The UAE is a jewel in the crown of the Middle East with Dubai its brightest shining element. It is amongst some of the best cities across the globe to live, study and work. Attractions such as the world’s tallest building, various culture centres, a dazzling lifestyle and an incredibly safe environment make it a top choice for candidates.
Additionally, its luxurious lifestyle, thriving economy, and vibrant culture, position Dubai as a preferred destination for expats and professionals seeking opportunities.
However, if you are one of the candidates looking forward to starting your life in Dubai then you will need to obtain a residence visa. It is a very useful instrument that provides the visa holder with the legal status to live and work in the UAE.
The process of obtaining a residence visa might be a little complicated, but the right guidance and hassle-free services make residence visa application a simple procedure.
In this blog, we will discuss everything there is to know about the residence visa in Dubai, from its meaning and features to eligibility and how to obtain it. Stay tuned!
What is a Dubai residence Visa?
A Dubai residence visa is an official permit granted to foreign candidates who wish to stay in Dubai for extended periods depending on different visa categories, typically ranging from 1 to 10 years. A Dubai residence visa is usually sponsored by employers, family members, educational institutions and investment/business arrangements.
Also Read:- How to get family Visa?
Features of Residence Visa in Dubai
- Legal Residency – Unlike a tourist visa or other short-term visa, a residency permit allows candidates to stay in Dubai long-term.
- Work & Business Rights – Residency permits are also necessary for employment or business ownership in Dubai.
- Sponsorship Benefits – Being a recipient of a resident visa allows candidates to sponsor their family members such as spouse, children and even their parents.
- Access to Services – To enjoy services such as banking, healthcare and so on, a resident visa is a requirement.
- Multiple-Entry Permit – One of the best features of a resident visa is that the holder is allowed to travel in and out of the UAE without having to reapply for a visa again and again.
- Renewable – Subject to eligibility, most of the residency visas can be renewed easily before the expiry.
Who Needs a Dubai Residence Visa?
There are many different types of residence visas designed to suit the needs of different types of candidates. Here is a list of candidates that generally need a Dubai residence visa;
- Expats working for a UAE company (Employment Visa).
- Investors & business owners (Investor Visa or Golden Visa).
- Freelancers & remote workers (Freelance Visa via free zones).
- Students (Student Visa for enrolled learners).
- Family members (Sponsored by a resident or citizen).
- Retirees (Retirement Visa for eligible individuals).
Eligibility for a Residence Visa
The eligibility requirements for obtaining a Dubai residence visa depend on your purpose of stay, financial capacity and the selected visa category. Here are the general eligibility criteria for obtaining a residence visa in Dubai
- Must have a job offer from a UAE-based employer (Employment Visa)
- Sponsorship from employers, family members, educational institutions, etc.
- When applying for a residence permit based on employment, the candidates should meet the educational and professional qualifications required for the job.
- Must pass a medical fitness test.
- A clean criminal record is a must.
- If applying based on an Investor or Partner Visa, the applicant must own or invest in a business registered in Dubai.
- Provide proof of business ownership or partnership.
- Proof of relationship (marriage or birth certificates) in case of family sponsorship
- For a family residence visa, the minimum salary requirement should be met which is often AED 4,000 per month or AED 3,000 with accommodation.
- Admission to a Dubai-based educational institution (student visa)
- Proof of financial ability to sustain stay in the UAE. The minimum amount varies based on the type of visa.
- Own property in Dubai valued at a minimum of AED 750,000 (Golden Visa)
- Health insurance coverage in the UAE.
This is a general representation of the eligibility criteria for a residence visa in Dubai. The exact requirement depends on the visa type, and it is highly recommended that applicants check specific eligibility requirements before proceeding with the residency application.
Also Read:- Visa on Arrival Countries for UAE Citizens
Different Types of Residence Visas
| Types of Visa | Who Needs It? | Validity |
| Employment | Individuals who have secure employment in UAE-based companies or government entities | 1-2 years, renewable |
| Investor/Partner | Business owners, stakeholders, and investors who are putting their money into businesses based in the UAE. | 2-3 years, renewable |
| Family Visa | Close family like children, spouse and parents of the UAE resident visa holder. | 1-3 years, renewable |
| Student Visa | Students who have secured admission to educational institutions in the UAE. | 1 year, renewable |
| Golden Visa | Investors, entrepreneurs, scientists, exceptional talents, and skilled professionals | 5-10 years, renewable |
| Green Visa | Individuals who work as freelancers or maintain their status as skilled professionals and investors but do not need sponsorship from a company | 5 years, renewable |
Steps to Apply for a Residence Visa in Dubai
The exact process that one has to undergo depends on the type of residence visa they are applying for. However, the general steps that one needs to take in different scenarios are as follows;
Step 1 – Obtain an Entry Permit
The very first step is to obtain an entry permit which has to be applied by the sponsor (employer, university, or family member). It needs to be applied through the General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs (GDRFA). Candidates from the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) do not need to obtain an entry permit.
Step 2 – Medical Test
Visa applicants need to obtain a good health certificate from a hospital registered with Dubai Health Authority (DHA). The tests are generally carried out to check for diseases such as HIV, tuberculosis, hepatitis, syphilis and other communicable diseases.
Step 3 – Apply for Emirates ID
After the conclusion of medical tests, the candidates are required to apply for an Emirates ID. It is compulsory for every candidate trying to obtain a residency in Dubai. Federal Authority for Identity and Citizenship (ICP) is responsible for issuing the ID.
Step 4 – Visa Stamping
The next step for the candidates is to apply for a residence permit at the immigration office or the online portal. Turn in the required documents and pay the prescribed fee. Upon approval, candidates can collect their visas and IDs.
Step 5 – Additional Registration
For certain visas, candidates may have to undergo further registration like Dubai Health Authority to enroll in medical insurance and so on.
Tips for a Successful Application
The process of applying for a residence visa in Dubai can be lengthy and complicated as it involves a lot of steps. However, here are a few important tips which the candidates can follow for a smoother application process;
- Double-check the documents and make sure all the details are correct and updated. Ensure the concerned authorities have all documents attested.
- Check visa validity as certain visas are required to be renewed every 1-3 years.
- Only use authorised service providers to avoid scams. Use expert immigration services.
- Start the procedure early as it is a lengthy process and may take a long time.
- It is important to maintain a clean record. Criminal offences will lead to rejection.
Also Read:- What is Equivalency Certificate
Final Thoughts
The Dubai residence visa allows individuals various advantages such as legal residency and family sponsorship. The application procedure becomes simple if you satisfy the requirements and carry out proper step-by-step execution.
Irrespective of whether you are a student, investor, employee or freelancer, Dubai has a suitable residency program that will suit your needs.
Frequently Asked Questions
- How long does it take to get a Dubai residence visa?
Depending on the exact visa type and the due process, it will take anywhere from 2-5 weeks to obtain a Dubai residence visa.
- Can I sponsor my family for a Dubai residence visa?
Yes, you can sponsor your close family (spouse, children, parents) if you meet the minimum salary requirements.
- Can I work on a family-sponsored visa?
To work legally in Dubai, one must have an employment visa or a freelance permit.
- Is health insurance mandatory for a residence visa in Dubai?
Yes, all residents must have a valid health insurance.
- Is the Dubai residence visa renewable?
Yes, almost all types of residence visas a easily renewable, provided that the candidate meets the eligibility criteria. The renewal can be done 30 days before the day of expiry.