UAE Visas
Every UAE residency option compared: cost, validity, who qualifies, sponsorship rules. Find the visa that fits your situation — or get a personalized recommendation from our consultants.
Understanding UAE Residency
A UAE residency visa lets you live, work, open a bank account and sponsor family in the UAE. Most visas are tied to a sponsor — an employer, a UAE company you own, a UAE property you purchased, or a government scheme like the Golden or Green Visa. Validity ranges from 2 to 10 years and most are renewable.
The right visa depends on three factors. First, your role — employee, business owner, investor, freelancer, family member or retiree. Second, your budget — entry-level employment visas cost AED 5–7K, while a Golden Visa or property-based visa runs AED 12–25K including the medical and Emirates ID. Third, how long you want to stay — 2 years for standard residency, 5 for Green and Retirement, 10 for Golden.
10 UAE Visa Types
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UAE Visa Recommender
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Key Benefits of a UAE Visa
UAE Visa Comparison
Starting prices, validity and key requirements at a glance.
| Visa | Who it fits | From | Validity | Sponsor | Family allowed | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Investor Visa | UAE company shareholder | AED 18,000 | 2–3 years | Own company | Yes | Details |
| Golden Visa | Investor / top talent | AED 9,500 | 10 years | Self | Yes | Details |
| Employment Visa | Employee | AED 5,000 | 2 years | Employer | Yes | Details |
| Family Visa | Spouse / children | AED 6,000 | 2–3 years | Resident | N/A | Details |
| Freelance Visa | Self-employed | AED 12,500 | 2–3 years | Free zone | Yes | Details |
| Green Visa | Skilled freelancer / employee | AED 5,200 | 5 years | Self | Yes | Details |
| Retirement Visa | Age 55+ | AED 5,500 | 5 years | Self | Spouse only | Details |
| Property Investor Visa | Property owner AED 750K+ | AED 13,000 | 2–3 years | Self | Yes | Details |
| Student Visa | UAE university / top school | AED 4,500 | 2–10 years | University | No | Details |
| Remote Work Visa | Foreign employee / business owner | AED 6,500 | 1 year, renewable | Self | Yes | Details |
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UAE Visa — Frequently Asked Questions
Standard processing is 10–15 working days from application to Emirates ID issuance. Express service (3–5 days) is available for most visa types. Add 2–4 weeks if you need to enter the UAE first on a visit visa for medical and biometrics.
Entry-level employment and Green Visas start from AED 5,000–7,000 all-inclusive (entry permit, medical, Emirates ID, change of status). Investor and Freelance visas run AED 12,000–25,000. Family dependents add ~AED 6,000 per person. Golden Visa starts at AED 9,500.
Yes, most UAE residency visas allow you to sponsor spouse, children under 25 (or unmarried daughters of any age), and parents (subject to a salary threshold of AED 20,000+/month). Golden Visa includes unlimited family sponsorship regardless of salary.
Standard 2–3 year residency visas expire if you stay outside the UAE for 180 consecutive days. Golden Visa has no such rule — you can live abroad indefinitely and the visa stays valid for the full 10 years.
Yes — via a Freelance Permit issued by a free zone (TECOM, RAKEZ, Ajman Free Zone, DMCC, Twofour54), or via the Green Visa for skilled freelancers. Both let you sponsor yourself without a UAE employer or shareholding in a company.
Yes — through the UAE Remote Work Visa (Virtual Working Programme). It's a 1-year renewable residency for employees and business owners of companies based outside the UAE. Requirements: proof of employment or company ownership, minimum income USD 3,500/month, valid health insurance, and a passport with 6+ months validity.
Yes — two options. Standard Student Visa is sponsored by your UAE university or school, valid for the duration of your course. Outstanding students (top high-school scorers or top-100 university graduates with GPA 3.5+) qualify for a 5–10-year Golden Student Visa, which also lets parents stay until the child turns 18.
Golden Visa is 10 years (vs 2–3), self-sponsored (no employer or company needed), survives 180+ day absences, and gives premium status. It requires either AED 2M+ investment, AED 2M+ in property, exceptional talent endorsement, or qualifying professional credentials. Standard residency is faster and cheaper but shorter.
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