How to Get a UAE Residence Visa in 2026: Types, Eligibility, and Application Process

If you are someone looking to work and live in the UAE, obtaining a residence visa is an important step. With Visa regulations continuing to evolve and many attractive options available, exploring them helps narrow down the best options for 2026. 

This guide provides a comprehensive overview of residence visas, including their benefits, available types, eligibility, and a step-by-step process for applying for each, helping you make informed decisions. 

Overview 

A UAE residence visa is a permit that allows foreign nationals to legally live and work in the country. It gives them the right to take up jobs, establish or run a business, and open local bank accounts. While many common options, such as work visas, freelancer visas, property investor visas, and the Golden Visa, are available, the UAE offers a diverse range of residency routes. 

Each residence visa category in the UAE has its own eligibility criteria, documentation, timelines, costs, and application process. This is why there is no standard process to apply for it, and educating yourself on the specified framework is essential. 

What Are The Types of Residence Visas in the UAE? 

Residency through investment 

1. 10-year Golden Visa via real estate

By purchasing real estate valued at at least 2 million AED, a foreigner can obtain a 10-year UAE residence visa. This can be a single property or multiple units, as long as it meets the specified minimum value. You can also choose between a ready or off-plan property, but the construction progress should be at least 50%. 

One of the most notable features of this visa is that it is not restricted by the six-month rule for maintaining residency. Also, be informed that the property cannot be sold during the validity of the Golden Visa. If it is sold, the visa will be cancelled. 

How to apply

• Choose a suitable property by analysing the pros and cons 

• Make the purchase 

• If the property is completed, you should obtain the title deed. If not, prepare a Sales and Purchase Agreement

• You should be in the UAE during the application process

• Submit the application for approval 

• Undergo a medical examination and biometric fingerprinting.

• Receive the residence visa and Emirates ID

2. Golden Visa via bank deposit

Making a bank deposit of at least AED2 million or equivalent in another currency in a local bank can also make a foreigner eligible for a long-term 10-year residency visa. The average interest rate on deposits is around 4%.

This visa also does not require visiting the UAE every six months to maintain residency. However, the deposit should be in the bank for at least two years, after which it can be withdrawn, and the visa will remain valid for the rest of the eight years. 

How to apply

• Choose a suitable bank for the deposit

• Visit the UAE on a tourist visa or stay in the country on a residence visa

• Sign an agreement with a local bank and deposit the required amount

• Request an official letter from the bank confirming the active deposit in your name

• Submit the application for approval 

• Undergo a medical examination and biometric fingerprinting.

• Receive the residence visa and Emirates ID

3. 2-year investor/property investor visa

Purchasing a ready or off-plan property valued at at least AED 750,000 can qualify a foreigner for a 2-year residency visa. The purchased property can be rented out, and there is no tax on rental income in the UAE. However, the property cannot be sold unless the residence visa is canceled first.

How to apply

• Select an ideal property 

• Complete the purchase 

• If the property is completed and handed over, collect the deed 

• Be in the country with  a tourist or residence visa at the time of applying

• Submit the application for approval 

• Undergo a medical examination and biometric fingerprinting

• Receive the residence visa and Emirates ID

Residency through employment or sponsorship

4. Standard employment visa

Employees who are legally hired by a company based in the UAE for a 2-year residence visa. To qualify for this, there should be a valid employment contract. In most cases, the employer handles the entire visa process and related legalities.  If not, the employee may need to handle it by themself and bear the cost. 

Using this visa, an employer can open a local bank account and sponsor family members for residency. If the employment contract is terminated or cancelled, the residency status of both the employee and family visas will be revoked. 

How to apply

• Sign an employment contract with a company based in the UAE

• The employer will submit the documents necessary for visa processing and approval 

• Undergo a medical examination and biometric fingerprinting

• Receive the residence visa and Emirates ID

5. Golden Visa for professionals and executives

Managing directors and executives can qualify for a 10-year Golden Visa in the UAE if they meet the following conditions: 

• Have an educational qualification of a bachelor’s degree or higher in a management-related field. It has to be attested by the UAE Ministry of Education

• Work experience of at least two years in the current company

• The working company must have at least 10 employees

• Should be earning a minimum salary of AED 30,000, proven by a bank statement covering six months

This visa does not require a visit to the UAE every six months to maintain residency. Generally, certificates of educational qualifications are verified directly with the university. This may delay the approval process. 

How to apply

• Attest educational documents for processing 

• Prepare and submit degree certificates, a valid employment contract, a bank statement for the last six months showing salary transactions, and a No Objection Certificate (NOC) from the current employer

• Get degree verification from the issuing university.

• Be present in the UAE on a tourist or residence visa when applying

• Submit the visa application for approval 

• Undergo a medical examination and biometric fingerprinting

• Receive the residence visa and Emirates ID

Residency through freelancing or business

6. Freelance visa

An ideal residency route for independent professionals, self-employed individuals, and solo entrepreneurs providing professional services who wish to live and work in the UAE. It does not permit any trading activities but allows sponsoring family members for residency. 

A freelance visa can be obtained by securing a license from any of the UAE's free zones. The minimum office requirement for a freelance visa in the UAE is a flexi-desk.  

It allows freelancers to operate from anywhere in the world and requires only a visit to the UAE once every six months to maintain residency. The visa is valid for only 2 years, but the immigration card and license should be renewed annually. 

How to apply

• Choose a suitable business activity and a free zone for registration

• Apply for a freelance license

• Submit the required documents and pay the necessary fees

• Obtain the freelance license

• Apply for a residence visa and receive approval

• Obtain an entry permit and travel to the UAE

• Undergo a medical examination and biometric fingerprinting

• Receive the residence visa and Emirates ID

• Open a personal resident bank account

7. Digital nomad visa

Also known as a remote worker, the digital nomad visa is a residency option for business owners and foreign employees working outside the UAE. The following conditions should be met to qualify for this: 

• The employee must have a valid employment contract for at least one year.

• Business owners must prove that their company has been operating for at least one year in the UAE

• Employees must provide bank statements proving a minimum monthly income of AED 12,800. 

• A health insurance policy covering the UAE

The visa is valid for one year, and the applicant may remain in the same job or business and maintain residency for themselves and their family members. As one of the most affordable resident visa options, it allows remote work while residing in the UAE (working for a foreign company), and requires a visit every six months to maintain residency. 

How to apply

• Visit the GDRFAD ( General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs) website to apply for the digital nomad visa 

• Obtain an entry permit and travel to the UAE

• Submit documents for visa processing and get approval

• Undergo a medical examination and biometric fingerprinting

• Receive the residence visa and Emirates ID

8. Starting a company

Registering a company in one of the UAE’s free zones or mainland can qualify you for a residence visa. The applicant should be the shareholder or owner of the business. Some free zones require a minimum share capital of 50,000 AED and mandate medical insurance for visa approval. 

The visa holder can manage the business remotely and will need to visit the country only once every six months to maintain residency. The visa is valid for 2 years and allows the holder to sponsor family members, but the license and immigration card must be renewed annually. If it is not renewed, the visa gets cancelled. 

How to apply

• Choose a suitable business activity and license type

• Choose a legal entity (free zone or mainland company)

• Arrange and submit the documents required for registration 

• Collect the business license and registration documents

• Receive the Establishment card

• Apply for a residence visa for approval 

• Undergo a medical examination and biometric fingerprinting

• Receive the residence visa and Emirates ID

• Open a corporate bank account

Residency through family sponsorship

9. Sponsoring spouse and children

A UAE resident can act as a sponsor for family members and apply for a residence visa for their spouse or children. The minimum income requirement for eligibility is 4,000 AED, and the visa duration matches the sponsor’s visa validity. 

Validity can range from 2 to 10 years. Family members on a sponsored visa have the exclusive right to work, study, conduct business, and open a bank account in the country. As with most other types of residence visa, if the sponsor’s visa is not renewed and cancelled, the family visa will also be cancelled. 

How to apply

• Have proper legalised documents of a marriage certificate, children's birth certificates, and other documents confirming family relationships in the country of issuance

• Authenticate the legalised documents at the UAE Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA)

• Submit the visa application

• Undergo a medical fitness test and biometric screening.

• Obtain the residence visas and Emirates ID

10. Sponsoring parents

Getting a residence visa for parents requires additional requirements than standard family visas. Some of them include: 

• Mandatory medical insurance premiums and coverage increase with age

• The sponsor (resident) must have a minimum monthly salary of 20,000 AED

• A deposit of 3,000 AED per parent is required

The visa is valid for 2-10 years, and the sponsored parents have the right to work, start a business, or open a bank account. The resident should also sponsor both parents together unless they can provide proof of divorce or a death certificate for one parent. 

How to apply

• Provide legalised documents proving the relationship and have them attested by the UAE Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA)

• Submit the application for approval and pay the specified fees

• Undergo a medical examination and biometric fingerprinting

• Receive the residence visa and Emirates ID

11. Student visa for dependents

This is a visa type issued to foreign nationals enrolled at a UAE university. Education for students is paid, and the visa is valid for one year, renewable annually. 

The visa allows students to stay in the country for the duration of their studies, and they may also take part-time jobs, provided the university and applicable regulations permit it. After graduation, students can create a potential pathway for long-term residency by securing employment or starting a business. 

How to apply

• Receive an acceptance letter from a university in the UAE.

• Submit the required documents to the university.

• Obtain an entry permit and travel to the UAE.

• Undergo a medical examination and biometric fingerprinting.

• Receive the residence visa and Emirates ID.

Special categories

12. Retirement visa

A foreign national aged 55 may apply for a 5-year retirement visa. To be eligible for it, they should meet the following criteria: 

• Be 55 years or older or have worked in the UAE for at least 15 years

• Have property ownership valued at a minimum of AED 1 million

• Have a fixed deposit of at least AED 1 million in a local bank

• Have a stable monthly income of at least AED 15,000 if you live in Dubai or AED 20,000 in other emirates

The visa does not require the applicant to visit the country every 6 months to maintain their residency, but they should have valid medical insurance. 

How to apply

• Collect documents proving eligibility for the retirement visa

• Submit the application, pay the required fees, and wait for approval 

• Undergo a medical examination and biometric fingerprinting

• Obtain the residence visa and Emirates ID

What Are the Latest Changes to UAE Residency Rules for 2025–2026?

Since last year, the UAE has expanded its residency options with new categories: 

1. Job Exploration (Jobseeker) Visa

This is a new type of sponsor-free entry permit that allows a foreigner to enter the UAE, explore the market, and attend interviews before securing employment. It is a single-entry visa valid for three duration options varying from 60,90, or 120 days. It is exclusively designed for applications falling into the skilled professionals category (MOHRE professional levels 1–3) and qualified graduates (typically bachelor’s degree or higher, including recent graduates from top-ranked universities).

One of the major benefits of this category is that it allows a person to explore all job opportunities in the UAE without the burden of finding a local sponsor or employment contract. However, it is important to note that you cannot work under this visa. Once you have an employment opportunity, you must change your visa status through the standard employment residence visa process.

2. Blue Residency (10-year environmental visa)

A 10-year UAE residency visa recently introduced for global leaders in sustainability and environmental protection. It is a category designed for individuals who can demonstrate a strong, well-documented profile and track record in environmental work. 

It includes scientists and researchers, founders and executives of sustainability-focused businesses, and leaders of high-impact initiatives in areas such as renewable energy, marine protection, the circular economy, biodiversity, and related fields.

Most of the time, for Blue Residence in the UAE, applicants apply through nomination or with an endorsement from a competent authority, supported by evidence of achievements. Please note that approval for this visa is predominantly merit-based and may depend on nomination or confirmation by competent authorities. This is why a strong portfolio of achievements is essential. 

How to Apply For UAE Residency? A Step-by-step Process 

Step 1: Choose the right visa path

First, choose the right visa pathway, i.e., whether you want to apply for residency as a property investor, business owner, or CEO. Make sure you carefully analyse the pros and cons, align them with your personal goals, and only settle on an option once you are confident. 

Step 2: Prepare required documents

Carefully prepare all required documents for processing. This often depends on the type of visa, but it generally includes: 

• Passport

• Photo

• Contact information

• Residential address

• Supporting documents include bank statements as proof of income, title deeds, property purchase and sale agreements, diplomas, job offers, labor contracts, legalised family documents, etc.

Step 3: Apply for an entry permit

Applicants can obtain the entry permit online if outside the UAE or upon arrival in the country. If the candidate is already in the country, then a change of visa status is required. 

Step 4: Medical test and Emirates ID registration

Next, go through a medical examination, which often includes HIV/AIDS blood tests and a chest X-ray at an approved medical center in Dubai. Then submit your biometric data at an Amer center.

Step 5: Final visa stamping and residency activation

Once approved, you will receive your electronic residency visa. Physical visa stamping is no longer required, along with your Emirates ID card. Once you receive it, you officially become a UAE resident.

How Much Do UAE Residence Visas Cost?

Below is a detailed breakdown of the residence visa costs in the UAE:

Golden Visa Options (10 years)

Investor, Business, and Work Visas

Special and Short-Term Visas

Family Visas

How Long Does the Visa Processing Take? 

The time taken to process visas depends on the type. Generally, it takes about 2–3 weeks for 2-year visas and around 7–10 business days for Golden Visas.

What Are the Rules for Maintaining UAE Residency?

If you maintain the residency status, you will not have any issues in keeping it valid. However, if you are a frequent traveller or don’t live in the UAE, you will need to visit the country every six months. If not, the visa validity will be automatically cancelled, and you will need to complete the residence visa renewal process. 

If the resident is absent from the UAE for more than 180 days, you can apply for a re-entry permit. To do this, you need to:

• Submit an application from outside the UAE.

• Give a proper justification for the violation of the 180-day rule.

• Pay a fine of 100 AED for every 30 days of absence.

Being mindful of the timeline will help ensure proper management of the residency. You can apply for the Return Permit at the General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs Dubai (GDRFAD) by providing a reasonable justification for the delay. This can include reasons such as education, medical treatment, or force majeure circumstances, and will have to be accompanied by supporting documents. 

Get Professional Help with Business Setup for UAE Residency 

We provide end-to-end professional support for business setup in the UAE, including company formation in the Dubai World Trade Centre (DWTC). Through the appropriate business structure and licensing, we assist with securing UAE residency in full compliance with local regulations. Our team manages the entire process, from company registration and approvals to residence visa applications and Emirates ID issuance, ensuring a smooth and coordinated setup. With expert guidance, you can establish both your business and residency efficiently and with confidence.

Key Takeaways 

A UAE residence visa enables foreigners to live, work, and open bank accounts in the country, with options like investment, employment, freelancing, business ownership, family sponsorship, retirement, and special visas such as digital nomad and Blue Residency. Golden Visas offer long-term 10-year residency, while other visas range from 2–5 years, each with specific eligibility, documentation, and medical requirements. The process includes selecting the right visa, preparing documents, obtaining an entry permit, completing medical and biometric procedures, and receiving the Emirates ID. Costs and processing times vary, and maintaining residency requires re-entry every six months.