necessary documents as outlined in the previous section
Visit the official UK visa application portal i.e. UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI). Create an account on the portal
Fill out the online visa application form and pay the prescribed visa fee. Schedule an appointment at the visa application center
Visit the visa application center at the scheduled date and time. Submit the requisite documents and your biometric data (i.e. photographs and fingerprints)
Please wait for the processing and approval of your visa application. It may take at least three weeks. You can track the status of your application through your online account
An official email is sent to notify you of the visa decision
Process to Get a Work Visa in the UK
Secure a job offer from a UK employer (who is approved by the UK Home Office). The employer has to be a licensed sponsor. The job must meet the prescribed skill level and salary requirements
The UK employer will provide you the Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS), a unique reference needed to apply for the visa. The CoS has to match the job role, description, title, and salary
Visit the official UK government website and apply online for a skilled worker visa. You can pay the prescribed visa fees online using your credit card or debit card. Applicants are also required to pay the Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS) to get access to the UK’s National Health Services (NHS) during their stay in the country
Submit the necessary documents along with your CoS reference number. A few additional documents such as a criminal record certificate may be required for certain jobs
Attend the appointment at the visa application center to submit your biometrics data (i.e. photographs and fingerprints)
Please wait for the processing and approval of your visa application. Though the processing time may vary, most work visa applications are processed within three works
After processing and approval, you will receive a vignette or a sticker on your passport (for applicants applying from outside the UK)
UK Visa Charges - Depending On the Duration
| Visa Type | Maximum Length of Stay | Fee (GBP) | Fee (AED) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Standard Visitor Visa | 6 Months | 115 | 549 |
| Standard Visitor Visa (for medical reasons) | 11 Months | 200 | 954 |
| Standard Visitor Visa (for academics) | 12 Months | 200 | 954 |
| 2-Year Long-Term Standard Visitor Visa | 6 Months per visit | 432 | 2,061 |
| 5-Year Long-Term Standard Visitor Visa | 6 Months per visit | 771 | 3,679 |
| 10-Year Long-Term Standard Visitor Visa | 6 Months per visit | 963 | 4.595 |
How Long Does it Take for a UAE Resident to Get a UK Visa?
Visa applications received from outside the UK via the standard service can take anywhere between ten days to three weeks to process. However, applicants can pay extra charges and avail of the super-priority service for faster processing.
How Can I Check the Status of My UK Visa Application?
Visit the official portal of the UK government for visa applications
Click on the ‘Check Your Visa Application Status’ button
Enter the Global Web Form (GWF) reference number received at the time of submission of the application
Select the location where you applied for the visa and enter your date of birth details
Click ‘Submit’ to view the status of your visa application
Note: In case you need assistance, you can call UKVI at +44 (0)300 790 6268 and select option 1. The line is open Monday to Friday, 24 hours a day.
What are the New Rules for a UK Visa?
Skilled Worker Visa
W.E.F. April 2024, the minimum salary requirement for skilled workers has been raised from GBP 26,200 to GBP 38,700. The Shortage Occupation List (SOL) shall be replaced with an Immigration Salary List (ISL) to have higher control over occupations with lower salaries
Spouse Visa
First-time spouse visa applicants must prove that their partner in the UK earns a minimum of GBP 29,000. This limit shall be further increased to GBP 34,500 and later to GBP 38,700. There shall be no separate child element to the spouse visa income requirement
Student Visa
Foreign students in the UK can bring their partners or children to the country only if they are studying for a PhD or other research-based higher degrees. W.E.F. January 2025, international students are required to demonstrate greater financial resources due to increased living expenses and maintenance costs in the UK
Healthcare Surcharge
The Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS) will increase by around 66% to GBP 1,035 per year for standard applicants and GBP 776 for students & young adults
Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA)
Foreign nationals from additional countries will now require an ETA to visit the UK
UK Visa Rejection: Common Reasons and How to Avoid Them
Incomplete or Inaccurate Application
If the application form does not contain all the relevant details, it shall be automatically rejected. Further, any spelling mistakes or incorrect information can also lead to rejection. Reviewing the application form 2-3 times before submitting can help you avoid these troubles
Choosing the Wrong Visa Category
The visa application is certain to be rejected if you have not chosen the appropriate category to match your travel purpose. So please read the UK visa guidelines carefully before you start the application process. Be clear about your intentions and choose the right visa category to suit your needs
Improper Documentation
Proper documents to support the visa application are vital for granting the visa. If the documents are missing, unclear, or unorganized, the visa application is outrightly rejected. So read the visa guidelines and prepare a document checklist for your visa category. Double-check to ensure that they are in proper order. Make sure that the scanned documents are legible
Lack of Financial Means for Foreign Travel
Applicants must demonstrate that they have sufficient financial resources to cover their expenses in the UK. Lack of funds or any irregularity in the bank statements can lead to the rejection of a visa application. Hence, ensure that you have adequate funds in your bank account with proper accounting to establish the source of funds
No Evidence of a Genuine Relationship
Establishing a clear relationship with a UK citizen/resident is vital for the success of a family/spouse/dependant visa. The application is rejected if there is no proper evidence of a relationship. Documents such as marriage certificates, address details, and bank statements can serve as proof of a genuine relationship
Health Concerns
Certain health conditions of the applicant can result in denial of visa if they are deemed to pose a public health risk or a burden to the UK’s healthcare system
Criminal Record
A UK visa application is often rejected if the applicant has a history of criminal convictions and attempts to conceal them. It is in the best interest of every visa applicant to make proper disclosure of even minor offenses such as traffic violations
Frequently Asked Questions on UK Visa Requirements
Yes. Anybody whose UK visa application has been rejected can choose to reapply by addressing all the reasons for refusal and updating the application. The chances of getting a UK visa after a refusal are around 50%. The applicant can also consult an immigration lawyer for professional assistance.
The documents required to obtain a UK business visa from the UAE are given below:
- Passport with a minimum validity of six months and have at least two blank pages
- A valid UAE residency visa
- Completed visa application form
- Two passport-sized photographs (recent) that meet the UK visa photo requirements
- Medical certificate from an authorized health center in the UAE
- Travel itinerary with details of travel plans, hotel bookings, and return tickets
- Bank statements of the past six months (to demonstrate the proof of finances)
- Property ownership, family ties, business activities, etc. as proof of ties to the home country
- An invitation letter from a UK company, details of business meetings, or event registrations as proof of business activities
The UK Visas & Immigration (UKVI) does not specify any fixed amount in your bank account. However, you must demonstrate that you have sufficient funds to cover all your expenses in the UK without depending on the government.
The length of a UK visa depends on the type of visa. A standard visitor visa is valid for six months and can be used for multiple entries. Long-term multiple-entry visitor visas are issued for 2/5/10 years and allow you to stay for up to six months on every visit.
UAE nationals can enter the UK without a visa by obtaining an Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) that is valid for up to two years. However, other UAE residents holding passports from other countries may have to obtain a prior visa to visit the UK.
No. Travel insurance is not mandatory for a UK visa application. However, it is advisable to purchase travel insurance to cover the risk of medical emergencies, loss of baggage, flight delays, and trip cancelations.
