It’s equivalent to a residence permit, allowing foreign citizens to live in this country for an extended period. It can be valid for 2, 5, or even 10 years and can be renewed as many times as needed.
You can obtain a residence permit in various ways: open a company or register as a freelancer, buy property, open a bank deposit, get official employment in the Emirates, or enroll in a university.
Choose the perfect visa for your business and employees in the UAE.
A long-term residence visa designed for investors, entrepreneurs, talented professionals, scientists, and outstanding students. Provides opportunity for long-term residence and work in the UAE without requiring employer sponsorship. Ideal for key executives and investors.
Issued to
The program sets no restrictions on age, country of origin, or citizenship of the applicant. Upon visa expiration, the applicant can renew it provided they maintain the same conditions under which it was obtained (e.g., continued company management or property ownership).
A Golden Visa option available to foreign citizens who make a significant bank deposit in the UAE. Deposit amount and conditions may vary.
Requirements
A 10-year long-term residence permit in the UAE can be obtained by making a deposit of 2 million AED or equivalent in another currency in a local bank. The average interest rate on the deposit is 4%.
Advantage
With a Golden Visa, there’s no need to validate residence by visiting the UAE every 6 months.
Hidden Aspects
After receiving the visa, the deposit must remain in the account for at least 2 years. After this period, the deposit can be closed, and the Golden Visa will remain valid for another 8 years.
Application Procedure
Cost of 10-year visa for bank deposit
| Fee | Cost |
|---|---|
| Visa fee | 2,700 AED |
| Medical examination | 750 AED |
| Emirates ID for 10 years | 1,200 AED |
| Total | 4,650 AED |
Prices are for reference only and do not constitute an official offer, and do not include insurance and agency fees.
A Golden Visa option available to foreign citizens who purchase property in the UAE meeting specific value criteria.
Requirements
A foreigner can obtain a 10-year long-term residence permit in the UAE by purchasing property worth at least 2 million AED. This can be one property or several. The main requirement is that the total amount must not be below the established minimum. The property can be either ready or under construction (minimum 30% completion). Payment plans from developers are available for under-construction properties. Bank mortgages are only available for completed properties.
Advantage
With a Golden Visa, there’s no need to validate residence by visiting the UAE every 6 months.
Hidden Aspects
The property cannot be sold within 2 years of purchase. Otherwise, the Golden Visa must be cancelled.
Application Procedure
Cost of 10-year Golden Visa for property purchase
| Fee | Cost |
|---|---|
| Land Department fee for 10-year visa | 8,300 AED |
| Medical examination | 750 AED |
| Emirates ID for 10 years | 1,200 AED |
| Total | 10,250 AED |
Prices are for reference only and do not constitute an official offer, and do not include insurance and agency fees.
A special visa allowing work in the UAE on a freelance basis. Opens opportunities for independent professionals in various fields. Suitable for companies working with independent contractors.
Requirements
A residence visa can be obtained based on a freelance license, which can be registered in one of the UAE free zones. Suitable for independent professionals, self-employed individuals, and sole proprietors providing professional services. Typically, the minimum workspace requirement is a flexi-desk (non-permanent workspace).
Advantage
Work can be conducted remotely, visiting the UAE once every 6 months only to validate the visa. Family members can obtain visas based on the freelancer visa. The visa is issued for 2 years, however, the license and immigration card need to be renewed annually.
Hidden Aspects
Limited list of permitted activities. This license allows professional services but not trading.
Cost of 2-year freelancer visa
| Item | Cost |
|---|---|
| Freelance license 2-year visa Medical examination Emirates ID |
14,200 AED |
| Medical insurance for 1 year | from 1,100 AED |
| Total | 15,300 AED |
Prices are for reference only and do not constitute an official offer, and do not include insurance and agency fees.
Business Setup Visa
Designed for foreign citizens who are owners or partners of companies registered in the UAE, including companies in free economic zones. This visa allows managing your business and residing in the Emirates.
Requirements
To obtain this 2-year visa, you need to register a license in one of the free zones or on the UAE mainland. The applicant must be a shareholder or company owner. Some free zones require minimum share capital, starting from 50,000 AED. Also, certain free zones require medical insurance, particularly Dubai free zones.
Advantage
Business can be conducted remotely, visiting the UAE once every 6 months only to validate the visa. The residence permit is valid for 2 years, however, the license and immigration card need to be renewed annually. Family members can obtain visas based on the business visa.
Hidden Aspects
To maintain the residence visa, the company license must be renewed annually.
Application Procedure
Cost of 2-year visa for business setup in UAE
| Item | Cost |
|---|---|
| Company registration Visa fee Medical examination Emirates ID for 2 years | from 22,800 AED |
| Medical insurance for 1 year | from 1,100 AED |
| Total | from 23,900 AED |
Prices are for reference only and do not constitute an official offer, and do not include insurance and agency fees.
Provided to foreign citizens who invest in the UAE economy, for example, through property purchase. This visa grants residence rights and can be renewed while maintaining investments.
Requirements
Advantage
Property investment visa is issued for 2 years. The purchased property can be rented out to generate income (ROI). No tax is paid on rental income from property.
Hidden Aspects
The property cannot be sold without first canceling the residence visa.
Application Procedure
Cost of 2-year visa for property purchase
| Fee | Cost |
|---|---|
| Visa fee | 9,800 AED |
| Medical examination | 750 AED |
| Emirates ID | 400 AED |
| Criminal record certificate | 220 AED |
| Total | 11,170 AED |
Prices are for reference only and do not constitute an official offer, and do not include insurance and agency fees.
The main type of visa for foreign citizens arriving in the UAE for employment. It allows employees to legally work and reside in the country while being sponsored by a local employer. Essential for all companies hiring foreign specialists.
Requirements
When officially employed by a UAE company, an employee can receive a 2-year residence visa. The basis for the visa is a signed employment contract. Typically, the employer handles the expenses and processing of the residence permit. However, in some cases, the employee independently obtains the visa and bears the processing costs.
Advantage
The visa is issued for 2 years. The employee can obtain residence permits for family members and open a resident personal account in a UAE bank.
Hidden Aspects
Upon termination of the employment contract, the residence visa will be cancelled, as well as the visas of family members.
Application Procedure
Cost of employee visa
| Fee | Cost |
|---|---|
| Visa fee | 3,500 AED |
| Medical examination | 750 AED |
| Emirates ID | 400 AED |
| Total | 4,650 AED |
Prices are for reference only and do not constitute an official offer, and do not include insurance and agency fees.
A visa allowing UAE residents to sponsor their immediate family members (spouses, children, parents) for residence in the Emirates. Critically important for ensuring comfortable relocation of employees with families.
Requirements
Other requirements depending on circumstances:
Advantage
Family visas can be issued for periods from 2 to 10 years. Family members residing in the UAE on family visas have the right to study, work, and conduct business in the country, as well as open bank accounts.
Potential Issues
If the sponsor’s visa is canceled and not renewed, they must also cancel the family visas.
Family Visa Cost
| Fee | Cost |
|---|---|
| Visa fee if applicant is outside the country | from 3,340 AED |
| Medical examination | 750 AED |
| Emirates ID | 400 AED |
| Total | 4,490 AED |
Prices are for reference only and are not an official offer, and do not include insurance and agency fees. The visa fee will be higher if the applicant is in the country. Additionally, you will need to pay for visa status change.
Designed for foreign citizens of retirement age who wish to live in the UAE after retirement. Usually requires proof of financial stability. May be of interest to companies offering relocation programs for retired employees.
Requirements
Issued to UAE residents aged 55 and above:
Issued to UAE non-residents aged 55 and above who meet one of the following conditions:
Foreigners who have reached retirement age can obtain UAE residency for 5 years. The applicant must be over 55 years old or have at least 15 years of work experience in the UAE. A mandatory requirement is having investments in the form of a UAE bank deposit or UAE real estate worth at least 1 million AED, or an official salary of at least 15,000 AED in Dubai or 20,000 AED in other emirates.
Advantage
With a 5-year residence visa, retirees don’t need to validate their residence by visiting the UAE every 6 months.
Potential Issues
The retirement visa applicant must have medical insurance.
Application Procedure
Retirement Visa Cost
| Fee | Cost |
|---|---|
| Visa fee | 7,000 AED |
| Medical examination | 750 AED |
| Emirates ID | 1,200 AED |
| Total | 8,950 AED |
Prices are for reference only and are not an official offer, and do not include insurance and agency fees.
We assist in processing a wide range of visas adapted to various purposes of stay in the UAE – from employment and business to family residence. Below are the most relevant visas that we help obtain for your employees and their families. For detailed information about each visa type, please follow the corresponding link.
Contact us – we'll advise you free of charge on which visa suits your situation.
Your path to UAE residency: step-by-step visa process.
We'll guide you through each step and inform you of all details.
We ensure legal compliance, adherence to immigration service requirements, and save your time.
Our company specializes in providing comprehensive visa services, removing administrative burden from you and minimizing risks. We guarantee a professional approach, complete transparency at every stage, and individual solutions for your corporate needs.
We'll help simplify your path to UAE residency.
General document requirements for UAE visa applications. Prepare in advance: basic document checklist for your convenience.
We'll help you collect and organize all necessary documents.
While the complete list of documents may vary depending on visa type and individual circumstances, below are the main categories of documents typically required for most UAE residence visas. Our specialists will provide you with an exact list after initial consultation.
Emirate Company is your reliable partner in visa and residency matters in Dubai. We ensure all documents are current and applications are submitted on time, minimizing complexities and guaranteeing smooth relocation for you and your team. Our experienced team of experts prevents delays and errors that could negatively impact your relocation or business operations, ensuring high accuracy and efficiency in all visa processes.
What you need to know before applying for a visa.
The United Arab Emirates offers several types of long-term visas designed to attract foreign talent and investment. These visas provide stability and allow planning for the future in the UAE 5 or 10 years ahead.
The UAE offers a wide range of visas: residence (based on company, work, or investment), golden (5-10 years), freelance visas, family visas, student visas, and domestic worker visas. We’ll help select the appropriate type based on your goals and legal status.
On average, visa processing takes 5 to 20 working days, depending on the type, document readiness, and chosen jurisdiction. Delays may occur during medical examinations or immigration service approvals, but our process runs as efficiently as possible.
Emirates ID is the national identification document for UAE residents. It’s mandatory for living, renting accommodation, opening bank accounts, and most legal procedures in the country. Its processing is included in the visa procedure.
Yes, you can obtain a visa through a freelance license, investments (e.g., Golden Visa), or family sponsorship. Opening a company is just one of the possible paths.
Yes, medical examination is mandatory for all residence visas. It includes screening for tuberculosis, hepatitis, and HIV. We’ll inform you in advance where and how to get checked to avoid unnecessary delays.
Yes, you can obtain a family visa for your spouse, children, and in some cases, parents. This requires proof of income, rental accommodation, and a valid visa for the main applicant.
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Our specialist will answer your questions.
Learn more about Emirate Company from real customer reviews
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I had heard before that opening an account in the UAE is difficult, but with this company, everything went smoothly. Great service and clear support.
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Emirate Company, founded in 2020 by a team of experienced professionals, provides comprehensive support to legal entities in the UAE.
