The United Arab Emirates (UAE) has long been a magnet for expats from all corners of the globe. With its stunning modern cities, world-class infrastructure, and tax-free income opportunities, it’s no wonder people are choosing the UAE as their new home. From the glittering skyscrapers of Dubai to the rich cultural heritage of Abu Dhabi, the country presents an attractive mix of luxury, tradition, and opportunity.
For professionals, the UAE offers career prospects in industries ranging from finance and technology to tourism and healthcare. Many are drawn by the opportunity to work with some of the biggest global companies, while entrepreneurs are enticed by the country’s pro-business environment, which includes free zones and favourable tax policies.
But it’s not just about work. The UAE boasts a high standard of living, low crime rates, and a family-friendly environment. Expats enjoy access to top-tier healthcare, international schools, and a vibrant lifestyle, with a calendar full of events, from world-renowned sports to cultural festivals. Whether you’re considering a move for job opportunities, a better quality of life, or a safe place to raise a family, the UAE offers something for everyone.
However, one question that often arises when considering the move is: Do you need a visa to live in the UAE? The answer is yes.
In the following sections, we’ll look at the requirements and processes for obtaining a residency visa.
Types of UAE residency visas
Whether you’re planning to work, start a business, or simply enjoy your retirement, specific visa requirements must be met to live legally in the country. The UAE has a well-organised visa system that caters to different categories of residents, making finding a visa that suits your purpose relatively straightforward.
So, whether you’re relocating for employment, business ventures, or freelancing, there’s likely a visa that fits your specific needs. With that in mind, let’s look at the different visa types.
Employment Visa
The most common type of visa is the employment visa. The employer sponsors the visa and handles most of the application process, including obtaining approval from the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation (MOHRE). This visa is linked to your job, meaning you can reside in the UAE if employed by the company that sponsors you. Eligibility criteria for an investor visa include:
- Proof of business ownership or investment (such as shares or property)
- Minimum capital investment, which varies depending on the type of business or sector
- Business license approval, if applicable
The visa duration is two years and can be renewed.
Investor Visa
The investor visa is designed for entrepreneurs, business owners, or individuals investing in the UAE economy. This visa allows you to reside in the UAE while managing or owning a business.
To qualify, you must meet specific investment thresholds, such as investing in real estate, launching a company, or contributing to the national economy through other financial means. Eligibility criteria for an investor visa include:
- Proof of business ownership or investment (such as shares or property)
- Minimum capital investment, which varies depending on the type of business or sector
- Business license approval
The Investor Visa can be issued for up to ten years under certain conditions, particularly for large-scale investments.
Freelance Visa
Freelancers and self-employed individuals can apply for a freelance visa, which allows them to live and work in the UAE without needing a formal employer. This visa is particularly popular among digital nomads, consultants, and other professionals in creative and technical fields. Eligibility criteria include:
- Proof of freelance work or self-employment, such as a portfolio or client contracts
- Freelance permit from a free zone or the Department of Economic Development (DED)
- Adequate financial resources to support yourself
This visa usually requires renewal every one to three years.
Retirement Visa
The UAE offers a retirement visa for residents aged 55 years and older. This visa allows retirees to enjoy the UAE’s luxurious lifestyle, provided they meet financial stability requirements. Eligibility criteria include:
- Proof of a minimum monthly income (pension or other income streams)
- Financial assets or savings meeting specified thresholds
- Real estate investment in the UAE (if applicable)
The retirement visa is issued for five years and can be renewed if the financial criteria are still met.
Student Visa
The UAE attracts many international students, and a student visa allows them to reside in the country for the duration of their studies. Typically, the visa is sponsored by the educational institution where the student is enrolled. With world-class universities and a multicultural environment, the UAE is an attractive destination for higher education. Eligibility criteria for a student visa include:
- Admission to a recognised UAE-based university or educational institution
- Proof of financial support or sponsorship from family or the institution
- A valid passport and medical fitness certificate
- An age limit generally applied to younger adults, although postgraduate students may be exempt
Student visas are generally valid for one year and can be renewed annually for the duration of the student’s course of study
Family Visa
A family visa allows UAE residents to bring their immediate family members – spouses, children, and sometimes parents – to live with them in the country. The primary visa holder must be either employed or an investor who meets specific salary and financial criteria to sponsor their family members. Eligibility criteria for a family visa include:
- Proof of employment or business ownership by the sponsor (with a minimum salary requirement)
- Proof of relationship (such as marriage or birth certificates)
- Valid accommodation in the UAE
- Medical fitness certificates for family members over 18 years of age
Family visas are usually tied to the duration of the sponsor’s visa and must be renewed in conjunction with the sponsor’s residency.
Golden Visa
The UAE introduced the Golden Visa programme to attract top talent, entrepreneurs, investors, and professionals in key industries. This long-term visa offers residency for up to ten years, providing a stable option for individuals with significant contributions to the UAE’s economy or society. Eligibility criteria vary, but typical qualifications include:
- Exceptional talent in fields like science, medicine, or technology
- Entrepreneurs with innovative businesses or start-ups
- Investors with large-scale investments in real estate or the UAE economy
- High-achieving students or graduates from prestigious universities
The Golden visa is valid for five to ten years, depending on the applicant’s profile, and is renewable.
Real Estate or Property Owner Visa
The property owner visa, also known as a real estate visa, is designed for individuals who invest in property within the UAE. It allows property investors to live in the country and enjoy residency benefits. Eligibility criteria for a property owner visa include:
- Proof of ownership of property worth at least AED 1 million
- The property must be completed and ready for occupancy (not off-plan)
- The property cannot be mortgaged; if it is, the owner must have paid at least 50% of the value
The visa is typically issued for two to five years, depending on the property’s value, and can be renewed as long as ownership is maintained.
Special Talent visa
The Special Talent visa is issued to individuals recognised for their talents in fields such as art, culture, sports, and technology. The UAE seeks to attract global experts and exceptional individuals to contribute to its growth and innovation. Eligibility criteria include:
- Proof of exceptional skills or talents (such as awards or recognition)
- Endorsement by relevant UAE government entities
- Proof of financial independence, if applicable
The Special Talent visa is valid for up to ten years, depending on the individual’s contributions and achievements.
Process of obtaining a UAE residency visa
There are six steps to obtaining a UAE residency visa, as detailed below.
Step #1: Partner with Trade License Zone
Kickstart your journey to UAE residency by partnering with Trade License Zone. Our expert knowledge of the UAE visa process and residency requirements ensures a smooth and straightforward experience when applying for and obtaining your residency visa. From guiding you through the necessary steps to handling the required paperwork, Trade License Zone simplifies the process so you can focus on settling into your new life in the UAE. Whether you need help choosing the right visa type or navigating the medical, legal, and administrative requirements, we provide full support at every stage.
Step #2: Entry Permit application
Before you can apply for a residency visa, you will typically need an entry permit, which will allow you to enter the UAE legally for the purpose of residency. This is usually handled by your employer, educational institution, or the free zone authorities if you’re applying for an investor or freelance visa. The entry permit is valid for 60 days, during which you must complete the rest of the visa application process.
Step #3: Medical fitness test
Once you are in the UAE with your Entry Permit, the next step is to undergo a medical fitness test. All residency visa applicants over the age of 18 are required to take this test, which includes blood tests and a chest X-ray to screen for infectious diseases like tuberculosis and HIV. Only applicants who pass this test can apply for residency visas.
Step #4: Emirates ID application
Simultaneously with your medical test, you must apply for an Emirates ID, the national identification card for UAE residents. You will need This essential document for many day-to-day activities, such as opening a bank account or signing a rental agreement. To apply for an Emirates ID, you will need:
- Your passport and entry permit
- Completed Emirates ID application form
- You’ll be required to visit a service centre for biometric data collection, which includes fingerprinting and a photograph
Step #5: Residency Visa Application
Once you pass the medical fitness test and apply for your Emirates ID, you can proceed with the residency visa application itself. This involves submitting the following documents to the relevant UAE immigration authorities (often the General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs, or GDRFA):
- Your passport (with a minimum of six months’ validity)
- A copy of your entry permit
- Medical fitness test results
- Emirates ID application form
- Passport-sized photographs (as per UAE specifications)
- Sponsorship documents, if applicable (from an employer, spouse, or educational institution)
The visa application may be completed online or through an immigration office, depending on the type of visa. Once your application is submitted, it usually takes between a few days and two weeks for the residency visa to be processed.
Step #6: Collect your Emirates ID
After your residency visa has been stamped, you will receive your Emirates ID card. This is the final step in the process, officially marking you as a UAE resident. The Emirates ID will be valid for the same duration as your residency visa and must be renewed along with the visa.
Benefits of having a UAE residency visa
Obtaining a UAE residency visa comes with many advantages that make living, working, and investing in the country highly appealing.
1. Tax-free income
One of the biggest draws for expats is the UAE’s tax-free income policy. Residents are not required to pay personal income tax, which allows you to take home your full salary. This makes the UAE a highly attractive destination for professionals looking to maximise their earnings and enjoy a higher quality of life. Whether you’re working for a company or running your own business, the absence of income tax is a significant financial advantage.
2. Access to world-class healthcare
A UAE residency visa grants you access to the country’s state-of-the-art healthcare system. The UAE is known for its well-equipped hospitals, highly skilled medical professionals, and a wide range of specialised treatments. Residents can choose between public healthcare services and an array of private healthcare options, ensuring top-tier medical care whenever needed. Medical insurance is mandatory for all residents, providing added peace of mind for you and your family.
3. Business and investment opportunities
The UAE’s pro-business environment makes it a prime location for entrepreneurs, investors, and business owners. A residency visa opens doors to launching or investing in businesses, particularly in the numerous free zones offering 100% foreign ownership and tax exemptions. Whether you’re looking to start a business or expand your investment portfolio, the UAE provides an ideal landscape for financial growth, with low operating costs and easy access to global markets.
4. Family sponsorship
With a UAE residency visa, you can sponsor your immediate family members to live with you. This includes your spouse, children, and even your parents under specific circumstances. The ability to bring your family into the country makes the UAE appealing to those looking to enjoy a safe, family-friendly environment. Your children can also benefit from access to international schools and a rich multicultural experience.
5. Global connectivity and travel
The UAE is home to some of the world’s busiest and most connected international airports, making global travel extremely convenient. As a resident, you’ll easily access flight connections across Europe, Asia, Africa, and beyond. Additionally, UAE residents often benefit from more straightforward visa applications or visa-free travel to several countries, especially within the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC). This makes the UAE an ideal base for both personal and business travel.
Why work with Trade License Zone
Negotiating the complexities of obtaining a UAE residency visa or setting up a business can be daunting, especially for newcomers. rade License Zone offers expert guidance at every step, providing in-depth knowledge of visa regulations and business setup procedures. From selecting the right visa type to managing the paperwork, we simplify the entire process, saving you time and stress.
We understand that each client’s needs are unique, so we offer personalised solutions tailored to your specific situation. Whether you’re an entrepreneur, freelancer, or professional, Trade License Zone works closely with you to ensure a smooth and efficient application process. We handle everything from preparing documents to liaising with government authorities, ensuring your application moves forward without delay.
Beyond visas and business applications, Trade License Zone provides comprehensive support, including help with medical tests, Emirates ID applications, and family sponsorships. Our goal is to be a long-term partner, offering continued assistance as your needs evolve, from visa renewals to business growth. Let us take care of the details while you focus on building your future in the UAE.