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UAE Residency & Stay
Residency Visa Types
Choose the right residency type based on your situation, budget and goals
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Employment Visa (2-Year)
Employment / Work Residence Visa
Most Common
For employees sponsored by UAE-based companies. This visa is employer-sponsored and renewable. Includes family sponsorship eligibility.
check_circle 2-year validity, renewable
check_circle Family sponsorship (spouse & children)
check_circle Emirates ID & bank account eligibility
check_circle Health insurance coverage by employer
warning Tied to employer — cancelled upon leaving job
Requirements:
Job Offer Medical Test Emirates ID Valid Passport
payments
AED 3,000 – 5,000 Approximate visa & issuance cost
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Investor Visa (2-3 Year)
Investor / Partner Residence Visa
Business Owners
For owners and partners of UAE-registered companies. Requires an active trade license and minimum specified capital. Family sponsorship is available.
check_circle 2-3 year renewable residency
check_circle Family sponsorship (spouse, children, parents)
check_circle Full access to banking & insurance services
check_circle Property & vehicle ownership eligible
warning Requires annual trade license renewal
Requirements:
Active Trade License Minimum Capital Office Lease Medical Test
payments
AED 5,000 – 10,000 Visa cost (excluding license fees)
eco
Green Visa (5-Year)
Self-Sponsored Residence Visa
New — Since 2022
Self-sponsored visa without needing an employer or sponsor. Suitable for skilled workers earning AED 15,000+, freelancers, and investors. Launched by the UAE government in 2022.
check_circle 5-year validity — no sponsor needed
check_circle Fully self-sponsored
check_circle Family sponsorship available
check_circle 6-month grace period for re-entry
warning Requires min. AED 15,000/month salary (for employees)
Eligibility:
Salary AED 15k+ Freelancer Investor University Degree
payments
AED 2,500 – 4,000 Visa issuance & renewal cost
workspace_premium
Golden Visa (10-Year)
Long-Term Residence — Golden Visa
Premium & Long-Term
10-year long-term residence visa for investors (AED 2M+ property/investment), entrepreneurs, scientists, doctors, engineers, artists, and exceptional students. Self-sponsored, no employer needed.
check_circle 10-year validity — longest visa available
check_circle Self-sponsored — no employer dependency
check_circle Family + domestic worker sponsorship
check_circle Stay abroad without visa cancellation
warning Requires AED 2M+ investment (for investors)
Eligible Categories:
Property Investor 2M+ Entrepreneur Doctor / Engineer Scientist / Artist Outstanding Student
payments
AED 2,800 – 4,500 Visa issuance cost (investment separate)
elderly
Retirement Visa (5-Year)
Retirement Residence Visa
Age 55+
Residence visa for individuals aged 55 and above. Requires one of: AED 1M savings, AED 15,000/month income, or AED 1M property ownership. Renewable and ideal for peaceful retirement in the UAE.
check_circle 5-year validity, renewable
check_circle Spouse sponsorship available
check_circle Access to healthcare & banking services
check_circle Favorable climate & high safety standards
warning Minimum age of 55 is mandatory
Financial Requirements (one needed):
AED 1M Savings AED 15k/month Income AED 1M Property
payments
AED 3,000 – 5,000 Visa issuance & processing cost
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Freelancer Visa
Freelance Permit & Residence Visa
Flexible & Independent
For self-employed individuals, freelancers, and gig workers. Issued through Free Zones such as Twofour54, GoFreelance, etc. Options for 1 to 3 year duration including freelance license.
check_circle Self-employed, no employer needed
check_circle Professional activity permit (Freelance Permit)
check_circle 1-3 year residence visa
check_circle Full flexibility — no mandatory office
warning Higher annual cost (includes license)
Issuing Free Zones:
Twofour54 GoFreelance Dubai Media City KIKLABB Fujairah Creative
payments
AED 7,500 – 15,000 / year Includes freelance license + visa
Residency Types Comparison
Feature Employment Investor Green Golden Retirement Freelancer
Duration 2 yrs 2-3 yrs 5 yrs 10 yrs 5 yrs 1-3 yrs
Ownership Needed cancel check_circle cancel check_circle check_circle cancel
Family Sponsorship check_circle check_circle check_circle check_circle Spouse Limited
Cost Range 3-5k 5-10k 2.5-4k 2.8-4.5k 3-5k 7.5-15k
Self-Sponsored cancel check_circle check_circle check_circle check_circle check_circle

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