How To Get A Long Term Visa In The UAE? Know The Options

So, if you’re sitting in South Africa thinking, “Hmm, I wouldn’t mind spending a few months in Dubai,” you actually have a couple of ways to make it happen. The one people talk about most?

That self-sponsored 5-year multi-entry tourist visa. Basically, you can pop over whenever you like—up to 90 days at a time—and if you’re not done yet, you extend. Simple as that. The flexible approach offered by the Dubai visit visa services is loved by all.

No sponsor breathing down your neck, no constant reapplications. You do it once and you’re sorted for years. And, thank goodness, the whole thing’s online now.

No dragging yourself to some office halfway across the city. Whether you’re visiting family, sniffing around for business opportunities, or just… You know… living life, there’s a visa that’ll fit.

The nice part? Applying isn’t the headache you might expect. The UAE’s got online systems that let you send in your application from literally anywhere—laptop, couch, airport lounge, whatever works.

Whether you’re off to see family, test the waters for business, or just want more time wandering Dubai’s streets, there’s a visa setup that works for longer stays.

Key Takeaways

Multiple long-term visa options are available for South African nationals.
The 5-year multi-entry tourist visa offers flexibility for extended UAE visits.
The application process can be completed online through Dubai visit visa services.

How To Get A Long Term Visa In The UAE For South African Nationals? An Overview

With a South African passport, you’re not locked into one route. You can pick single-entry, multiple-entry, short, long—it’s a bit like ordering off a menu.

Tourism, family trips, business… whatever you’ve got in mind. Each type has its own rules on how long you can stay, what it costs, and what papers you need.

1. How To Get A Long Term Visa In The UAE For South African Passport Holders: Know The Eligibility Criteria

Alright, basics first: your passport needs six months of life left on it after you plan to enter. Then you’ll usually need proof of where you’ll crash, a ticket home, and enough cash in the bank to look after yourself.

That 5-year multiple-entry one? They’ll want to see USD 4,000 or so sitting in your account over the past six months. Plus a passport photo, travel insurance, and the application form. Sometimes they’ll throw in extras—like an invite from someone in the UAE or proof you’re related if it’s a family visit.

2. Types Of UAE Long-Term Visit Visas

Here’s the rough breakdown:

5-Year Multiple Entry Tourist Visa – No sponsor. Come and go whenever.
30-Day / 60-Day Visit Visas – Single entry, shorter stays.
Family & Long-Term Visit Visas – For staying with relatives or for personal reasons.

The 5-year one is the crowd favorite—less paperwork in the long run. The others? Might need someone in the UAE to vouch for you.

Some other types of visas you can apply for are:

Inside A2A Visa Extension

Are you already in the UAE with a valid visa? You can opt for the Inside A2A Visa extension.

Freelancer Visa

The travel scenario is becoming more inclusive for freelancers and digital nomads. So, the UAE could not be an exception.

If you meet specific criteria as a freelancer, you can get a 2-year visa in the UAE.

Residency By Investment

Do you want to be a resident of the UAE and ready to make investments? Opt for the Residency by Investment scheme and deposit a certain amount or start a business in the UAE to get the citizenship in the UAE.

Employment Visa

Employment visas have a validity of two years. You can ask your employer to sponsor the visa for you.

3. Duration And Validity Of Long-Term Visas

With the 5-year visa, it’s 90 days per visit, extendable to 180 in a year. And the five-year clock starts the day it’s issued.

For the 30- and 60-day visas, you’ve got two months after it’s issued to actually get to the UAE. Then your days start ticking from when you arrive. Most of those can be extended, too, if immigration gives the nod.

Family or long-term visits? Depends—could be 90 days, could be more. Comes down to the reason and the sponsor.

4. How To Get A Long Term Visa In The UAE For South Africans? Requirements And Application Process

If you want things to go smoothly, just have your stuff ready. That means documents, photos, proof of payment—the works.

Document Checklist For Long-Term Visit Visas

You’ll need the following documents to apply for a UAE long-term visit visa.

Passport (six months minimum left)
Recent photo (white background)
Visa form
Proof you paid the fee
Flight details

Some visas also require hotel booking proof and recent bank statements to show you’re financially set for the trip. Got family or an employer in the UAE?

You might need an invitation letter from them. Traveling with kids? Bring their birth certificate and a parental consent letter. Make sure it’s all current, readable, and—if needed—translated into English or Arabic.

Step-By-Step Application Process

Grab your documents first. Fill in the form (online’s easier). Make sure the details match exactly—seriously, mismatches slow everything down.

Pay the fee, attach the photo and payment proof, then submit the lot. After that? It’s just the waiting game.

Common Mistakes To Avoid While Applying For A UAE Visa?

You must also be aware of the common mistakes if you want to know how to get a long term visa in the UAE for South Africans.

Hazy or clumsy scans
Size, color, and format requirements do not follow the prescribed format
Using unauthorized or third-party sites

Remember that any problem in the scanning of documents can lead to the rejection of photographs and passports.

Also, you must only seek help from a vetted UAE-licensed agency or the official airline platform.

How To Get A Long Term Visa In The UAE For South Africans? Choose The One That Serves Your Purpose

Plenty of UAE long-term visa options for South Africans. The trick is picking the one that actually suits your reason for going.

Sort your paperwork early, follow the latest rules, and you’ll dodge most of the headaches. Then it’s just you, the UAE, and however you decide to spend your time there.