How to Get a UAE Residence Visa in 2026

If you have been looking to move abroad, you should know that tax-wise, infrastructure-wise, and lifestyle-wise, no nation can match UAE. The United Arab Emirates, a federation of seven states, is the world’s top place to live, study, and do business in 2026. And UAE residence visa is more than a living permit; it is your direct access to 0% personal income tax, a luxury lifestyle, 10x career growth, and many other benefits.

By investing in a property, getting a UAE job, or through your own company setup, there are many convenient ways to apply for a 2-year, 5-year, and even 10-year residence visa UAE. The question arises which one you are eligible for.

Here is a blog to help you understand the Dubai residence visa in detail, the different available types, and how much money you should be ready to spend to call UAE your home. 

What is a UAE residence visa? 

The UAE residence visa is an official document that allows foreigners to live in the Emirates for two, five, or ten years, renewable on requirement.  

As a foreigner wishing to get a UAE residence visa, you need to apply to GDRFA if you want to live in Dubai, and ICA in case of other Emirates of UAE. 

These UAE immigration authorities help with entry, residency, renewals, and exit of expatriates in the nation.  

You can find families living for years in the UAE, with their rooted businesses, careers, and investments here. Being 88% of the total population, more than 200+ nationalities already live in UAE as students, entrepreneurs, employees, and families. UAE attracts them because of fresh chances. Dubai residence visa is the key to the doors to the land of growth and luxury. With the right guidance and proper documentation, you could also easily get this visa. 

Who can get a UAE residence visa? 

GDRFA and ICA have laid down certain eligibility criteria for UAE residence visa. However, it applies category wise. 

General eligibility requirements for UAE residence visa that apply to all categories: 

• Clean legal status: Your criminal record in home country should be spotless. 
• Health fitness: Passing a medical fitness test is mandatory. 
• Financial stability: Proof of sufficient funds to support yourself and dependents (in case of sponsoring family). 
• Sponsorship: Some visas require a sponsor who can be an employer or a family member. However, long term visas are self-sponsored.
• Health insurance: Many visas in the UAE make it mandatory for the person to have health insurance. 

Specific eligibility for investors, entrepreneurs, and professionals 

Choosing the right UAE visa depends on what you plan to do in UAE and your specific eligibility. Here’s an overview of UAE residence visa specific conditions: 

2-year property investor visa:

In April 2026, UAE removed the AED 750,000 property value threshold for sole owners. Joint owners still need to hold at least AED 400,000 shares each. 

Company setup investor visa:  

By registering a company in the UAE, you become eligible for a 2-year investor visa.  

2-year employment visa/work visa:  

A valid UAE job contract and work permit is required. 

Sponsoring family residency visa:  

Sponsor needs a minimum salary of AED 4,000 plus proof of relationships like a marriage certificate.  

Golden visa:  

To get 10 years residency in UAE, there are varied requirements under golden visa categories.  

Types of UAE residence visa along with requirements: 

Various categories can be used to get a UAE residence visa. For anyone who wishes to move to the Emirates, it’s important for you to fall into one of these categories: 

There are 8 types of residence visa in UAE in 2026 include: 

1. 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.  

2. 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.  

3. 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.  

4. Family visa:  

If you are someone dependent on a UAE resident, 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.  

5. 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.  

6. 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.  

7. Green visa:  

In contrast to the current two-year visa system, skilled workers, independent contractors, and investors can apply for the Green Visa, a 5-year residence visa UAE, which enables them to sponsor themselves and their families for five years. 

8. Golden visa:  

Foreign talent can live, work, or study in the United Arab Emirates with the Golden Visa, a long-term UAE 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. 

Documents required for UAE residence permit 

You will be required to keep a few essential documents handy so that the process of issuing a residence visa is permitted smoothly, which includes:  

• 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 designated medical firm must provide the required medical fitness certificate.
• 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 as may be requested by government authorities 

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

How to get UAE residence visa? 

Here is the UAE residence visa process step by step. To get your UAE or Dubai residence visa, follow these general steps:

1. Find out 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. For example, if applying for a residence visa through company setup, you will need to first obtain your UAE trade license and incorporation certificate.

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. Sponsors are generally required for employer visa and family visa. Self-sponsorship is permitted under the Golden Visa and Investor Visa.

3. Apply for entry permit:

The entry permit 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. It is usually valid for 60 days in which you can complete the further visa steps.

4. Medical examination and Emirates ID:

Complete a medical fitness assessment (blood test and chest X-ray) at an authorised facility. Apply for a national identification card called an Emirates ID after submitting your biometrics (retina and fingerprints scan).

5. Residence visa application and collection:

Submit required documents (including your passport, recent photos) through typing centers or GDRFA/ICP channels. Await visa approval notification. Collect your Emirates ID, along with residence visa, upon approval. UAE residence visa processing time is 2 to 10 working days, depending on the type of visa and completion of documents.  

How to download residence visa copy UAE? 

You can easily download residence visa UAE via the GDRFA or ICP online portals (website or app). Here’s how to get residence visa copy online in UAE: 

Step 1: Visit ICP smart service portal 

Step 2: Navigate to “public services”. 

Step 3: Select “reports”, then “residence details”. Click on the “print” option.  

Step 4: Enter details like your file number, nationality, DOB, registered email address, and  mobile number. 

Step 5: Click “next” to view and download your UAE residence visa copy. 

Alternatively, you can get a copy via the UAE ICP app.  

Benefits of holding a UAE 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 

2 years residence visa Dubai cost starts around AED 5,000* to AED 10,000*, based on whether you are applying for work visa or investor visa.  

Here is the typical UAE residence visa cost category wise: 

Government fee: 

• Visa application fee: AED 100
• Residence visa stamping fees in Dubai and UAE: AED 100
• E-channel fee: AED 150 

Please note that the total UAE or 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 your own 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 how to get residence visa in Dubai. Call or whatsapp us at +971563695485 or email info@dubiz.co.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)