The United Arab Emirates (UAE) operates a residency-based visa system. Most foreign nationals do not qualify for permanent residency or citizenship. Residents obtain renewable visas with validity periods ranging from one to ten years, often depending on employment status, investment, or special qualification categories such as talent or retirement. At Property Turkey DUBAI, we specialise not only in assisting international buyers with real estate purchases, but also in immigration requirements and moving to the UAE.
Types of Dubai residency visas:
- Golden Visas
- Real Estate Investment Visas
- Employment Visas
- Freelancer and Remote Work Visas
- Investor or Partner Visas
- Retirement Visas
- Student Visas
- Family Sponsorship Visas
1. Golden Visa – 10-Year Residency
The UAE’s Golden Visa is regarded as the top long-term residency option in the Middle East. Dubai’s Golden Visa attracts high-value individuals who can support UAE economic growth and cultural advancement, providing a renewable 10-year residency permit without local sponsor requirements.
This visa is particularly appealing to investors, entrepreneurs, scientists, skilled professionals, and students who excel. Property buyers represent the largest number and obtain this visa by purchasing freehold properties worth more than AED 2 million.
To qualify for Golden Visa via property investment:
- Invest at least AED 2 million into one or multiple properties.
- Ownership of the property needs to be freehold (not leasehold).
- Properties that are mortgaged must be paid off at least 50%.
Professionals working in fields such as: doctors, engineers, scientists, AI, and space technology may qualify for a Golden Visa by showing AED 30,000 monthly income and having a valid employment contract. Business owners who operate UAE companies, along with top-performing students who show outstanding academic results are also eligible.
Benefits of the Golden Visa:
- Long-term 10-year renewable residency.
- Does not require local sponsor or employer.
- Holder can stay outside the UAE for more than 6 months.
- Permits sponsorship for spouse, children, domestic staff.
Documents: Passport, photo ID, proof of income or investment (property title deeds or salary certificates), medical fitness results, Emirates ID registration, valid health insurance.
2. Real Estate Investor Visa – 2 or 5 Years
Individuals who purchase Dubai properties below the AED 2 million threshold can obtain residency via the Real Estate Investor Visa. This visa provides an entry point for middle-tier investors, allowing them to obtain residency that can be extended for two or five years based on their total investment amount.
2-Year Property Visa:
The visa is available for investors who purchase property worth between AED 750,000 and AED 2 million. The visa is valid for two years and can be extended. The visa allows the holder to bring their spouse and children to Dubai. To qualify, the property must be:
- Paid in full and free of any mortgage obligations.
- Must be freehold residential (not leasehold).
- The property must be registered to the applicant.
5-Year Property Visa:
Individuals who invest AED 2 million or more in qualifying real estate can apply. This investment can be spread across multiple properties, as long as the total value meets the minimum and all other conditions are fulfilled. The minimum payment requirement for mortgaged properties must exceed 50% of the total value.
Benefits of both visa types:
- Renewable residency without needing employment sponsorship.
- Family sponsorship rights – allowing visa holders to bring family with them.
- Access to banking, driving licence registration, schooling, telecom services.
Documents: Valid passport, title deed(s), property valuation reports, recent photos, Emirates ID application, health insurance, medical fitness results.
3. Employment Visa (Work Permit)
The Employment Visa is the most common route for foreign professionals moving to Dubai. After sponsored by a UAE-based company, this visa grants residency and work rights for a contractually agreed term, typically 2 years in mainland and 3 years in free zones. The visa can be renewed.
To obtain the Employment Visa:
- Valid job offer from a UAE-based employer.
- Contract registered with Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation (MOHRE).
- Applicants need qualifications and relevant experience in the job offered.
Benefits of the Employment Visa:
- Legal right to live and work in the UAE.
- Access to housing, banking, healthcare.
- Possibility to sponsor family members.
Documents: Valid passport, signed job offer or contract, passport photos, academic / professional certificates, medical fitness test results, Emirates ID application, proof of health insurance.
4. Remote Work Visa – 1 Year
Dubai's Virtual Working Programme provides a one-year residency visa to work remotely in Dubai for employers outside of the UAE, or those running their business registered abroad. The Remote Work Visa appeals to digital nomads, as well as freelancers, and entrepreneurs seeking favourable taxes in Dubai. Renewal is possible as long as eligibility remains.
To obtain the Remote Work Visa:
- Proof of employment or ownership of non-UAE business.
- Demonstrate earnings of at least $3,500 USD per month.
- Show valid health insurance coverage for the UAE.
Benefits of the Remote Work Visa:
- Authorisation to live in Dubai without local sponsorship.
- Rights to sign rental agreements, utility services, banking.
- Register children in schools and access healthcare services.
Documents: Valid passport, employment or business ownership documents, salary slips or bank statements, health insurance coverage.
5. Freelance Visa (Dubai Talent Pass)
The Dubai Talent Pass, also known as Freelance Visa, enables self-employed professionals to live and work independently in the UAE. Free zone authorities including Dubai Development Authority, Dubai Media City, and Dubai Internet City issue the visa. Solo entrepreneurs, consultants, and creatives are eligible. Professionals typical work in the following sectors:
- Media and digital content.
- Education and consultancy.
- Technology, software, and programming.
- Creative arts and design.
The Freelance Visa requirements:
- Portfolio or verified past work – contracts or client recommendations.
- A service proposal or business plan for the free zone application.
- At least AED 150,000 annual income to prove business can sustain.
The visa normally comes with a freelance permit or license that grants legal authority to freelance in the UAE and to invoice clients. The licensing permission lets freelancers open bank accounts, rent office space or co-working, and join UAE business communities. After approval the freelance licence becomes active for one year and can be renewed.
Benefits of the Freelance Visa:
- Right to work independently without a local sponsor.
- Access to business infrastructure and networking.
- Sponsor dependents such as spouse and children.
Documents: Submission form, CV, passport copy, educational documents if needed, business or work samples, references, Emirates ID registration.
6. Investor Visa (Business Setup Route)
Investors who start or finance businesses in Dubai can obtain the Investor Visa, which is also called the Partner Visa. This visa enables entrepreneurs and shareholders to stay in the UAE while running businesses. The visa requires candidates to meet these requirements:
- Establish a business presence in a Mainland or Free Zone in the UAE.
- The visa application requires AED 72,000 worth of shareholding value.
Several structures exist to support this:
- Limited Liability Company (LLC): For partnerships in mainland UAE.
- Free Zone Establishment (FZE): 100% foreign ownership and simplified setup.
- Civil Company: Used by service providers (doctors, engineers, consultants).
Benefits of the Investor Visa:
- Sponsorship as shareholder of a company.
- Bring dependents including spouse and children.
- Open corporate and personal bank accounts.
- Access: housing, healthcare, telecoms, driving licence.
Dubai’s free zones are a popular for this visa, offering benefits: 100% foreign ownership, full profit extraction, free from import/export duties, and access to business support hubs.
Documents: Valid passport, recent photos, copy of the trade license and Memorandum of Association (MOA), proof of shareholding, Emirates ID application, medical fitness results.
7. Retirement Visa – 5 Years
The Retirement Visa for people aged 55 and above, functions as part of Dubai's initiative to attract international residents who want a secure retirement in the emirate by offering superior infrastructure, constant sunshine, and premium healthcare. The visa provides five years of validity and renewal is possible. The visa has the ability to sponsor family members.
To qualify, applicants must meet one of the following:
- AED 1 million savings in a UAE bank account.
- Monthly income AED 20,000+ from pension, investments, or stable sources.
- Own a Dubai property valued AED 1 million or more and free of all debts.
Documents: Evidence of funds or property ownership, valid passport, photographs, Emirates ID application, health insurance policy, medical report.
8. Student Visa
International students at UAE universities or higher education institutions can obtain a Student Visa. The visa grants temporary residency throughout the study period and holds a one-year validity, which students can extend each year.
The visa can be sponsored by:
- The educational institution (most common).
- A parent or legal guardian with valid UAE residency.
The approved student receives a residency visa which provides access to services including: banking operations, rental housing, medical care, and transportation. Those with top academic records may be eligible for a Golden Visa through the talent and education category.
Documents: Valid passport, official university or college admission letter, proof of financial means or sponsorship, recent passport-sized photos, Emirates ID application, health insurance.
9. Family Sponsorship
Those with a valid residency visa in Dubai through employment, investment, or other methods, can sponsor family members to move to Dubai. The application needs to be made within 60 of arriving in the UAE and family members receive renewable residence visas with expiration periods of 1 to 2 years.
Eligible for sponsorship:
- Spouse and children (including adopted children).
- In some cases, parents or dependent family members.
Requirements to sponsor family:
- A salary of at least AED 4,000 per month, or
- AED 3,000 plus accommodation provided.
Family visas enable dependents to use UAE services including: educational institutions, medical care, banking, and driving licenses. Sponsorship of children continues until age 18 but extends to age 21 for students pursuing higher education. Sponsorship of daughters continues until they get married.
Documents: Marriage and birth certificates, passport copies, photos of dependents, sponsor's Emirates ID and residency visa, proof of income, tenancy contract, health insurance, medical fitness results.
FAQs about Dubai Visas and Residency
How long does it take to process a visa application?
Visa application processing times vary but usually take between 5 days and 4 weeks.
Is health insurance mandatory for all visa types?
Yes. All applicants need to possess valid health insurance coverage in order to apply.
How do I renew my visa in Dubai?
Submit documents online or through the General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs (GDRFA) before visa expiration.
What happens if I overstay my visa in Dubai?
The UAE imposes penalties on visa overstays, and in some cases, re-entry can be denied.
Can I stay outside of Dubai if I am a Resident?
To stay outside the UAE for more than six months, residents need a Golden Visa.
Can I get UAE Citizenship by Investment?
Citizenship by investment is not available. Long-term residence permits can be renewed.
Can retirees work in the UAE with a Retirement Visa?
The Retirement Visa does not grant its holders the ability to work in the UAE.
What UAE visa is right for me?
Choosing the right visa depends on financial situation, lifestyle objectives, and long-term plans.
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