After a long period of waiting and intense negotiations, Nigeria and the United Arab Emirates have reached an agreement that reopens the doors for Nigerians wishing to visit the UAE. From 2024, Nigerian citizens can apply for visas following the new simplified requirements. The move marks an important turning point in diplomatic relations between the countries, providing an opportunity for tourism and business travel, as well as strengthening cultural and economic ties.
All documents submitted for visa applications will now go through a special verification system - Document Verification Number. This is done to weed out forged or incomplete documents, which the UAE authorities have often had to deal with. The new system should make border control as secure as possible. It is specified that this system will not affect children under 13 years of age.
What visas are available to Nigerians in the UAE
Nigerian nationals can choose from a number of visas, each focused on a specific purpose of travel and duration:
- Tourist Visa - used for short trips for tourism and leisure purposes.
- Business visa - necessary for business trips, participation in various conferences and meetings.
- Transit visa - a visa with a short period of time, necessary for transit through the territory of the UAE.
- Work visa - is granted if there is an offer from a UAE employer. With this visa, you can apply for a job.
- Golden Visa - issued for a long period of time, allows you to live in the UAE, conduct business, work, study, and travel to other countries visa-free.
What you need for a tourist visa
To obtain a tourist visa, a Nigerian citizen needs to apply and provide certain documents. The list of requirements are:
- Document Verification Number (DVN)
As of July 2024, all Nigerian applicants are required to obtain a DVN, a unique document verification number. The DVN can be obtained by going to the Document Verification Hub, where you need to upload identification documents and fill out an application form. Verification takes up to five working days.
- Passport
The applicant's passport must be valid and up to date for at least another six months from the date of arrival in the UAE.
- Proof of financial solvency
In some cases, the UAE may require a bank statement to be sure of the applicant's ability to pay.
- Photograph
A passport-size color photograph on a light-colored background will be required.
- Airline and hotel reservations
Most often, confirmation of hotel reservations and corresponding arrival and departure dates are required for travel.
- Filling out the application form and payment of fees
To complete the process, you will need to fill out an online visa application form. You will also need to pay a special visa fee, the amount of which depends on the duration of the visit to the country.
- Medical insurance (if necessary)
In some cases, the UAE authorities may require a UAE-operated health insurance to cover potential medical expenses.
A tourist visa is valid for 30-60 days. This visa can sometimes be extended once if necessary.
Business Visa
The UAE Business Visa is for Nigerian nationals who plan to travel to attend business meetings, conferences, negotiations, and to establish business contacts. This type of visa allows visitors to engage in professional activities as part of their trip, but does not entitle them to permanent employment. The following are the basic requirements and conditions for obtaining a business visa:
- Invitation from the company or confirmation of the business purpose of the trip
To apply for a business visa, an official invitation from a UAE-based organization or a document confirming the purpose of the visit (e.g. an invitation to a conference, exhibition or meeting) is required.
- Document Verification Number (DVN)
Nigerian citizens are required to obtain a DVN to verify and authenticate documents. The procedure is similar to that for tourist visas.
- Passport
The passport must be valid for at least six months from the date of entry into the country.
- Photo
A passport-size photograph on a light-colored background is required.
- Proof of financial capacity
Business visas often require proof of financial capability to demonstrate that the applicant will be able to cover expenses during the stay.
- Airfare and accommodation bookings
Confirmed reservations for round-trip airfare and lodging for the duration of the business trip.
A business visa is usually issued for 30, 60 or 90 days depending on the purpose of travel and the conditions agreed with the UAE host. Extension of the business visa is possible but may require additional documents and fees.
Work Visa
The UAE work visa is for Nigerian nationals who have received an offer of employment from a company registered in the UAE. This type of visa authorizes long-term residency and employment in the country and requires the employer to act as a sponsor. The following are the basic requirements and steps for obtaining a work visa:
- A job offer from a company in the UAE
A work visa requires a formal offer from an employer who takes responsibility for sponsorship and visa processing. The employing company submits the documents to the UAE Immigration Office.
- Document Verification (DVN)
Before submitting your application, you must go through the Document Verification Number (DVN) process, which includes verification of all documents. This process is necessary to verify the authenticity of the documents.
- Medical Check
All work visa applicants must undergo a medical examination, including tests for communicable diseases, as part of the mandatory visa application process.
- Passport
The passport must be valid for at least six months at the time of entry into the UAE.
- Approval for issuance of work visa from the UAE Ministry of Labor
The employer must obtain approval from the Ministry of Labor to hire a foreign employee and ensure compliance with all UAE labor rules and regulations.
- Resident Identification Card (Emirates ID)
After entering the UAE, the employee must apply for an Emirates ID, which confirms residency status and allows access to various services, including opening a bank account and renting accommodation.
A UAE work visa is usually issued for one to two years with the possibility of renewal. The renewal of the visa depends on the terms of the contract and is left to the employer.
Transit Visa
The UAE transit visa is for connecting passengers who need to stay in the country for a short period of time. Two transit visa options are available:
- 48 hours - issued free of charge and non-extendable.
- 96 hours - available for a small fee and also non-extendable.
A transit visa requires:
- A passport valid for at least six months.
- Confirmation of a ticket for the next flight.
- Hotel reservation (in some cases).
This visa is suitable for tourists planning a short vacation or sightseeing in the UAE before the next flight.
Golden Visa (Residency)
The UAE Golden Visa is a unique long-term residency program that allows foreign nationals, including Nigerian nationals, to live, work and do business in the UAE for many years. This type of visa is ideal for investors, entrepreneurs, high level professionals and talented individuals from various fields. The Gold Visa provides long-term residency status with a number of benefits such as no need for a sponsor and freedom of movement.
Gold visa qualifications
The golden visa is available for:
- Real estate or business investors.
- Business founders and owners.
- Scientists, researchers and high-level professionals.
- Outstanding students and young professionals.
- Health care and technology professionals.
Document Requirements
Depending on the category, the applicant must provide documents to prove their status:
- Investors - proof of owning assets in the UAE (e.g. real estate) or investing in the UAE economy.
- Entrepreneurs - proof of successful business in the UAE or significant financial investment in the economy.
- Professionals - qualification documents and references from professional associations or employers.
Gold visa validity period
The golden visa is issued for a period of 5 to 10 years depending on the category and level of the applicant's contribution to the UAE economy and society. The visa is automatically renewed if all conditions are met.
Advantages of the golden visa:
- Long-term residence: the ability to legally reside and work in the UAE without the need to renew annual visas.
- Freedom to do business: the ability to establish or grow a business without sponsorship restrictions.
- Family residency: Gold visa holders can include their family members (spouse and children).
- Access to national services: access to health, education and other public services.
The Golden Visa makes the UAE an attractive destination for long-term residency, providing stability and opportunities for professional and personal growth in one of the most dynamic countries in the world.
Obtaining UAE Residence Permit
If you want to get UAE residence permit for investment - contact us at One World Migration. We provide professional services in preparing documents and selecting an object for investment, processing the application, as well as providing post-immigration services. Thanks to our in-depth knowledge of visa procedures and individual approach, One World Migration specialists make the process of obtaining a residence permit as simple and convenient as possible for our clients.
