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What is a UAE Residence Visa?

11 Visa Categories2-10 Year ValidityFamily Sponsorship

UAE residence visa is umbrella covering long-term permits enabling foreign nationals to live, work, conduct business. Issued by ICP; managed by GDRFA. The comprehensive system serves 11 categories: 6 standard + 5 specialized visas available.

Residency categories offer unique benefits, requirements, validity periods. Standard visas: 2–3 years; specialized: 5–10 years. All enable family sponsorship, healthcare access, business establishment. Process timeline: 2–8 weeks completion.

Residency Visa Universal Benefits

Long-Term Stability

Long-Term Stability

Multiple year validity (2–10 years) provides continuous residence authorization without sponsor dependency issues arising.

Family Sponsorship

Family Sponsorship

Sponsor spouse, children, parents legally; family gains residency benefits matching primary holder status exactly throughout.

Business Authority

Business Authority

Establish company, operate trade, build enterprises; full employment authorization across free zones, mainland areas.

Tax-Free Income

Tax-Free Income

No personal income tax; tax-free salaries benefit employee and employer; significant financial advantage gained.

Healthcare Access

Healthcare Access

Access hospitals, schools, universities; family benefits include preventive care, quality education throughout UAE.

Wealth Building

Wealth Building

Property ownership, business investment, asset accumulation; residency supports long-term financial planning goals.

Residence Visa Pathways in UAE Comprehensive Categories & Requirements

UAE residence visa system encompasses eight primary pathways. Below are detailed categories with specific requirements and benefits.

1.  Employee Path

For professionals seeking UAE employment, requiring employer sponsorship and a minimum salary of AED 4,000. Ideal for corporate roles.

Requirements

  • Minimum Salary: AED 4,000/month verified through MOHRE-approved salary certificate from employer.
  • Employer Sponsorship: Valid employment contract; employer handles visa processing; job-based residency status.
  • Age Limit: 18–60 years typically; exceptions for specialized roles with government approval.
  • Validity Duration: 2–3 years renewable; tied to employment contract; continuous employment required.

2.  Executive Path

For senior management professionals with a bachelor’s degree, offering a 3-year residence and a minimum salary of AED 15,000.

Requirements

  • Higher Salary: AED 15,000/month minimum; verified salary certificate; senior position documentation.
  • Educational Qualification: Bachelor's degree mandatory; attested certificates; university verification required.
  • Management Role: Executive position; senior management responsibilities; strategic decision-making authority.
  • Extended Validity: 3-year residence permit; reduced renewal frequency; enhanced stability provided.

3.  Investor Path

For individuals investing in business or property, offering residency with the option to transition toward a long-term Golden Visa.

Requirements

  • Minimum Investment: AED 500,000+ investment in business, property, or financial deposits.
  • Investment Documentation: Business registration, property deeds, bank certificates confirming investment validity.
  • Duration: 2–3 years standard; pathway to Golden Visa with higher investment thresholds.
  • Self-Sponsored: Independent residency; no employer dependency; full business authority granted.

4.  Entrepreneur Path

For self-sponsored freelancers or startup founders, offering a 5-year residency. Requires a business license and an annual income of AED 360k–500k.

Requirements

  • Annual Income: AED 360,000–500,000 annual income verified; business revenue documentation.
  • Business License: Valid freelance permit or startup license; registered business entity.
  • Age Requirement: 21+ years; entrepreneurial track record; business viability assessment.
  • Extended Duration: 3–5 years validity; self-sponsored status; employment flexibility maintained.

5.  Talent Path

For individuals with outstanding achievements, offering 5–10 year residency. Requirements vary, with expedited approval for exceptional candidates.

Requirements

  • Exceptional Achievement: Outstanding talent in science, arts, technology, sports documented officially.
  • Recognition Proof: International awards, publications, patents, or significant achievements verified.
  • Variable Requirements: Category-specific; no standard investment; achievement-based qualification.
  • Long-Term: 5–10 years validity; family sponsorship; employment independence granted.

6.  Golden Investor Path

For investors committing AED 2M–10M+, offering 5–10 year residency with family sponsorship included.

Requirements

  • Major Investment: AED 2 million (5-year), AED 10 million+ (10-year) in property or business.
  • Investment Maintenance: Sustained throughout validity; documented annually; renewal eligibility required.
  • Extended Duration: 5–10 years validity; renewable; family sponsorship rights included.
  • Full Independence: Self-sponsored; no employer dependency; unlimited business authority.

7.  Environmental Path

A 10-year residency for climate and environmental experts. No investment required, granted based on professional recognition in the field.

Requirements

  • Environmental Contribution: Significant achievements in sustainability, climate science, renewable energy.
  • No Investment: Achievement-based only; no property or capital requirements necessary.
  • 10-Year Validity: Decade-long residence; renewable; employment flexibility provided.
  • Global Recognition: International awards, publications, or organizational leadership documented.

8.  Property Path

For investors in real estate, offering 2–10 year residency. Requires property valued at AED 750k–10M+, with mortgage eligibility available.

Requirements

  • Property Investment: AED 750,000 (2-year), AED 2 million (5-year), AED 10 million+ (10-year).
  • Property Registration: Title deed from Dubai Land Department; freehold zones only.
  • Mortgage Acceptable: 50% minimum down payment; bank NOC required for financed properties.
  • Duration Options: 2, 5, or 10 years based on property value; family sponsorship included.
Visa TypeDurationInvestment/SalaryAge LimitSponsorship
Standard Employment2–3 yearsAED 4,000/month18–60 yearsEmployer-based
Skilled Executive3 yearsAED 15,000/month18–60 yearsEmployer-based
Investor (General)2–3 yearsAED 500k+ investmentNo limitSelf/employer
Entrepreneur/Freelancer3–5 yearsAED 360k annually21+ yearsSelf-sponsored
Retired5 yearsAED 15k–20k monthly55+ yearsSelf-sponsored
Talent/Outstanding5–10 yearsVariable (achievement)VariableSelf-sponsored
Golden Visa - Investor5–10 yearsAED 2M–10M+No limitSelf-sponsored
Golden Visa - Talent5–10 yearsVariable (excellence)VariableSelf-sponsored
Green Visa - Freelancer5 yearsAED 360k–500k annually21+ yearsSelf-sponsored
Blue Visa - Environmental10 yearsNo investmentNo limitSelf-sponsored
Property Visa - Real Estate2–10 yearsAED 750k–10M+ propertyNo limitSelf-sponsored
Residence Visa Pathways in UAE Comprehensive Categories & Requirements

UAE VISA

Your Gateway To Living And Working In The UAE

  • Easy Application
  • Fast Processing
  • Expert Guidance
;

Common Documents Required for UAE Residence Visa

01

Passport Copy

Valid passport with minimum 6 months remaining validity; two spare visa pages available for stamping.

02

Photographs

Recent color photographs (4x6 specification) adhering to ICP requirements for residency documentation.

03

Medical Fitness

Medical fitness certificate from approved UAE health center obtained within 30-day window requirement.

04

Health Insurance

Health insurance policy covering minimum emirate requirements; mandatory for processing; annual renewal required.

05

Category-Specific Docs

Employment contract, degree certificate, investment proof, business license, or property deed depending on category.

06

Financial Documentation

Salary certificate (MOHRE-approved), bank statements (3 months), or income verification letters as required.

Residence Visa Renewal Cycle

1

Step 1: Plan Ahead

Monitor visa expiry date; initiate renewal 2–3 months prior; gather updated documentation, medical, insurance proof.

2

Step 2: Medical Re-screening

Schedule annual medical fitness test; obtain updated health certificate; confirm insurance renewal activated before expiry.

3

Step 3: Submit Renewal

File renewal via employer/GDRFA portal; upload updated documents, medical report, insurance proof; pay renewal fees.

4

Step 4: Biometric Update

Visit ICP centre if required; update fingerprints, photographs; receive updated Emirates ID if applicable.

5

Step 5: Collect Permit

Receive renewed visa valid additional years per category; collect updated residence documentation; confirm continuity.

UAE Residence Visa Services

UAE Residence Visa Services

Rizmona facilitates all residence visa categories managing eligibility verification, documentation preparation, application coordination, and government liaison seamlessly. Expert team handles employment verification, investment validation, business registration, medical coordination, GDRFA submissions—ensuring smooth visa approval. Accurate guidance on all residence visa types. Specialists experienced in employment, investment, entrepreneurship, talent, environmental, property pathways.

UAE Residence Visa Services

UAE Residence Visa Services

Rizmona facilitates all residence visa categories managing eligibility verification, documentation preparation, application coordination, and government liaison seamlessly. Expert team handles employment verification, investment validation, business registration, medical coordination, GDRFA submissions—ensuring smooth visa approval. Accurate guidance on all residence visa types. Specialists experienced in employment, investment, entrepreneurship, talent, environmental, property pathways.

Book a Session with Residence Visa Experts