A UAE residence visa is a permit that allows foreign nationals to live and work in the country for a period ranging from 1 to 10 years. These visas grant individuals the legal right to reside in the Emirates for extended periods.
They can renew these permits when they expire. Foreign nationals need residence visas for many reasons. Some want to work in UAE companies, others plan to study at local universities.
Many choose to invest in businesses or buy property. The residence visa allows the holder to reside in the UAE on a long-term basis.
The Easiest Way to Get UAE Permanent Residency
The UAE doesn’t offer true permanent residency. Instead, you can get long-term residence visas that provide similar benefits.
The Golden Visa is your best option – it lasts 10 years and can be renewed. You can qualify by investing AED 2 million in property or businesses, working as a skilled professional like a doctor or scientist, or being an outstanding student. The
The Green Visa offers a 5-year self-sponsored residency for skilled workers and freelancers. While not permanent, these long-term visas give you stability and the right to live, work, and own property in the UAE.
Standard vs Long-Term Residence Visas
| Feature | Standard Visas | Long-Term Visas |
|---|---|---|
| Validity | 1–3 years | 5–10 years |
| Examples | Employment Visa | Golden Visa, Green Visa |
| Target Group | Employees working under UAE-based companies | Investors, skilled professionals, freelancers |
| Renewal Frequency | Frequent renewals required | Less frequent renewals |
| Main Advantage | Easier access through a job offer or family sponsorship | Long-term stability and autonomy in living and working in the UAE |
Types of UAE Residency Visas
Planning to live or work in the UAE? Here’s a quick breakdown of visa types that can help you settle legally and smoothly, from golden visas to remote work permits.
1. Golden Visa
The Golden visa is a long-term residence visa that enables foreign talents to live, work, or study in the UAE while enjoying exclusive benefits. This special visa is valid for 5 or 10 years without requiring a local sponsor. Investors, scientists, doctors, and skilled workers can apply. You can bring your family and own property freely.
2. Green Visa
The UAE’s Green visa is a type of residence visa that allows its holder to sponsor himself/herself for 5 years, eliminating the need for a UAE national or employer to sponsor his/her visa. Ideal for skilled workers, freelancers, and self-employed individuals seeking greater flexibility than traditional work visas offer.
3. Employment Visa (Standard Work Visa)
A standard work visa in Dubai and the UAE is an employer-sponsored work visa that permits an expat to live and work as an employee in the UAE for two to three years. Your employer handles the application and sponsors you. Most foreign workers use this common visa type.
4. Family Visa
UAE residents can sponsor spouses, children, and parents. The ability to sponsor their family members, including spouses and children, regardless of their ages, helps families stay together. Visa duration matches the sponsor’s visa period.
5. Freelance/Digital Nomad Visa
The one-year visa allows foreigners to enter the UAE under self-sponsorship and work in line with the terms and conditions issued with the visa. Remote workers can live in Dubai while working for companies outside the UAE. You must provide proof that you receive a monthly income of USD 3,500.
6. Investor/Entrepreneur Visa
Business owners and investors get visas for 2 to 10 years based on investment size. If you invest in an investment fund, you may be eligible for a 10-year Golden Visa without a sponsor, provided you submit a letter from an accredited investment fund in the UAE stating that you have a deposit of AED 2 million.
7. Property Owner Visa
You must invest at least 2 million AED in Dubai to be eligible for the 10-year property Investor Visa. Buy property worth AED 750,000 for a 2-year visa or AED 2 million for a 10-year visa (in some Emirates, like Dubai). Property owners can also sponsor their families.
8. Student Visa
Foreign students get 1-year renewable visas from approved UAE schools and universities. Outstanding students with high grades may qualify for a 5-year Golden Visa without needing a sponsor.
9. Retirement Visa
People over 55 can get 5-year retirement visas. You can own property worth AED 1 million or more, show local savings of the same value, or receive a monthly income of AED 20,000 or higher from a pension. No work required.
Dreaming of permanent residency in the UAE? Let our specialists assess your eligibility and guide you through the application process. Get your personalized consultation now!
Key Benefits of UAE Permanent Residency Visas
- Long-Term Stability: Golden Visa offers 5–10 years of renewable residency for long-term security.
- Family Sponsorship: Sponsor spouse, children, and dependents for the same visa duration.
- Domestic Worker Sponsorship: Sponsor unlimited household staff under your residency.
- Healthcare & Education Access: Benefit from the UAE’s top-tier public services and facilities.
- Banking & Property Rights: Own property and easily open bank accounts across all Emirates.
- Flexible Travel: Stay outside the UAE for over 6 months without visa cancellation.
- Business Opportunities: Operate in a global business hub with advanced infrastructure.
How to Renew Your UAE Residence Visa?
Renewing your UAE residence visa is simple if you start early. Begin the process 30-60 days before your visa expires. Check your expiry date on the GDRFA website or your Emirates ID.
Gather required documents, including your passport, Emirates ID, sponsor approval, and medical certificates if needed. Submit your application through official channels, typing centers, or online portals.
Pay the renewal fees, which vary by visa type. For employment visas, your employer handles most paperwork. Family visa renewals need income proof from your sponsor. Student visas require enrollment confirmation. The process typically takes 3-7 working days. Never let your visa expire – overstaying results in daily fines and legal complications.
How to Maintain Your UAE Residency?
- Visit regularly – Enter UAE at least once every 6 months (Golden/Green visa holders have longer grace periods)
- Keep documents updated – Renew passport, Emirates ID, and health insurance before expiry
- Maintain sponsor relationship – Keep good terms with the employer or family sponsor when required.
- Update address changes – Notify authorities when you move residences
- Follow local laws – Respect UAE customs, regulations, and legal requirements
- Pay fines promptly – Clear any traffic violations or government penalties immediately
- Maintain income requirements – Meet minimum salary or investment thresholds for your visa type
Process of Cancelling Your UAE Residency Visa
- Initiate Cancellation: Only the sponsor can start the process. Employers cancel work visas, family members cancel dependent visas, and investors use free zone authorities.
- Cancel Labour Contract: For employment visas, the employer must cancel the labour contract via MOHRE, settle dues, and get the employee’s signature. Timeline: 1–2 working days
- Cancel Residency Visa: The sponsor applies for cancellation through GDRFA or ICA by submitting the passport, Emirates ID, and cancellation form. Fees apply. Timeline: 1–3 working days
- Return Documents: After approval, the passport is stamped “Visa Cancelled,” and authorities collect the Emirates ID.
- Grace Period: You get 60–180 days to exit the UAE, change visa status, or apply for a new visa. Overstay fines: AED 50 per day
- Where to Cancel: Cancellation can be done via typing centers, online portals (ICP or GDRFA), AMER centers in Dubai, or free zone offices.
Summing Up Provisions and Requirements for Permanent UAE Residency
| Visa Type | Sponsor Needed | Key Requirement | Validity | Insurance |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Employment | Yes (Employer) | Job offer | 2–3 years | Mandatory |
| Family | Yes (Family) | Income + relationship | 1–3 years | Mandatory |
| Student | Yes (University) | Enrollment | 1 year | Mandatory |
| Retirement | No | Age 55+ + financial proof | 5 years | Mandatory |
| Golden | No | Investment or talent | 10 years | Mandatory |
| Green | No | Skilled/freelance work | 5 years | Mandatory |
| Property Owner | No | Real estate ownership | 2–10 years | Mandatory |
Frequently Asked Questions
Is It Easy to Get a UAE Residency?
Obtaining UAE residency requires meeting specific criteria, such as securing a job offer, making investments, or obtaining family sponsorship, along with minimum income requirements.
Who Is Eligible for UAE Blue Residency?
Environmental experts, sustainability researchers, climate activists, and members of international ecological organizations can apply for Blue Residency.
Is Permanent Residency (PR) Available in the UAE?
No, the UAE doesn’t offer traditional permanent residency; only renewable long-term residence visas are available, with a maximum duration of up to 10 years.
