UAE Permanent Residency 2025

What is a UAE residence visa?

The UAE resident visa is a permit that enables foreign individuals to live in this country for extended periods. The visa, which can be valid for two, five or even ten years, is renewable as frequently as required. Numerous international families have established roots in the Emirates for generations, continually renewing their visas to maintain their residency.

How to get UAE residency?

A residence visa in the UAE can be obtained in various ways: by opening a company or registering as a freelancer, purchasing property, opening a bank deposit, securing official employment in the Emirates, or enrolling in a university.

Typical steps and costs associated with getting a residency visa

1. Get an entry permit. You can obtain the entry permit electronically from outside the UAE or upon arrival in the country. If the applicant is already in the country on a visa, he/she undergoes the status change procedure. 
2. Apply for a residence visa.
3. Undergo a medical examination (HIV/AIDS blood tests, chest X-ray) and submit biometric data.
4. Apply for an Emirates ID.
5. Receive your electronic residency visa.
6. Receive your Emirates ID card.

Getting the UAE residency by setting up a company

Requirements

To qualify for a residence visa, the applicant must register a company in one of the UAE's free zones or the mainland. The applicant must be a shareholder or owner of the business.

• Some free zones require a minimum share capital, starting from 50,000 AED.
• Certain free zones, especially in Dubai, mandate medical insurance for visa issuance.

Key benefit

The visa holder can manage the business remotely and only needs to visit the UAE once every six months to maintain residency. The visa is valid for 2 years, but the business license and immigration card must be renewed annually. Business owners can sponsor family members for UAE residency.

Pitfalls

The residence visa remains valid only if the business license is renewed annually.

How to apply

1. Select a business activity and license type.
2. Choose a legal entity (free zone or mainland company).
3. Prepare and submit company registration documents.
4. Obtain the business license and registration documents.
5. Receive the Establishment card.
6. Apply for a residence visa and get approval.
7. Undergo a medical examination and biometric fingerprinting.
8. Receive the residence visa and Emirates ID.
9. Open a corporate bank account.

Cost of a UAE visa by setting up a company

Prices are for reference only and do not constitute an official offer. Insurance and agency fees are not included.

Getting the UAE residency through buying real estate

10-year UAE Golden visa

Requirements

A foreigner can obtain a 10-year UAE residence visa by purchasing real estate worth at least 2 million AED. This can be a single property or multiple units, as long as the total value meets the minimum threshold. The property can be ready or off-plan, provided that the construction progress is at least 30%.

• Off-plan properties: Installment payment plans are available from developers.
• Ready properties: Mortgage financing is available, but only for completed units.

Key benefit

With this visa, there is no requirement to visit the UAE every six months to maintain residency.

Pitfalls

The property cannot be sold within two years of purchase. If sold earlier, the visa will be canceled.

How to apply

1. Select a property.
2. Complete the purchase transaction.
3. Obtain the title deed (if the property is completed and handed over).
4. Be in the UAE on a tourist or residence visa at the time of applying for the visa.
5. Submit the application for a 10-year Golden Visa and receive approval.
6. Undergo a medical examination and biometric fingerprinting.
7. Receive the residence visa and Emirates ID.

Cost of a 10-year UAE Golden visa through buying property

Prices are for reference only and do not constitute an official offer. Insurance and agency fees are not included.

2-year property investor visa

Requirements

A 2-year UAE residence visa can be obtained by purchasing a ready or off-plan property worth at least AED 750,000.

• Off-plan properties: Installment payment plans are available from developers.
• Ready properties: Mortgage financing is available, but only for completed units.

Key benefit

The purchased property can be rented out to generate income (ROI). There is no tax on rental income in the UAE.

Pitfalls

The property cannot be sold unless the residence visa is canceled first.

How to apply

1. Select a property.
2. Complete the purchase transaction.
3. Obtain the title deed (if the property is completed and handed over).
4. Be in the UAE on a tourist or residence visa at the time of applying.
5. Submit the application for a 2-year residence visa and receive approval.
6. Undergo a medical examination and biometric fingerprinting.
7. Receive the residence visa and Emirates ID.

Cost of a 2-year UAE visa through buying property

Prices are for reference only and do not constitute an official offer. Insurance and agency fees are not included.

Getting the UAE residency through investments

10-year Golden visa through bank deposit

Requirements

A long-term 10-year UAE residence visa can be obtained by placing a deposit of at least AED 2 million (or an equivalent amount in another currency) in a local UAE bank. The average interest rate on deposits is around 4%.

Key benefit

With this visa, there is no requirement to visit the UAE every six months to maintain residency.

Pitfalls

The deposit must remain in the bank for at least two years after obtaining the visa. After two years, the deposit can be withdrawn, and the visa remains valid for the remaining eight years.

How to apply

1. Choose a bank for the deposit.
2. Travel to the UAE on a tourist visa or stay in the country on a residence visa.
3. Sign an agreement with the bank and deposit the required amount.
4. Obtain an official bank letter confirming the active deposit in your name.
5. Submit the application for a 10-year Golden Visa and receive approval.
6. Undergo a medical examination and biometric fingerprinting.
7. Receive the residence visa and Emirates ID.

Cost of a 10-year UAE Golden visa through a bank deposit

Prices are for reference only and do not constitute an official offer. Insurance and agency fees are not included.

Getting the UAE residency through employment

10-year Golden visa for managerial positions

Requirements

Executives and managing directors can qualify for a 10-year UAE Golden Visa if they meet the following criteria:

• Educational qualification: A bachelor’s degree or higher in a management-related field, attested by the UAE Ministry of Education.
• Work experience: At least two years in the current company.
• Company size: The company must have at least five employees.
• Salary requirement: Minimum salary of AED 30,000, proven by a bank statement covering six months.

Key benefit

With this visa, there is no requirement to visit the UAE every six months to maintain residency.

Pitfalls

The issuing university is contacted for authentication, which may cause delays in processing the visa.

How to apply

1. Attest educational documents.

2. Prepare required documents:

• Degree certificates
• Valid employment contract
• Bank statement for the last six months showing salary transactions
• No Objection Certificate (NOC) from the employer

3. Wait for degree verification from the issuing university.

4. Be present in the UAE on a tourist or residence visa when applying.

5. Submit the Golden Visa application and receive approval.

6. Undergo a medical examination and biometric fingerprinting.

7. Receive the residence visa and Emirates ID.

Cost of a 10-year UAE Golden visa for executives and managers

Prices are for reference only and do not constitute an official offer. Insurance and agency fees are not included.

2-year employment visa

Requirements

Employees officially hired by a UAE-based company are eligible for a 2-year residence visa. The visa is issued based on a valid employment contract. In most cases, the employer covers the costs and handles the visa process. In some situations, employees may need to apply and pay for their own visa.

Key benefit

The employee can sponsor family members for UAE residency. A personal resident bank account can be opened in the UAE.

Pitfalls

Visa cancellation upon contract termination: If the employment contract ends, both the employee's visa and any family visas will be revoked.

How to apply

1. Sign an employment contract with a UAE company.
2. Employer submits the required documents for visa processing.
3. Undergo a medical examination and biometric fingerprinting.
4. Receive the residence visa and Emirates ID.

Cost of a 2-year UAE employment visa

Prices are for reference only and do not constitute an official offer. Insurance and agency fees are not included.

Getting the UAE residency as a self-employed or a remote worker

2-year freelance visa

Requirements

A freelance visa can be obtained by securing a freelance license from one of the UAE's free zones. This option is ideal for independent professionals, self-employed individuals, and solo entrepreneurs providing professional services. A flexi-desk (shared workspace) is usually the minimum requirement for office space.

Key benefits

Freelancers can operate from anywhere and only need to visit the UAE once every six months to maintain residency. The visa is valid for 2 years, but the license and immigration card must be renewed annually. Freelancers can sponsor family members for UAE residency.

Pitfalls

The freelance license allows only professional services and does not permit trading activities.

How to apply

1. Determine the business activity and select a free zone for registration.
2. Apply for a freelance license.
3. Submit the required documents and pay the necessary fees.
4. Obtain the freelance license.
5. Apply for a residence visa and receive approval.
6. Obtain an entry permit and travel to the UAE.
7. Undergo a medical examination and biometric fingerprinting.
8. Receive the residence visa and Emirates ID.
9. Open a personal resident bank account.

Cost of a 2-year UAE freelance visa

Prices are for reference only and do not constitute an official offer. Insurance and agency fees are not included.

Digital nomad visa

Requirements

The UAE digital nomad (remote worker) visa is available for foreign employees and business owners outside the UAE.

• Employees must have a valid employment contract for at least one year.
• Business owners must prove that their company has been operating for at least one year.
• Applicants must provide bank statements proving a minimum monthly income of AED 12,800 (USD 3,500).

Key benefits

The UAE digital nomad (remote worker) visa is valid for 1 year. You can retain your current job or business while securing UAE residency for yourself and your family. Work remotely from the UAE, only needing to visit the country once every six months to maintain residency. Also, this is the cheapest residence visa available.

Pitfalls

A health insurance policy covering the UAE is mandatory.

How to apply

1. Apply for the digital nomad visa via the GDRFAD website.
2. Obtain an entry permit and travel to the UAE.
3. Submit documents for visa processing and receive approval.
4. Undergo a medical examination and biometric fingerprinting.
5. Receive the residence visa and Emirates ID.

Cost of a UAE digital nomad visa

Prices are for reference only and do not constitute an official offer. Insurance and agency fees are not included.

Getting a UAE resident visa for students

Requirements

The UAE student visa is issued to foreigners enrolled in a university in the UAE. Education for international students is paid, and the visa is valid for one year, with annual renewal required.

Key benefits

• Ability to reside in the UAE legally throughout the study period.
• Opportunity to apply for part-time work (in some cases, depending on the university and regulations).
• Potential pathway to long-term residency through employment or business after graduation.

Pitfalls

• High tuition fees for international students.
• Visa renewal is required annually.

How to apply

1. Receive an acceptance letter from a university in the UAE.
2. Submit required documents to the university.
3. Obtain an entry permit and travel to the UAE.
4. Undergo a medical examination and biometric fingerprinting.
5. Receive the residence visa and Emirates ID.

Cost of a UAE student visa

Prices are for reference only and do not constitute an official offer. Insurance and agency fees are not included.

Getting a UAE resident visa as a retiree

Requirements

Foreigners who have reached retirement age can obtain a 5-year UAE residence visa. The applicant must meet one of the following criteria:

- Be 55 years or older or have worked in the UAE for at least 15 years.

- Have investments in the UAE, such as:

• A fixed deposit of at least 1 million AED in a UAE bank.
• Property ownership worth at least 1 million AED.
• A stable monthly income of at least 15,000 AED in Dubai or 20,000 AED in other emirates.

Key benefits

With a 5-year retiree visa, there is no requirement to visit the UAE every six months to maintain residency.

Pitfalls

The applicant must have medical insurance valid in the UAE.

How to apply

1. Gather documents proving eligibility for the retirement visa.
2. Submit the application, pay the required fees, and await approval.
3. Undergo a medical examination and biometric fingerprinting.
4. Receive the residence visa and Emirates ID.

Cost of a 5-year UAE visa for retirees

Prices are for reference only and do not constitute an official offer. Insurance and agency fees are not included.

Getting a UAE resident visa for family members of UAE residents

Requirements

A UAE resident can act as a sponsor for family members and apply for residence visas for a spouse, children, and parents. The minimum income requirement is 4,000 AED, or 20,000 AED if sponsoring parents. The family members' residence visa is issued for the same duration as the sponsor's visa.

Key benefits

Family visas can be valid for 2 to 10 years. Family members residing in the UAE on family visas have the right to study, work, and conduct business in the country, as well as open a bank account.

Pitfalls

If the sponsor's visa is canceled and not renewed, they must also cancel the family visas.

How to apply

1. Legalize the marriage certificate, children's birth certificates, and other documents confirming family relationships in the country of issuance.
2. Authenticate the legalized documents at the UAE Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA).
3. Submit the visa application.
4. Undergo a medical fitness test and biometric screening.
5. Obtain the residence visas and Emirates ID.

Cost of a UAE family visa

Prices are for reference only and do not constitute an official offer. Insurance and agency fees are not included.

Visa for parents

Requirements

Obtaining a UAE residence visa for parents involves additional requirements compared to standard family visas:

• Medical insurance is mandatory, and the cost increases with the parent's age.
• The sponsor (resident) must have a minimum monthly salary of 20,000 AED.
• A deposit of 3,000 AED per parent must be paid.

Key benefits

Visas for parents can be valid for 2 to 10 years. Parents, as family members residing in the UAE on family visas, have the right to work and conduct business in the country, as well as open a bank account.

Pitfalls

The resident must sponsor both parents together, unless they can provide a divorce or death certificate for one parent.

How to apply

1. Legalize documents proving the relationship and have them attested by the UAE Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA). 
2. Submit the application and pay the required fees.
3. Undergo a medical examination and biometric fingerprinting.
4. Receive the residence visa and Emirates ID.

Cost of a UAE visa for parents

Prices are for reference only and do not constitute an official offer. Insurance and agency fees are not included.

How to maintain your UAE residency visa?

If you maintain UAE residency, you shouldn't encounter any issues keeping your visa valid. However, if you're a frequent traveler or don’t live in the UAE, you need to re-enter the country every six months. In case you fail to do it, the visa will be canceled automatically and you will have to go through the process of residence visa renewal.

If you have violated this requirement and have been absent from the UAE for more than 180 days, you can apply for a re-entry permit. To do this, you need to:

1. Submit an application from a country other than the UAE.
2. Provide a justification for the violation of the 180-day rule.
3. Pay a fine of 100 AED for every 30 days of absence.

Timely taken actions will allow you to maintain your residency status. You can apply for the Return Permit at the General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs - Dubai (GDRFAD) by providing a reasonable justification for the delay (such as education, medical treatment, or force majeure circumstances). Supporting documents will be required!

How to renew your UAE residency visa?

Renewing your UAE residence visa is often a simpler process than obtaining your first one. However, it does require a medical check and renewal of your Emirates ID. You will also need to provide the same grounds on which you received your previous visa (such as an investor, freelancer, or retiree visa).

The process of visa renewal begins by visiting a medical screening center 1-2 weeks prior to your visa expiration date. After completing the necessary tests, you can apply for your Emirates ID renewal. Once you've obtained your medical report, submit it to the immigration office along with your passport. Your new visa, granting you continued residency, will then be issued for another period.

How to cancel your visa in the UAE

Usually, it is the sponsor of the visa who applies for its cancellation. Sponsors can be:

1. Your employer: As part of the cancellation process, you will need to sign a form confirming you've received all due salary and benefits. If you have worked for many years in one company, you may be eligible for an end-of-service benefit.
2. Your own company: If you're a business owner and have a visa under the company, you may apply for cancellation yourself or hire a PRO or business consultancy firm to handle it on your behalf.
3. Your spouse or parent: If you're on a dependent visa needing cancellation, your sponsor—either a spouse or parent—will be responsible. They may also sponsor a PRO or business consultancy company to process the cancellation, provided they have the original passport of the visa holder and original Emirates ID of the sponsor.
4. Government authority: If you're employed by a UAE government authority, they will be responsible for visa cancellation.

Visa cancellation in or out of the UAE

Whether you're in the UAE or outside during the cancellation process, certain rules apply.

Canceling visa in the UAE

If you're in the UAE, you need to submit your original passport to the issuing authority and wait for the cancellation. 

Canceling visa outside of the UAE

If you're outside of the UAE, you need to have been absent for longer than six months to cancel without sending the original passport. If you've been away for less than six months and wish to cancel, you'll need to send your original passport to your company or a PRO for processing.

Where to apply for the visa cancellation?

UAE residence visas must be canceled by the same authority that issued them. These authorities can be: The General Directorate of Residency and Foreign Affairs, Dubai (GDRFAD) for Dubai Mainland visas, represented by Tasheel or Amer, or Free Zones for visas issued by free zone companies.

Three ways to cancel your visa

Thanks to the UAE government's provision for both online and offline visa cancellation, residents can choose the most convenient method:

1. Online services of ICA or GDRFAD
2. Any of the approved typing centres near you
3. The ICA or GDRFAD mobile application

Using GDRFAD Online Services 

1. Visit the GDRFAD online services page here.
2. Click Cancellation of Residency Visa.
3. On the new page, click Start Service at the bottom.
4. At the individual login page, enter the necessary details and documents.
5. Follow the on-screen instructions to complete the cancellation process.
6. Look for a confirmation message or email to verify successful cancellation.

Through a Tasheel Typing Centre

1. Gather the required documents (details below).
2. Visit an approved Tasheel typing centre.
3. Allow the centre agents to fill the necessary forms.
4. Hand over the required documents to the agents.
5. The centre will handle the rest of the process.

Using ICA or GDRFAD Mobile Application

1. Download and install the ICA or GDRFAD mobile app.
2. Log in using your correct details.
3. Navigate to Cancellation of Residence Visa under the service categories or use the search button.
4. Follow the on-screen instructions to complete the process.
5. After approval, you will be notified via email or call. Submit your passport for actual visa cancellation.

Required Documents 

1. Your original passport.
2. Original copies of your Emirates ID and labour card.
3. A signed visa cancellation paper from your sponsor.
4. If company-sponsored, a signed, stamped cancellation form from them, and a clearance document from the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation (MOHRE).

For more information read our UAE Visa Cancelation Guide or contact the Emirabiz consultants.

Long term visas

The United Arab Emirates offers several types of long-term visas, designed to attract foreign talent and investment. They provide a sense of stability and long-term residency to holders, allowing them to plan for a future in the UAE.

1. Investor visa: This is available to foreign nationals who wish to make a substantial investment in the UAE. It can be valid for 10 years and is renewable. They can invest either in real estate or in a bank deposit.
2. Special talent visa: The UAE also offers long-term residency for people with special talents in areas such as science, art, culture, and sports. This includes researchers, scientists, inventors, artists, and performers.
3. Visa for executives: It is a long-term resident visa provided for chief executives and managing directors with a diploma.
4. Retirement visa: Offered for residents aged 55 and above. Certain financial criteria must be met to qualify.

The specific requirements for each visa type vary, so it's essential to check the most recent guidelines from the UAE government or consult with an expert.

Top benefits of the UAE residency visa

Legal stay and business opportunities

A UAE residence visa allows you to live, work, start a business, study, enroll children in schools, access medical and educational services, use banking services, and rent or buy property and vehicles in the UAE.

No personal income tax

UAE residents do not pay income tax on salaries, investments, rental income, inheritance, or dividends.

Seamless bank transactions

Residents can open personal bank accounts, send and receive international money transfers without currency control, and access debit and credit cards.

Medical and educational benefits

UAE residents and their children can study in local schools and universities and receive high-quality healthcare services.

Low tax environment

Residents can register a company, work as a freelancer, or engage in e-commerce. Business licenses can be obtained in UAE free zones or mainland. The corporate tax is 9%, the lowest in the Middle East, with exemptions for small businesses and free zone companies.

Obtaining a UAE driving license

To drive legally in the UAE, residents must pass the required tests and obtain a UAE driving license.

Where can I live?

Regardless of the authority that issued your visa, you can maintain Dubai residency or choose to reside in any other Emirate. 

Any visa, whether it is a Dubai residence visa or the one obtained in another Emirate, makes you eligible for UAE residency anywhere. You can rent an apartment and settle your family in any location. 

However, certain services like obtaining a UAE driver’s license must be applied for in the Emirate your visa belongs to. For instance, if you opened a company in Fujairah free zone, you need to get your driver’s license from the Fujairah road and traffic authority.

While residing in Dubai can be more costly, it's also much more vibrant! All the largest amusement parks, fashionable restaurants, and malls are located here. The infrastructure, in general, is more advanced: you have a wider choice of grocery stores, hospitals and clinics, schools, and colleges.

Regardless of the Emirate you reside in and the type of visa you have, the UAE is a great country to live, work, study, or run your own business. Whether you're an individual or a business owner, an investor or a specialized talent, there's a place for you here.