UAE Permanent Residency 2024

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.

In essence, UAE residency means residing continuously in the country for a pre-defined period of time. While the concept of "permanent residency" as known in some countries doesn't exactly exist here, holding a residence visa essentially confers the same benefit.

How to get UAE residency?

There are multiple ways to obtain the UAE residency:

• Set up a business in the UAE
• Apply for a Work visa
• Apply for a Freelance visa in Dubai or other Emirates
• Enroll in a college or university
• Apply for a Family visa as a dependent (a spouse, child or retired parent) of a resident
• Buy a property worth at least 750,000 AED to get a 2-year Property Investor Visa
• Get a UAE Golden visa or Green visa
• Get a UAE residence visa for retirees

Detailed information on obtaining these forms of residency can be found here.

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.
2. Apply for a status change. Submit an application to change your tourist visa to a residency visa
3. Undergo a medical examination.
4. Submit biometric data.
5. Apply for an Emirates ID.
6. Receive your electronic residency visa.
7. Receive your Emirates ID card.

The total cost is approximately 3,000-4,000 dirhams and includes:

• Government fees
• Status change fee
• Medical examination
• Biometric data processing
• Emirates ID issuance

A crucial requirement for the residence visa is that you cannot be absent from the UAE for more than 180 days. This means that if you do not live in the Emirates permanently, you need to enter the country at least once every six months. This requirement does not apply to holders of the Golden Visa, who can stay in or out of the country for any amount of time, and to holders of the Investor and Partner visas, for whom the stay requirement is extended to 1 year.

After obtaining a residency visa, you can open a bank account: a corporate account if you are a business owner or a shareholder, or a personal resident bank account if you are an individual.

For those looking to open a corporate Dubai bank account, a visa holder is considered a low-risk category by compliance.

Getting the UAE residency by setting up a company

Establishing a business is one of the fastest ways of getting a visa. You can set up a company either in a free zone or on the mainland.

Business setup in UAE free zones is one of the most preferred options as free zones provide unmatched benefits for business owners, for example:

• tax benefits on certain conditions;
• more affordable company formation prices;
• wide range of set-up packages for different needs (from freelancers to large corporations);
• wider range of business activities allowed including rare and niche activities.

You can choose one of the Dubai free zones or other UAE free zones depending on your business profile, financial situation, and long-term aims.

How to apply

To apply for a visa, it is necessary to register a company with one of the UAE's business registration authorities. There are over 40 such authorities, and you may either search for a suitable registering body yourself or engage the services of business setup consultants in Dubai.

Typically, you can stay in your home country during the company incorporation, establishment card, and entry visa-issuing stages, provided that you have visited the UAE at least once in the past. You can upload all necessary documents through the portal:

• Application form
• Passport copy
• Entry permit or visa copy
• E-mail
• Phone number
• Residential address
• Business description and company details, if applicable.

Your personal presence is required for the medical check, Emirates ID application, and visa finalization process as well as for opening a bank account.

Depending on the registering authority, the company registration and visa application procedures may take from 1 to 5-6 weeks.

Note: For Dubai free zone company formation, you will also need to obtain medical insurance.

Requirements

1. Company registration. You must establish a business entity in the UAE, such as a free zone company or a mainland company.
2. Shareholder role. The visa applicant must be listed as the owner or a shareholder in the company.
3. Minimum investment. The required minimum paid-up capital depends on the free Zone or emirate but often starts at AED 50,000.

Process

1. Business setup. Choose a free zone or mainland option, register the business, and obtain the trade license.
2. Immigration file. Open an immigration file with the relevant UAE authority.
3. Visa application. Apply for the UAE resident visa under the investor or owner category.
4. Medical test and ID registration. Complete the mandatory medical fitness test and register for an Emirates ID.
5. Visa issuance. Receive the residency visa linked to your company.

Costs

Total costs can vary widely depending on the company setup, emirate, and chosen free zone. Additional costs may include office space rental and professional services.

UAE free zone visa costs

UAE visa costs vary depending on your business registration location if you choose this way of getting residency. If you set up a company in one of the northern Emirates — Ajman, Umm Al Quwain, Sharjah, or Ras Al Khaimah — the fees would be the lowest. Сheck out the prices of a UAE visa with company setup below:

For Dubai free zones, visa costs will be higher due to increased business registration prices and other additional expenses, such as obligatory health insurance, which must be arranged prior to visa issuance.

Here you can see the breakdowns of Dubai visas for business owners:

Getting the UAE residency through buying real estate

You can also obtain a residence visa in the UAE by purchasing commercial or residential property. The minimum investment amount is 750,000 AED.

The visa can be obtained for a period ranging from 2 to 10 years. In the latter case, it refers to the Golden Visa, for which the minimum investment threshold is set at 2 million dirhams.

According to the Golden Visa program, the property can be either ready-to-move or under construction (to qualify for the Golden Visa the completion rate must be no less than 30%). The latter is called off plan, and the installment plan for its purchase is provided by the developer. There is no minimum advance payment required for buying property off-plan or on a mortgage in the UAE, which is a significant relaxation of conditions. Previously, a mandatory advance payment of 1 million AED was required, but this has been canceled, making real estate more affordable for a wider range of investors who want to relocate to the UAE.

How to apply

To obtain a visa through property purchase, you must first select a property that meets the required conditions.

Requirements

1. Property value. The property must have a minimum value of AED 750,000 to qualify for a residency visa. For joint ownership, each owner must contribute at least AED 750,000.
2. Ownership. The property must be fully paid for and free of mortgages unless the mortgage is with a UAE bank.
3. Property type. Only freehold residential properties are eligible. Off-plan properties are typically not accepted unless they are completed and handed over.

Process

1. Purchase property. Buy a qualifying freehold property in a designated area. Ensure proper registration with the Dubai Land Department or the relevant emirate's authority.
2. Title deed. Obtain the title deed as proof of ownership.
3. Visa application. Submit an application to the UAE immigration authorities, along with the title deed and other required documents.
4. Medical test and Emirates ID. Complete the medical fitness test and apply for an Emirates ID.
5. Visa issuance. Receive the UAE residency visa linked to your property.

Costs

Additional costs include real estate agent fees and maintenance charges.

Getting the UAE residency through investments

Apart from investing in real estate in the UAE, you can also make a deposit of 2,000,000 AED in a UAE bank or invest the same amount in a UAE business. This visa is also called the Golden Visa and is issued for 10 years.

The Golden Visa offers undeniable advantages. Here are some of the most significant ones:

• You do not pay taxes on personal income, including rental income, capital gains, inheritance, and more.
• You can stay in or leave the UAE for any length of time without the requirement to visit the country every six months to maintain your visa.
• You can sponsor family members and hire any number of domestic staff.
• You can open a personal bank account and enjoy all the benefits of international banking.

How to apply

Requirements

1. Investment threshold. Invest at least AED 2 million in approved sectors, such as UAE-based companies, funds, or government bonds.
2. Proof of investment. Provide official documentation verifying the investment source and amount.
3. Eligible categories. Direct investments, business partnerships, or approved public investment funds qualify for the visa.

Process

1. Make the investment. Invest the required amount in an eligible sector or fund.
2. Submit application. Apply for the residency visa through the relevant UAE immigration authority or free zone.
3. Medical test and Emirates ID. Complete the mandatory medical fitness test and apply for an Emirates ID.
4. Visa issuance. Obtain the residency visa tied to the investment.

Costs

Visa validity can range from 5 to 10 years depending on the type and scale of the investment. Additional fees may include legal and administrative charges.

Getting the UAE residency through employment

You can obtain resident status by securing official employment in the UAE. A work visa offers several advantages, such as:

• You do not pay taxes.
• You can live freely in the UAE for the duration of the visa.
• You can sponsor your family members and arrange residency visas for them.
• You can rent housing for a long term.
• You can enroll your children in school.
• You can access medical services.
• You can open a resident bank account.

How to apply

An advantage of this method of obtaining a visa is that the employer handles all the arrangements and expenses. They must sign an employment contract with you, which will serve as the basis for obtaining the visa.

Requirements

1. Employment contract. Secure a job offer from a UAE-based company.
2. Employer sponsorship. The employer must sponsor your residency visa.
3. Minimum salary. No specific requirement, but higher salaries may qualify for long-term visas.

Process

1. Job offer acceptance. Sign an employment contract with a UAE company.
2. Employer application. The employer submits your visa application to the relevant authority.
3. Medical test and Emirates ID. Complete the medical fitness test and apply for an Emirates ID.
4. Visa issuance. Receive the residency visa linked to your employment.

Costs

The visa is typically valid for 2–3 years and is linked to your continued employment.

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

This is one of the easiest and most cost-effective ways to obtain a residence visa in the UAE. If you provide professional services and do not need to hire employees, rent a large office, and want the flexibility to work outside the UAE, we recommend registering as a freelancer and obtaining a freelance permit in one of the free zones. Alternatively, if you are a remote worker or have your own business, you may get a Dubai Digital Nomad Visa.

The freelancer and digital nomad visas provide all the benefits of residency in the country, similar to a work visa or investor visa, but it is easier and cheaper to obtain. The application procedure for both visas is basically the same.

How to apply

If you are obtaining a visa outside of a business setup service package, you will need to go through a series of mandatory steps and pay the required services and fees.

Requirements

1. Freelance permit. Obtain a freelance permit from a UAE free zone or authority offering remote work visas.
2. Income proof. Show a minimum monthly income of AED 15,000 for remote worker visas.
3. Business activity. The freelance permit must align with your professional activities, such as media, technology, or education.

Process

1. Apply for a freelance permit. Submit an application through a free zone or UAE government portal.
2. Visa application. Apply for the residency visa after securing the freelance permit.
3. Medical test and Emirates ID. Complete the medical fitness test and apply for an Emirates ID.
4. Visa issuance. Receive the residency visa linked to your freelance permit or remote work authorization.

Costs

The visa is usually valid for 1–3 years and renewable. If you are obtaining a visa outside of a business setup service package, you will need to go through a series of mandatory steps and pay the required fees.

Getting a UAE resident visa for students

Another way to obtain a UAE residence visa is by enrolling in a UAE college or university as a student.

How to apply

Requirements

1. Enrollment. Be enrolled in a UAE-based accredited educational institution.
2. Age limit. Usually for individuals aged 18–25, with exceptions for postgraduate students.
3. Sponsorship. The institution or a parent must sponsor the visa.

Process

1. Admission. Obtain admission to a UAE university or college.
2. Visa application. The institution or parent submits the visa application.
3. Medical test and Emirates ID. Complete the medical fitness test and apply for an Emirates ID.
4. Visa issuance. Receive the student residency visa.

Costs

The visa is valid for the duration of the academic program and is renewable annually.

Getting a UAE resident visa as a retiree

If you have already completed your career and reached retirement age, you can obtain a retiree visa. To do this, you need to prove a pension of at least AED 15,000 per month, deposit at least 1 million AED in a UAE bank, or purchase property in the country worth at least 1 million AED. The visa is issued for 5 years to individuals who are 55 years old or older and is renewable.

How to apply

Requirements

1. Age limit. Applicants must be at least 55 years old.
2. Financial criteria. Meet one of the following: AED 1 million in savings / AED 1 million in property value / Monthly income of AED 15,000.

Process

1. Eligibility verification. Provide documents to meet financial and age criteria.
2. Visa application. Submit the application through relevant UAE authorities.
3. Medical test and Emirates ID. Complete the medical fitness test and apply for an Emirates ID.
4. Visa issuance. Obtain the residency visa.

Costs

Getting a UAE resident visa for family members of UAE residents

Your family members can also live and work in the UAE. With a residency visa, you can sponsor them and arrange family visas for them.

How to apply

Requirements

1. Sponsorship. A UAE resident must sponsor family members.
2. Minimum income. Sponsors must earn at least AED 4,000 (or AED 3,000 with housing provided).
3. Eligible dependents. Spouse, children under 18, and unmarried daughters.

Process

1. Eligibility check. Ensure income and relationship criteria are met.
2. Visa application. Submit applications for family members through immigration authorities.
3. Medical test and Emirates ID. Complete medical fitness tests and Emirates ID registrations for dependents.
4. Visa issuance. Receive residency visas for family members.

Costs

Family visas are valid for 2–3 years and renewable as long as the sponsor’s residency remains valid.

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 5 or 10 years and is renewable.
2. Entrepreneur Visa: Available for those who own a successful project in the UAE. This five-year visa can be upgraded to an investor visa if the business thrives.
3. 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.
4. Green Visa: This provides residency for skilled professionals, freelancers/self-employed individuals, and investors/partners. The validity period is 5 years, and the criteria include proof of professional qualification, income, or investment.
5. Golden Visa: It is a long-term resident visa introduced by the UAE government in 2019. It is provided to investors, entrepreneurs, chief executives, scientists, outstanding students, and artists, athletes, frontline heroes, and humanitarian work pioneers.

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.

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.

Canceling a 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 a 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.

Ways to cancel your visa

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 or free zone authorities for visas issued to owners of free zone companies.

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

Using ICA or GDRFAD Online Services

1. Visit the ICA or 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 Center

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

• Your original passport.
• Original copies of your Emirates ID and labour card.
• A signed visa cancellation paper from your sponsor.
• 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.

Top-10 benefits of a UAE residency visa

Getting a UAE residency opens up a world of opportunities and advantages for you. Here are some of the top reasons why you’ll love having one:

1. Thriving financial and trade hub

The UAE is a bustling global financial and trade hub. With rapidly developing technologies and a steady influx of expats, you’ll find endless business opportunities and perfect networking scenarios here.

2. Business-friendly environment

The UAE is incredibly welcoming to foreign businesses. You’ll benefit from a low corporate tax rate of just 9%, and if you meet certain criteria in specific free zones, you can reduce this tax even further. Setting up and running a business is smooth and straightforward, thanks to supportive government policies.

3. Strategic international access

Having a UAE residency visa, you can enjoy short and fast travels both to the West and East countries as the UAE serves as a bridge between these two parts of the world. This makes your international business trips and vacations much easier and more convenient, saving you time and hassle.

4. Top-notch education for your children

You can enroll your children in some of the best international schools in the UAE. These schools offer high-quality education following American, British, and IB curriculums, ensuring your children are well-prepared for global opportunities.

5. Quality healthcare

As a resident, you have access to world-class healthcare services. The UAE is known for its excellent medical facilities and well-trained professionals, so you can rest assured that you and your family will receive top-notch medical care.

6. Banking services

With a UAE residency visa, you can open bank accounts easily. This is essential for managing your finances and conducting business smoothly. The UAE’s banking sector offers a wide range of financial products and services to meet your needs.

7. Property ownership

You have the right to buy property in the UAE, including on mortgage. This is a great opportunity to invest in the thriving real estate market, whether for personal use or as an investment. There’s a wide range of properties to choose from, from luxury apartments to spacious villas.

8. Mobility and housing

You can obtain a driver’s license, making it easier to get around. Plus, you have the right to rent apartments for the long term, giving you flexibility and stability in your living arrangements. Whether you’re staying for a few years or planning to settle down, the UAE offers great living options.

9. Access to services

Having a residence visa gives you access to a wide array of UAE services, from utilities and telecommunications to government services. Everything is designed to make your life here comfortable and convenient.

10. Cultural and recreational opportunities

The UAE is rich in cultural and recreational activities. You’ll have access to stunning cultural landmarks, museums, art galleries, and heritage sites. Also, you can enjoy world-class recreational facilities like theme parks, luxury resorts, beaches, and desert adventures. There’s always something exciting to do, from festivals and concerts to sports events.

Where can I live?

Regardless of the authority that issued your visa, you can choose to maintain Dubai residency or 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.

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.