Questions & Answers
A lease contract is needed for visa and residency. Any exemptions?
Greetings,
I'm an Indian residing in Sharjah. I've met all the requirements to bring my wife to the UAE, but I'm planning to stay with my colleague in a 2BHK.
I heard that a lease contract is necessary for the issuance of a visa and residency.
I would like to know how to get an exemption from that.
Dear Questioner,
According to UAE law, it is mandatory for expatriates to have a valid residence visa in order to live in the country.
This includes having a valid lease contract for a residence. However, there are certain exemptions to this rule, such as:
1. If you are living in company-provided accommodation, you do not need to have a lease contract.
2. If you are living with a family member who has a valid residence visa, you do not need to have a lease contract.
3. If you are living in a hotel or serviced apartment, you do not need to have a lease contract.
In your case, as you are planning to stay with your colleague, you can provide a letter from your colleague stating that you will be living with them and they will be responsible for your accommodation.
This letter should be attested by the relevant authorities and submitted along with your visa application.
It is important to note that the immigration authorities have the right to request a lease contract or proof of accommodation at any time.
Therefore, it is advisable to have a valid lease contract or a letter from your colleague as a backup in case it is requested.
Dear Questioner,
The Sharjah immigration authorities require proof of accommodation as part of the application process.
If your colleague agrees, you can explore obtaining an Ejari contract. Ejari is the official rental registration system in Sharjah.
With your colleague's consent, you can register a tenancy contract specifying yourself as the tenant. This would provide the necessary documentation for your wife's visa application.
