The United Arab Emirates is one of the most popular destinations in the world for work and residence. Thousands of people from around the globe shift to the UAE every year. It is mandatory to obtain a residence visa to legalize your long-term stay in the country.
This guide walks you through everything you need to know about obtaining a residence visa in the UAE. It helps remove any obstacles and makes the process smoother.
Benefits of a UAE Residence Visa
While it is a legal requirement, it provides the following benefits:
- Live Legally in the UAE: A residence visa allows you to stay in the UAE without any legal issues.
- Work Opportunities: You can get a job with a local company or even start your own business.
- Sponsor Your Family: With a residence visa, you can bring your spouse, children, or parents to live with you.
- Open a Bank Account: Most banks in the UAE require a residence visa to open an account.
- Get a Driving License: You can apply for a UAE driving license, which is useful for daily life.
- Access to Healthcare: Residents can use public and private hospitals with health insurance.
- Education for Children: Your kids can study in UAE schools and universities.
- Easy Travel: A residence visa makes it easier to get visas for other countries.
- Long-Term Stability: Instead of renewing visit visas again and again, you can stay peacefully for years.
- Property and Investment: Residents are allowed to buy property in some areas and invest in businesses.
Types of Residency Visas in the UAE
The following are the types of residency visas. You can choose based on your requirements and goals.
| Type of Residence Visa | Who Can Apply | Validity | Main Benefit |
| Employment Visa | People working in UAE companies | 2–3 years | Allows you to live and work in the UAE legally |
| Investor / Partner Visa | Business owners or investors | 3 years | Lets you start or invest in a business |
| Property Owner Visa | People who own property in the UAE | 2 years | Gives the right to live in your own property |
| Family Visa | Sponsored by a resident for spouse, kids, or parents | 1–3 years | Helps bring family members to live with you |
| Student Visa | Students enrolled in UAE schools or universities | 1 year (renewable) | Allows students to stay during their studies |
| Golden Visa | Investors, entrepreneurs, skilled professionals, scientists, and outstanding students | 5–10 years | Offers long-term residency and stability |
| Retirement Visa | Retired residents meeting income or savings requirements | 5 years | Lets retirees enjoy life in the UAE |
Steps to Getting a UAE Residence Visa
Follow these simple steps to obtain your residence visa successfully:
Step 1: Choose the Type of Visa
Decide which visa suits you best (work, investor, family, student, property, retirement, or golden visa).
Step 2: Apply for an Entry Permit
Your employer, sponsor, or you (if applying for an investor or property visa) must apply for an entry permit from the immigration authority. This permit allows you to enter the UAE to start the process.
Step 3: Enter the UAE
Use your entry permit to travel to the UAE if you are not already there.
Step 4: Undergo a Medical Test
Visit an approved medical center for a health check-up (blood test and chest X-ray). This is required for all residents.
Step 5: Apply for Emirates ID
Go to a typing center or use official online services to apply for your Emirates ID. You will also give your fingerprints and photo at a biometric center.
Step 6: Submit Documents
Provide necessary papers like your passport, photos, entry permit, medical results, and proof of visa type (work contract, property papers, family documents, etc.).
Step 7: Visa Stamping
Once approved, your residence visa will be stamped on your passport by the immigration authority.
Step 8: Receive Your Emirates ID
You will get your Emirates ID card, which you need for banking, renting, healthcare, and more.
Eligibility Requirements for UAE Resident Visa
Applicants must meet the following eligibility requirements:
- Valid Passport: Must have at least 6 months validity.
- Clear Criminal Record: Applicants should not have any serious criminal cases.
- Medical Fitness: Must pass a medical test (blood test and chest X-ray) in the UAE.
- Health Insurance: Required in most emirates for residents.
- Sponsorship: You need a sponsor such as an employer, family member, or yourself (if applying as an investor or property owner).
- Age Requirement: Usually above 18 years for employment visas (exceptions for family and student visas).
- Financial Proof: Some visas (family, retirement, golden, property) require proof of income, savings, or investment.
- Property Ownership: Needed if applying for a property visa.
- Enrollment Proof: Students must show admission in a UAE school or university.
- Special Skills / Achievements: For the Golden Visa, applicants must be investors, professionals, or have exceptional skills.
Documents Required for UAE Residency Visa
Ensure the validity and correctness of the following documents to get a Dubai residence permit:
- Original Passport (with at least 6 months validity)
- Recent Passport-size Photos (white background)
- Entry Permit (issued by immigration)
- Visa Application Form (typed and signed)
- Medical Fitness Test Report (from an approved UAE health center)
- Emirates ID Application Form (with biometric details)
- Health Insurance Proof (required in most emirates)
The following are the required sponsor documents (depending on visa type):
- For Work Visa: Job contract, trade license of company, employer’s documents
- For Family Visa: Marriage certificate, birth certificates, sponsor’s salary slip or bank statement
- For Investor/Partner Visa: Trade license, partnership contract, bank reference letter
- For Property Visa: Property ownership documents, title deed
(Official Dubai Government App for visas, residency & services)
Cost of a Residence Visa in the UAE
The cost of getting a residence visa depends on the type of visa, the emirate, and the sponsor (company, family, or yourself). Below is an approximate breakdown of the common expenses:
| Expense | Approximate Cost (AED) | Details |
| Entry Permit | 500 – 1,200 | First step to enter UAE for visa stamping |
| Medical Test | 300 – 700 | Includes blood test and chest X-ray |
| Emirates ID (1–3 years) | 370 – 1,070 | Based on the number of years |
| Visa Stamping on Passport | 500 – 1,200 | Final approval from immigration |
| Health Insurance | 1,000 – 4,000+ | Mandatory, cost depends on coverage |
| Typing/Service Fees | 100 – 300 | Charged at typing centers for applications |
| Total Average Cost | 3,000 – 7,000 | May increase for Golden or Investor visas |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. What is the UAE Green Visa and how is it different from other types of residence visas?
The green visa is a special residency option that gives skilled workers, freelancers, and investors more independence. It allows them to sponsor themselves without needing a company as a sponsor.
2. How does the UAE government manage residence visas?
The UAE government regulates the whole visa process through official authorities like the Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs & Ports Security (ICP) and the General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs (GDRFA).
3. What happens if I stay outside the UAE for a long time with a residence visa?
If a resident stays outside the UAE for more than 6 months, their residence visa can be canceled. Some long-term visas, like the golden visa, may allow exceptions.
4. Do I need a work permit to work in the UAE with a residence visa?
Yes, if you want to work in the UAE, you must have both a valid work permit and a residence visa. The permit is issued by the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation.
5. How do I apply for an Emirates ID after getting my visa?
Once your entry visa is approved, you must apply for an Emirates ID through an official typing center or online. This ID is needed for banking, healthcare, and other services.
6. How can I obtain a UAE residence visa for my family members?
Residents can obtain a UAE residence visa for their spouse, children, and sometimes parents. The uae resident can sponsor family if they meet the required salary and housing conditions.
7. What are the different types of UAE residence visas available?
There are several types of residence visas, including work, family, student, property, golden, retirement, and green visa. Each visa category has its own rules and benefits.
8. How much does a UAE residence visa cost on average?
The UAE residence visa cost depends on the visa type, emirate, and sponsor. On average, the residence visa in Dubai costs between AED 3,000–7,000, but fees may increase for golden or investor visas.
9. How long is a residence visa valid in the UAE?
The residence visa is issued for different periods. A visa is valid for one, two, three, five, or even ten years depending on the visa type. For example, a 2 years residence visa Dubai is common for employment.
10. Can I renew my residence visa after it expires?
Yes, you can renew your UAE residency visa before it expires. The visa can be renewed upon meeting medical, insurance, and sponsorship requirements. Renewal is needed if you want to continue to reside in the UAE for extended periods.
