UAE residence permit: processing time and fees in 2025
threshold of residence by investment
validity period of residence permit for real estate purchase
VOA entry for 71 nationalities
Citizens of the USA, UK, Japan, and 71 nations in total, are eligible for a 90-day visa-free stay in the UAE. Those seeking to extend their stay beyond these periods must apply for a residence permit, commonly referred to as a resident visa in the UAE.
This article outlines the key steps for securing residency in the UAE, covering eligibility criteria, required documentation, and procedural considerations. It also explores pathways to UAE citizenship for foreign nationals.
Investing in Dubai’s real estate market not only offers a lucrative opportunity but also provides a pathway to residency in the UAE. Purchasing property valued at $205,000 or more may entitle investors to a 2-year residency visa, while an investment exceeding $545,000 (AED 2 million) grants eligibility for a renewable 10-year Golden Visa. These visas are renewable, contingent upon the retention of the investment, offering long-term residency prospects.
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From $231,000
Completion in: 2028.I Total of 255 apartments
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Completion in: 2027.IV Total of 572 apartments
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Completion in: 2026.IV Total of 381 apartments
UAE Visa Requirements
Citizens of 84 countries are eligible for a visa-free entry into the UAE, with a tourist visa issued on arrival for either 30 or 90 days. Extensions are available for a fee.
To enter the UAE, travellers must hold a passport valid for at least six months from their arrival date and have valid travel insurance. Women, regardless of age, may travel independently without the need for a guardian’s approval.
For those requiring a pre-arranged visa, applications can be processed through the UAE embassy, with fees typically starting at $80, though costs may vary depending on the country of issuance.
UAE Residence Permit (Resident Visa)
Foreign nationals seeking to relocate to the UAE must obtain legal residency after their visa-free period expires.
While the UAE does not have formal classifications for «residence permits» or «permanent residence», a residence visa serves as the equivalent and can be renewed indefinitely.
Eligibility for a UAE residence visa includes:
- Property owners in the UAE.
- Investors in the country’s economy.
- Business owners with a registered company in the UAE.
- Employees of UAE-based companies.
- Students enrolled in the UAE educational institutions.
- Family members of residence visa holders.
- Financially independent retirees.
UAE Residency for Property Investment
Foreign investors can obtain a long-term residency visa — the UAE’s equivalent of a residence permit — by purchasing real estate valued at a minimum of $205,000 (AED 750,000). This offers a structured pathway to residency, with the option to sponsor immediate family members.
Two-Year Renewable Residency Visa
Property buyers meeting the investment threshold can apply for a two-year renewable residence visa, valid across all emirates for both apartments and villas.
Key Requirements:
- Minimum property value: $205,000 (AED 750,000).
- For mortgaged properties, at least 50% of the property value must be paid to the bank, along with a no-objection letter from the lender.
- Joint ownership between spouses is permitted, provided the combined property value meets the minimum requirement (a certified marriage certificate must be submitted).
Required Documentation:
- Valid passport.
- Title deed (e-Certificate of Title).
- Passport-sized photo.
- Health insurance.
- Emirates ID (if applicable).
- Copy of current visa or entry permit (if applicable).
Visa Fees:
Investor visa | $2,700 |
Family sponsorship (per family member) | $1,930 |
Children under 18 sponsorship | $1,740 |
10-year Renewable Residence Permit (Golden Visa)
Real estate investors who purchase property valued at AED 2 million ($545,000) or more are eligible to apply for a renewable 10-year Golden Visa, offering long-term residency benefits. This visa allows investors to sponsor their spouse, children, and parents.
Property buyers in Dubai are no longer required to make a minimum down payment of AED 1 million to be eligible for the Golden Visa, as the government has eased the criteria for real estate investors.
Eligibility Criteria for Investors:
- The property (or multiple properties) must be wholly owned by the applicant and valued at a minimum of AED 2 million.
- Mortgaged properties are eligible, provided a no-objection letter from the bank is submitted, confirming the paid amount and remaining balance.
- The applicant must be physically present in the UAE at the time of application.
Family members can be included under the investor’s visa, with requirements such as a no-objection letter from the father if the mother is the sponsor, as well as proof that children over 18 are unmarried. Additional documentation includes the sponsor’s passport, Emirates ID, a recent photograph, and health insurance.
This visa provides several key advantages, including the ability to sponsor an unlimited number of domestic helpers, the freedom to stay outside the UAE for more than the usual six-month period without losing residency status, and the assurance that family members can remain in the country until the end of their visa duration, even if the primary visa holder passes away. The Golden Visa is an attractive option for investors seeking long-term residence in one of the world’s most dynamic markets.
Contact us today to explore a selection of Golden Visa-eligible properties in Dubai. Our expert team is ready to guide you through the investment process and help you secure long-term residency in the UAE with a range of premium real estate options.
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From $140,000
Yield 9.0% Completion in: 2025.IV
From $579,000
Completion in: 2027.IV Total of 291 apartments
From $303,000
Completion in: 2025.IV Total of 331 apartments
From $338,000
Completion in: 2028 Total of 300 apartments
From $231,000
Completion in: 2028.I Total of 255 apartments
From $525,000
Completion in: 2027.IV Total of 572 apartments
From $197,000
Completion in: 2026.IV Total of 381 apartments
UAE Residence Visa by Investment
Investors in public investments can qualify for a Golden Visa for a 10-year renewable period without the need for a sponsor. To be eligible, the investor must meet one of the following conditions:
- Provide a letter from an accredited UAE investment fund confirming a deposit of AED 2 million.
- Submit a valid commercial or industrial licence along with a memorandum of association confirming the investor’s capital is no less than AED 2 million.
- Provide a letter from the Federal Tax Authority stating that the investor contributes at least AED 250,000 annually in taxes.
Additional Requirements Include:
- The invested capital must be fully owned by the investor, and cannot be in the form of a loan.
- Proof of medical insurance for the investor and any accompanying family members.
UAE Work Residence Visa
To secure a UAE work residence visa, individuals must first obtain an employment contract with a registered company operating within the UAE. The employer is responsible for initiating the visa process and covering the associated costs.
Key Documentation Required:
- A valid international passport (original and copy).
- A translated higher education diploma or other qualifications confirming the applicant’s credentials.
- A medical certificate issued by a UAE-approved healthcare provider.
The application process begins with the issuance of a temporary employment entry visa for 60 days, during which the employer submits the residence permit application to the General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs. Upon approval, the employee is granted an Emirates ID.
Fees and Charges:
Residence permit fee | $54 |
Knowledge Dirham: | $3 |
Innovation Dirham | $3 |
In-country fee | $136 |
The work residence visa allows employees to reside and work in the UAE for a two-year period, renewable under the same conditions.
UAE Student Visa
The Golden Residency Permit is offered to exceptional graduates from UAE schools, universities, or international institutions. This 10-year residency cannot be extended under any circumstances.
Students who have demonstrated outstanding academic achievements are eligible for the Golden Visa without requiring a sponsor.
Top students are eligible if they have a secondary school certificate with a score of at least 95%, while university graduates must hold a degree from a university ranked in the top 100 globally. For graduates of international universities, a degree from a Ministry of Education-approved institution and a GPA of 3.5 or higher are required. The application must be submitted within two years of graduation.
To apply for the Golden Visa, applicants need to submit their application through the relevant online portals in Abu Dhabi or Dubai. The one-time fee for the Student Golden Visa is approximately $300.
Retirement Visa in Dubai
The Retirement Visa allows individuals over 55 to reside in the UAE for a 5-year period after retirement. To qualify, retirees must have at least 15 years of work experience (either in the UAE or abroad) or be over the age of 55. They must also meet one of the following financial criteria: owning property worth at least AED 1 million, having savings of AED 1 million, or demonstrating a monthly income of AED 15,000 (approximately $4,000).
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UAE Family Residence Visa
The Family Residence Visa allows dependents such as spouses and children to live in the UAE under the sponsorship of the primary visa holder. This visa enables families to stay together in the UAE, with the primary visa holder being the sponsor.
To apply for a Family Residence Visa, the primary visa holder must have a valid UAE residence visa and meet the minimum salary criteria set by the immigration authorities. Upon entry to the UAE under an entry permit, the resident sponsor has 60 days to apply for a family residence visa.
The application process requires submitting the visa application form, available online or at the immigration office. Passport copies for the primary visa holder and all dependents must be provided, with passports valid for at least six months. Additionally, recent passport-size photos for each family member are required.
For the spouse, an attested marriage certificate must be submitted, and for children, attested birth certificates are needed. A medical examination is mandatory for all family members, and suitable proof of accommodation in the UAE must be provided, such as a tenancy contract or property ownership documents.
Requirements for Sponsoring a Family Residence Visa
To sponsor a family residence visa, the primary visa holder must meet the financial requirements, with a minimum salary of $1,089 (AED 4,000). The primary visa holder is responsible for ensuring all required documents are submitted accurately and on time.
- A resident can sponsor an unmarried daughter, with no age restrictions.
- A resident can sponsor a son up to the age of 25, with no age restrictions for sons with special needs.
- A newborn child must be sponsored within 120 days of birth.
- A resident can sponsor parents with a one-year residency, subject to a deposit required by immigration authorities.
If the sponsor’s visa is cancelled, the family members’ visas will also be cancelled.
Documents Required for UAE Residence Visa
A list of documents differs for each immigrant depending on the grounds on which the foreigner is applying for a residence permit. Among the main documents are the following:
- An international passport that will expire no earlier than six months after the first entry to the UAE.
- A marriage certificate and birth certificates of children. These documents must be apostilled and legalised at the UAE Consulate.
- A document confirming the purpose of the foreigner’s stay in the UAE: for example, a job offer or a letter of admission to the university.
- A proof of sufficient funds: bank statements, a payment statement of university fees, etc.
- A proof of medical examination at a licensed centre in the UAE.
- A payment receipt of visa fees.
UAE Residence Visa Procedure
The process for obtaining a UAE Residence Visa involves submitting the necessary documents to the General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs either in person or online.
If an expatriate has secured employment in the UAE, the employer is responsible for submitting the visa application on behalf of the employee. Similarly, if the application is for a student visa, the educational institution is tasked with processing and submitting the required documents.
UAE Visa Rejection Reasons
A residence permit may be denied if the applicant has submitted an incomplete set of documents or unclear copies of documents.
A foreigner may also be refused a residence permit or have theirs terminated if he/she has violated the country laws.
How to Get UAE Citizenship
The UAE citizenship is only granted to the children of the UAE nationals. It may also be granted to a woman who has been married to the UAE national for at least three years. In this case, the decision on granting citizenship is made by the Ministry of Interior Affairs.
In addition, the UAE citizenship may be granted if the following conditions are met:
- At least 30 years of legal residence in the country (at least seven years for citizens of Qatar, Oman or Bahrain of Arab origin).
- Compliance with all regulations and laws of the country.
- A certain level of Arabic language proficiency.
- No criminal record.
- Conversion to Islam.
In exceptional cases, the Emirati authorities grant citizenship to a foreigner for special services to the country. However, the UAE citizenship implies the renunciation of any other citizenship and can be revoked due to abuse of the rules of stay, breaking the law, residing outside the UAE for four years in a row or engaging in activities posing a threat to national security.
Residence permit in other countries:
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