Get Your UAE Residence Visa

A UAE residence visa is a legal document that allows foreigners to live in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) for an extended period, ranging from 1 to 10 years. Unlike short-term options like tourist visas, this visa enables holders to work, study, or reside in the UAE long-term, depending on the visa type. The UAE residence visa offers benefits such as access to healthcare, education, banking services, and the ability to sponsor family members. It is a key requirement for expatriates seeking to establish a stable life in the UAE, a country known for its economic opportunities and tax-free environment. The UAE does not offer permanent residency, but renewable residence visas provide a practical alternative for long-term stays.

Get a UAE residence visa by following 6 essential steps in this exact order: check eligibility, prepare documents, obtain an entry visa, arrange a medical exam, apply for an Emirates ID, and file for residency. This process ensures legal residency in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) for work, investment, or family purposes. Each step requires specific actions and compliance with UAE regulations, managed by authorities like the Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs & Ports Security (ICP) or emirate-specific departments. Below are the detailed steps to secure your visa efficiently.

1. Check the Worker’s Eligibility and Visa Category

The worker’s eligibility and visa category depend on their purpose in the UAE. Confirm if the applicant qualifies as an employee, investor, student, retiree, freelancer, or family member. For example, employees need a job offer, investors require property worth AED 750,000 or more, and freelancers need a permit from the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation (MOHRE). Identify the category first, as it determines the required documents and process.

2. Prepare the Required Documents

Gather all required documents based on the chosen visa category. Employees need a job contract, passport copy, and employer sponsorship letter. Investors submit property deeds or business licenses. Include a valid passport, recent photos, and proof of funds or income where required. Ensure documents are complete and translated into Arabic if needed, as incomplete submissions delay approval.

3. Get an Entry Visa

Secure an entry visa to legally enter the UAE before residency processing begins. Employers or sponsors apply for this through the ICP or General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs (GDRFA). The entry visa, valid for 60 days, allows arrival and completion of remaining steps. Submit it with supporting documents online or in person, depending on the emirate.

4. Arrange a Medical Examination

Schedule a medical examination at a UAE-approved health center after arrival. The exam tests for diseases like tuberculosis and HIV. Pass the screening to proceed, as a clean health certificate is mandatory for residency. Results reach authorities directly, so book this step soon after entering the UAE.

5. Apply for an Emirates ID

Register for an Emirates ID at an ICP service center or authorized typing center. Bring your entry visa, passport, and medical certificate. The Emirates ID, a biometric card, serves as your official identification in the UAE. Pay the fee, typically AED 370 for a 2-year validity, and expect issuance within 5-10 days.

6. File for Residency

Submit the residency application to finalize your UAE residence visa. Use the ICP portal, GDRFA office, or sponsor assistance to file the entry visa, Emirates ID, and medical results. Pay the visa fee, which varies by type (e.g., AED 500-1,000). Receive your residence visa stamped in your passport, valid for 1-10 years based on your category.

The United Arab Emirates (UAE) offers 5 main types of residence visas such as Employment Visa, Investor Visa, Student Visa, Retirement Visa, and Family Visa. Each type serves a distinct purpose, catering to workers, investors, students, retirees, and dependents seeking long-term residency in the UAE. Below are the detailed types to help users choose the right option based on their goals.

Employment Visa

The Employment Visa allows foreigners to live and work in the UAE under employer sponsorship. Companies registered in the UAE sponsor this visa, typically valid for 2-3 years. It suits skilled professionals with a job offer, requiring a work contract and labor card. Employees gain residency tied to their employment status, renewable with job continuity.

Investor Visa

The Investor Visa grants residency to individuals investing in UAE real estate or businesses. Real estate investors need property worth AED 750,000 for a 2-year visa or AED 2 million for a 10-year Golden Visa. Business owners qualify by establishing a company, with validity linked to the business license (usually 2-3 years). This type attracts entrepreneurs and property buyers seeking long-term stays.

Student Visa

The Student Visa permits international students to reside in the UAE while studying at accredited institutions. Universities or colleges sponsor this visa, valid for 1 year and renewable annually until course completion. Students need proof of enrollment and funds to qualify. It supports academic pursuits in the UAE’s growing education sector.

Retirement Visa

The Retirement Visa offers residency to retirees over 55 under the Retire in Dubai program. Applicants need a monthly pension of AED 15,000, savings of AED 1 million, or property worth AED 1 million. This 5-year renewable visa targets retirees wanting a stable, tax-free retirement in the UAE.

Family Visa

The Family Visa enables UAE residents to sponsor dependents like spouses, children under 18, or unmarried daughters. Sponsors must earn at least AED 4,000 monthly or AED 3,000 with housing. Valid for 1-3 years, this visa aligns with the sponsor’s residency duration. It helps families reunite and settle together in the UAE.

Get a UAE residence visa with InZone seamlessly through expert guidance and streamlined processes. InZone handles eligibility checks, document preparation, and visa filing for you. Secure your residency in the UAE quickly, whether for work, investment, or family, with InZone’s efficient 6-step approach. Contact InZone today for hassle-free support.