UAE Residence Visa - Types of Residence Visas for Dubai

You'll need a residence visa if you want to move to Dubai or relocate your team. Dubai’s residence visa allows you to live in the country for an extended period.

You can apply for different types of visas, and they may be valid for one, two, or more years. If you want to extend your time in the UAE, you can re-apply for it and extend it whenever you want.

However, it is important to understand the differences between distinct types of visas Dubai provides. This will allow you to apply for the one that most meets your needs. It will increase your likelihood of getting one. So, let’s see which types of visas are available to you, and how to get them.

Types of UAE Residence Visas

There are eight types of visas that you can apply for to gain the right to stay in Dubai long-term. Here are your options:

1. Set up a business presence in Dubai

2. Apply for a work visa

3. Apply for a freelancer visa

4. College or university visa

5. Apply for a Family visa as a family member

6. Purchase a property

7. Get a Golden or Green Visa

8. Get a visa for retirees.

If you want to apply for a work visa or to transfer your remote team there, the first three options are the most workable. Obtaining a Gold or Green visa might be another great option if your talent wants to move to Dubai. Yet, you can also buy real estate as a last resort.

Getting the UAE residency by opening a company

Setting up a business presence in Dubai is the fastest way to get a visa for this country. It’s also the most efficient one. Setting up a presence in Dubai is very straightforward.

You need to register your business with one of the 40 UAE business registration authorities to open an entity. It may be tricky to discover which one meets your business type, so make sure to inform yourself of their differences.

Once you register your business, you should also get an establishment card. This document proves that you have a company registered in Dubai. It is necessary for your visa application.

Next, you need to get an entry permit. Once you have this document, you can apply for an Emirates ID. To do so, you’ll also have to undergo a medical examination and have the visa stamped in your passport.

You can complete the first part of the process from your native country if you have visited UAE at least once. However, you need to be in Dubai for the medical examination, Emirates ID process, and visa stamping.

How to obtain a UAE residence visa as a freelancer or remote worker

A freelance visa in Dubai allows you to get residency without needing a sponsorship from an employer. Dubai opened its doors to freelancers in 2019. You can move your team there on a freelancer visa without establishing a presence in the country. The freelancer visa is accompanied by a freelance permit.

To get a freelance visa, you’ll start by obtaining a freelance permit. To get a freelance permit, you need to submit the paperwork to a relevant licensing authority. You’ll need to submit your passport copy, recent photo, CV, and portfolio of works if it applies to your business type. Once you have your freelancer permit, you can apply for a freelance visa.

How to obtain a Green or Gold Dubai visa?

Your team may apply for a Dubai visa through Green or Gold Dubai visas. Both of these visas don’t need a sponsorship or an employer. But, they will need to document other aspects when applying for a visa.

A Green visa is a common choice for entrepreneurs and freelancers. Freelancers and entrepreneurs can apply for this type of visa by providing a freelancer’s permit. They'll also need proof of a bachelor’s degree or a master’s diploma, and evidence of annual income that is higher than AED 360,000 for the past two years.

For the Gold Dubai visa, the requirements are slightly higher. People eligible for this visa are CEOs, Business owners, investors, and people who have PhDs. This visa also covers Doctors, Engineers, and Athletes.

Entrepreneurs who have a project of a technical or innovative nature can apply for a Gold visa. They will have to prove that their project is worth 500,000 dirhams. They'll also have to get approval from the relevant authorities that the project is indeed of such a nature. Lastly, they also need to receive accreditation from an approved business incubator in the UAE.

Similarly to the US’ EB-2 NW visa, special talents may also apply for the gold visa. This includes doctors, creatives, scientific specialists, and athletes. It also includes doctoral degree holders and specialists in engineering and science. Depending on the special talent, individuals must submit different paperwork to apply for this type of visa.

How to renew your UAE residency visa?

To renew your UAE residency visa, you’ll generally follow the same procedures you went through to get it. You’ll need to complete another medical check, get your Emirates ID renewed, and have the new visa stamped in your passport.

How much does a Dubai residence visa cost?

The overall cost of a Dubai visa depends on the type of visa. On average, it will cost you anywhere from $1,360 as a freelancer, and up to $525,500 as an entrepreneur. Visa fees stand around $570, while medical fees cost $70. A residence permit costs $205, while your ID application will cost $50.

How long can I stay with a UAE Residence Visa?

If you establish a company in the UAE, you can stay for up to ten years. With a freelancer visa, you are limited to a year. As an employee of a Dubai-based company, your visa depends on the duration of your contract, with a year as a minimum.

How to cancel the UAE residence visa?

If you want to cancel your visa as a self-employed person, you can start the cancellation process on your own. Employees of Dubai-based companies will have to ask their employers to stop their contracts.

You need to submit cancellation documents to the same authorities that issued the visa. The documents that you may need to submit include your passport, Emirates ID, and labor card.

If you have any dependents, you should cancel their visas before canceling your own.

FAQ:

Can I get residency in Dubai if I buy a house?

Yes, investing in real estate will grant you a visa between 2 and 10 years. The length of your visa validity will depend on the price of the property you buy. The minimum investment for the two-year visa is $204,000. If you would like to buy a property to get a 10-year residence visa, you’ll have to invest $544,500 in minimum.

How long is a UAE residence visa?

The length of a visa depends on the type of residence visa you’ve applied for. If you have a contract with a Dubai employer, your work visa can be as short as a year. Entrepreneur visa and real-estate investor visa will grant you up to 10-year residency visas.

How much does it cost to get a Dubai residency?

The cost also depends on the type of visa you are applying for. If you are relying on a work visa, its costs will be covered by the employer. The most expensive type of visa is the entrepreneur visa. It will cost you $545,500 or more. Ultimately, if you decide to buy a property to obtain a visa for Dubai, the property price may affect the cost.