Resident Visa in Dubai
Dubai attracts expatriates with its favorable tax environment, luxurious lifestyle, and economic opportunities. This guide outlines the types of residence visas, requirements, procedures, and costs.
Types of Residence Visas in Dubai
What you need to know
Employment Visa
This visa is for individuals who have secured a job offer from a company registered in the UAE.
Requirements:
- The employing company must sponsor the visa.
- A formal employment contract must be duly signed.
- The employee must undergo a medical examination.
Procédure:
- The employer submits the application to the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation (MOHRE).
- A work card is issued.
- The employee undergoes a medical examination at an approved clinic.
- A health insurance policy is obtained.
- An Emirates ID card is applied for.
- The visa is stamped in the passport.
Validity:
- 2 to 3 years (renewable).
Investor or Business Owner Visa
Entrepreneurs and shareholders can obtain a visa by creating a company in Dubai.
Requirements:
Procédure:
- Company registration.
- Obtaining a business license.
- Issuance of an establishment card by immigration.
- Medical exam, visa application, and Emirates ID.
Validity:
- 2 to 3 years (renewable).
Property Investment Visa
This visa is available to property investors owning real estate worth at least 1 million AED (approximately €250,000).
Requirements:
- The property must be fully paid (no mortgage).
- The property must be located in an area where foreign ownership is allowed.
- The 1 million AED threshold applies to a single property.
Procedure:
- Purchase and registration of the property with the Dubai Land Department.
- Visa application with the property title deed.
- Medical exam and Emirates ID application.
Validity:
- 2 to 10 years depending on the property value.
Retirement Visa
For individuals aged 55 and over who want to retire in Dubai.
Requirements:
- Hold a real estate investment of at least AED 1 million .
- Or have a monthly income of at least 20,000 AED (€5,000).
- Or have at least 1 million AED in savings in a UAE bank account.
Validity:
- 5 years (renewable)
Remote Work Visa
Allows you to live in Dubai while working remotely for a foreign company.
Requirements:
- Proof of stable employment with a salary of at least €3,500 per month.
- Health insurance covering the UAE.
Validity:
- 1 year (renewable)
General Procedure for Obtaining a Residence Visa in Dubai
1. Determine the Type of Visa
Each visa type has specific criteria and requirements.
2. Prepare the Required Documents
General documents include:
- Valid passport (minimum 6 months).
- Passport-sized photos.
- Financial proof (for investment, retirement, and remote work visas).
- Property title deed (for property visa).
- Employment contract or business license (depending on the visa type).
3. Undergo Medical Examination
- Blood test.
- Tuberculosis screening.
4. Apply for Emirates ID
An Emirates ID is a mandatory identification card for all UAE residents.
5. Final Visa Approval
Once approved, the visa is stamped into your passport and activated.
Validity and Renewal of Resident Visas
1 to 3 years
Employment and investor visas.
5 years
Retirement visas and some investor visas.
10 years
"Golden Visa" for large-scale investors.
Advantages of a Residence Visa in Dubai
Tax Advantages
No personal income tax.
Family Sponsorship
Ability to sponsor family members (spouse, children, domestic staff).
Business Opportunities
Full access to business opportunities in Dubai’s dynamic market.
