How to Get UAE Residence Visa in 2025: Full Step-by-Step Guide

You can get a UAE residence visa through employment, property investment, company formation, or family sponsorship. Each route has specific eligibility criteria, required documents, and costs.

UAE residence visa is not just a legal formality—it opens doors to long-term living, banking, property ownership, and more. But with several visa types and ever-evolving regulations, navigating the process can feel overwhelming. That’s where this guide comes in.

Homeland Realty Real Estate breaks it down step-by-step so you can secure the right residence visa for your lifestyle, whether you're moving for work, retirement, or remote entrepreneurship.

What is a UAE residence visa and who needs it?

A UAE residence visa allows foreign nationals to live legally in the UAE for an extended period, typically 2 to 10 years.

Foreigners planning to stay in the UAE beyond the standard tourist visa period must apply for a residence visa. This visa grants access to essential services like opening bank accounts, signing leases, getting a driver’s license, and enrolling in schools.

Common holders include:

• Employees hired by UAE-based companies
• Entrepreneurs and freelancers
• Retirees with sufficient income
• Real estate investors
• Family members sponsored by a resident 

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How do I apply for a UAE residence visa?

You apply through a sponsor (employer, family member, or self through investment or freelance permit), submit documents, undergo a medical test, and complete Emirates ID registration.

Here’s a typical process:

1. Get a sponsor: This could be an employer, a family member, or yourself via property investment, business formation, or freelance license.
2. Apply for an entry permit: This is often done online or through the sponsor.
3. Medical fitness test: Blood test and chest X-ray are mandatory.
4. Biometric scanning: Required for Emirates ID application.
5. Submit documents: Submit to the General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs (GDRFA).
6. Receive your visa stamp: This is placed in your passport and linked to your Emirates ID.

Processing time: Typically 5-15 working days.

What are the fees for a UAE residence visa?

UAE residence visa fees vary between AED 3,000 to AED 7,500, depending on visa type, duration, and sponsor.

Typical costs:

Note: Additional costs may include medical exams (~AED 350), Emirates ID (~AED 370), and insurance. 

How to get a UAE residence visa through employment?

Your UAE-based employer will sponsor and process your residence visa after you sign your contract.

The employer handles most of the process:

• Entry permit for work
• Medical fitness test
• Emirates ID registration
• Visa stamping

Validity: 2 or 3 years, depending on the employer’s location (mainland vs free zone). 

How can freelancers or remote workers get UAE residency?

Freelancers can apply for a freelance license through specific UAE free zones or the GoFreelance initiative, then sponsor themselves.

You’ll need:

• Freelance permit from a free zone (e.g., Dubai Development Authority, RAKEZ)
• Proof of skillset or portfolio
• Passport copy and recent photo
• Medical and Emirates ID clearance

Bonus: Dubai's GoFreelance platform offers an easy way to start. 

Can I get a residence visa through property investment?

Yes, if you invest in real estate worth AED 750,000 or more, you can apply for a renewable 2- to 10-year residence visa.

Minimum requirements:

• Property value: AED 750,000 (for a 2-year visa) or AED 2 million (for a 10-year Golden Visa)
• Title deed in your name
• Proof of income to support living expenses

You can view suitable investment opportunities at Homeland Realty Projects. 

What is the UAE Golden Visa and who can apply?

The Golden Visa is a long-term 10-year residence visa available to investors, entrepreneurs, high-earning professionals, scientists, and outstanding students.

Eligibility:

• Real estate investment of AED +2M
• Entrepreneurs with established companies or startup investments
• Highly skilled professionals earning AED +30,000/month
• Doctors, researchers, creatives, and academics

Apply through the Federal Authority for Identity and Citizenship or GDRFA.

Read more: Top Reasons UAE Golden Visa Applications Get Rejected & Fixes

How to get a retirement visa in the UAE?

Retirees aged +55 can apply if they meet financial criteria like AED 1 million in savings, a monthly income of AED 20,000, or owning a property.

Dubai Tourism’s “Retire in Dubai” program offers a 5-year visa with renewal options. Learn more via the official Retire in Dubai portal. 

Can I convert a tourist visa to a residence visa inside the UAE?

Yes, you can convert a tourist visa to a residence visa without leaving the country by paying a status change fee.

If you secure a job or start a freelance or investment route, your visa can be converted through immigration channels with fees of around AED 650 - 1,000.

Read more: How to Search for Jobs in Dubai: Essential Tips

What documents are required for a UAE residence visa?

Required documents include your passport, visa application, photos, Emirates ID application, medical test results, and sponsor-related documents.

Checklist:

• Passport (+6 months validity)
• Passport-sized photos (white background)
• Entry permit (if applicable)
• Medical fitness report
• Emirates ID registration form
• Sponsor documentation (job contract, title deed, freelance license, etc.)

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Frequently Asked Questions

How long is the UAE residence visa valid? 

Residence visas are typically valid for 2 year, but Golden Visas offer 10-year validity.

Can I sponsor my family with a freelance visa?

Yes, once your freelance visa is active and you meet income thresholds (AED +4,000/month), you can sponsor immediate family.

Do I need to live in the UAE full-time to keep the visa?

Yes, residents must not be outside the UAE for more than 180 consecutive days or the visa may be revoked.

What is the cost of a UAE residence visa?

Costs vary, ranging from AED 3,000 to AED 7,500 depending on visa type, sponsor, and duration.

Can property investors get a Golden Visa?

Yes, if you invest AED 2 million or more in UAE property, you're eligible for a 10-year Golden Visa.

Read more:

 Golden and Green Visas: A Guide for UAE Real Estate Investors

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