UAE Residence Visa Types: A Comprehensive Guide

The United Arab Emirates (UAE) continues to be a preferred destination for professionals, entrepreneurs, students and families from around the world. A residence visa is an essential legal requirement for anyone wishing to stay in the UAE long-term. Whether moving for work, study or retirement, understanding the different types of residence visas is crucial.

What is a UAE residence visa?

A UAE residence visa is an official permit that allows foreign nationals to reside in the country for a fixed period, usually ranging from 1 to 10 years, depending on the visa category. The residence visa is usually linked to a sponsor, be it an employer, a family member or in some categories, through self-sponsorship for eligible individuals.

Main types of UAE residence visas in 2024

1. Employment visa : Issued to individuals working in the UAE’s private or government sectors. The employer acts as the sponsor. Valid for 2–3 years.
2. Green visa for skilled workers, freelancers and investors:  A 5-year visa allowing self-sponsorship. Available to:
   • Skilled employees earning AED 15,000/month with a bachelor’s degree
   • Freelancers/self-employed professionals with a freelance permit and minimum income
   • Investors establishing or participating in commercial activities
3. Long-term residence visas (10 years): Granted to foreign talents and key contributors, including:
   • Investors and real estate owners (subject to capital and property value criteria)
   • Entrepreneurs in technical or innovative ventures
   • Doctors, scientists, creatives and specialists in strategic sectors
   • High-achieving students and graduates
   • Humanitarian workers and frontline heroes
4. Blue visa: A ten-year visa for those making outstanding contributions to environmental sustainability, such as researchers, activists and NGO members.
5. Virtual work visa: A one-year visa for foreigners employed outside the UAE, allowing them to live in the UAE while working remotely. Applicants must earn a minimum monthly income of USD 3,500.
6. Student visa: Issued to students enrolled in accredited UAE universities. Typically valid for one year and renewable. Students may be sponsored by their educational institution or a parent residing in the UAE.
7. Family sponsorship visa: Expatriates with a valid residence visa can sponsor their spouse and children. A minimum salary of AED 4,000 or AED 3,000 with accommodation is required.
   Sponsorship of parents is permitted under specific conditions, such as sponsoring both together and meeting income and insurance criteria.
8. Retirement visa: A five-year visa is available to retirees aged 55+ or with 15 years of work experience. Financial requirements include property ownership, savings or a minimum monthly income.
9. UAE citizen family sponsorship: UAE citizens may sponsor their foreign spouse, children or parents for residence visas valid for up to five years.

How to apply for a UAE residence visa?

Step 1: Obtain an entry permit

Your sponsor (employer, family member or self) applies for an entry permit through the Federal Authority for Identity and Citizenship (ICP) portal or GDRFA channels. Entry permits are the prerequisite to processing a residence visa.

Step 2: Submit required documents

Depending on your visa category, required documents may include:

• Recent coloured photo (white background)
• Applicant’s passport copy
• Emirates ID application receipt
• Sponsor’s passport copy with valid residence
• Sponsor’s job contract
• Entry permit
• Medical fitness certificate (for applicants over 18)
• Attested birth certificate (for dependents)
• Mother’s residence visa copy (for newborns)
• Medical insurance or health card
• Certificate of study (for students)
• Divorce/death certificate, housing proof and income proof (for widows/divorced women)

Step 3: Apply for the residence visa

The sponsor submits the full application to the General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs (GDRFA).

Step 4: Pay the fees

At the time of application, visa fees must be paid. The total cost will depend on the type of residence visa, its validity period and other associated services such as medical examinations and Emirates ID issuance.

Step 5: Visa approval and stamping

Once approved, the visa is stamped in the passport or issued electronically.

Step 6: Obtain Emirates ID

The Emirates ID, valid for the same period as the visa, serves as your primary form of identification within the UAE.

Costs and validity periods

Residence visas are typically issued for 1, 2 or 3 years when sponsored by an employer or family member. Long-term visas are issued for 5 or 10 years and are renewable.

Costs depend on:

• Visa duration
• Sponsorship type
• Medical exams, insurance and documentation requirements

Applicants are advised to budget for related services such as Emirates ID, health checks and visa typing services.

Benefits of holding a UAE residence visa

A valid UAE residence visa enables residents to:

• Open and operate bank accounts
• Apply for credit and loans
• Access government health services and insurance
• Apply for a driving licence
• Enrol children in public or private schools
• Work, invest and sponsor dependents
• Travel visa-free to certain countries (subject to embassy confirmation)

Common challenges and tips for a smooth application

Common Challenges:

• Incomplete or improperly attested documents
• Missing deadlines for renewal

Tips:

• Complete medical tests at approved centres only
• Consult official portals (ICP, GDRFA) for updates

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. How long does it take to get a residence visa?

The full process, from entry permit to stamping, typically takes 1 to 3 weeks, depending on the visa type and processing efficiency.

2. Can I sponsor my family members?

Yes, if you meet the minimum salary and accommodation criteria. Family sponsorship is no longer limited by job title.

3. What happens if my visa expires?

Overstaying leads to fines. However, dependents are usually granted a six-month grace period after the primary visa holder’s cancellation.

4. Can I switch visa types while in the UAE?

Yes, in most cases you can switch between visa types, such as from student to employment, without exiting the country, provided your new sponsor fulfils all conditions.