Choosing GoBusiness for your UAE residence visa unlocks a world of opportunities for you and your family. Tap into the dynamic UAE market with minimal investment, making it easier to start and grow your business.
We streamline the entire business setup process, ensuring efficiency and cost-effectiveness by handling all Government procedures on your behalf.
By trusting GoBusiness with your residence visa needs, you’re paving the way for a future filled with personal and professional growth, unlocking a wealth of benefits along the way.
Beyond business setup, we're your trusted UAE visa partner, for a seamless residence visa procedure.
At GoBusiness, we help acquire your residence visa Dubai, and go far beyond organising an office for your venture, connecting you with a strong community of business owners. Picture yourself working in our friendly coworking spaces, whether you need a dedicated desk, a private office, or just a place for the day. We have different workspace options to fit your needs, like our standard access, dedicated desk, and private office packages. You’ll find everything you need here, including meeting rooms, event spaces, lounges, a fun area, and even a recording studio. What’s more, you will also be able to join exclusive events, meet other business owners, and have a professional address that builds trust in your brand.
A residence visa in Dubai is an official permit that allows foreign nationals to live in the emirate for an extended period. Whether moving for work, education or to join family, securing a residence visa is a crucial step.
The residence visa in UAE grants legal residency status and comes with several benefits such as opening a bank account, leasing property, enrolling in schools and accessing healthcare services. To apply for a residence visa in Dubai, one must meet the prescribed criteria, typically sponsored by an employer, family member or through property or investment routes. The residence visa is issued after entering the country on an entry permit and completing essential procedures such as medical testing and Emirates ID registration.
Yes. A residence visa in Dubai is required for anyone planning to remain in the city for more than a brief visit. It is not optional but mandated by law. Unlike a visit visa, which is temporary and restrictive, a residence visa formalises one’s legal standing in the country.
Those taking up employment, setting up their lives with family or enrolling in a full-time course must hold a valid residence visa in the UAE. It is not linked to nationality but to the nature and duration of stay. Even if someone owns property or spends extended periods in Dubai each year, they cannot bypass the need for a residence visa.
Without a residence visa in Dubai, individuals are not permitted to stay beyond the short-term window given to visitors. Overstaying without valid documentation can result in fines, legal penalties and even restrictions on future entry.
The rules surrounding the residence visa in the UAE are designed to ensure clarity for authorities, employers, landlords and residents alike. Simply put, the residence visa is what turns Dubai from a stopover into a place to belong.
A residence visa in Dubai is issued to eligible foreigners who plan to live in the city for employment, education, business or family-related reasons.
Individuals working in the public, private or free zone sectors may obtain a residence visa in Dubai through their employer. The employer acts as the sponsor and handles the formalities with the General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs – Dubai (GDRFAD).
Skilled professionals, freelancers and investors can apply under the green visa category, a type of residence visa in the UAE that allows them to sponsor themselves.
Students enrolled in accredited universities or colleges can receive a residence visa sponsored either by their institution or a parent who is a resident in the UAE.
Retirees who meet certain financial criteria can apply for a residence visa in Dubai valid for five years, with the possibility of renewal.
Those holding valid residence visas may sponsor immediate family members, provided income and housing requirements are met.
All applications require a valid passport, entry permit, medical fitness test (for those aged 18 and above) and Emirates ID registration.
The duration of stay granted by a residence visa in the UAE varies depending on the type of visa issued. Most work-related residence visas are valid for two years, while green visas and retirement-related residence visas are generally issued for five years, and some visas extend up to ten years. Certain categories, including student visas and virtual work visas, are issued for one year, renewable subject to ongoing eligibility. Holders of a residence visa in Dubai may stay in the country for the full duration stated on the visa and may renew it upon meeting the prescribed criteria.
Renewing a residence visa in the UAE is a straightforward process, provided it is done within the appropriate time frame. The renewal must be initiated before the visa expires to avoid fines or status changes.
Renewals can be processed through authorised government channels such as the ICP or GDRFAD. For self-sponsored individuals under the green visa, financial documents and professional permits must also be renewed or revalidated.
Upon the expiry or cancellation of a residence visa in the UAE, residents are granted a grace period of up to 6 months, depending on their resident category, to either regularise their status, apply for a new visa or make arrangements to leave the country. This grace period helps avoid immediate penalties and allows time for necessary formalities.
It is important to note that while the residence visa may no longer be active during this grace period, overstaying beyond it incurs a fine as per the government regulations. This fine applies uniformly across all visa types.
As a general rule, if a resident remains outside the UAE for more than 180 consecutive days, the residence visa in Dubai becomes invalid automatically. In such cases, re-entry into the country is not permitted under the existing visa. Instead, the individual must apply for a special entry permit.
However, certain exceptions exist. Residents falling under specific categories, such as those pursuing treatment, education or official assignments abroad, may retain the validity of their residence visa even after exceeding the six-month threshold. This also applies to residents working in overseas branches of UAE-based organisations, among others.
For individuals whose visa has become invalid due to a prolonged stay abroad, the option exists to apply for an entry permit, provided they have a valid reason, submit the application from outside the country and pay the amount spent abroad beyond the six-month period. Once approved, entry must take place within 30 days of the permit’s approval date.
A residence visa in Dubai is issued after entering the UAE on an entry permit and fulfilling specific criteria based on the visa type and sponsor. This visa allows individuals to legally live, work, study or reside in the emirate.
To apply, the sponsor, either an employer, family member or another eligible entity, must complete the formalities, including the medical fitness test (for those aged 18 and above), security clearance and application for an Emirates ID.
The duration of the residence visa in Dubai may vary from 1, 2 or 3 years depending on the sponsor and visa type. Some residence options may extend up to 5 or 10 years under specific categories, subject to conditions.
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