Listen to this article with AI

Securing UAE residency in 2026 has become more straightforward, but the government has also added stricter rules, new visa pathways, and updated minimum income and investment requirements. Whether you plan to move for business, employment, family, retirement, or property investment, this guide explains everything you need to know—step-by-step, clearly, and in full detail.

The UAE residency system includes 2-year, 5-year, and 10-year visas. The most common routes include employment, family sponsorship, business setup, freelancing, property investment, Golden Visa, and special categories such as digital nomads and retirees.

This is the ultimate, long-form breakdown to help you understand costs, processing timelines, required documents, application stages, re-entry rules, renewal procedures, and cancellation steps.

---

What Is a UAE Residence Visa?

A UAE residence visa is a long-term permit that allows foreigners to legally live in the Emirates for 2, 5, or 10 years, depending on the visa type. It must be renewed before expiry, but residents can continue living in the UAE for decades by consistently renewing their residence status.

UAE residency gives you access to:

• A local Emirates ID

• Opening bank accounts

• Leasing property

• Connecting utilities

• Access to healthcare

• Enrolling children in schools

• Working, running a business, or investing

• Sponsoring family members

Important: Residency is different from citizenship. A UAE passport can only be obtained by birth, marriage, or naturalization under strict conditions.

---

Types of UAE Residency Visas (2025 Updated List)

The UAE offers several pathways to residency. The most popular categories include:

1. Golden Visa (10 Years)

• By real estate investment (AED 2 million+)

• By bank deposit (AED 2 million+ fixed deposit)

• For executives and professionals earning AED 30,000+

2. Property Investor Visa (2 Years)

• For property purchase of AED 750,000+

3. Freelance Visa (2 Years)

• Requires a freelance license from a UAE free zone

4. Business or Investor Visa (2 Years)

• For those registering a company in mainland or free zone

5. Digital Nomad Visa (1 Year)

• For remote workers earning at least AED 12,800/month

6. Employment Visa (2 Years)

• For people hired by UAE-based companies

7. Family Visa (2–10 Years)

• For sponsoring spouse, children, or parents

8. Student Visa (1 Year, renewable)

• For university students in the UAE

9. Retirement Visa (5 Years)

• For residents/investors aged 55+ meeting financial criteria

---

Residency Through Property Investment (2-Year & 10-Year Options)

10-Year Golden Visa (Real Estate Investment)

You qualify if:

• You invest AED 2,000,000+ in real estate

• Multiple units are allowed

• Off-plan is allowed if at least 50% construction is completed

Key Benefits

• No six-month rule (you can stay outside UAE without cancellation)

• Long-term security

• You can sponsor family for the full duration

Important

• Property cannot be sold unless you cancel the visa first.

Application Steps

1. Choose and purchase property

2. Obtain Title Deed or Sales & Purchase Agreement

3. Stay in UAE on tourist/residence visa

4. Submit Golden Visa application

5. Medical check

6. Biometrics

7. Receive visa + Emirates ID

---

2-Year Property Investor Visa

Eligibility:

• Ready or off-plan property worth AED 750,000+

Benefits

• Property can be rented out (tax-free rental income)

• Renewable every two years

Application Steps
Same as Golden Visa, but applicable for 2-year visa.

---

UAE Residency Through Employment (Standard 2-Year Visa)

Foreigners working in UAE receive a 2-year residence visa funded by their employer.

Employer provides:

• Work contract

• Entry permit

• Visa processing

• Medical test arrangement

Employees can sponsor their families after receiving their own visa.

Important Rule

• If job ends, the visa (and dependent visas) automatically gets cancelled.

---

Golden Visa for Professionals & Executives (10-Year)

Requirements:

• Bachelor’s degree or higher (attested)

• AED 30,000+ monthly salary

• Minimum 2 years with current employer

• Company with at least 10 employees

Processing time may increase due to academic degree verification.

---

Residency Through Freelancing or Business Setup

Freelance Visa (2 Years)

Ideal for:

• Creatives, designers, consultants, IT specialists, etc.

Needs:

• Freelance permit

• Flexi-desk or shared office

• Annual renewal of license

Business or Investor Visa (2 Years)

Eligibility:

• Establish a company in free zone or mainland

• Be a shareholder or owner

Benefits:

• Sponsor family

• Run business remotely

• Only one entry every six months required

Renewal requires annual renewal of business license.

---

Digital Nomad Visa (1-Year Remote Worker Visa)

Requirements:

• Remote job or online business

• Min income AED 12,800 (USD 3,500)

• Health insurance covering UAE

Cheapest residency option.

---

Family Sponsorship (Spouse, Children, Parents)

Spouse & Children

Requirements:

• AED 4,000+ monthly income

• Legalized and attested documents

Parents

Requirements:

• AED 20,000+ monthly income

• Medical insurance

• AED 3,000 deposit per parent

---

Retirement Visa (5 Years)

Eligibility:

• Age 55+

• OR 15 years working in UAE

• OR AED 1 million deposit

• OR AED 1 million property

• OR AED 15,000–20,000 monthly income

---

Step-by-Step UAE Residency Process (All Visas)

Step 1: Choose Visa Type

Based on:

• Investment

• Job

• Business

• Education

• Family

• Retirement

Step 2: Prepare Documents

Common documents:

• Passport

• Passport photo

• Address

• Contact details

• Supporting documents:

  • Income proof

  • Contract

  • Bank statements

  • Title deed / deposit letter

  • Marriage & birth certificates

Step 3: Apply for Entry Permit

You can apply while outside or inside UAE.

Step 4: Medical Test + Biometrics

Includes:

• HIV test

• Chest X-ray

• Fingerprints for Emirates ID

Step 5: Visa Issuance

Visa is issued digitally + Emirates ID card is delivered.

You are now a UAE resident.

---

UAE Visa Costs in 2025 (Full Breakdown)

Golden Visa – Property: AED 10,250
Golden Visa – Bank Deposit: AED 4,650
Golden Visa – Executives: AED 4,650
Property Investor Visa: AED 11,170
Freelance Visa: AED 15,300
Business Visa: From AED 23,900
Digital Nomad Visa: AED 2,250
Family Visa: AED 4,490
Employment Visa: AED 4,650
Student Visa: AED 4,490
Retirement Visa: AED 8,950
Parents Visa: AED 4,490

(Insurance and service fees not included.)

---

Processing Time

• 2-year visas: 2–3 weeks

• Golden Visa: 7–10 business days

---

Residency Maintenance Rules (Very Important)

Most UAE visas require entering UAE at least every 180 days.
If you stay outside UAE for more than six months:

• Visa becomes invalid

• You need to apply for a return permit

• Fine: AED 100 for every 30 days delayed

Golden Visa holders are exempt from this rule.

---

How to Renew UAE Residence Visa

Renewal requires:

1. Medical test

2. Emirates ID renewal

3. Submitting documents similar to original visa

Renew before expiry to avoid cancellation.

---

How to Cancel UAE Residence Visa

Cancellation is usually done by the sponsor:

• Employer

• Owned company

• Spouse / parent

Employees must sign a form confirming all dues are paid.

---

FAQs (Extended & Useful)

1. Can I work on a family visa?

Yes, but you need a work permit from MOHRE.

2. Can I sponsor my siblings?

No, only parents, spouse, and children.

3. Is health insurance mandatory?

Yes, required in Dubai and Abu Dhabi.

4. Can freelancers open a bank account?

Yes, but requirements differ by bank.

5. Can two people co-own property for a visa?

Yes, but share value must meet minimum investment.