How to Get a UAE Residence Visa?

Obtaining a UAE residence visa allows you to live, work, and access services in the United Arab Emirates for 1 to 10 years, depending on the visa type. This guide explains the eligibility criteria, required documents, step-by-step application process, costs, and renewal details for securing a UAE residence visa. Whether you seek employment, investment, or family sponsorship, the process involves specific steps tailored to your situation.

Who Can Apply for a UAE Residence Visa?

Eligible applicants for a UAE residence visa include employees, investors, students, retirees, and dependents of UAE residents. You qualify if you meet one of the main categories such as employment with a UAE-based company, investment in property or business, enrollment in a UAE educational institution, retirement with financial stability, or dependency on a UAE citizen or resident. Each category has distinct requirements, such as a job offer for employees or a minimum investment of AED 2 million for property investors.

Types of UAE Residence Visas

The UAE offers 6 main types of residence visas – Employment, Golden, Green, Student, Retirement, and Family Sponsorship. Each visa type caters to different purposes. 

1. Employment Visa: Issued for individuals with a job offer from a UAE employer, valid for 2-3 years.
2. Golden Visa: Grants 5 or 10-year residency to investors, entrepreneurs, and skilled professionals, renewable without a sponsor.
3. Green Visa: Provides 5-year residency for freelancers, skilled workers, or self-employed individuals.
4. Student Visa: Allows 1-year residency for students at UAE institutions, renewable annually.
5. Retirement Visa: Offers 5-year residency for retirees over 55 with financial proof like AED 1 million in savings.
6. Family Sponsorship Visa: Permits dependents (spouses, children, parents) to reside based on a sponsor’s visa, matching the sponsor’s duration.

Each type suits specific needs, from career growth to long-term settlement.

Documents Required to Get a UAE Residence Visa

You need 6 essential documents to apply for a UAE residence visa. A valid passport, photographs, sponsor details, medical certificate, proof of eligibility, and Emirates ID application and equirements vary by visa type.

• Passport: Valid for at least 6 months.
• Photographs: 2 recent passport-sized photos with a white background.
• Sponsor Details: Employer contract, property deed, or family relation proof (e.g., marriage certificate).
• Medical Certificate: Proof of fitness from a UAE-approved clinic.
• Proof of Eligibility: Job offer, investment receipt (e.g., AED 2 million property), or university acceptance letter.
• Emirates ID Application: Submitted post-entry with biometric data.

 

How to Apply for a UAE Residence Visa?

Follow these 6 steps to apply for a UAE residence visa.

1. Determine Eligibility: Confirm you fit into one of the 5 categories (employment, investment, etc.).
2. Secure an Entry Permit: Obtain this through your sponsor (employer, university, etc.) via the Federal Authority for Identity and Citizenship (ICP) or General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs (GDRFA). Processing takes 2-5 days, costing AED 1,350.
3. Enter the UAE: Arrive within 60 days of entry permit issuance.
4. Complete Medical Screening: Visit an approved clinic for tests (e.g., HIV, TB), costing AED 260. Results arrive in 1-2 days.
5. Apply for Residence Visa: Submit documents through ICP or GDRFA online portals or typing centers. Approval takes 7-10 days.
6. Obtain Emirates ID: Register biometrics and pay AED 370-1,070 (depending on visa duration) to receive your ID within 5 days.

How Much Does a UAE Residence Visa Cost?

Costs for a UAE residence visa range from AED 2,000 to AED 10,000, depending on type and duration. Breakdown includes:

• Entry Permit: AED 1,350.
• Medical Test: AED 260.
• Residence Visa Fee: AED 500-2,500 (varies by type, e.g., Employment vs. Golden).
• Emirates ID: AED 370 (1 year), AED 570 (2 years), or AED 1,070 (5-10 years).
• Additional Fees: Typing center charges (AED 100-300) or sponsor-related costs.

For example, a 2-year Employment Visa totals around AED 2,500, while a 10-year Golden Visa nears AED 10,000 with investment proof.

How Long Is a UAE Residence Visa Valid?

A UAE residence visa is valid for 1 to 10 years, based on its type. Employment visas span 2-3 years, Student visas 1 year, Green visas 5 years, Retirement visas 5 years, and Golden visas 5 or 10 years. Family visas align with the sponsor’s duration. Stay outside the UAE for over 180 days (except Golden Visa holders) voids it, requiring reapplication.

How to Renew UAE Residence Visa?

Renew your UAE residence visa by submitting an application through ICP or GDRFA before expiry. Follow the given steps to renew residence visa in UAE.

1. Check Expiry: Note the date on your visa or Emirates ID.
2. Gather Documents: Provide passport, current visa, and sponsor details.
3. Submit Application: Use online portals or typing centers, paying AED 500-2,500.
4. Update Emirates ID: Renew alongside the visa for AED 370-1,070.

Benefits of a UAE Residence Visa

A UAE residence visa offers 5 key benefits such as legal residency, work rights, family sponsorship, service access, and tax advantages. 

1. Legal Residency: Live in the UAE for 1-10 years.
2. Work Rights: Employed or self-employed status, depending on visa.
3. Family Sponsorship: Bring dependents with a minimum salary of AED 4,000.
4. Service Access: Open bank accounts, enroll in schools, and use healthcare.
5. Tax Advantages: No income tax on earnings.

 

Securing a UAE residence visa involves meeting eligibility, gathering documents, and following a clear application process. Costs and validity depend on the visa type, with renewal ensuring continued residency. Start today to unlock the UAE’s vibrant lifestyle and opportunities.