What Is a UAE Residence Visa?
A UAE Residence Visa provides legal residence status to eligible foreign nationals who wish to establish a longer-term presence in the country.
The UAE offers both sponsored and self-sponsored residence routes, including employment, family, investor, Green and Golden Visa categories.
Types of UAE Residence Visas
Employment Residence Visa
This visa is generally arranged for individuals employed by a UAE-based company.
The employer normally manages the employment permit and residence procedures in coordination with the relevant labour and immigration authorities.
Suitable For
- Skilled professionals
- Managers and executives
- Technical employees
- Administrative staff
- Workers employed by UAE companies
The applicant must have a valid employment relationship and meet the relevant immigration, labour and medical requirements.
Investor or Partner Visa
An Investor or Partner Visa may be available to individuals who establish, own or invest in a UAE-based company.
Eligibility may depend on:
- Company ownership
- Shareholding percentage
- Business licence
- Company structure
- Invested capital
- Immigration establishment records
- Applicable emirate-level requirements
This route may allow eligible business owners to sponsor themselves rather than depend on an employer.
Property Investor Residence Visa
Property owners may qualify for a UAE residence visa where their property meets the applicable value, ownership and regulatory conditions.
Requirements may vary depending on:
- Property value
- Property location
- Ownership percentage
- Whether the property is completed or off-plan
- Mortgage status
- Amount paid by the investor
- Relevant land department requirements
A property investment meeting the required threshold may also qualify for a Golden Visa.
UAE Golden Visa
The UAE Golden Visa provides long-term renewable residence to qualifying categories such as:
Real estate investors
Public investors
Entrepreneurs
Highly skilled professionals
Scientists and researchers
Exceptional talents
Outstanding students and graduates
Other eligible categories approved by the authorities
Golden Visa holders are generally not dependent on an employer or national sponsor for their residence status and may sponsor eligible family members. Investment-based Golden Visa routes commonly require qualifying investments starting from AED 2 million, depending on the category.
Green Residence Visa
The Green Residence Visa is a self-sponsored residence option designed for certain:
Skilled employees
Freelancers
Self-employed professionals
Investors and business partners
Applicants must meet the education, income, professional, employment or investment requirements applicable to their category.
The Green Visa offers eligible applicants greater independence because their residence is not necessarily tied to a specific employer.
Freelance and Self-Employment Residence
Freelancers and independent professionals may obtain residence through an approved freelance permit, free-zone licence or eligible self-employment route.
This option may be suitable for professionals working in areas such as:
Media
Technology
Marketing
Design
Education
Consulting
Content creation
Creative industries
Professional services
Applicants may need to obtain a freelance licence or permit before completing the residence visa process.
Remote Work Residence Visa
The UAE offers residence options for eligible professionals who live in the UAE while working remotely for an employer or business located outside the country.
Applicants may be required to provide:
- Proof of overseas employment or business ownership
- Minimum income evidence
- Employment contract
- Recent bank statements
- Valid health insurance
- Passport and photograph
This route does not generally authorise unrestricted local employment without the appropriate UAE work permit.
Family Sponsorship Visa
Eligible UAE residents may sponsor qualifying family members, including:
- Spouse
- Sons
- Unmarried daughters
- Parents, subject to applicable requirements
- Other eligible dependants
The sponsor may need to meet requirements relating to:
- Valid UAE residence
- Minimum income
- Suitable accommodation
- Health insurance
- Proof of relationship
- Medical fitness
- Attested and translated civil documents
Family eligibility and sponsorship conditions depend on the relationship, age, marital status and current immigration regulations.
Secure Your Long-Term UAE Residence
Your investment may open the door to long-term residence, greater family stability and access to one of the world’s leading business destinations.
Speak with our team to assess your property, business or investment profile.
Important Disclaimer
The information on this page is provided for general guidance only. UAE Golden Visa eligibility, visa duration, investment thresholds, property valuation rules, family sponsorship conditions, government fees and required documents may change without prior notice.
Requirements may also vary between Dubai and other emirates and according to the applicant’s investment structure.
Final eligibility and approval remain subject to the Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs and Port Security, the General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs, the relevant land department and other authorised UAE government entities.
Open Path Immigration provides immigration consultation and document assistance and does not guarantee visa approval.
