How to Get UAE Residency in 2025 – Complete Guide

What is a UAE residence visa?

Definition and key concepts

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 2, 5 or even 10 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.

Residency is not the same as citizenship. You can get a UAE passport through birth, marriage, or naturalization after 30 years of residency. It’s also possible through exceptional achievements or major investments in the country.

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. Below is a list of the main types of UAE residence visas.

Residency through investment

10-year Golden Visa via real estate

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 50%.

• 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, you are not restricted by the six-month rule for maintaining residency.

Important note

The property cannot be sold during the validity of the Golden Visa. If it is sold, 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). Otherwise prepare a Sales and Purchase Agreement.
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 visa approval.
6. Undergo a medical examination and biometric fingerprinting.
7. Receive the residence visa and Emirates ID

Golden Visa via bank deposit

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.

Important note

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.

2-year investor / property investor visa

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.

Important note

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.

Residency through employment or sponsorship

Standard employment visa

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 visas.

Key benefit

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

Important note

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.

Golden Visa for professionals & executives

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 10 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.

Important note

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

How to apply

1. Attest educational documents.
2. Prepare the 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 visa application and receive approval.
6. Undergo a medical examination and biometric fingerprinting.
7. Receive the residence visa and Emirates ID.

Green Visa for skilled workers (self-sponsored)

The Green Visa is a 5-year self-sponsored residence visa designed for freelancers, self-employed individuals, and skilled professionals who want to live and work in the UAE without the need for employer sponsorship.

• Valid freelance license or self-employment permit.
• Bachelor’s degree or higher.
• Minimum annual self-employment income of AED 360,000 over the past two years.
• For skilled professionals: occupation must fall under level 1–3 listed professions with a minimum salary of AED 15,000 per month.

Key benefits:

No employer sponsorship required — full independence and flexibility.
5-year validity, which is longer than the standard 2-year work visa.

How to apply

1. Apply to the GDRFA through their website.
2. Pick your visa type — Partner Investor, Skilled Worker, or Self-Employment.
3. Upload the required documents.
4. Pay fees.
5. Undergo the medical test and submit your biometrics.
6. Wait for your Green visa and Emirates ID to be issued.

Residency through freelancing or business

Freelance visa

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.

Important note

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.

Digital nomad visa

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.

Important note

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.

Starting a company

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.

Important note

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.

Residency through family sponsorship

Sponsoring spouse and children

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.

Important note

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.

Sponsoring parents

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.

Important note

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.

Student visa for dependents

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.

How to apply

1. Receive an acceptance letter from a university in the UAE.
2. Submit the 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.

Special categories

Retirement visa

Foreigners who have reached the age of 55 years can obtain a so-called visa for retirees valid for 5 years. 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 a fixed deposit of at least AED 1 million in a local bank
• Have property ownership valued at a minimum of AED 1 million
• Have a stable monthly income of at least AED 15,000 if you live in Dubai or AED 20,000 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.

Important note

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.

Step-by-step UAE residency process

Step 1: Choose the right visa path

Whether you are planning to apply as a property investor, business owner, or CEO, the visa path isn’t always obvious. Consult experienced advisors in Dubai to understand your options and residence visa requirements UAE.

Step 2: Prepare required documents

The first step is to carefully prepare all required documents. The exact set depends on the type of visa you are applying for, but generally includes:

• Passport
• Photo
• Contact information
• Residential address
• Supporting documents, such as bank statements as proof of income, title deed, sales and purchase agreement for property investments, diplomas, job offer, labor contract, legalized family documents, etc.

Step 3: Apply for 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.

Step 4: Medical test and Emirates ID registration

Undergo a medical examination (including HIV/AIDS blood tests and a chest X-ray) at an approved medical center in Dubai, and submit your biometric data at an Amer center.

Step 5: Final visa stamping and residency activation

You will receive your electronic residency visa — physical visa stamping is no longer required — along with your Emirates ID card. At this point, you officially become a UAE resident.

Visa costs, timelines & requirements

Full cost breakdown by visa type

Below is a detailed breakdown of residence visas in Dubai costs, including the 2 years residence visa cost, 5 years residence visa in Dubai costs, and 10 years Golden visa costs.

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

Typical processing timeframes

The processing time for converting a visa to a residence permit varies depending on the type of visa. Generally, it takes about 2–3 weeks for 2-year visas and around 7–10 business days for Golden Visas.

Residency maintenance rules

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!

Renewing, cancelling or switching your UAE visa

How to renew your UAE residency visa

Renewing your Dubai 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

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. Self-sponsored such as Golden Visa holders, freelancers and remote workers.

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

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

First: 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.

Second: 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.

Third: 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.

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

How to switch visa type

You can change your visa status — for example, from a tourist or employment visa to an investor visa — without leaving the country. To do this, provide the required documents to your sponsor, or gather them yourself if you are sponsoring your own visa. Next, submit an application to the ICP or GDRFAD for approval.

Once approved, you will need to pay the visa status change fee, undergo a medical examination, and complete biometric data submission. After that, wait for the issuance of your new visa and Emirates ID.

Don’t forget to cancel your old visa before activating the new one!

Why get UAE residency – top benefits

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 business 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.

Entry permit vs residency visa vs Golden Visa

When exploring UAE residency, you’ll often see three key terms: Entry Permit, Residency Visa, and Golden Visa. While related, they serve different purposes.

An entry permit is a temporary approval that lets you enter the UAE to complete your residency process.

A residency visa allows you to live, work, and sponsor family members in the UAE, with eligibility based on employment, business, or property ownership.

The Golden Visa is a long-term residency visa (5 or 10 years) for investors, skilled professionals, and exceptional talents, offering greater benefits and stability than standard visas.

Expert help from Emirabiz

Emirabiz provides comprehensive support for foreigners looking to relocate or start a business in the UAE. Our consultants assist with every step of business setup in Dubai and relocation — from preparing applications and communicating with UAE authorities to obtaining licenses, visas, approvals, and opening bank accounts. The Emirabiz team knows how to optimize your visa costs in Dubai.

Our accounting and tax team helps with tax registration, filing returns, and audits, ensuring your business stays compliant. We are also ready to assist with visa and license renewals or cancellations, making your move and operations in the UAE smooth and hassle-free.

What's included in your free consultation

• Our specialists will walk you through the essentials of doing business in the UAE, including an overview of free zones, mainland, and offshore structures.
• They’ll discuss your goals and business activities to get a clear picture of your needs and priorities.
• Based on your profile, you’ll receive expert advice on the most suitable and cost-effective jurisdiction for your case, along with a plan for your business setup.