The United Arab Emirates continues to draw people who desire both, an advanced standard of living and secure employment opportunities along with full tax exemptions. The UAE offers a lifestyle experience that combines modern luxury with openness to global connections throughout Abu Dhabi and Dubai. Obtaining a residency visa for the UAE is a must for taking all advantage offered by its vibrant environment. Amid the excitement, one crucial question arises: “how much does UAE residence visa cost?”. The blog offers thorough instructions for every application procedure and talks about UAE residency permits, including the costs involved.
What is a Residence Visa in the UAE?
The UAE residency Visa is an official authorization that allows non-Emirates to establish long-term residency in the country. Foreign nationals can apply for a long-term UAE residence visa, granting the ability to work, live, and access essential services for a duration of two to ten years. Most visas in the UAE require a local sponsor who is either employed or has a family link to a UAE citizen. An job sponsoring company handles the legal paperwork, and family members typically serve as residence sponsors for one another.
The UAE government has also introduced the Green Visa as a new alternative to previous forms of residency visas. The Green Visa’s five-year validity duration allows professional workers, freelancers, and self-employed professionals to maintain their stay without relying on an Emirati sponsor or company. The visa system promotes individual independence, which aids the country’s goal of attracting foreign talent for knowledge-based economic development.
Types of Residence Visas in UAE
The UAE provides different residence visas for sustaining various reasons of stay, including live and work residency visa in the UAE. Major types of UAE residence visa types include:
Residency Through Business Ownership
Foreigners qualify for UAE permanent residency by starting businesses across any geographic area within this country. The applicant must hold an ownership role as shareholder or director to establish a business within the UAE which can operate in a free zone or the mainland area. Some free zones need minimum capital investments while also requiring visitors to obtain extra health insurance coverage.
Residency Through Real Estate Investment
The process of real estate investment in UAE assures foreign nationals their way to acquire residence visas. Those who invest property worth at least AED 750,000* receive a 2-year investor visa along with those investing above AED 2* million obtaining a 10-year Golden Visa. Both, ready properties and off-plan properties qualify for this visa provision.
Residency by Investment – Bank Deposit
A 10-year residency visa can be obtained by UAE bank customers depositing substantial money into their accounts. This visa option enables individuals to pursue a passive investment approach because owning business assets or property in UAE is not required.
Employment-Based Residency Visa
Registration at UAE companies enables their employees to receive a 2-year residence permit that usually stems from their employment. Senior executives together with high-level professionals can obtain a 10-year Golden Visa with specific criteria requirements including salary qualifications along with work experience.
Residency for Freelancers and Remote Workers
To obtain a 2-year freelance visa freelancers along with remote workers must first receive a license through any UAE free zone program. Foreign entities that hire remote workers can allow their staff members to obtain the UAE Digital Nomad Visa to stay and work remotely within the country.
Student Visa
Students receiving education at accredited UAE universities may obtain a one-year student visa that becomes renewable annually. The visa requires confirmation of continued enrollment and satisfactory academic performance for visa renewal to be possible.
Retirement Residency Visa
People who are at least 55 years old can get a UAE residency visa that lasts for five years. Before obtaining this visa, applicant need to demonstrate that they own real estate properties or lock in funds in a fixed deposit account or continue earning steady regular income payments. This visa type specifically meets the needs of people who want to retire in the UAE.
Family Sponsorship Visa
People who live in the UAE can get their family members including spouses and children approved for residency through sponsorship. To sponsor others for residency in UAE the applicant needs to demonstrate financial stability through valid residency visa and specified income levels. A family visa receives its validity period from the length of time the sponsor maintains his or her visa.
Parent Sponsorship Visa
Patrons of the UAE maintain the option to help their parents obtain UAE residency. A sponsor needs to demonstrate elevated salary and active health insurance for their parents’ sponsorship to succeed. To secure expenses during their time of stay a security deposit payment is often necessary.
What Documents are Required for a UAE Residence Visa?
The documents for obtaining UAE Residency visa is in accordance to the following list:
- Completed UAE Visa Application Form
- Original Passport (with at least 6 months’ validity remaining)
- Passport-Sized Photographs
- Proof of Medical Fitness
- UAE Health Insurance Plan
- Company Registration Documents (For company investor visa)
- Property Ownership Documents (For property investor visa)
The specific documents required for a UAE residency visa application depend on the type of visa applied and applicants’ situation.
How to Apply for a UAE Residence Visa?
UAE residence visa application represents an inviting start toward Dubai as a permanent place of residence. The following guide simplifies the visa application process step by step:
Determine Your Eligibility and Visa Type
The process begins by assessing the eligibility for visa types available in the UAE. Every UAE residence visa has different requirements so identification of which one matches the applicant purpose, is important. It could be through working in UAE or real estate investments or keeping family together. Satisfying every requirement outlined in the visa category selected is important.
Secure a Sponsor (if applicable)
Lawful residency support in the UAE requires the establishment of a sponsor by most applicants. Applicant need a sponsor who can be either a job employer or a UAE national relative or an educational organization. Self-sponsorship can be possible under certain like obtaining an Investor Visa or Green Visa in the UAE.
Apply for an Entry Permit
Obtaining a sponsor together with selecting visa category allows to proceed with an entry permit application. The visa processing agency along with the sponsor then help obtain entry to the UAE for residency processing.
Undergo Medical Examination and Apply for Emirates ID
The next step requires medical testing and Emirates ID application after arrival into the UAE, requiring check in at one of the medical facilities assigned to take medical fitness test. The Federal Authority for Identity and Citizenship (ICP) is responsible for issuing Emirates IDs. An Emirates ID functions as the necessary national identification card that all residents of the country must obtain.
Submit Visa Application and Required Documents
The sponsor present both, the Visa application documents with all mandatory paperwork at government offices, and the entry permit and medical results together with Emirates ID application that allow them to submit the residency visa application to the authorities. All applications follow similar procedures between typing centers and both General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs (GDRFA) branches.
Visa Approval and Collection
The approval process of application notifies the decision. An approved visa allows applicant to get both, the residence visa and Emirates ID; becoming an official UAE resident.
UAE Residency Visa Cost Overview
Wondering how much does UAE residence visa cost? The following section provides detailed information about expenses required for different residency visa types in the UAE residency application process:
Residency by Setting Up a Company
UAE residency can be achieved through company establishment by operating business either from a free zone or mainland of UAE. To apply, one should either own the company or share in its ownership. The costs involved include:
- Company Registration, Visa Fee, Medical Test, Emirates ID (2 years): From 22,800* AED
- 1-Year Health Insurance: From 1,100* AED
- Total Cost: 23,900* AED
Residency Through Real Estate Investment
10-Year UAE Golden Visa
Property acquisitions starting from AED 2* million open doors to foreign nationals who want to obtain a residency visa valid for 10 years. The property ownership gives an applicant the ability to obtain this visa whether the house exists currently or as an off-plan structure if the off-plan work reaches a 30% completion level. The cost of a 10-year UAE Golden Visa is:
- DLD 10-Year Visa Fee: 8,300* AED
- Medical Test: 750* AED
- Emirates ID for 10 Years: 1,200* AED
- Total Estimated Cost: 10,250* AED
2-Year Property Investor Visa
A property investor visa for two years becomes available to those who start investments above AED 750,000*. Foreign persons need a ready property or one that has not started construction. The 2-year property investor visa cost in the UAE is:
- Investor Visa Fee: 9,800* AED
- Medical Test: 750* AED
- Emirates ID: 400* AED
- Police Clearance Certificate: 220* AED
- Total Estimated Cost: 11,170* AED
Residency Through Bank Deposit (Golden Visa)
A 10-year residency visa can be obtained by depositing AED 2* million or more in a UAE bank. The cost of a 10-year UAE Golden Visa through bank deposit is:
- Visa Fee (10-Year): 2,700* AED
- Medical Test: 750* AED – medical and visa cost are different.
- Emirates ID for 10 Years: 1,200* AED
- Total Estimated Cost: 4,650* AED
Employment-Based Residency
10-Year Golden Visa for Managerial Positions
Executives and senior managers with specific educational qualifications and work experience can qualify for a 10-year residency visa. The cost of a 10-year Golden Visa for managerial positions is:
- Visa Fee (10-Year): 2,700* AED
- Medical Test: 750* AED
- Emirates ID for 10 Years: 1,200* AED
- Total Estimated Cost: 4,650* AED
2-Year Employment Visa
Employees working for UAE-based companies can apply for a 2-year visa, which is usually managed by the employer. The cost of a 2-year employment visa is:
- Visa Fee (2-Year): 3,500* AED
- Medical Test: 750* AED
- Emirates ID: 400* AED
- Total Estimated Cost: 4,650* AED
Freelance or Remote Worker Visa
2-Year Freelance Visa
Freelancers, self-employed individuals, and entrepreneurs can apply for a freelance visa by obtaining a license from a UAE free zone. The cost of a 2-year freelance visa is:
- Freelance License and Visa (2-Year): 14,200* AED
- Medical Test: Included
- 1-Year Health Insurance: From 1,100* AED
- Total Estimated Cost: 15,300* AED
Digital Nomad Visa
For remote workers employed by foreign companies, the UAE offers a digital nomad visa, which requires proof of a minimum monthly income of AED 12,800*. The cost of a UAE digital nomad visa is:
- Visa Fee: 1,100* AED
- Medical Test: 750* AED
- Emirates ID: 400* AED
- Total Estimated Cost: 2,250* AED
Student Visa
International students enrolled at a UAE university can apply for a student visa, which is valid for one year and renewable annually. The cost of a UAE student visa is:
- Visa Fee (1-Year): From 3,340* AED
- Medical Test: 750* AED
- Emirates ID: 400* AED
- Total Estimated Cost: 4,490* AED
Retirement Visa
For those aged 55 or older, a 5-year retirement visa is available, provided the applicant meets investment or income criteria. The cost of a 5-year retirement visa is:
- Visa Fee (5-Year): 7,000* AED
- Medical Test: 750* AED
- Emirates ID: 1,200* AED
- Total Estimated Cost: 8,950* AED
Family Sponsorship Visa
UAE residents can sponsor family members, including spouses, children, and parents, for residency. The visa duration corresponds to that of the sponsor’s visa. The cost of a family sponsorship visa is:
- Visa Fee (for Applicants Outside the UAE): From 3,340* AED
- Medical Test: 750* AED
- Emirates ID: 400* AED
- Total Estimated Cost: 4,490* AED
Visa for Parents
Parents who are sponsored by the UAE must meet two requirements: they need medical insurance coverage and their sponsors must demonstrate monthly earnings of at least AED 20,000*. The cost of a UAE visa for parents is:
- Visa Fee: From 3,340* AED
- Medical Test: 750* AED
- Emirates ID: 400* AED
- Total Estimated Cost: 4,490* AED
Additional Fees for All Residency Visa Types
- UAE Entry Permit: 550* AED
- Emirates ID: 385* AED
- Medical Fitness Test: 320* AED
Benefits of Having a UAE Residence Visa
Obtaining a residence visa to enter the UAE is essential and provides numerous benefits, including:
Hassle-Free Bank Account Setup
A UAE residence visa enables obtaining a necessary Emirates ID which serves as the required authorization for establishing either personal or corporate bank accounts in the UAE nation. The ID card enables using banking services while allowing non-resident account set-up whenever it is necessary.
Access to Loans and Credit Services
Having a recognized residency status gives borrowers access to credit services and loans, allowing them to apply for monetary products such as auto loans, home loans, and personal loans. Lenders are more confident when offering financial goods to those who have established residency permits, making it easier for them to get bank credit. Credit availability helps consumers manage their finances better and allows them to purchase important items.
Eligibility for a UAE Driver’s License
Those who wish to drive within the UAE require an effective residence visa for validation purposes. An existing driver’s license of certain nationalities can convert directly to a new driver’s license within the UAE. Driving classes exist for enrollment by residents who seek a local driving license. Every road to legal driving in the UAE begins with obtaining a residence visa.
Access to Quality Healthcare and Education
Having a resident visa allows access to top-notch medical treatment and educational possibilities. Every resident of the UAE must have health insurance, and enrolment needs a valid residency visa. Possessing a resident visa makes it possible to access top-notch medical care. Children who want to register in prestigious schools and educational institutions around the UAE may do due to the educational advantages of UAE residency permits.
Family and Domestic Worker Sponsorship
Individuals with UAE residence visas have the opportunity for immigration sponsorship of their immediate family members but only if those relatives can demonstrate adequate salary earnings. Residence visa holders have the ability to sponsor personal domestic helpers including housekeepers and drivers which simplifies building a well-supported home environment.
Job Flexibility and Career Opportunities
UAE residence visa status provides people with opportunities to find different jobs throughout the country. With this visa is gained freedom to change employment settings contrary to other visa types.
Conclusion
The UAE residence visa serves as an essential requirement for people who want to establish their residence and professional career or start investments in the Emirates. Mastering the complete procedures, including understanding how much does UAE residence visa cost, becomes easier by knowing all requirements ahead of time. The summarized steps enable applicants to handle their UAE residency application efficiently. The proper planning leads to obtaining visa which inaugurates promising career in this highly successful world economy.
UAE residence visa is your key to a world of opportunities, and Xpert Advisory makes the process seamless. Our pro visa services help you navigate every step of the process at the best possible value. With full support for paperwork, government approvals, and visa renewals, we turn a complicated process into a smooth experience. Contact us now!
FAQs
What Are the Requirements for Obtaining a Dubai Residence Visa?
To obtain a residence visa in Dubai, you need a valid employment contract, proof of accommodation, and a medical fitness test. For business setup, additional documentation is required, including proof of investment. Residence visa Dubai cost varies depending on the type of visa and setup.
What Are the Requirements for Obtaining a Dubai Residence Visa?
The factors that contribute to UAE residence visa cost include the type of visa, the applicant’s health insurance, and the length of stay. The cheapest residence visa typically starts around AED 3,000, but additional fees for medical exams, Emirates ID, and visa stamping can increase the overall cost.
What Is the UAE Residency Visa Renewal Process?
The UAE residency visa renewal process typically involves submitting documents for medical testing, renewing your Emirates ID, and paying the applicable renewal fees. It can take a few days to a few weeks to process the renewal, depending on your visa type and location.
