Types of Residency Visa in UAE

UAE, being a hub of global investment, tourism and a land of opportunities, is home to more than 200 nationalities. And almost 89% of its population is represented by expatriates. Every year, a large number of people from across the world move to the UAE to start afresh. This gives rise to a question: is moving to the UAE easy and simple? The answer is: Yes, relatively. However, you need to be clear about your purpose of moving to this beacon of opportunities. Apart from tourist visa, there are various types of residency visas in the UAE according to different needs and purposes. In this blog, we are going to discuss all types of residence visas in the UAE so that it is easy for you to know which type of residence visa you are eligible for. 

1. Golden Visa

2. Green Visa

3. Remote Work Visa

4. Retirement Residence Visa

5. Student Residency Visa

6. Family Residency Visa  

1. Golden Visa

In 2019, the UAE introduced a long-term residency visa, called the Golden Visa, which allowed hundreds of thousands of expats to study, work, or run businesses in the UAE without the need for a sponsor. It is a long-term visa that grants a 10-year residency to people associated with specified groups: investors, businesspersons, medical professionals, scientists, highly-skilled individuals from different domains, students with extraordinary talents, etc. However, each category of individuals has to meet certain criteria to be eligible for the Golden Visa. To know more, you can read our blog UAE Golden Visa Requirements, Eligibility, and Application. 

2. Green Visa

Another long-term residency visa introduced in 2022 to allow expats to live and work in the UAE is the Green Visa. This visa allows freelancers, self-employed individuals, skilled employees, and investors/partners to sponsor themselves for 5 years. This visa also requires the applicants to meet some conditions to be eligible. For example, a freelancer or self-employed individual must submit a freelance/self-employment permit from the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation and evidence of a bachelor’s degree or equivalent qualification. Moreover, the individual is also required to show proof of annual income from self-employment amounting to AED 360,000 or more during the last two years.  

Similarly, skilled employees must hold a valid employment contract, fall under the first, second or third occupational level as per the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation, submit proof of bachelor’s degree or equivalent qualification, and have a minimum monthly salary of AED 15,000. 

For investors and partners to be eligible for Green Visa, investment approval from competent local authorities in UAE is required. 

3. Remote Work Visa

In September 2022, the UAE government introduced a one-year remote work visa, which allowed individuals working outside the UAE to sponsor themselves to live and work in the UAE. The Remote Work Visa holder can continue to work remotely for any organization outside the UAE while living in the UAE. To be eligible for the Remote Work Visa, the applicant needs to show proof of employment outside the UAE and a bank statement for the last six months proving a monthly income of USD 3500 or more. 

4. Retirement Residence Visa   

While the UAE government always encourages talent from all across the world to work and conduct business in the UAE, it also welcomes retirees to enjoy a quality lifestyle in one of the best countries in the world. Retirement Residence Visa is a long-term visa for 5 years which allows expats aged 55 or more to live in the UAE. To be eligible for this visa, the applicant must have worked for at least 15 years inside or outside the UAE. Moreover, they should either own a property, have savings of minimum AED 1 million, or have a monthly income of AED 20,000 (15,000 a month for Dubai).

5. Student Residency Visa

An individual who wishes to study in the UAE can stay in the UAE under the sponsorship of their parents or the sponsorship of the accredited college or university they are accepted in. The Student Residency Visa is a one-year visa granted to students by the university. It can be renewed for the same period once the proof of continuation of the study by the educational institution is submitted. 

6. Family Residency Visa

An individual residing in the UAE under a valid residency visa can sponsor their family members. Employees who wish to sponsor their families should earn a minimum monthly salary of AED 4000 or AED 3000 + accommodation.  

The Official Portal of the UAE Government keeps updating the terms and conditions related to all visa categories. To know more about the types of residency visas in the UAE and their application process, visit UAE's Government Portal. 

This Blog is written for informational purposes only, to provide you with a general understanding of the above-mentioned rules and regulations, and not to provide specific legal advice. The content should not be used as a substitute for professional advice from a licensed professional.