UAE Residence Visa: Rules, Requirements, and Visa Options for Expats

While foreigners are allowed to reside in the UAE long-term, they must hold a valid residence visa to do so. 

The Emirates offer various types of residence visas, each with unique eligibility requirements, benefits, and validity periods. Understanding how these visas work ensures you select the visa that best aligns with your relocation goals and financial circumstances.

In this guide, we will explain everything you need to know about obtaining a UAE residence visa, including:

• UAE residence visa requirements in 2025
• Types of UAE residence visas and methods for obtaining them
• Steps for getting a UAE residency permit

What Is a Residence Visa in the UAE?

A residence visa in the UAE is a document that foreigners must obtain to legally reside in the country for an extended period. Its validity depends on the type of visa you acquire. Sponsored visas, such as the work visa, are typically valid for up to two years, whereas unsponsored ones, like the Golden Visa, have a validity period of five or 10 years.

Upon expiry, most residence visas can be renewed indefinitely, as long as you meet the eligibility criteria. After 30 years, you may qualify for the UAE citizenship by naturalization, provided you satisfy other requirements, such as speaking Arabic fluently.

Additionally, residence visas in the UAE usually allow you to sponsor family members, including your spouse and children, and bring them to the Emirates.

What Are the General UAE Residence Visa Requirements?

When obtaining a UAE residence visa, all applicants aged 18 or older are required to undergo a medical test to confirm their health. They must also get an Emirates ID card from the Federal Authority for Identity and Citizenship and undergo a security check.

The documentation you must provide when applying for a residence visa depends on the type of visa you choose. However, the general requirements include:

• A valid passport
• A colored personal photo with a white background
• A birth certificate
• A lease contract as proof of housing
• Medical insurance coverage

If you are sponsoring family members, you must also provide the above documentation for each sponsored member. Additional documents may be required depending on the family member’s age, gender, and relation to you.

UAE Residence Visa Expiry Rules

Under most types of UAE visas, spending more than 180 days outside of the country automatically nullifies the residence permit. In this case, you must apply for a new permit to re-enter the UAE. When applying for a re-entry permit, you must:

1. Submit the application from outside the UAE
2. Provide a valid reason for staying outside the UAE for over six months
3. Pay a fine of AED 100 for every 30 days or less spent outside the UAE

However, some expats can spend over six months outside the country while maintaining their residence visa. These exceptions include:

• Individuals holding the UAE Golden Visa
• Foreigners sent abroad for medical treatment
• Expats employed in the public sector and sent abroad for training
• Individuals sponsored by the UAE diplomatic and consular representatives

UAE Residence Visa Renewal Rules

To extend your stay in the UAE, you or your sponsor must renew the residence visa before it expires. Failing to do so incurs significant fines and may result in legal consequences.

According to the Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs & Port Security (ICP) laws, residence visa holders who stay in the country after their visa expires must pay a standardized fee of AED 50 for each day spent in the UAE since the visa’s expiry date.

Additionally, if you wish to cancel your UAE residence visa, you can do so by visiting any typing office registered by the ICP in the emirate in which you reside.

UAE Residence Visa Types and Requirements Explained

Besides the standard work visa sponsored by your employer after getting a job in the UAE, you can apply for the following types of unsponsored residence visas, depending on your goals and financial circumstances:

UAE Residence Visa	Who Is It For?	Requirements	Validity Period
Green Visa	Freelancers, self-employed individuals, and skilled employees	Annual income of at least AED 360,000 or a monthly salary of AED 15,000	5 years
Investor Visa	Expats looking to invest in Dubai real estate	Ownership of property located in Dubai, worth at least AED 750,000	2 years
Retirement Visa	Foreigners aged 55 at the time of retirement and those with proof of over 15 years of employment in or outside the UAE	At least AED 1 million in savings or UAE property ownership, or a monthly income of AED 20,000 or AED 15,000 in Dubai	5 years
Golden Visa	High-net-worth investors, entrepreneurs, and individuals of outstanding specialized talent	An investment of at least 2 million in UAE real estate or an investment fund, a direct bank deposit of at least AED 2 million in an approved UAE bank, ownership of a technical project worth AED 500,000, or a demonstration of a specialized talent	5 or 10 years

Each type of UAE residence visa includes unique eligibility and application requirements. The following section outlines the rules associated with each option for obtaining a UAE residence.

Green Visa

Those applying for the Green Visa as freelancers or self-employed individuals must hold a bachelor’s degree or a specialized diploma and provide a freelance/self-employment permit from the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation. They must also submit evidence that their annual income was AED 360,000 or more in the previous two years.

To obtain a residence visa as a skilled employee, you must be classified as a first, second, or third occupational level according to the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation (MOHRE). The three levels include the following professions:

1. Managers, legislators, and business executives
2. Technicians in human, scientific, and technical fields
3. Professionals in technical, scientific, and humanitarian fields

Qualifying applicants must hold a bachelor’s degree or its equivalent, have a valid employment contract, and earn a salary of at least AED 15,000 per month.

Investor Visa

In addition to purchasing real estate valued at AED 750,000 or more, the qualifying property must be: 

• Located in a Dubai freehold area
• Registered with the Dubai Land Department (DLD)
• Built and ready for occupancy
• Fully owned by the investor

Other than meeting the property criteria and completing the DLD registration process, the Investor Visa includes the general application requirements associated with other residency visas. This involves submitting personal documentation and obtaining the Emirates ID card.

Retirement Visa

If you meet the primary age or employment requirement, you can obtain the retirement residency visa, as long as you fulfill one of the following conditions:

1. Earn a monthly income of AED 15,000 in Dubai or AED 20,000 elsewhere in the UAE
2. Own one or several properties worth AED 1 million or more
3. Have a minimum of AED 1 million in savings

Depending on the criteria you meet, you may also have to submit bank statements or documents proving you satisfy the investment conditions.

Golden Visa

The requirements for obtaining the UAE Golden Visa depend on the residency route you decide to take, as follows:

Golden Visa Options	Requirements
Real estate investors	A purchase of property or a group of properties in the UAE worth at least AED 2 million, with or without a loan from an approved local bank
Investment fund investors	An investment of at least AED 2 million in a UAE-accredited investment fund and proof of a tax payment of AED 250,000 issued by the federal tax authority
Bank deposit investors	A direct bank deposit of at least AED 2 million in an approved UAE bank, with funds locked in for a minimum of two years and supported by official bank confirmation
Entrepreneurs	Ownership of a technical project based on risk and innovation, valued at AED 500,000 or more, and proof that an accredited business incubator in the UAE supports the project
Talented individuals	Submission of recommendation or approval letters from relevant organizations as confirmation of your outstanding specialized talent in fields like medicine, science, technology, and art
Pioneers of humanitarian work	Proof of employment in relevant institutions, evidence of receiving appreciation awards from organizations focusing on humanitarian work, or an AED 2 million investment in humanitarian work
Frontline heroes	Evidence that you are a nurse, lab technician, medical assistant, or similar who has displayed extraordinary effort in crises

How To Get a Residence Permit in the UAE From Abroad

Once you choose a UAE residence visa to pursue, you must gather the necessary personal and visa-specific documentation. You can then submit the documentation at the nearest UAE embassy or consulate in your home country.

After the application is processed, you need to complete the following steps:

1. Receive an entry permit
2. Undergo a medical test
3. Pay the required fees
4. Receive the residence visa

1. Receive an Entry Permit

When you get approved for a UAE residence visa, you will receive an entry permit from the ICP, valid for 30 or 60 days. During the permit’s validity period, you are required to enter the country and complete the necessary steps to finalize the visa application process. 

2. Undergo a Medical Test

After entering the UAE on an entry permit, you must complete a medical fitness test at the approved facility. This includes a standard medical exam, such as blood tests and a chest X-ray.

Upon passing the medical examination, you will receive a medical fitness certificate that you must submit for approval for the UAE residence permit.

Additionally, you will have to attend the biometrics appointment, which includes fingerprinting.

3. Pay the Required Fees

Besides meeting the minimum investment requirement associated with specific residence visas, such as the Investor Visa or Golden Visa, getting a UAE residence permit requires paying the following fees: 

• Application fee
• Yearly fees for the issuance of a residence permit
• Visa-specific fees, such as the DLD fees when registering a property under the Investment Visa

Note that the listed amounts represent individual charges and may vary depending on the visa type, permit duration, emirate, and application method.

Those applying for a residence permit through the ICP website must also pay the AED 100 Smart Service fee.

4. Get a UAE Residence Permit

Once you complete the above steps, you will receive your UAE residence permit, valid for two, five, or ten years, depending on the type of visa you hold. This will allow you to set up a bank account in the UAE and enjoy the country’s numerous benefits, such as:

• A zero-tax regime
• A wide selection of investment options
• High standard of living
• Family reunification possibilities

While the process is straightforward in theory, navigating the UAE residency framework in practice can be challenging, with requirements and procedures varying by visa type and emirate. To ensure a smooth and compliant application from start to finish, partner with Nomad Capitalist.

Streamline Your Application for a UAE Residence Visa With Nomad Capitalist

Nomad Capitalist has assisted over 1,500 high-net-worth individuals in relocating worldwide and managing their international wealth and tax obligations. Our financial experts help you with all your relocation needs and handle the administrative work, ensuring you obtain residence abroad without any obstacles. 

We develop a 360-degree Action Plan—a personalized strategy that accommodates your circumstances and outlines efficient relocation steps to guide you in achieving short-term and long-term goals. Depending on your needs, we offer assistance with:

• Obtaining a second passport or residence abroad
• Opening an offshore bank account
• Creating a taxation plan that minimizes tax liability

To get started with your own Action Plan, all you need to do is complete a quick questionnaire to determine if we are a good fit. If so, we will:

1. Conduct a 45-minute one-on-one call to gather information on your relocation needs
2. Evaluate your circumstances and develop a comprehensive Action Plan
3. Present the Plan and implement it over a 12-month period
4. Provide ongoing support with questions and renewals

By partnering with Nomad Capitalist, you ensure that the residence route you select aligns with your needs and objectives. Streamline your relocation to the UAE—get your Action Plan today!