Residency in the UAE: How to Obtain a Residence Permit in the Emirates?

A UAE residency visa provides access to work, business, education, and investment in one of the world’s most dynamic economies—ranging from short-term work permits to the 10-year Golden Visa for investors and top professionals. Each category has its own requirements for applicants, financial resources, and documentation. Learn more about the types of UAE residency visas, the eligibility criteria, and the procedure for obtaining a residence permit for foreigners

Order an immigration guide and receive clear instructions for your legal relocation abroad

GET THE GUIDE

The United Arab Emirates remains one of the most popular destinations for long-term relocation among professionals, investors, and entrepreneurs from around the world. Nine out of ten residents of the country are foreigners, making its system for issuing residence visas one of the most advanced in the Gulf region.

In this article, we’ll explain the categories of residence permits available to expats, what’s required to apply for them, and the benefits of UAE resident status.

Are you planning to move to the United Arab Emirates and don’t know where to start with the paperwork?

Visit World’s immigration guide compiles all the latest information on UAE residence visas—including visa categories, applicant requirements, a list of required documents, and a step-by-step application process.

What is a UAE resident visa and what does it look like?

A UAE resident visa is an official document that allows a foreign national to live in the country for an extended period. Obtaining this visa is mandatory for anyone planning to work, study, or conduct business in the Emirates for longer than the duration of a tourist stay. The visa is issued by the Federal Authority for Identity and Citizenship (ICP) or the General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs (GDRFA) of the respective emirate.

In practice, resident status is confirmed by two documents: an electronic visa (in some cases, supplemented by a stamp in the passport) and an Emirates ID card. The Emirates ID contains a 15-digit identification number used to access banking services, rent housing, sign contracts, and complete other official procedures. Resident visas in the UAE are issued to professionals, entrepreneurs, and investors from various countries, including citizens of Kazakhstan and Turkey, who actively take advantage of the region’s opportunities for business development.

By the way, AI has been verifying work permits in the UAE since May 2026.

Main Categories of UAE Resident Visas

The visa category determines the validity period of the status, requirements for the applicant, and options for family members. There are several main types of UAE resident visas:

1. Work visa — issued by an employer registered in the UAE. Validity period: 1, 2, or 3 years, depending on the contract. A work permit from the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratization is issued along with the visa.
2. Family (Dependent) Visa — Allows a resident to sponsor a spouse, children, and, under certain conditions, parents. The sponsor must prove sufficient income and suitable housing.
3. Investor Visa — issued upon the purchase of real estate valued at 750,000 dirhams or more (valid for 2 years) or upon establishing or participating in a business with a capital of 100,000 dirhams or more.
4. Student Visa — issued by an accredited university for a period of 1 year, with the possibility of annual renewal upon confirmation of enrollment.
5. Retirement visa — a five-year residence permit for foreigners aged 55 and older who own real estate, have savings, or a stable income of approximately 15,000 dirhams per month.

A separate category is the humanitarian visa, introduced for citizens of countries affected by wars or natural disasters. It is issued for one year with the option of annual renewal and does not require a sponsor in the UAE.

Visit World services for tourists, migrants, and expats: Insurance | Guides | Legal advice

Long-Term Residency: Golden Visa and Green Visa

The Golden Visa program offers a 5- or 10-year residency permit for investors, entrepreneurs, talented professionals, and outstanding students. A 10-year visa is available to investors who purchase real estate worth at least 2 million dirhams, as well as to top professionals with a verified monthly salary of at least 30,000 dirhams and a relevant degree. Golden Visa holders are not dependent on a third-party sponsor, can freely cross the border, and do not lose their status during extended stays outside the country.

The Green Visa is intended for qualified professionals, freelancers, and investors who do not need an employer in the UAE. It is valid for 5 years and allows for self-sponsorship. Freelancers with a monthly income of at least 15,000 dirhams, as well as employees with a valid contract who meet the qualification requirements, are eligible for the Green Visa.

It’s also worth noting the visa for remote workers—a one-year permit for those working for a foreign employer. The minimum income requirement varies by emirate: in Dubai, you must prove an income of approximately $5,000 per month, while in Abu Dhabi, the minimum is $3,500.

Do you need a medical visa for Dubai? — We explain it here.

Documents Required to Apply for a Residence Permit in the UAE

The required documents depend on the type of visa, but the basic list remains similar for most categories. Standard requirements include a valid international passport (with at least 6 months remaining before expiration), passport-sized photos, sponsor documents, and proof of housing in the Emirates.

A mandatory step is a medical examination at an accredited center, which includes a blood test and a chest X-ray to screen for tuberculosis, HIV, hepatitis, and other infectious diseases. A residence permit will not be issued without proof of passing the medical examination.

Individuals over the age of 18 must undergo a full medical examination; children under 18 are exempt from testing.

Additionally, applicants may be required to provide a criminal background check, a legalized educational diploma (for skilled professions), a marriage certificate or birth certificates for children translated into Arabic, and proof of health insurance. Health insurance will be mandatory for all new visas and renewals starting in 2025.

We previously reported that Dubai’s real estate market fell by 38% in 2026.

How to Obtain a UAE Residency Visa: A Step-by-Step Guide

The process of obtaining a residency permit consists of several sequential steps. The entire process typically takes no more than 2–4 weeks after entering the country.

• The sponsor (employer, university, family member, or the applicant themselves in the case of self-sponsorship) submits an application for an entry permit through the ICP or GDRFA electronic system.
• The applicant enters the UAE based on the permit received, which is valid for 60 days; alternatively, they can change their status within the country while on a tourist visa.
• Upon arrival, the foreign national undergoes a medical examination and submits biometric data for the Emirates ID.
• The sponsor submits a complete set of documents to the immigration authorities for visa issuance and pays the government fee.
• Once approved, the applicant is issued an electronic residence visa, and the Emirates ID card is sent to a post office or delivered by courier.

Delays at any stage may result in the need to reapply for an entry permit. Therefore, experts recommend undergoing the medical examination and submitting documents for the Emirates ID immediately upon arrival.

Benefits of UAE Resident Status

A UAE residence permit opens the door to a wide range of opportunities—from financial services to visa-free travel. Residents are entitled to work legally, open bank accounts, obtain a driver’s license, rent housing on a long-term basis, and sponsor relatives to relocate.

One of the key benefits is expanded visa-free access. Holders of a UAE residence visa can visit over 80 countries without obtaining a visa in advance or with a visa upon arrival—destinations include Georgia, Armenia, Malaysia, Thailand, the Maldives, Mauritius, and the Seychelles. This status opens up new opportunities for travelers from various jurisdictions, particularly for citizens of Spain, Norway, and France, who combine a strong European passport with simplified access to countries in Asia, Africa, and Latin America.

Financial benefits also remain a compelling argument for relocation: the UAE does not levy taxes on personal income, dividends, or capital gains. Long-term legal residence paves the way to obtaining a long-term residency permit and, under exceptional circumstances, citizenship (the standard requirement is 30 years of residence; for spouses of UAE citizens, 15 years of marriage).

About the Remote Working Visa in the UAE 2026—read more at the link.

Migration Guide from Visit World: Everything You Need to Know About Moving to the UAE

Applying for a resident visa in the Emirates requires careful preparation, from choosing the right visa category to gathering a complete set of documents. You can find up-to-date information on moving to the United Arab Emirates for citizens of any country in the immigration guide from Visit World. All necessary information is sent to your email address in PDF format within a few minutes after submission.

The immigration guide from Visit World includes step-by-step instructions for applying for a residence visa, a complete list of documents for each visa category, financial requirements, the procedure for undergoing a medical examination and obtaining an Emirates ID, as well as practical advice on settling into the country.

Order the migration guide from Visit World and prepare for your move to the UAE well in advance and without unnecessary risks!

Reminder! In a previous article, we reported that the UAE is launching high-speed trains between Dubai and Abu Dhabi.

Photo: Magnific

Products from Visit World for a comfortable trip:

We monitor the accuracy and relevance of our information, so if you notice any errors or inconsistencies, please contact our hotline.