Global عربي
KSA عربي
Global عربي
The opportunities in the UAE are attracting more foreign investors and professionals from various parts of the world. However, considering that there are many routes to residency, including golden visas and remote-worker permits,
it may feel like solving a complicated puzzle. That excitement usually collides with frustration: “What path is best according to my status, investor, worker, retiree, or student? And what of my family? How much specifically are the rules and costs?”
Just think of a crystal clear guide that you follow as a high-net-worth family to a Golden 10-year Visa, as a skilled engineer to a Green Visa, or as a retired citizen to a Retirement Visa, with everything explained in regular words and figures. That is the expectation here.
In this guide, you will go through eleven main types of UAE residency visas, covering who is eligible, documents required, the sponsor, validity, with possible costs on them.
The end result will leave you with a realistic roadmap, none of the fluff, none of the surprise, so you, or your clients, will make the best decision and move forward in life in the Emirates, confidently.
This is a document issued by the UAE authorities, which permits a foreigner to reside in the UAE for a specific reason, such as to work, operate a business, study, receive sponsorship from a family member, or retire.
It is linked to an entry permit and should be marked on the passport with durations ranging between one to ten years according to the type, such as employment, golden visa, or family sponsorship, all of which may be renewed under the terms of the Federal Authority for Identity and Citizenship (ICA).
Upon receiving a visa, access is granted to basic services which include opening a bank account, renting an apartment, enrolled children in schools, as well as applying for a driving license.
A medical examination test and subsequent issuance of an Emirates ID is required to validate the visa, which is often issued in conjunction with an entry permit.
The duration of most residence visas in the UAE is 1 to 10 years (depending on the type of visa as well as the sponsor), which is renewable. In addition, investors, professionals, and retirees can get long-term visas such as a 5-year green Visa or a 10-year Golden Visa.
The applicants should generally have someone to sponsor them (like an employer, a family member or themselves in the case of certain categories), a valid passport, and registration for Emirates ID, medical approval and evidence of accommodation in the UAE.
The following are the standard requirements that apply across most UAE residency visa categories, regardless of the specific visa type:
1- Valid Passport: Must have at least 6 months of validity remaining.
2- Passport-Size Photos: White background, meeting UAE visa photo standards.
3- Completed Visa Application Form: Submitted online via the ICP/GDRFA portal or through an authorized typing center.
4- Medical Fitness Certificate: Obtained after passing a test at a UAE-approved health facility.
5- Health Insurance: Must have a UAE-approved policy that covers the applicant and any dependents.
6- Police Clearance Certificate: Proving no criminal record; required from local UAE authorities or the applicant’s home country.
7- Emirates ID Registration: Biometrics and application must be completed as part of the residency visa process.
When you decide that you wish to live in the UAE, you have a selection of residency types. All of them have well-defined conditions about eligibility, validity, sponsorship, and prices.
This knowledge can guide you to select the ideal path depending on your objectives, whether you are investing, working, bringing a family, studying, or retiring.
We will start with the top-choice option below and go into depth;
The UAE 10-Year Golden Visa is a long-term residency permit, and it is primarily designed for investors, business owners, scientists, skilled professionals and humanitarian pioneers and frontline heroes.
It provides the holder with the right to live, work and sponsor the family in the UAE without a local sponsor.
This visa is renewable, self-sponsored and one of the most independent options to live in the country on a long-term basis.
The people who invest in the UAE under a government-approved investment fund may apply for the Golden Visa of 10 years.
It should have a minimum investment of AED 2 million and must not be supported by loans. The investor should also provide evidence of complete asset ownership and AED 250,000 income per year in the form of FTA records.
The founder and co-founder of a UAE startup worth AED 500,000 or more, or the person who has sold a company worth over AED 7 million, can apply to have a golden visa. It also needs an incubator or government acceptance.
Students who perform exceptionally in studies are also eligible. There is a possibility to grant a 5-year visa to high school graduates whose final score reaches 95 or higher.
Any university students at top-100 ranked universities with a GPA of 3.8 (or above) are also eligible to apply to receive a 10-year visa. The visa also covers family members of students who are eligible.
This category consists of professionals in such areas as science, health, education, engineering, IT, culture and sports. They shall have to fulfil certain requirements such as experience, pay, and accreditation.
The Emirates Scientists Council needs to accredit scientists; however, doctors must have a license and a minimum of 10 years of clinical experience. An application can be made by the inventors by owning a patent recognized by the UAE Ministry of Economy.
The workers in major industries such as those in artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, engineering, medicine, and information technology are allowed to apply to become permanent residents using a 10-year visa.
The applicants should possess an original employment contract in the UAE, a bachelor's degree or any higher degree, with a minimum salary of 30,000 AED a month.
They should also possess the license or professional certification needed in their profession.
They can apply as artists, designers, writers, and other creatives with a recommendation by the Department of Culture and Arts in their emirate. The category is meant to accommodate people whose occupation makes a contribution to the cultural and creative industry in the UAE.
Those who have represented the country or even won awards in their line of specialization can apply through or with a recommendation of the UAE General Sports Authority. Some humanitarian workers, such as those who have played an important role in times of crises, can also be included in this category.
It may be available to top-level executives who have at least 5 years of experience in their position, have a bachelor's degree, and earn at least AED 50,000 per month. The applicants should also submit their evidence of employment and a No Objection Certificate (NOC) from their employer.
- A recent photo of the applicant with white background should be provided.
- The evidence of investment or qualifications must be provided in form of bank statements, employment contracts, or degree certificates.
- It will be valid for 10 years and renewable on the same terms.
- The applicant does not need any sponsor and can self-sponsor the visa.
- Visa Application Fee (Inside UAE): AED 2,800–3,800
- Visa Application Fee (Outside UAE): AED 10,400 (includes all steps via service provider)
- State Fees + Emirates ID (Per Person): AED 3,860
- Medical Fitness Test: AED 750
- Health Insurance: Starting AED 1,500+, depending on age and coverage
- ICP Fees:
i- Application: AED 100
ii- Issuance: AED 1,000
- GDRFA Talent Approval (if required): AED 1,100
- Standard Process (without premium add-ons): AED 4,650–7,500
- Full-Service Packages (via agents/providers): AED 10,000–11,000
The 5-Year Golden Visa targeted those investing in the UAE property. It offers to its homeowners a long-stay alternative to savor their extended stay in the country without an employer having to sponsor it.
1- The non-UAE nationals who have invested in properties in the UAE having a minimum value of AED 2million.
2- In case the property is mortgaged, one should pay off not less than 50% of its value.
3- During the time of the validity of the visa, properties should not be sold but rather retained.
A property ownership certificate which is also referred to as a title deed with property valued at AED 2 million is required.
The UAE 5-year property Investor Visa expires after 5 years, and it can be renewed provided the requirements of owning a property continue.
It is a self-sponsored visa, which implies that you do not require a local employment agency or any government body to serve as your sponsor.
- Visa Application Fee (Inside UAE): AED 2,800–3,800
- Visa Application Fee (Outside UAE): AED 10,400 (includes all steps via service provider)
- State Fees + Emirates ID (Per Person): AED 3,860
- Medical Fitness Test: AED 750
- Health Insurance: Starting AED 1,500+, depending on age and coverage
- ICP Fees
i- Application: AED 100
ii- Issuance: AED 1,000
- GDRFA Talent Approval (if required): AED 1,100
- Standard Process (without premium add-ons): AED 4,650–7,500
- Full-Service Packages (via agents/providers): AED 10,000–11,000
Beyond investment and work-related visas, the UAE Retirement Visa is an ideal regulation under which retired people of different nationalities can live in the UAE long-term.
It enables the deserving individuals to retire here without employment or investment under certain financial requirements.
1- People aged 55 years and above.
2- To fulfil one of the following financial requirements.
3- Have owned property in the UAE worth above AED 1 million.
4- An individual should have either a savings or investment account of not less than AED 1 million.
5- Receive a monthly salary or pension earning of not less than AED 20,000.
- They must provide evidence of age in the form of a passport or birth certificate which supports the age of 55 years or above.
- They must present one of the following financial evidences, a property title deed in AED 2 million, bank account statements with AED 1 million deposited or pension/income statements with AED 20,000 monthly.
- In family sponsorship, the family should present attested marriage and birth certificates of each dependent.
The UAE Retirement Visa lasts only 5 years but can be renewed in case the financial requirement in terms of property value, savings, or pension income is maintained. It is self-sponsored, which does not require an employer.
- Entry permit & residency stamping, Emirates ID, medical exam, and management fees Standard bundle: AED 3,714
- Additional Dubai Land Department (DLD) route: Full 5-year visa package: AED 6,984
- GDRFA route: It includes residency permit, knowledge & innovation dirhams, internal processing, delivery, golden residency & identity card fees: AED 3,595
- Health insurance (mandatory): It ranges from AED 2,500 to AED 10,000 per year depending on coverage level
The UAE Employment Visa allows a foreigner to work and reside in the UAE. It is necessarily connected with a job and sponsored by the employer. It includes obtaining a work permit, medical exams, Emirates ID and stamping the visa on the passport.
1- All of them who are 18 years old or older and have a valid job that they have received in a UAE-based organization.
2- An employer must be registered under the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratization (MoHRE) to be able to make the job offer.
3- The role align to match education and experience, particularly in niche fields where a few may demand a college degree and license.
- It is obligatory to have a signed employment contract registered in the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratization MoHRE.
- One must include a valid labor card and a work permit issued by MoHRE.
- A skilled or regulated job position will demand attested educational certificates.
- The employer has to provide a sponsorship letter and deal with the visa-related applications.
The UAE Employment Visa usually expires after 1 to 2 years, depending on the validity of the employment contract.
The renewal is possible as long as the work relationship is active and the contract is valid.
It’s the employer-sponsored visa, so the firm is the legal sponsor and the employee can even sponsor their immediate family to stay in the UAE post-visa issuance.
- Entry Permit / Work Visa Fee: AED 200 + 5% VAT
- Medical Fitness Test: AED 300–500
- Emirates ID (2-year): AED 370
- Visa Stamping & Labour Card: AED 500–1,000, depending on the emirate and processing fees
- Health Insurance: Mandatory; Cost varies by policy and coverage
Starting from around AED 2,100, with most costs typically covered by the employer under UAE labour law.
The Company Investor Visa provides business owners and partners with the possibility to reside within the UAE, depending on their investment in a business.
It is not related to an employment contract but connected with company ownership and permits a residence, entrance, and sponsorship of family members, provided that the business remains operational.
- Those owning a company registered under the UAE in full or partial capacity.
- The company has to be operational, registered with the Department of Economic Development (DED) or the Free Zone authority.
- It is suitable for entrepreneurs or start-up partners, or holders of trading licenses.
- One should provide a valid company trade license and a company registration certificate provided by the relevant authority.
- The applicant must have a share certificate or Memorandum of association MOA containing the percentage of ownership clearly indicated.
- A scan of the passport of the applicant containing the entrance into the UAE stamp and the bio-data page should be submitted.
The UAE Company Investor Visa is generally applicable for 2 to 3 years, according to the expiry of the trade licence of the company.
It can be renewed provided the company is still active and exists in legal terms. It is a self-sponsored visa where the investors do not require an employer to sponsor their residency.
- Visa Fee: AED 2,700–3,000 (varies by emirate and service centre)
- Medical Fitness Test: Approximately AED 750
- Emirates ID (3-5 years): AED 1,200
- Processing & Typing Fees: It included in service packages; varies by provider
- Investor Deposit for 2-year Visa: AED 10,000 refundable deposit (based on share value) toward standard investor visas
- Standard 3-year Investor Visa Fees: Entry permit, status change, medical, Emirates ID, and stamping; AED 3,000 package
- Golden Visa (5 or 10 years): Package costs start at around AED 11,000 for investors
- ICP Bundle Fees for General Investors: AED 350 (entry permit), AED 651.40 (status change), AED 1,150 (Emirates ID issuance), AED 1,250 (residence permit)
- 2-year standard investor visa: AED 12,000–20,000 (includes deposit & standard fees)
- 3-year investor visa: starts at AED 3,000–3,500 total for basic package
- Golden Investor Visa: AED 11,000 plus (for 5 or 10-year duration)
- ICP bundle fees: Bring totals to AED 3,401.40 plus the basic costs
The Family Visa enables UAE residents for studying, working, or investing and also welcome their eligible family members. It gives you the ability to reside in the country and utilize facilities like schools, healthcare and transportation whilst on the visa.
- The sponsors should be adult residents of the UAE aged 18 and above living and working or earning money in the UAE.
- The spouses, children, typically under 18-21 and parents are the eligible dependents depending on the income and accommodation of the sponsor.
- The sponsors shall have a certain minimum amount of income as stipulated by each emirate. So, as an example, in Dubai, the sponsor should earn not less than AED 4,000-4,500 monthly.
- There is also a need to provide evidence of minimum space per dependent in a suitable accommodation.
- A spouse should bring a marriage certificate attested to the relationship as well as birth certificates of children.
- A proof of accommodation is required in the form of an Ejari tenancy contract, title deed or property ownership document.
- The sponsor will be required to prove the income either by a salary certificate or bank statements that will have a minimum monthly salary of AED 4,000 4,500.
The validity of the UAE Family Visa normally ranges between 2 and 3 years, depending on the validity of the residency visa of the sponsor.
It can be renewed so long as the sponsor has the necessary income and accommodation needs.
This visa is directly associated with the legal residency of the sponsor, so the visa will be valid until the sponsor maintains a valid, good immigration status.
- Entry Permit: AED 500–1,000
- Medical Test: AED 300–500
- Emirates ID (2-year): AED 370
- Visa Stamping & Typing Fees: AED 500–1,000
- GDRFA Fees (if converted inside UAE):
i- Residence permit: AED 200
ii- Knowledge Dirham: AED 10
iii- Innovation Dirham: AED 10
v- Inside-country processing: AED 500
vi- Delivery fee: AED 20
- Health Insurance: Mandatory; varies by provider
About AED 4,000 with insurance, or AED 2,450–2,500 without insurance.
The UAE Domestic Workers Visa permits all individuals to recruit and sponsor domestic personnel, including cooks, drivers, nannies, or housemaids, legally. This is a visa in which the worker becomes officially employed and medically checked, and insured according to the UAE laws.
1- The employers should be either UAE citizens or legal residents, with an age of 21 years or above.
2- It requires a minimum AED 25,000 per month, or AED 15,000 along with free accommodation.
3- The house maids/executive maids should be from 18-60 years with a valid passport, should do a medical fitness test and also should not on any other visa in UAE.
- The presented employment agreement should be valid according to the laws of the United Arab Emirates identified as Federal Law No. 10 of 2017.
- The employer is required to possess a valid Emirates ID and residency visa in UAE.
- There must be evidence of appropriate accommodation, e.g. an Ejari contract indicating that there is enough space in the accommodation to accommodate the domestic worker.
The UAE Domestic Workers Visa is issued with a validity of 1 year in case of an expatriate sponsor and 2 years in case of an Emirati or GCC citizen.
When it expires, it can be renewed as long as the conditions of employment of the domestic worker are still being met. In either situation, it is the individual employer that is the immediate sponsor of the worker.
- Entry Permit Deposit: AED 2,000 (refundable)
- Entry Permit Fee: AED 200–350
- Medical Test & Emirates ID: AED 800–1,200
- Visa Typing & Application: AED 300–500
- Visa Stamping: It included in application or separate (AED 300–500)
- Security Deposit: AED 2,000–2,500 (refundable)
- Health Insurance: AED 600–1,000 per year
- Tadbeer Service (optional): AED 4,000–7,000 (It includes PRO and support services)
Typically ranges AED 8,500–17,000 for a 2-year visa.
The Specialist Resident Visa is another type of Golden Visa which is awarded to highly professional people in areas such as science, education, health, industries and technologies. It has a 10-year validity and can be renewed, and allows holders to sponsor their families.
The eligible applicants are;
1- Scientists and Researchers: The people who have been recognized by Emirates Council of Scientists or those who have given significant contributions.
2- Experts in the business: Engineers or individuals working in industries such as AI, belonging to ISCO Level 1/2, with at least 7 years of experience.
3- Health Specialists: The technicians/doctors having valid licenses to work in the UAE and 5-years- experience
4- Education Specialists: The teachers or academics, who may be approved by the Ministry of education
5- Creative Professionals: The ministry of culture accredits them in their arts and culture work.
6- Executives and Skilled Laborers: A college or university degree or equivalent, and authentic employment contracts in the technical field and monthly compensation of 30,000 AED and more in the UAE.
- It should include a valid employment contract in a specialized field in the UAE.
- An official letter of recommendation is needed by a relevant authority in UAE e.g. Ministry of Health, Education, or Culture.
- A valid professional license in the field of the applicant should be provided where appropriate.
- Any bachelor degree or greater is required, attested by the UAE Ministry of Education.
- o demonstrate the experience of years at work, the supporting documents should be submitted like pay cheques or work appointment letters.
The validity of the UAE Golden Visa is 10 years and it is renewable as long as the initial entitlement criteria are still being sustained.
It’s self-sponsored too, so you don’t have to look down a local employer or individual to sponsor the visa. Moreover, Golden Visa holders can sponsor their spouse, children and their parents regardless of age.
The Specialist Resident Visa fees, particularly where associated with Golden Visa categories, would be broadly the same as Golden Visa fees are laid out.
- Visa application fee (inside UAE): AED 2,800–3,800
- Full-package external application fee: Around AED 10,400
- Visa basics
i- Visa fee: AED 2,700–3,000
ii- Emirates ID: AED 1,200
iii- Medical exam: AED 750
v- Typing/processing: AED 300–500
vi- Health insurance: AED 1,000–2,000 annually
- ICP issuance fees
i- Entry application: AED 100
ii- Issuance: AED 1,000
iii- Smart services: AED 100
- Subcategory-specific GDRFA fees (Talent category)
i- Residence permit: AED 1,100
ii- Knowledge & Innovation Dirham: AED 10 × 2
iii- Inside‑country fee: AED 500
v- Delivery service: AED 20
- ICP bundle for investors/entrepreneurs
i- Entry permit: AED 350
ii- Status change: AED 651.40
iii- Emirates ID issuance: AED 1,150
v- Residence permit: AED 1,250
- Basic self-service: AED 5,700–7,500
- Inside-UAE application: AED 2,800–3,800 (plus extras)
- Full packaging or external processing: AED 10,400
The UAE Student Visa gives permission to international students to remain in the UAE to study.
It may be sponsored by the recognized university, or by one of the parents with legal residency in UAE.
The visa can be renewed on a yearly basis and corresponds with the duration of the course.
1- The applicants are required to show evidence of admission offer to a university or college in the UAE that is recognized by the government of the UAE.
2- At least 18 years of age; students under the age of 18 are eligible too through their parents on sponsorship grounds.
3- Those seeking extended-term visas will have to be top-scoring students:
4- A high-school student should have 95% or above.
5- The students in Universities should get GPA of 3.75+ or above for 5 years Golden Study Visa.
- A letter of admission or official enrolment confirmation should be submitted in an education institution that is accredited by the UAE.
- There must be a financial document to prove one has the funds to meet the tuition and living costs.
- They will need to give documentation which will include something like a tenancy contract or university housing confirmation.
The Student Visa issued by the UAE is normally issued to last 1 year which can be renewed every year depending on extension of enrollment.
In other instances, high-performing students can be entitled to a 5-year Golden Residence Visa. The university or a parent resident in the UAE is the one who is normally used in sponsoring the student visa.
- Visa Application Fee: AED 2,500–5,000 (varies by emirate and school)
- Medical Fitness Test: AED 300–750
- Emirates ID Fee: AED 170–370
- Health Insurance: AED 500–2,000 per year
What Is The Estimated Total for UAE 1-Year Student Visa?
- Without insurance: AED 3,270–6,120
- With insurance: AED 3,770–8,120
Overall, the total cost typically ranges between AED 7,000–15,000, covering visa processing, medical exam, Emirates ID, and health insurance.
The Remote Worker Visa enables professionals who are not employed within UAE to reside and work remotely within the UAE to a duration of one year.
It is self-sponsored, which implies that you apply independently without having an employer in the UAE.
1- Employment Status: The applicant should either be a remote worker in a company based outside the UAE or an independent professional (self-employed/business owner) with his/her business based outside of the UAE.
Income: One must have minimum monthly income of 3,500 USD (Approximate AED 13,000).
2- Business Owners/ Freelance: In the case of business owner/ freelancer, the applicant will be expected to bring in evidence of owning the business, at least a year.
It should be proved by contracts or company documents that the person has continued to work or own a company outside of UAE.
They have to provide bank statements or salary slips indicating a monthly income of not less than USD 3,500.
They will be required to provide accommodation proof such as a tenancy contract in UAE.
The UAE Remote Work Visa has a one-year duration and may be extended once the applicant satisfies all the eligibility requirements.
It is a self-sponsored visa; therefore, no employer in the UAE is necessary. The visa owners can also sponsor his/her spouse and children when staying in the UAE.
- Visa Application & Entry Permit: AED 200 (app fee) + AED 500 (if applying inside UAE)
- GDRFA Fee & VAT: AED 200 + 5% VAT (applied via GDRFA virtual work visa issuance)
- Medical Fitness Test: AED 350–750
- Emirates ID Fee: AED 370
- Health Insurance: AED 600–2,000 annually (based on coverage and age)
- Dubai-Specific Full-Package Fee: USD 287 (~AED 1,050)
- Outside UAE application: AED 2,240 covering entry permit, medical, Emirates ID, and processing fees.
- Inside UAE application: AED 200 + AED 500 + AED 750 (medical) + AED 370 + AED 600 = AED 2,420 (excluding Dubai package)
The Green Visa is a 5-year residency visa which permits skilled professional expatriates, freelancers, investors and entrepreneurs to reside in the UAE without the requirement of an employer or national sponsor.
1- Skilled Employees: A valid UAE work contract, bachelor degree or equivalent, employment classified under MOHRE level 1-3 and a minimum salary of AED 15,000, per month.
2- Freelancers and Self-Employed: To possess a MOHRE freelance permit, a bachelor’s degree or a specialized diploma and last two years in earnings of AED 360,000 per annum or maintaining a stable financial solvency.
3- Investors or Business Partners: Those who have invested or owns a business registered in UAE and approved by ICP based on investment rating
- An original employment contract, freelance permit, or ownership trade/business license must be provided.
- A bachelor degree or other relevant qualification has to be submitted.
- They should include supporting financial records like bank statements or pay slips depicting financial eligibility to receive payments in the form of salary or payment.
The UAE Green Visa is renewable and valid for up to 5 years, as long as the requirements at initial eligibility are maintained.
It is a self-sponsored visa hence you do not require a local employer to sponsor you or an individual sponsor. The holders of Green Visas can also sponsor the spouse, children, and first-degree relatives.
- Entry Permit & Residency Visa:
AED 200 (application) plus AED 500 status adjustment if applied inside the UAE.
It includes Knowledge & Innovation Dirham fees (AED 10 each)
- Emirates ID (5-year): AED 575.
- Medical Fitness Test: AED 300–500
- Health Insurance: AED 600–2,000 annually (varies by age and coverage)
- Processing / Typing Fees: Varies by centre and emirate
- Typical range: AED 2,000–3,500, depending on additional services and emirate
- All-in typical cost: ~AED 5,200–5,260, including entry permit, medical test, Emirates ID, status change, and application fees
Disclamer:
This post is for educational purposes only, and does not constitute investment advice or a solicitation to take any financial action. It should not be relied upon when making investment or financing decisions.
