I have just discovered that there is a law which allows people to get a temporary driving licence in Abu Dhabi if they are waiting for a residence visa to be processed, or if they are here on a visit visa. The licence is valid for 6 months, is issued by the Traffic Police and allows the bearer to drive private cars. To apply for the temporary licence, you will need your full driving licence, and your passport. You will have to fill in a form at the Traffic Police Licencing Department and pay Dhs110. This should take less than half an hour.
While this is a great new facility for visitors to Abu Dhabi, I would still recommend bringing an International Driving Licence with you for backup!
Traffic Police Website: www.adpolice.gov.ae/en
Showing posts with label UAE - Need to know. Show all posts
Showing posts with label UAE - Need to know. Show all posts
What documentation do I need?
One of the things that surprises and frustrates people most when planning a move to the UAE is the amount of paperwork involved in almost everything you have to do to get set up. You will have to apply for a residence visa, labour card - which require quite a few documents - driving license, liquor license (yes, you can consume alcohol here), tenancy contract (depending on your company), credit card and many other bits and pieces which make life easier - eventually!
The main documents such as the residence visa and the labour card will be taken care of by the PRO in the company you will work for. However, you need to provide the correct paperwork. The other licences and permits are either done by yourself or your PRO, depending on the company.
To assist speedy handling of your paperwork, there is some work you could do in advance of your arrival in the UAE. Your documents such as degrees, diplomas etc as well as marriage certificate, birth certificates need to be attested by the UAE embassy and stamped by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in your country. Sometimes, a future employer will contact your university or college to verify your qualifications, so you should check if you need all qualifications stamped. In addition, many people go to their local registry office or council and buy additional original birth or marriage certificates (1 or 2). To complete some applications, you will need to submit originals (these are returned with the processed document), but if you need more than one at a time, it can be useful to have a couple.
Those with children will need to bring school reports and transfer letters. The Ministry of Education here is quite strict on the level a student can enter based on age etc. A full transcript on arrival will make it easier for you to get your child successfully registered in a school. At the moment however, I would strongly recommend contacting schools well in advance of your arrival, as places in Abu Dhabi schools are very difficult to secure.
When you arrive in Abu Dhabi, you will need to copy everything about 5 times and get about 50 passport photos taken to get you started with the paperwork. There are many shops here where you can get these done quite cheaply so I would advise waiting until your arrival to get them.
It is always advisable to have a copy of your passport stored safely while your residence visa is being processed (you do not have your passport for this time), as this may be your only proof of identification.
As always, if in doubt, ask the PRO/HR person of your company to clarify the documentation needed before you arrive. It can be very costly to stamp and verify documents once you arrive here, even if you have an embassy in Abu Dhabi.
One final note: this year Ramadan (the month of fasting) will fall at the beginning of September. For those considering a move to Abu Dhabi in time for the academic year, I would recommend arriving mid August. This will ensure that you will get your paperwork started before Ramadan begins, when working hours are shorter and therefore everything takes longer to process.
The main documents such as the residence visa and the labour card will be taken care of by the PRO in the company you will work for. However, you need to provide the correct paperwork. The other licences and permits are either done by yourself or your PRO, depending on the company.
To assist speedy handling of your paperwork, there is some work you could do in advance of your arrival in the UAE. Your documents such as degrees, diplomas etc as well as marriage certificate, birth certificates need to be attested by the UAE embassy and stamped by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in your country. Sometimes, a future employer will contact your university or college to verify your qualifications, so you should check if you need all qualifications stamped. In addition, many people go to their local registry office or council and buy additional original birth or marriage certificates (1 or 2). To complete some applications, you will need to submit originals (these are returned with the processed document), but if you need more than one at a time, it can be useful to have a couple.
Those with children will need to bring school reports and transfer letters. The Ministry of Education here is quite strict on the level a student can enter based on age etc. A full transcript on arrival will make it easier for you to get your child successfully registered in a school. At the moment however, I would strongly recommend contacting schools well in advance of your arrival, as places in Abu Dhabi schools are very difficult to secure.
When you arrive in Abu Dhabi, you will need to copy everything about 5 times and get about 50 passport photos taken to get you started with the paperwork. There are many shops here where you can get these done quite cheaply so I would advise waiting until your arrival to get them.
It is always advisable to have a copy of your passport stored safely while your residence visa is being processed (you do not have your passport for this time), as this may be your only proof of identification.
As always, if in doubt, ask the PRO/HR person of your company to clarify the documentation needed before you arrive. It can be very costly to stamp and verify documents once you arrive here, even if you have an embassy in Abu Dhabi.
One final note: this year Ramadan (the month of fasting) will fall at the beginning of September. For those considering a move to Abu Dhabi in time for the academic year, I would recommend arriving mid August. This will ensure that you will get your paperwork started before Ramadan begins, when working hours are shorter and therefore everything takes longer to process.
Bringing Medicines into the UAE
The UAE's zero tolerance policy towards drug taking and possession seems to have tightened up considerably recently. Tourists coming into and transiting through the country are under scrutiny, with new drug detection equipment in use at airports and ports of entry.
Some medicines which are available over the counter or on prescription in the home country of the tourist are on a banned or controlled list in the UAE, and travellers need to familiarise themselves with the medicines on that list. Many remedies for coughs and colds (especially anything which contains codeine), some anti-depressants, sleeping pills, painkillers and hormone replacement therapy drugs are banned in the UAE. As a visitor, you should not carry any of the banned narcotics and you should have a prescription from your doctor with you if you are bringing any of the controlled medicines into the country.
In addition, poppy seeds, betel leaves and betel nuts are also banned. The minimum sentence for any drug related crime is 4 years.
Travel agents do not always know or do not always inform potential tourists of the rules, so it is better to check with the UAE embassy in your home country before travelling. The most up-to-date list available at the moment accompanies an article on the Fair Trials website.
Some medicines which are available over the counter or on prescription in the home country of the tourist are on a banned or controlled list in the UAE, and travellers need to familiarise themselves with the medicines on that list. Many remedies for coughs and colds (especially anything which contains codeine), some anti-depressants, sleeping pills, painkillers and hormone replacement therapy drugs are banned in the UAE. As a visitor, you should not carry any of the banned narcotics and you should have a prescription from your doctor with you if you are bringing any of the controlled medicines into the country.
In addition, poppy seeds, betel leaves and betel nuts are also banned. The minimum sentence for any drug related crime is 4 years.
Travel agents do not always know or do not always inform potential tourists of the rules, so it is better to check with the UAE embassy in your home country before travelling. The most up-to-date list available at the moment accompanies an article on the Fair Trials website.
Driving in Abu Dhabi
In order to drive legally in Abu Dhabi you must have a valid driving license, however you do not have to be a resident.
If you are on holiday in Abu Dhabi, you can rent and drive a car provided you have an International Driving License from your country of residence. An International Driving License is also valid for new residents awaiting their valid residence visa. On receipt of the visa however, you must obtain a full UAE driving license.
Driving license applications fall into two categories; those who can automatically replace their own country license for a UAE license and those who must pass the UAE driving test.
Citizens from the following countries can replace their driving license without doing a driving test as long as their passport and driving license are issued from the same country:
France-Britain-USA-Holland-Germany-Italy-Belgium-Japan-Switzerland-Sweden-Greece-Spain-Denmark-Austria-Ireland-Norway-Turkey-Canada-Poland-South Korea-Finland-South Africa-Australia-New Zealand
The documents required are:
1. The original passport + a copy of it
2. 4 recent colour photographs
3. The foreign license to be replaced (provided that it is valid)
4. A legal translation of the license enclosed with a copy of the license
5. A letter of no objection of sponsor or work authority
6. Eye exam
7. Blood type
8. Fees: 200 dirhams
For those who do not have a license from one of the above countries or those who do not have any driving license, there is a separate procedure. If you fall into this category you will need to open a file with the traffic police department and register for driving instruction. The following documents are necessary to open a file:
1. The original passport + a copy of it.
2. 4 recent colour photographs.
3. A letter of no objection from sponsor or work authority.
4. Eye exam
5. Fees: 100 dirhams
6. A copy of the driving license that an applicant possesses (For those who wish to apply for a trial test based on their own country license)
Once a file is opened, you should then go to Emirates Driving Company and register for the theory test and driving lessons. A test costs 50 dirhams.
If you are on holiday in Abu Dhabi, you can rent and drive a car provided you have an International Driving License from your country of residence. An International Driving License is also valid for new residents awaiting their valid residence visa. On receipt of the visa however, you must obtain a full UAE driving license.
Driving license applications fall into two categories; those who can automatically replace their own country license for a UAE license and those who must pass the UAE driving test.
Citizens from the following countries can replace their driving license without doing a driving test as long as their passport and driving license are issued from the same country:
France-Britain-USA-Holland-Germany-Italy-Belgium-Japan-Switzerland-Sweden-Greece-Spain-Denmark-Austria-Ireland-Norway-Turkey-Canada-Poland-South Korea-Finland-South Africa-Australia-New Zealand
The documents required are:
1. The original passport + a copy of it
2. 4 recent colour photographs
3. The foreign license to be replaced (provided that it is valid)
4. A legal translation of the license enclosed with a copy of the license
5. A letter of no objection of sponsor or work authority
6. Eye exam
7. Blood type
8. Fees: 200 dirhams
For those who do not have a license from one of the above countries or those who do not have any driving license, there is a separate procedure. If you fall into this category you will need to open a file with the traffic police department and register for driving instruction. The following documents are necessary to open a file:
1. The original passport + a copy of it.
2. 4 recent colour photographs.
3. A letter of no objection from sponsor or work authority.
4. Eye exam
5. Fees: 100 dirhams
6. A copy of the driving license that an applicant possesses (For those who wish to apply for a trial test based on their own country license)
Once a file is opened, you should then go to Emirates Driving Company and register for the theory test and driving lessons. A test costs 50 dirhams.
Opening a Bank Account
Opening a bank account in Abu Dhabi is relatively easy once you have the required paperwork. Because of the large number of expatriates in the country, it is necessary to have the original documents with you when you apply for an account. The following documents are standard among most banks:
Loans
The two most popular loans are personal loans and auto loans. Personal loans generally offer from between 10 and 27 times your salary + EOSB (end of service benefit), depending on your length of employment with the company. If you are applying for a loan during your probation period and it is approved, it is likely that the maximum amount you will be offered is 10 times your monthly salary.
Auto loans are easier to secure, have much lower interest rates and have fewer requirememts. The bank co-owns the car for the duration of the loan and the owner is not permitted to export the car or drive it outside the country until the full loan is paid.
Requirements for a loan application usually include a salary certificate from your employer and a blank cheque for security and insurance purposes. An application for a personal loan usually requires you to transfer your salary to the bank. In addition, your employer must be listed as an 'approved' client of the bank for a personal loan to be accepted. However, applying for an car loan can be done without having an account with the lending bank.
Internet banking
Many banks have internet and phone banking options where you can make minor changes to your account. However, others require you to visit the branch for all changes. The internet and phone banking, bill payment and remittance facilities vary from one bank to another, so it is important to research the various options before choosing a bank in order to find the service most suited to your preferred banking choice.
Foreign currency
Most banks offer customers the option to open accounts in major currencies such as US$, £Stg, €, and some provide yen accounts. Most banks in the UAE also accept cheques in major currencies. It would be advisable to check with individual banks for charges and clearance times as these will vary.
Some of the more commonly used banks in Abu Dhabi are:
National Bank of Abu Dhabi
Abu Dhabi Commercial Bank
First Gulf Bank
Union National Bank
HSBC
Standard Chartered Bank
- original passport containing a valid residence visa
- a salary certificate from your employer
- some banks will ask you for an additional piece of ID such as a driving license or a labour card
- dependants on their husband's or father's sponsorship will need an original passport which verifies the sponsorship
Some banks will allow you to open an account if your residence visa is pending, and if you provide a letter from your company stating your gauranteed employment and residence status. Others may open an account for you if you provide an introductory letter from a bank in your home country. This is not gauranteed however, and you should not rely on this being the norm.
Some companies will assist you in opening a bank account prior to completion of your residence visa, as this may take a few weeks. The company may have an agreement with a particular bank, or they may allow you to choose your own bank. Either way, in case your residence visa takes longer than anticipated, it would be advisable to open an account with the bank recommended by your company - you can change to one of your choosing when the visa is secured. Another advantage of banking with your company's bank is that there is no salary transfer delay, loans are usually approved quickly and sometimes these banks offer special offers to customers such as no minimum balance, free credit card for first year etc.
Those who want to transfer their salary to a bank account require a no-objection letter from the employer. This letter is addressed to the appropriate branch manager and most Human Resource departments will have this letter on file as a template.Loans
The two most popular loans are personal loans and auto loans. Personal loans generally offer from between 10 and 27 times your salary + EOSB (end of service benefit), depending on your length of employment with the company. If you are applying for a loan during your probation period and it is approved, it is likely that the maximum amount you will be offered is 10 times your monthly salary.
Auto loans are easier to secure, have much lower interest rates and have fewer requirememts. The bank co-owns the car for the duration of the loan and the owner is not permitted to export the car or drive it outside the country until the full loan is paid.
Requirements for a loan application usually include a salary certificate from your employer and a blank cheque for security and insurance purposes. An application for a personal loan usually requires you to transfer your salary to the bank. In addition, your employer must be listed as an 'approved' client of the bank for a personal loan to be accepted. However, applying for an car loan can be done without having an account with the lending bank.
Internet banking
Many banks have internet and phone banking options where you can make minor changes to your account. However, others require you to visit the branch for all changes. The internet and phone banking, bill payment and remittance facilities vary from one bank to another, so it is important to research the various options before choosing a bank in order to find the service most suited to your preferred banking choice.
Foreign currency
Most banks offer customers the option to open accounts in major currencies such as US$, £Stg, €, and some provide yen accounts. Most banks in the UAE also accept cheques in major currencies. It would be advisable to check with individual banks for charges and clearance times as these will vary.
Some of the more commonly used banks in Abu Dhabi are:
National Bank of Abu Dhabi
Abu Dhabi Commercial Bank
First Gulf Bank
Union National Bank
HSBC
Standard Chartered Bank
Education for Children
In the UAE, primary education is compulsory for children of all nationalities over 5 years of age. There are public (government) and private schools available, depending on the type of education you require for your child. To qualify for enrolment in any school, the child must have a valid residence visa.While government schools offer free education to UAE nationals, children of other nationalities must pay fees. There is a variety of private schools available in Abu Dhabi, many of which are community schools from various countries. These schools follow the educational system in their home countries. There are also international schools which offer mainly US and British curriculums. These schools fill up very quickly as many families want to send their children to US or British universities when they are older, or they want their children to follow the same curriculum as they did prior to arriving in the UAE. The fees are determined by the individual schools but are subject to approval by the Ministry of Education.
Children in the UAE are permitted to change schools as well as curricula, but this is only allowed at the end of an academic year. Cases with extenuating circumstances may be allowed to change mid-year, but this is on a case by case basis and not common practice. In addition, changing from one curriculum to another is allowed only until grade 9. Arabic language classes are compulsory at all levels. All government schools are segregated, and while most private schools are co-ed, some may have seperate classes or timings for boys and girls.
If you are planning on moving to the UAE and want to enrol children in a school, there is a lot of paperwork involved and it is best to contact the preferred school or the Ministry of Education in advance to find out what you need. All paperwork will need to be original and most likely stamped by the UAE consulate in your home country.
Visit visa criteria
The UAE is a great place to come on holiday, with the mix of sun, sand, sea, shopping and even skiing! However, there are some visa restrictions depending on either your country of origin or country of residence. To be gauranteed of the most up-to-date knowledge, you should check with your airline or travel agent before flying, but here is the most recent information on getting visit visas to enter the UAE.
If you are a national of a GCC (Gulf Co-operation Council) country, you do not need a visa to enter the UAE. You need to produce your passport on arrival at any border crossing in the UAE.
The following categories of visitors may obtain a visa at the airport on arrival:
GCC residents who are not nationals, but who have valid residency visas can get a non-renewable 30-day visa (this changes from time to time, so it's best to check with the UAE embassy in your country of residence or with the airline).
National citizens of the following countries:
UK(with the right of abode in UK), France, Italy, Germany, Netherlands, Belgium, Luxembourg, Switzerland, Austria, Sweden, Norway, Denmark, Portugal, Ireland, Greece, Finland, Spain, Monaco, Vatican, Iceland, Andorra, San Marino, Liechtenstein, United States, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, Japan, Brunei, Singapore, Malaysia, South Korea and holders of Hong Kong SAR passports will be granted a free of charge visa for a single visit upon arrival in the UAE.
It should be noted that this list may vary slightly from time to time and it is therefore best to check with your local UAE embassy or the airline that you are using to fly to the UAE.
If you do not belong to one of the above catagories, you will need to apply for a visit visa prior to your arrival. In order to secure the visa, you must have a valid sponsor.
The following are considered valid sponsors:
Hotels & Tourist Companies can apply on your behalf for a Tourist Visa (valid for 30 days); or a Service Visa (valid for 14 days); or a Visit Visa (valid for 30 days and can be extended for another 30 days)
Airlines & Airlines Handlers apply on behalf of their crew members for a 96-hour Transit Visa.
Other Organizations based in the UAE may only apply for Visit Visas and Service Visas.
Individuals (Relatives or Friends) already resident in the UAE may, subject to guidlines, also apply on your behalf for a Visit Visa.
Prior to your arrival in the UAE, you should also ensure that your passport has at least 6 months validity remaining as you may be refused entry if it does not.
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