Dubai Residence Visa

by Sakina Burhan Content Specialist

Foreign individuals who wish to live and work in the United Arab Emirates for a long period must obtain a Residence visa. Long-term visas in the UAE are of various types and also come with a lot of benefits such as access to various banking facilities, government health services, educational institutions, and visa-free access to certain countries. However, to secure a Dubai residence visa, one must meet certain eligibility criteria as specified by the UAE authorities.

Types of UAE Residence Visas

1. UAE Employment Visa

2. Investor Visa

The 5-Year Golden Visa (Property Investor Visa): This visa requires an investment of at least AED 2 million (around USD 545,000) in property in the UAE and is valid for five years.
The 10-Year Golden Visa (Long-Term Investor Visa): This visa requires an investment of at least AED 10 million in a UAE business or fund, or real estate with an annual rental income of no less than AED 1 million. It is valid for ten years and is automatically renewed.

3. UAE Retirement Visa

4. UAE Student Visa

5. Domestic Worker Visa

6. UAE Family Visa

7. UAE Green Visa

Benefits of Obtaining UAE Residence Visa

There are several potential advantages of getting residence visa in the UAE, including:

Live and work in the UAE for an extended period (1 year to 10 years, depending on visa type).
Gain access to the UAE’s job market and pursue career opportunities.
Benefit from government healthcare services or obtain health insurance.
Enjoy visa-free travel to certain destinations with some visa types.
Invest in businesses or establish your own company (with specific visa types).
Experience a high standard of living and world-class infrastructure.
In some cases, sponsor your spouse and children to live with you in the UAE (depends on visa type).
Enrol children in public or private schools within the UAE.
Potentially benefit from a favourable tax regime (no income tax for residents).