How to Get a UAE Residence Visa in 2025

Before getting a UAE residence visa issued, it becomes crucial to know why it is beneficial. The United Arab Emirates, a federation of seven states, is among the favourite places for foreigners to visit. While this is true, it also makes for the top places to make a shift. While there is a lot to offer tourists, the luxurious lifestyle and rapid economic growth are the two major reasons that attract people to move to this land of opportunities.

With so much to offer, there is always a long list of people willing to make a move to this thriving economy. Here is a blog to help you grab the intricacies of everything that entails getting a UAE/Dubai residence visa.

What is a UAE Residence Visa?

The UAE residence visa is an official document that allows foreigners to live in the Emirates for a specific time period. Like many other countries that have the concept of “permanent residency” benefits, the United Arab Emirates does not have a similar idea. Owning a residency visa ensures that you can live there for an extended period of two, five, or ten years, which can then be renewed as and when required. You can find families living for years like that with their rooted businesses through this method.

Thus, we can say that a UAE residence visa is the way to unlock the doors to the land of growth and luxury. With the right guidance and proper documentation, one could get a visa. Let us look at the requirements or guidelines that should be met to obtain the visa.

Types of UAE Residence Visa along with requirements

To understand the requirements of a UAE residence visa, it is first important to understand what makes you eligible to reside in the country. Various categories can be used to get a Dubai residence visa. For anyone who wishes to move to the Emirates, it’s important for you to fall into one of these categories to fulfil the eligibility criteria. 

The types of UAE residence visas include:

Employment visa:

If you have secured a position with any UAE-based business, then you can get a work permit, which can help you obtain an employment/work visa that will allow you to work and reside in the Emirates, but for a fixed duration of time. This time can be extended as and when required. 

Student visa: 

If you have an offer letter from a study center in the UAE, then you are eligible to get a student visa. This visa is given for the duration of your studies there. 

Business visa: 

A business visa can be obtained by those entrepreneurs who wish to set up a business in the UAE. However, for this, the said person will be required to fulfil the required criteria for setting up a business with investments and guidelines and obtain a business license to finally get the visa. 

Family visa: 

If you are someone dependent on a UAE citizen, like a spouse, children, or parents, then you are eligible for the family sponsorship visa and get the key to live there. But the key point is being dependent on the UAE resident. 

Investor visa: 

There are further divisions in this category. In simpler terms, different investment fields will provide you with different durations of investor visas UAE. For example, if you have made an investment of a certain amount in real estate, then the visa will be different from when you invest directly in a business. 

Retirement visa: 

For availing a visa through this category, there is an age restriction of being 55 or 55+ of age. So if you have enough to support your life in the UAE, then you can apply for a retirement visa. 

Green visa: 

In contrast to the current two-year visa system, skilled workers, independent contractors, and investors can apply for the Green Visa, which enables them to sponsor themselves and their families for five years. 

Golden visa: 

Foreign talent can live, work, or study in the United Arab Emirates with the Golden Visa, a long-term residence permit that offers special advantages. The Golden Visa is available to investors, business owners, scientists, exceptional students and graduates, humanitarian trailblazers, and frontline heroes.

Other residence visa requirements UAE include:

• Health insurance: Many visas in the UAE make it mandatory for the person to have health insurance; if not, there is a high chance that the visa might get rejected. 
• No criminal record: More often than not, no criminal background is a requirement to obtain a Dubai residence visa. 
• Emirates ID: It is mandatory to have an Emirates ID when you apply for the residence visa; make sure you have secured one before you apply for the same.

Documents required for UAE Residence Visa

After getting through with the requirements of getting a UAE residence visa, now you will be required to keep a few documents handy so that the process of issuing a residence visa is permitted smoothly. The list of the essential documents includes the following:

• Valid passport: A valid passport with at least six months along with two empty pages is highly recommended when you apply for your UAE visa. 
• Complete the visa application form: Make sure you have filled out the application form to the best of your knowledge. 
• Passport-size photographs: It is obvious to get some passport-size photographs on a white background. Make sure the photo is the latest. 
• Medical certificate: A medical fitness certificate will be required. The certificate ought to be from a designated medical firm. 
• Bank statements: They might be required to be attested with the visa application. 
• Letter of recommendation: They are often asked to be submitted. 
• Shift-associated documents: The purpose of your shift, whether investment, business, job, or education. You should have the required letter to attest to the move.
• Additional documents: If required by government authorities.

For more details on documentation, please consult our experts at Dubiz Business Setup.

How to get a UAE residence visa?

Now, let’s understand the UAE residence visa process step by step. To get your UAE/Dubai residence visa, follow the following steps:

1. Establish eligibility and visa type: 

Look into various visa categories to see which one best fits your needs. Make sure you fulfill the requirements for the visa category you have selected.

2. Obtain a sponsor (if necessary): 

Look for a sponsor who can legally cover your stay. A university, a UAE national relative, or your employer are your options. Self-sponsorship is permitted under some visas, such as the Green Visa and Investor Visa.

3. Apply for entry permit:

The application will be started by your sponsor or the organisation that handles visa processing. You can enter the UAE to process your residency using the entry permit.

4. Medical examination and Emirates ID:

Complete a medical fitness assessment at an authorised facility. Apply for a national identification card called an Emirates ID.

5. Visa application and collection:

Submit required documents through typing centers or GDRFA channels. Await visa approval notification. Collect your Emirates ID upon approval.

Benefits of holding a UAE/Dubai residence visa

There are several benefits of acquiring a UAE residence permit. This can be understood with the following pointers:

• Simple bank account opening: Emirates IDs, which are connected to residency visas, are needed for corporate accounts. A residence visa allows non-residents to open business bank accounts.
• Financial facilities: Applying for personal, auto, and home loans is simple and free of legal complications.
• Getting a driver’s license in the UAE: Convert your current license or enrol in driving courses and exams. Both processes require a residence visa.
• Healthcare and education: Access top notch healthcare services in UAE and enroll your children in prestigious schools.
• Dependent sponsorship: Bring your spouse, parents, and kids to the United Arab Emirates through dependent sponsorship (subject to wage conditions). Sponsor domestic workers such as drivers or maids.

UAE Residence Visa cost

The government determined application fees for a residence visa is around AED 100* along with additional issuance fees of AED 100* per year. If you apply through the e-channels, then you will have to pay AED 150* for using the service. 

Here are the estimated UAE residence visa costs:

• Two-year visa: AED 3,500* (without insurance), AED 4,200* (with insurance)
• Three-year visa: AED 3,700* (without insurance), AED 5,472* (with insurance)
• Investor Visa (10 years): AED 5,000* (approximate)
• Retirement Visa: AED 3,000* (approximate)

Please note that the total UAE/Dubai residence visa cost may differ depending on various factors like the duration, visa type, and so on. To know the exact cost breakdown for your visa, contact Dubiz Business Setup.

How can Dubiz help?

Are you looking for a means to receive a UAE residency visa? Is the process very complicated for you? Then we can assure you of simplification with our Dubiz experts, who know the system inside and out. All you have to do is contact us, and we will process or renew your residence visa as needed.

Aside from that, we can assist you in establishing a branch of your company in the UAE. We can handle anything from license, company registration to trademark registration in Dubai for you. We recognise that such measures may cause you confusion and apprehension, but we are familiar with the process and have a thorough understanding of the system.

Contact us if you need more information about business setup in Dubai or what kind of residence visa UAE we can assist you with. Call or whatsapp us at +971563695485 or email info@dubiz.co.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. What is the cheapest residence visa in the UAE?

The cheapest 2 years residence visa in Dubai costs approximately AED 3,500*. However, this cost depends on various criteria, including your nationality and the type of visa you are seeking.

2. Can you travel outside the UAE while your residence visa is being processed?

Yes, you can travel outside the UAE while your residence visa is being processed, but only with a valid exit visa. You can re-enter using either the visit visa or the residency visa if processed.

3. What is the UAE residence visa processing time?

The UAE residence visa processing time can range from a few days to a few weeks. This processing time is determined by a variety of factors, including the quantity of applications and other documentation required.

4. What are UAE residence visa renewal fees 2025?

The cost for renewing a UAE residence visa in 2025 is around AED 3,000* to AED 7,000*. This cost can vary depending on several criteria, such as:

• The usual application price is approximately AED 100.
• Issuance fees of around AED 100 for each year
• Fees for typing center
• Emirates ID renewal charge
• Health insurance
• Dirham’s Knowledge and Innovation

5. What is the family Dubai residence visa cost?

The cost of a family visa to the UAE varies based on the kind of visa and the emirate. The family visa cost typically is as follows:

• Inside UAE: AED 1,175
• Status change:  AED 675
• Outside UAE: AED 580
• Medicals: AED 380
• Emirates ID: AED 390
• Visa stamping: AED 510

You can also get in touch with Dubiz Business Setup to make the process easy for you.