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UAE Residence Visa Requirements & Cost Breakdown!

5 May 2025
Adnan Ahmed

The UAE Residence Visa is essential for anyone planning to stay in the UAE long-term. It grants legal residency status, allowing individuals to live, work, or study in the country while accessing healthcare, banking, and other vital services.

UAE Residence Visa: Start Your Life In UAE!

According to the latest data from Global Media Insight, the UAE’s population is expected to reach 11.35 million by 2025, with expatriates making up about 88.5% of the total population. This large number of foreign nationals shows how important the UAE residence visa is, as it allows such a diverse group of people to live and work in the country.

In this article, we explain the UAE residence visa, including its types, eligibility requirements, and compulsory documents. We also describe the step-by-step process of obtaining a residence visa, including the cost of its various types, its validity, and benefits.

If you are interested in getting a UAE residence visa in 2025, our experts at Now Consultant can help you through every step of the process.

What Is a UAE Residence Visa?

A UAE residence visa is an official document issued by the UAE government that allows foreign nationals to live and work there for a specified time. It is compulsory for expatriates or professionals looking for new opportunities to build their future in the country.

The visa also grants foreign nationals access to several government services, healthcare, and education. Unlike a visitor visa, which is designed for shorter stays, a residence visa allows a long-term stay in the UAE for two, three, five, or even ten years. Most UAE residence visas require a sponsor, who can be either an employer or a UAE resident. For employment visas, your employer sponsors and handles the application process for your visa.

Types of UAE Residence Visas:

The UAE offers a variety of residence visas depending on your purpose of stay. Here are the main types of UAE residence visas:

1. Employment Visa

One of the most popular ways for expatriates to get a residence in the UAE is with an employment visa. This visa is issued to employed workers who have a job in a UAE-registered company. In this type, the employer is considered the sponsor of the employer residence visa and handles most of the paperwork.

2. Investor Visa

The investor visa is designed for individuals who invest significantly in the UAE’s economy, such as setting up a company or buying property. This visa often grants long-term residency of up to ten years, and it requires AED 2 million in an investment fund. It does not require a local sponsor. It is an excellent choice for entrepreneurs and investors looking to build a future in the UAE.

3. Family Visa

If the UAE residents or citizens want to get a residency for their close family members, they have to apply for a family visa in the UAE. The residents would act as sponsors for their family members, such as spouses, children, and parents, to live in the UAE. The sponsor’s employment or residency status usually determines eligibility for family sponsorship.

4. Student Visa

The student visa can be applied for by international students worldwide who qualify for admission to a UAE-based educational institution. In this type, the sponsoring entity is usually the educational institute itself, ensuring students can live legally in the UAE while pursuing their studies.

5. Retirement Visa

The retirement visa is an option for individuals aged 55 and above who want to live their retirement life in the UAE. In this type, the retired persons must meet specific financial criteria to ensure a monthly income of around AED 20,000 or more.

6. Business Visa

The business visa is part of the UAE’s broader visa reform initiatives. It allows foreign entrepreneurs and investors to stay, work, and run their businesses freely within the country. This type of residence visa is especially for those individuals who are planning to establish or expand their business in the UAE.

7. Green Visa

The green visa is a new category introduced to attract skilled professionals, freelancers, and entrepreneurs. It offers a five-year renewable residency without the need for employer sponsorship, because individuals can sponsor themselves.

Requirements for a UAE Residence Visa:

To apply for a UAE residence visa, you need to meet the following requirements, which can vary depending on the type of visa you are applying for:

Sponsorship:

For most of the residence visas, such as family visas and employment visas, a sponsor is a mandatory requirement. The sponsor must meet specific conditions, such as a minimum salary and employment status.

Employment Contract:

A signed employment contract is necessary to apply for an employment visa in the UAE. This contract must be provided as proof of employment with a company based in the UAE.

Academic Certificates:

For student visas, you need to provide your academic certificates. These documents help verify your educational background and eligibility for studying in the UAE.

Financial Documents:

You must provide proof of financial stability for some residence visa types, such as business and green visas. This often includes recent bank statements or other documents showing your ability to support yourself during your stay in the UAE.

Attestation and Translation:

You must have all the qualifications and legal documents attested by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in the UAE. Additionally, some documents must be translated into Arabic to meet the official requirements.

Documents Required for UAE Residence Visa

Along with the eligibility requirements, the following are the general documents required for a residence visa in the UAE:

UAE visa application form
Valid passport (must be valid for a minimum of 6 months)
Recent passport-sized photos
Medical fitness certificate
Bank statements
Proof of health insurance coverage in the UAE
Business registration papers (required for investor visas related to businesses)
Property documents (required for investor visas related to real estate ownership)
Sponsor’s Documents (if applying for a family visa)
Investment Documents (for investor visa applicants)

Step-by-Step Process to Get a UAE Residence Visa

The process of obtaining a UAE residence visa follows the given step-by-step guide:

Step 1: Determine Your Visa Type

In the first step, you need to decide which type of residence visa you need. This depends on your purpose, whether for work, family, or investment. You can choose from various categories, such as the employment visa, family visa, investor visa, green visa, and golden visa.

Step 2: Secure a Sponsor

In the second step, you need a sponsor for most UAE residency visas. Your sponsor may vary according to your visa type, and it can be an employer, a UAE national relative, or a university. For some visa types, like the investor visa and the green visa, you may be able to self-sponsor under certain conditions.

Step 3: Apply for Entry Permit

In the third step, after securing a sponsor and confirming your visa category, you need to apply for an entry permit. This permit allows you to enter the UAE to process your residency. Your sponsor handles the application on your behalf to initiate the visa process.

Step 4: Medical Examination and Emirates ID Application

In the fourth step, once you arrive in the UAE with your entry permit, you have to proceed with a medical examination at an approved health facility. After the medical examination, you have to apply for an Emirates ID, which is required for all residents in the UAE.

Step 5: Submit Residency Visa Application

In the fifth step, after completing the medical examination and applying for the Emirates ID, your sponsor submits your official residency visa application. This includes submitting all the necessary documents, which can be processed through typing centers or government portals such as GDRFA.

Step 6: Visa Approval and Collection

In the final step, once the authorities process your visa application and approve it, you will be notified of the decision. If approved, you can collect your residency visa and Emirates ID from a designated location, which can be a post office specified in your application form. With this, you officially become a resident of the UAE.

By following these steps, you can successfully obtain your UAE residence visa. Each step is important to ensure the process goes smoothly, so make sure to complete them carefully and accurately.

UAE Residence Visa Cost

The cost of obtaining a UAE residence visa varies depending on the type of visa, your nationality, and the emirate you are applying in. The following table highlights the UAE residence visa cost for different categories:

Visa Type	Cost (AED)
1-Year Residence Visa	AED 2,000 to AED 3,000
2-Year Residence Visa	AED 3,500 (without medical insurance) to AED 4,200 (with medical insurance)
3-Year Residence Visa	AED 4,000 (without medical insurance) to AED 5,500 (with medical insurance)
Freelancer Visa	AED 2,500 to AED 3,500
Investor Visa	AED 5,000 (application processing) + medical test fees + typing center charges
Retirement Visa	AED 3,000 (application processing) + medical test fees + typing center charges

1-Year Residence Visa

The cost for a one-year residence visa ranges from AED 2,000 to AED 3,000. This is a common option for individuals who need a temporary stay in the UAE.

2-Year Residence Visa

A two-year residence visa generally costs between AED 3,500 and AED 4,200. If you need medical insurance, this cost is up to AED 4,200, and without insurance, it might be around AED 3,500.

3-Year Residence Visa

For a three-year residence visa, the cost falls between AED 4,000 and AED 5,500. If you are applying without insurance, the cost is around AED 4,000, and with medical insurance, it can be up to AED 4,000.

Freelancer Visa

Freelance visa costs in the UAE are between AED 2,500 and AED 3,500. It is ideal for self-employed individuals who want to work in the UAE.

Investor Visa (Golden Visa)

For the investor visa or golden visa, which is valid for 10 years, the application processing fee is around AED 5,000, plus medical test fees and typing center charges.

Retirement Visa

The retirement visa has a processing cost of around AED 3,000. This includes application fees, medical test costs, and typing center charges.

Cheapest Residence Visa in the UAE:

The cheapest residence visa option in the UAE is usually the 2-year investor visa, costing approximately AED 3,500. This price covers the visa application fee, medical test, and Emirates ID. This visa is the most affordable solution for individuals looking to invest in the UAE and gain residency.

Benefits of Holding a Residence Visa in the UAE:

The following are the benefits of holding a residence visa in the UAE:

Bank Account:

A UAE residence visa allows you to open a corporate bank account in any national and international bank in the UAE. The Emirates ID, linked to your residence visa, is a requirement to open a bank account.

Financial Facilities:

A residence visa gives you access to apply for various financial services, such as personal loans, car loans, or mortgages. This access helps you manage your finances smoothly without legal complications.

Obtain a Driving License:

With a residence visa, you can obtain a driving license in the UAE by applying through the relevant licensing authorities. In some countries, you can exchange your current driver’s license for a UAE-based driving license.

Healthcare and Educational Services:

Residents with a UAE residence visa are eligible for health insurance and world-class healthcare services. They can also sponsor their children’s education in high-quality institutions across the UAE.

Dependents Sponsorship:

Residence visa holders can sponsor their spouses, parents, children, and even domestic workers like drivers, provided they meet the required salary criteria set by the authorities.

UAE Residence Visa Validity, Duration

The validity of a UAE residence visa varies depending on the type of visa you are applying for. Most of the visas are valid for one, two, or three years. For family visas, the duration is often aligned with the sponsor’s visa status. Certain long-term visas, such as the investment visa, offer extended validity up to 10 years. To maintain your legal stay in the country, you must renew your residence visa before it expires.

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How Can We Help You Regarding Dubai Residence Visa?

If you are facing difficulties in applying for the UAE residence visa, our experts at Now Consultant provide comprehensive support to entrepreneurs, investors, and employers at every visa application stage. Our experts ensure you select the right visa type, complete all necessary documentation, and submit your application with accuracy.

Whether you are applying for an investor visa, a family visa, or any other residence visa type, our team is committed to handling all the technicalities on your behalf. We eliminate any potential errors, helping you avoid fines, penalties, and delays.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can you travel outside the UAE while your residence visa is in process?

You are not permitted to leave the UAE while your residence visa is being processed. It is mandatory to stay within the country until your visa has been approved and officially stamped. If you left the UAE during this time, your visa application could be cancelled.

How do I check my UAE residence visa status online?

You can check your UAE residence visa status online through the federal or emirate-specific immigration portals, such as the ICP website or the GDRFA website. Here, you need to enter your passport number or visa details to see the latest updates on your visa application.

How do I download a copy of my UAE residence visa online?

To download your UAE residence visa, log in to the Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs and Port Security (ICP) Smart Services app or website using your credentials. Here, you will get an option to download your visa information as a PDF. You can also get the visa details through the UAE PASS app.

What is The Processing time for a UAE residence visa?

The residence visa process takes between 7 and 10 working days. This timeframe covers your medical examination, Emirates ID application, and visa stamping. Any missing or incorrect documents may cause delays in the processing time.

Can you get a permanent residence visa in Dubai?

The UAE does not provide a permanent residence visa to expatriates and foreign nationals. However, the UAE offers long-term visa options for 5 or 10 years, such as an investment visa, and this visa can be renewed.