Moving to a new country can be a bit of a bewildering process. Finding a place to live and getting settled into a new job while making new friends can leave even the most seasoned global citizen feeling a little overwhelmed
Luckily at Virgin Mobile, we've got you covered when it comes to keeping in touch with folks back home and being connected to your new life here.
People just like you make the exciting decision to move to the UAE every year, whether to work, study or even retire. The residency process in the UAE is smooth, efficient, and straightforward. Our plans can help you stay connected while you go through this move. From helping you to do your research and navigate a new city, your mobile phone is your friend. With the Virgin Mobile App, everything is at your fingertips, and it is ready to help you transition from visitor to resident easily.
So, you like Dubai… Now, how to get a VISA?
If you’re an aspiring expat with an eye on Dubai, there are many ways that you can become a resident.
Luckily at Virgin Mobile, we've got you covered when it comes to keeping in touch with folks back home and being connected to your new life here.
People just like you make the exciting decision to move to the UAE every year, whether to work, study or even retire. The residency process in the UAE is smooth, efficient, and straightforward. Our plans can help you stay connected while you go through this move. From helping you to do your research and navigate a new city, your mobile phone is your friend. With the Virgin Mobile App, everything is at your fingertips, and it is ready to help you transition from visitor to resident easily.
So, you like Dubai… Now, how to get a VISA?
If you’re an aspiring expat with an eye on Dubai, there are many ways that you can become a resident.
A job offer
If you secure a job offer and contract for a company in UAE, whether a private or government-owned one, the company will sponsor your residence visa on your behalf.Are you an entrepreneur?
As a business owner or start-up owner, you will apply for your own visa under the sponsorship of your company’s registered name.Homeowner?
If you buy a property in Dubai, you can apply for a visa under the property you own, too!Dependant visa
If you are the dependent of someone working in UAE, investing/owning a business in UAE or the dependent of someone who owns property in UAE, you are also eligible for a visa, and they will be responsible for sponsoring you.Student
If you have an offer from a university in the UAE, the university will apply for, and sponsor your visa under the name of the university.The process of getting a residence visa as an adult aged over 18 includes undergoing a medical test, a security check and finally applying for an Emirates ID card from the UAE Federal Authority for Identity and Citizenship.
Residence VISA overview
A residence visa allows you to open a bank account in the UAE, apply for a driver's license, register your children in schools, and travel visa-free to certain destinations.A residence visa is issued to someone from outside the UAE only when they’re inside the country. To get in, you will need to obtain an entry permit, a short or long-term tourist visa, or a visit visa.
Once you arrive in the country, then either you or your sponsor will apply for a residence visa, which will get stamped on your passport. Once the residence visa is stamped, the UAE government will arrange for a session to capture your biometric data and will then issue your Emirates ID card – with this done, you become an official resident in the UAE!
For more information about residence visa requirements, and benefits, you can refer to the UAE government website here. Now, let’s look at how Virgin Mobile can help you have a smooth mobile experience as a tourist in the UAE.
Tourist options from Virgin Mobile
Once you land in the UAE, you can head to the Virgin Mobile Kiosk in the welcome area of the airport and talk to one of our customer champions, who will help you get your tourist mobile plan. You can register for the tourist plan using your passport. If you have a valid entry permit visa on your passport, your tourist package will remain active for 90 days, else it will be active for 30 days. If you prefer to get a SIM later, you can also head to a Virgin Megastore in the UAE or visit many Virgin Mobile kiosks across the country.Find a Virgin Mobile store in UAE
When you purchase a plan, you will have the option to customise your plan according to your needs – allowing you to choose how many voice minutes and data you need. You can also pick from one of our standard packages.
Getting a tourist SIM from Virgin Mobile will give you many benefits:
- It’s affordable, and convenient
- You can simply pick it up from the kiosk once you arrive at the airport
- Manage everything easily through our app
- You get free BOTIM when you get an AED 300 tourist plan
- Keep your number when you finally become a resident
Learn more about our tourist SIM.
Transitioning from a tourist to a resident
Once you receive your Emirates ID, visit one of our kiosks or just use the Virgin Mobile app to update your ID from passport to Emirates ID. It’s that simple!Happy travels and welcome to the UAE!
