Dubai is a global hub for business and lifestyle, attracting thousands of foreigners looking to live and work in the UAE. To stay long-term, you’ll need a residence visa, which grants you legal residency and benefits like banking access, healthcare, and tax-free income.
In this guide, we’ll walk you through the step-by-step process of obtaining a UAE residence visa, covering everything from visa types and eligibility to required documents, costs, and renewals. Whether you’re an investor, entrepreneur, employee, or freelancer, this article provides everything you need to know to secure your residency in Dubai easily.
What is a residence visa in Dubai?
The UAE residence visa is a document that foreigners can obtain to stay in the country long-term. Standard residence visas in Dubai are valid for one, two, or three years. However, investors, entrepreneurs, highly skilled professionals, and outstanding students may qualify for a five or ten-year golden visa. All these visas are eligible for renewal.
Essentially, a UAE residency means that foreign nationals can reside continuously in the country for a pre-defined period. As in some other countries, the concept of “permanent residency” doesn’t exist in the UAE. However, holding a UAE residency visa practically confers the same status and benefit.
Foreigners can secure a residency visa in Dubai through various routes, including investing in real estate, starting a business, working for a Dubai-registered company, working remotely from Dubai, enrolling in a local educational institution, possessing specialised professional skills, or being sponsored by a family member residing in Dubai.
The fastest way to secure a residence visa in Dubai, UAE, is by setting up a business, particularly in a free zone, which allows for 100% foreign ownership and streamlined visa applications.
How to get a residence visa in Dubai: Step-by-step
Obtaining a residency visa in Dubai is a complex process, and it is best to seek the guidance of an expert. If you’re planning to get a UAE residency visa by establishing a business, these are the steps you must follow:
Step 1: Partner with Trade License Zone
Navigating the UAE residency visa process can be complex, but with Trade License Zone, you’re in expert hands. We specialise in helping foreign nationals secure residence visas and establish businesses in Dubai, ensuring a smooth and stress-free experience.
From choosing the right residency visa type to selecting the perfect trade license for compliance with local regulations, we handle every detail – so you can focus on your move to Dubai. With our in-depth expertise, we simplify the process, making your transition to Dubai hassle-free.
Step 2: Register your business
To register your business in Dubai, this is the procedure:
Determine your business activities
You must determine your business activities, as they impact your trade license type, application, and local compliance regulations. With over 2,000 business activities available, selecting the right ones is crucial. Failing to include relevant activities in your trade license application could result in compliance issues and penalties.
Choose a business structure
Dubai offers a range of business setup options, including free zones and mainland setup types, each with unique advantages. A mainland setup allows you to work directly with local clients and government contracts, while free zones provide numerous benefits and streamlined business regulations. At Trade License Zone, we can help assess your business goals and target market to help you choose the ideal business setup for long-term success in Dubai.
Reserve a trade name
Choose a unique trade name that reflects your business and ensure it complies with Dubai’s strict naming regulations. Once chosen, you can reserve your trade name through the Department of Economic Development (DED) or the relevant free zone authority.
Secure your initial approval certificate
Before proceeding with your trade license application, you must obtain an initial approval certificate from the DED. This confirms that the UAE government has no objections to your business setup, allowing you to proceed with the trade licensing process.
Rent an office space
You may be required to rent office space depending on your trade license type. Many free zones in Dubai offer coworking spaces – so does Trade License Zone.
Apply for a trade license
To legally operate in Dubai, you need an appropriate trade license. Submit your application to the DED or relevant free zone authority. You must provide the necessary documents, including passport copies, a business plan, trade name reservation, and initial approval certificates.
Open a corporate bank account
Once your trade license has been granted, you can open a corporate bank account to manage your business transactions.
Step 3: Obtain an establishment card
With your business registered in Dubai, you can apply for an establishment card. This is issued by the General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs (GDRFA). It serves as an ID for your business and allows you to apply for a residency visa with the same agency.
Step 4: Get your entry permit
An entry permit allows the applicant to enter and stay in the UAE for 60 days while completing their residence visa application. It is issued by the GDRFA.
Step 5: Take the medical fitness tests
All residency visa applicants must undergo a health screening to confirm they are free from contagious diseases. These mandatory tests are conducted at government-approved medical centres across the UAE. Once you pass the medical exam, you’ll receive a medical fitness certificate, which is required to proceed with your residence visa application.
Step 6: Apply for an Emirates ID
An Emirates ID is a mandatory identification card for all UAE residents. It is issued by the Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs & Ports Security (ICP).
To apply, submit your Emirates ID application along with your residence visa documents. You must also complete a biometric screening at an approved ICP service centre. Once approved, your Emirates ID will be linked to your residency status, allowing you to live and work in Dubai hassle-free.
Step 7: Stamp your passport with your UAE visa
The final step in obtaining your UAE residence visa is passport stamping. Once your residency visa application is approved, your Emirates ID will be your official proof of residency, allowing you to live and work in Dubai legally. In most cases, physical passport stamping is no longer required, as visa details are now electronically linked to Emirates IDs.
Types of residence visas in Dubai
There are several types of residence visas:
- Work visa
- Student visa
- Family visa
- Investment visa
- Retirement visa
- Freelance visa
Required documents for a residence visa
To secure your UAE residence visa, you must submit several key documents. The required documents include:
- Completed UAE visa application form
- Original passport (must be valid)
- Two passport-sized photos (recent and as per UAE guidelines)
- Entry visa (used to enter the country)
- Proof of your sponsor’s legal residency or UAE citizenship
- Confirmation that you’ve passed the required medical fitness test
- Proof of an active UAE health insurance plan
- For family visas, birth and marriage certificates to confirm family ties
- For work visas, your sponsor must provide a work contract, along with copies of the company’s valid trade license and establishment card
Costs and renewal process for a residence visa
The costs for securing a UAE residence visa depend on several factors, including the visa type and duration. Here’s a breakdown of the fees:
- Entry permit fees: Ranges from AED 100 to AED 1,150, depending on the type and duration period.
- Medical examination fee: A mandatory health screening costs between AED 320 and AED 780.
- Emirates ID fee: Priced at AED 350 to AED 400 per year, based on the visa’s validity period.
- Residency Visa: Costs between AED 3,500 and AED 5,000, varying by visa type and duration.
- Health insurance: Required for all residents, ranging from AED 1,000 to AED 5,000 annually, depending on the coverage selected.
When your UAE residence visa expires, you must renew it to legally stay in the country. The renewal process closely mirrors the initial application and involves a few key steps:
- Undergo a medical screening before your visa expires.
- Submit your medical report, proof of eligibility for your visa requirements (for freelancing, investing, employment, etc.), and your passport to the General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs (GDRFA).
- Upon approval, your renewed residence visa ensures your continued legal stay in Dubai for another valid period.
Benefits of having a residence visa in Dubai
Holding a Dubai residence visa has many advantages, making life in the UAE smoother and more rewarding. Here’s what you can enjoy:
- Banking made easy: Open a UAE bank account hassle-free.
- Access to credit: Qualify for personal and car loans from local banks.
- Visa-free travel perks: Enjoy seamless entry to several Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries.
- Education for your children: Enrol them in government or private schools.
- Hit the road legally: Obtain a UAE driver’s license.
- Healthcare benefits: Access government medical services and comprehensive health insurance.
- Tax-free income: No personal income tax to worry about.
Why work with Trade License Zone
Navigating the residence visa process in Dubai can be tricky, but with Trade License Zone, you’ll have expert guidance at every step. We specialise in helping entrepreneurs, investors, and professionals secure residence visas and establish businesses in the UAE, ensuring a smooth and hassle-free experience.
From choosing the right visa type to handling the trade license application, we take care of the paperwork so you can focus on your move. Whether you’re setting up in a free zone or on the mainland, our team ensures full compliance with UAE regulations.
Get started with your business setup in Dubai today, and let us simplify the process for you!