Many individuals seek to understand the types of visas in the UAE to determine the most suitable option for them.
As the UAE is a strategic destination for every investor in the Middle East.
Moreover, the UAE has a prime location, investment opportunities, ease of business setup, and diverse tourist attractions.
In this article, we will highlight the visas types so you can decide the suitable visa for you.
Types of Visas in the UAE
The UAE offers multiple visas types to suit different categories of individuals.
The costs and requirements for each vary.
According to the UAE government’s official website, these residency types include:
Golden Visa
The UAE Golden Visa is a long-term residency program launched for select individuals.
It is granted for 5 or 10 years and includes several benefits, such as:
- A multi-entry visa for six months to complete procedures.
- Easy renewal process.
- The ability to stay outside the UAE for over six months without losing residency.
- No requirement for a local sponsor.
- The ability to sponsor family members.
- No cap on the number of domestic workers that can be hired.
- Family members can remain in the UAE even if the primary visa holder passes away.
Who Can Obtain a Golden Visa ?
- Investors and entrepreneurs.
- Talented professionals such as doctors, scientists, inventors, athletes, and PhD holders.
- Outstanding students.
- Humanitarian pioneers.
- Frontline workers, such as medical staff and paramedics during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Golden Residency for Investors
General Investment
- A certificate from an accredited UAE investment fund confirming a deposit of at least AED 2 million.
- A valid business or industrial license with proof of at least AED 2 million capital investment.
- A tax certificate showing an annual government contribution of at least AED 250,000.
- Full ownership of invested capital (not a loan).
- Comprehensive health insurance for the investor and family.
Real Estate Investment
Real estate investors can obtain a 5-year Golden Visa with renewal eligibility, under the following conditions:
- Ownership of one or more properties worth at least AED 2 million, unencumbered by loans.
- Proof of a residential address in the UAE through ownership or a valid lease contract.
Entrepreneurial Residency
Entrepreneurs can obtain a 5-year Golden Visa if they own a tech-driven, innovative, and high-risk business valued at at least AED 500,000, verified by an accredited auditor.
Green Residency for Employment
This new visa type, introduced in 2021, allows freelancers and self-employed individuals to reside in the UAE under these conditions:
- A freelance work permit from the relevant authority.
- A minimum annual income of AED 360,000.
- A bachelor’s degree or specialized diploma.
Skilled workers must meet these requirements:
- A valid employment contract.
- A minimum monthly salary of AED 15,000.
- A bachelor’s degree.
Regular work visas in the UAE are available for 2 years for employees in the private sector, government, or free zones.
These require an employment contract and a residency permit issued by the General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs (GDRFA).
The Education, Human Development and Community Council has invited institutions, families and all members of society, including students, teachers, parents, graduates, educational and community institutions, schools, universities, government and private entities in the education… pic.twitter.com/uPKXuE2Xih
— UAE Voice (@uae_voiceeng) February 24, 2025
Remote Work Residency
A one-year renewable virtual work visa is available for foreigners working remotely for overseas companies, with a minimum income of $3,500 per month.
Blue Residency
A 10-year Blue Residency visa is offered to individuals with outstanding contributions to environmental sustainability, including:
- Marine, land, and air environmental protection.
- Sustainability technology development.
- Economic initiatives promoting sustainability.
Eligible candidates include environmental organization members, global company representatives, and award-winning environmentalists.
Retirement Residency
The UAE offers a renewable 5-year retirement visa for foreigners who are 55 years old and above, in case they meet one of these requirements:
- 15+ years of service history
- Own property worth AED 1 million
- Savings of AED 1 million
- A monthly pension of AED 20,000 (AED 15,000 in Dubai)
Green Residency for Business Establishment
This 5-year renewable visa replaces the former 2-year business visa and is available to:
- Business founders and partners
- Individuals with approved investments in the UAE
- Entrepreneurs with a valid business license
His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, President of the State, may God protect him, and the Prime Minister of the Italian Republic, Giorgia Meloni, yesterday witnessed part of the activities of the “Emirati-Italian Business Forum”, as part of a “state visit” that His… pic.twitter.com/QXVlIFILlB
— UAE Voice (@uae_voiceeng) February 25, 2025
Student Residency
Students enrolled in UAE institutions can obtain a 1-year renewable visa with proof of ongoing education.
While male students can be sponsored by their parents until age 25 and females can be sponsored indefinitely.
Family Residency Visa
UAE residents, whether employees, investors, or business owners, can sponsor their families under these conditions:
- A valid residency permit
- A minimum monthly salary of AED 4,000 (or AED 3,000 with housing)
- Mandatory medical tests for those over 18 years old
Mothers can sponsor their children under special circumstances, subject to official approval.
**Parents’ visas require annual renewal.
Key Regulations for UAE Visas
- Residency visas range from 1 to 10 years depending on type and sponsorship.
- Medical exams are mandatory for visa renewal.
- Avoid staying outside the UAE for over 180 days to prevent visa cancellation, except for specific exemptions.
Benefits of Residency in the UAE
Many people aspire to obtain either long-term or short-term residency in the UAE for several reasons, including:
- Vast investment opportunities across various economic sectors.
- A business-friendly environment with tax incentives and legal and administrative facilitation, such as those in Dubai’s free zones.
- High quality of life, with top-tier healthcare, education, and world-class entertainment.
- Cultural diversity due to the presence of numerous nationalities and cultures.
- Safety and stability, as the UAE is one of the safest countries in the world, with a high level of political and social stability.
- Leading innovation hub, making it attractive for entrepreneurs to establish businesses in Dubai.
- Simplified banking processes for corporate accounts.
- Eligibility for a UAE driving license.
- Advanced healthcare system with state-of-the-art hospitals and highly skilled medical professionals.
- Visa-free travel to certain countries.
- Access to public and private schools for children.
