Thinking about relocating to Dubai? Whether you’re planning to work, start a business, or settle down, obtaining a residence visa is the key to unlocking life in one of the world’s most exciting cities. A residence visa gives you legal status to live in the United Arab Emirates, access local services, and enjoy long-term opportunities. But how can I get a residence visa in Dubai? That’s the question on many minds. In this blog, we’ll break it down step by step, guiding you through everything you need to know to get started with confidence.
What is a Residence Visa in Dubai?
A residence visa in Dubai functions as an official authorization which enables foreign citizens to live within the UAE territory, allowing foreign citizens to live in the UAE for 2 to 10 years. These visas are renewable and creates different ways for reaching approval and has repeating periods of validity; through employment, business ownership and property investments or educational enrollment or family relations.
Residence visa enables foreign nationals to stay in UAE for an extended time during which they have access to basic services like healthcare and banking and education. Dubai attracts numerous business professionals and international residents who renew their visas regularly to anchor in the city while enjoying its steady existence and enjoying personal benefits and occupational possibilities.
Who Is Eligible for a Residence Visa in Dubai?
The Dubai residence visa becomes available to people based on the following eligibility factors:
- Employed by a UAE-based company with a valid job contract
- Business owners or investors who establish a company in the UAE (mainland or free zone)
- Property investors who purchase real estate worth at least AED 750,000* or AED 2* million for long-term visas
- Freelancers and self-employed professionals holding a freelance license from a UAE free zone
- Remote workers with a valid employment contract outside the UAE and a minimum income of AED 12,800*/month
- University students accepted into a UAE-based educational institution
- Retirees aged 55 and above with qualifying financial assets or income
- Family members (spouses, children, parents) sponsored by a UAE resident
- Exceptional talents, scientists, artists, and executives eligible for the UAE Golden Visa program
Each described category comes with specific documentation and financial requirements.
Types of Residence Visas in Dubai
Here are the main types of residence visa options offered by the UAE government:
The UAE 5-Year Residence Visa
The UAE Golden Visa serves as a prolonged residential permit created to draw investors, scientists, skilled professionals and entrepreneurial seekers and researchers. This visa program grants its recipients together with their family members 5 to 10 years of visa validity which they can renew multiple times to allow them full access to live, study and work in the UAE without relying on local sponsorship. With a long-term stay established, this visa also provides dependent sponsorship rights.
UAE Residency by Company Formation
Starting a business either inside the UAE mainland or in a free zone region permits foreigners to obtain a UAE residence visa. Business ownership or stock shareholder status is essential for the applicant along with selected free zone areas requiring minimum share capital for qualification.
The visa maintains a two-year duration but the business license together with immigration card require annual refreshments. Remote business management is a major benefit that these visa holders get, allowing them to enter the UAE only once per six-month period.
Residency through Real Estate Investment (Golden Visa Property)
Foreigners who invest in real estate properties starting from 2 million AED can acquire a UAE Golden Visa which grants them 10 years of residency in the country. Real estate purchases qualify for the visa regardless of whether they are constructed or under development, provided that work has reached the 30% completion threshold. The visa cancellation occurs automatically when the selling of property takes place within the two-year duration.
Residency through Bank Deposit (Golden Visa Bank Deposit)
A UAE bank account holding a fixed deposit of 2* million AED or more for a minimum lock in of 2 years, enables a person to secure a Golden Visa valid for 10 years. A bank deposit qualifies individuals for the real estate visa under two conditions: first the bank funds must not be touched during the first two years yet can be accessible after that point while the approval of residency remains active until the original remaining period ends. This investment method provides a passive route for obtaining residency which does not require active building management or business operations.
Employment-Based Golden Visa for Executives
To obtain a 10-year UAE Golden Visa, high-level executives must meet certain conditions like holding a bachelor’s degree in management or related field alongside earning at least AED 30,000* monthly pay and working two years for the same qualified company. The visa provides open mobility and sustainable dwelling rights which enables family sponsorship. The 180 days ntry requirement has been completely abolished by this policy.
Employment Visa
UAE-based companies provide 2-year residence visas to their professional employees through their work contracts. The visa enables the holder to work legally within UAE territory with the additional benefit of becoming able to sponsor family members.
The central benefit of this visa stems from employer’ self-management of the visa application. However, when an employment contract terminates the visa of the employee together with any family sponsorships automatically dissolves.
Freelance Visa
Free Zone entities give self-employed professionals along with freelancers, the opportunity to obtain this 2-year UAE residence visa by securing their freelance license in a designated free economic area. Professional services are the only allowed activities according to this authorization but commercial ventures are not permitted.
Owners of UAE visas can operate remotely while having unrestricted travel rights and reside with minimal requirements for six-month UAE visitations. Freelance visa allows the holder to bring their relatives to reside in the UAE.
Digital Nomad Visa
The digital nomad visa of the UAE exists as an immigration option for remote workers and entrepreneurs who currently reside overseas. All applicants need to demonstrate at least AED 12,800* of monthly income combined with documentation, proving their work status or business operation. For one year, the UAE immigration permits individuals to work from overseas positions or operate their business from this region.
Student Residence Visa
All foreign students attending UAE universities receive a student visa which extends for one year unless the university extends the permission. Study in the UAE provides students with legal residency as well as part-time employment opportunities.
A long-term immigration path starts with this visa when individuals use it to establish employment or launch their own business. The visa needs to be renewed annually while its validity depends on both tuition payments as well as institution enrollment requirements that might be expensive to maintain.
Retirement Visa
Foreign citizens who reach age 55, preserve their right to live in the UAE for five years via an immigration strategy that demands property ownership along with bank deposits or steady income streams. The visa allows retirees to stay in the UAE securely for a long period without requiring repetitive visits to the country. Retired individuals can maintain residence in the UAE together with their spouse along with family members who depend on them.
Family Residency Visa
To receive sponsorship, a UAE resident must demonstrate an acceptable income level for bringing in their partners, children and parents as well as other eligible relatives for visa residency. All visiting family members obtain visas that match the sponsor’s visa term length for two to ten years, that on the other side is lost when a sponsor loses their visa status, hence requiring timely renewals or reapplications.
Parent Residency Visa
In order to sponsor the parents in UAE, a resident applicant must exceed income requirements and purchase healthcare insurance coverage. The payment of a deposit applies to each parent who wants to receive this visa type.
This visa grants a stay of two to ten years in the UAE, in which the parents can manage their employment and banking activities. A sponsorship for both parents requires joint application unless appropriate legal documentation exists, though this may reduce the available flexibility when sponsoring families.
Steps to Obtain Residence Visa in Dubai
Wondering “How can I get a residence visa in Dubai?” Here are the major steps follow if you want to get a UAE residence visa:
Determine Eligibility
To qualify for a residence visa in Dubai, there must be a valid reason like employment position, business ownership, property investment, family sponsorship, retirement or educational studies. Official documents demonstrating the eligibility need to be presented including an employment contract and title deed together with select family documents.
Obtain an Entry Visa
All foreign visitors requiring entry visas to Dubai should start the visa application process before beginning their residence visa procedures. The sponsor or employer typically handles the arrangements for obtaining it. This visa gives legal permission for UAE entry which starts the residency applications.
Gather Required Documents
All required documents must be prepared in proper order using a passport with minimum six-month validity and photos together with eligibility documentation along with an entry permit copy. The documents need both attestation and Arabic language translation before approval.
Complete Medical Test
All applicants need to book and then show up for a medical fitness exam at any government-authorized testing center. A blood test combined with chest X-ray examination determines communication disease risks for screening purposes. The medical results transmit straight to immigration services within two working days.
Apply for Emirates ID
It is important to present your biometric information to one of the Federal Authority for Identity and Citizenship (ICP) operated centers. The system requires to fill out the form while paying for the necessary fee. It is required by law for every individual living in the country.
Submit Residence Visa Application
Residence visa application is submitted to the General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs (GDRFA) or free zone authority when medical testing and Emirates ID procedures are finished. The upload process of your documents requires payment of the visa fee.
Receive Your Visa and Emirate ID
If approved, the residence visa is stamped into the passport, issuing an Emirates ID that takes place in about two weeks; lawfully granting residence in Dubai that lasts for the duration of the visa period.
Required Documents for Obtaining a Dubai Residence Visa
Applicants need to provide the following documents in order to obtain a Dubai residence visa:
- A recent colored personal photo with a white background for the dependent
- A copy of the passport of the dependent
- Emirates ID card Application form or receipt
- Housing lease contract (certified) or proof of owning a residence
- A copy of the sponsor’s passport with a valid residence permit
- Job contract of the sponsor
- A medical fitness certificate (for dependents above 18 years)
- UAE entry permit
- Attested birth certificate of the dependent (children)
- Mother’s residence photo (for the newborn)
- Medical insurance or health card
- Divorce or death certificate (for divorced women and widows)
- Proof of housing (for divorced women and widows)
- A proof of the woman’s ability to earn a living (for divorced women and widows)
- A certificate issued by the university or institute specifying the duration of the study (for students).
How to Maintain Your UAE Residency Visa?
Every six months traveling abroad requires UAE residents to return to their home country because not doing so will cause their visa automatically to become cancelled. Any delay in re-entering the UAE leads to visa termination which requires a new application process for renewal. The re-entry permit allows to recover the UAE residency after spending more than 180 days abroad. The process for obtaining this permit requires three essential steps.
- Apply from outside the UAE
- The reason that justifies non-compliance with the 180-day requirement.
- Pay a fine of 100* AED for every 30-day period of absence.
Fast implementation of these procedures will ensure the protection of residency status. Foreigners can retrieve the re-entry permit by submitting an explanation to the General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs – Dubai (GDRFAD) about their absence. The application requires submission of specific documents next to other requirements.
How to Renew UAE Residency Visa?
The renewal of a UAE residency visa becomes simpler compared to the beginning process even though several necessary steps remain required. Medical examination together with Emirates ID update form the basis of the renewal process. The application to keep UAE residency needs proof that the original visa eligibility criteria for investment or freelance work or retirement still apply.
The visa renewal procedure begins with a medical examination which needs to take place one to two weeks before the current visa expires. Applying for Emirates ID renewal must be the next step after test completion. Once received, the submission of a medical report together with passport is done at the immigration office, which will issue a new residence visa allowing residence in the UAE during another term.
Cost of Residence Visa in UAE
The total cost to obtain a residence visa in Dubai differ based on the type of visa. The medical test combined with Emirates ID fees make up the total expenses that is explained below:
| Visa Type | Total Cost (AED) |
| 2-Year Freelance Visa | 15,300* AED |
| Digital Nomad Visa (Remote Worker) | 2,250* AED |
| 2-Year Property Investor Visa | 11,170* AED |
| 5-Year Retiree Visa | 8,950* AED |
| 10-Year Golden Visa (Property Investor) | 10,250* AED |
| 2-Year Employment Visa | 4,650* AED |
| 10-Year Golden Visa (Managerial Positions) | 4,650* AED |
| 2-Year Company Set-Up Visa | 23,900* AED |
| Student Visa | 4,490* AED |
| Family Visa (for family members of residents) | 4,490* AED |
| Visa for Parents | 4,490* AED |
| 10-Year Golden Visa (Bank Deposit) | 4,650* AED |
Note: The medical exam and Emirates ID payment are included in these expenses, excluding insurance and agencies charge which may vary.
Key Benefits of the Dubai Residence Visa
The Dubai Residency Visa offers numerous valuable advantages to those who wish to live in Dubai. Here are the major benefits of obtaining one:
Legal Residency and Expanded Opportunities
The UAE residence visa delivers full authorization to reside and function as well as start business ventures throughout the national borders. The residency visa enables residents to attend schools while providing access to healthcare facilities, enabling advantage of property rental and property purchase options and vehicle acquisition.
No Personal Income Tax
All residents in UAE benefit from the exemption of personal income taxes, encompassing salary earnings together with asset investments, rent money and share dividends as well as inherited wealth.
Seamless Banking and Financial Transactions
Personal bank account opening as well as unrestricted international money transfer services and debit and credit card usage become available to residents holding a UAE residence visa. Financial transactions occur without delays throughout worldwide operations and domestic operations.
Premium Healthcare and Education
The high standard of healthcare services becomes available to residents alongside their families under UAE residency programs. Young residents of UAE nationals gain entry to superior academic institutions within the country through local enrollment options at schools and universities.
Low Tax Environment for Businesses
Sooner than later residents can expect to find business advantages after obtaining UAE residency status. Business entities operating from mainland or free zones in the UAE face a minimum corporate tax of 9% and can enjoy additional tax incentives for both small business entities and free zone companies. This benefits entrepreneurs looking to establish business operations.
Conclusion
Knowing How Can I Get a Residence Visa in Dubai allows access to numerous business prospects within this energetic cosmopolitan center of Dubai. Whether the process to acquire residence in Dubai is through employment, investment, education or family sponsorship Dubai offers flexible process to get residency. UAE residence visa enables residents to benefit from tax-free earnings and premium services while having the freedom to expand their future at this global business center.
Navigating the residence visa process in Dubai can feel overwhelming. But with Xpert Advisory, it doesn’t have to be. From securing entry permits to coordinating medical tests, our expert visa services cover it all. We manage every step with precision and speed, ensuring a smooth and stress-free experience. Consult now!
FAQs
How Can I Get a UAE Residence Visa Through Employment in Dubai?
To get a UAE residence visa, secure a job offer from a Dubai-based company that will sponsor you. You must complete a medical test, obtain health insurance, and apply for an Emirates ID to finalize your visa.
What Are the UAE Residence Visa Fees and What Do They Include?
UAE residence visa fees typically range from AED 3,000 to AED 7,000 depending on the visa type and duration. The fees usually cover application processing, medical tests, Emirates ID, and mandatory health insurance.
What Is the Difference Between a UAE Entry Permit and a Residence Visa?
A UAE entry permit is a temporary authorization to enter the country, while a residence visa allows you to stay long-term. If you want to live and run a business in Dubai, you’ll need a residence visa after the entry permit.
