Requirements, Options, Costs, Eligibility and Application Process
Relocating to the UAE starts with choosing the right visa or residency pathway. The UAE offers multiple options for professionals, investors, freelancers, families, retirees and students — each with different eligibility rules, validity periods and application procedures. This comprehensive guide explains:
- How UAE residency works
- Types of visas available
- Eligibility criteria
- Required documents
- Fees and timelines
- Renewal and cancellation rules
- How to legally live and work in the UAE
This guide is designed for:
- People moving to the UAE for work
- Business owners and investors
- Freelancers and remote workers
- Families joining a sponsor
- People establishing long-term residence
At PlanUAE, we support expats with visa guidance, relocation support and financial planning so you can move with clarity and confidence.
Primary Calls to Action
- Check your UAE Residency Options
→ Expat Planning Portal
[Link to your portal/dashboard] - Book a Consultation With an Adviser
[Link to consultation/contact page]
How UAE Residency Works (Simple Explanation)
What is UAE residency?
UAE residency is a legal status that allows you to live, work, study, open bank accounts, lease property, sponsor family members and access services.
You will typically deal with three key elements:
1) Entry Permit
Permission to enter the UAE prior to completing residency procedures.
Some nationalities receive visa-on-arrival; others require pre-approval.
2) Residence Visa
Stamp or e-visa that grants residency rights for:
- 1 year
- 2 years
- 5 years
- 10 years
The validity depends on the visa category.
3) Emirates ID
The Emirates ID is your national identity card used for:
- Banking and finance
- Health insurance and treatment
- Utilities and housing contracts
- Mobile phone/internet services
- Accessing government portals
Internal linking suggestions
- Link “banking and finance” → Banking & Finance in UAE
- Link “utilities and housing” → UAE Relocation Services
- Link “health insurance” → Financial Services in UAE
UAE Residency FAQ
How many years is UAE residency valid for?
Most visas are 1–2 years. Green and Golden Visas are 5–10 years.
Can I work in the UAE without a work visa?
No. A valid work permit or eligible residency category is required if you want to work in the UAE.
Can I sponsor my spouse and children to live in the UAE?
Yes, if salary, housing and documentation requirements are met they you can sponsor eligible family members to have UAE residency.
How long is the grace period after UAE visa cancellation?
Typically 30–180 days depending on visa type and emirate.
Do I need health insurance to be a UAE resident?
Yes, health insurance is mandatory in Dubai and Abu Dhabi and is required for most UAE visas.
Do rules differ between emirates?
Yes, procedures and fees may vary slightly between different emirates so you should always consult with the relevant department or a professional consultant.
Types of UAE Visas and Residency Permits
Below is an overview of the major residency options.
[Each category can link to dedicated detailed guides.]
Employment Visa (Work Visa)
Who it is for:
People employed by a UAE company or government entity.
Key points:
- Employer acts as sponsor
- Residence visa linked to employment contract
- Validity usually two years (one year in some cases)
- Cancellation required when leaving employer
- Labour card/work permit included
You will complete:
- Medical examination
- Emirates ID biometrics
- Work contract signing
Ideal for:
Professionals, managers, engineers, teachers, hospitality workers.
[Internal link to: Employment Visa Guide]
UAE Golden Visa (5–10 year residency)
The Golden Visa provides long-term residency without the need for employer sponsorship.
Eligible individuals include:
- Property investors
- Business owners and entrepreneurs
- Highly skilled professionals
- Doctors, scientists and academics
- Exceptional university students
- Individuals with significant financial assets
Benefits:
- 5–10-year validity
- Sponsor family members
- Domestic worker sponsorship
- No local sponsor required
- Greater travel flexibility
- Easier property and business ownership
What is the UAE Golden Visa and who is eligible for it?
The UAE Golden Visa is a long-term residency program granting 5 or 10-year residence to investors and highly qualified individuals without employer sponsorship.
CTA
→ Check if you qualify for the Golden Visa
[Link to calculator/consultation]
[Internal link to: Golden Visa detailed guide]
Green Visa (5 years)
Aimed at individuals who do not want traditional employer sponsorship.
Suitable for:
- Skilled professionals
- Self-employed individuals
- Freelancers
- Consultants
Benefits:
- 5-year residency
- Ability to sponsor family members
- Independent of a company sponsor
[Internal link to: Green Visa Guide]
Freelancer Visa
Ideal for the modern independent workforce.
Typical applicants:
- Designers
- Software developers
- Marketing professionals
- Photographers
- Content creators
- Consultants
Often issued via free zones.
Freelancers must show:
- Relevant qualifications or experience
- Income proof (in some zones)
- Contract copies in some cases
[Internal link to: Freelancer Visa Guide]
Remote Worker Visa
Allows you to live in the UAE but work for a foreign company.
Usually requires:
- Proof of steady remote employment or business ownership
- Minimum monthly income threshold
- Health insurance valid in UAE
This pathway is attractive for digital nomads and remote professionals.
[Internal link to: Remote Work Visa Guide]
Investor / Partner Visa (Company Formation Residency)
Issued to shareholders or owners of UAE businesses.
Two main routes:
- Mainland company
- Free zone company
Typical requirements:
- Trade licence
- Establishment card
- Proof of ownership
- Medical and ID processes
Important considerations:
- Corporate bank account opening can be time-consuming
- Financial planning and structuring matter
Internal linking suggestions:
- link to Business Setup / Company Formation Services
- link to Banking & Finance in UAE
Property Investor Visa
Residency through real estate ownership when minimum thresholds are met (varies by emirate).
Common criteria include:
- Property above minimum value
- Property completed (not off-plan in some cases)
- No significant mortgage beyond threshold
[Internal link to: Property Investor Visa Guide]
[Internal link to: Real Estate in UAE pillar page]
Family Sponsorship Visa
Residents may sponsor:
- Spouse
- Children
- Parents (additional criteria apply)
Typical requirements
- Minimum salary threshold
- Proof of housing (Ejari/Tawtheeq)
- Valid health insurance
- Attested marriage/birth certificates
[Internal link to: Family Visa Sponsorship Guide]
Student Visa
Issued via registered UAE educational institutions.
Requires:
- Admission letter
- Financial support evidence
- Emirates ID and medical process
UAE Residency Application Process – Step-by-Step
This is one of the most frequently asked questions and commonly cited in generative search results.
Simple answer:
To obtain UAE residency, choose your visa type, secure sponsorship or eligibility, enter the UAE, complete medical and biometrics, buy health insurance and receive your Emirates ID and residence visa.
Full process
- Select the right visa category
- Confirm eligibility and required documents
- Submit entry permit (if required)
- Arrive in UAE or change status internally
- Complete medical fitness test
- Submit Emirates ID biometrics
- Purchase health insurance
- Visa stamping / e-visa issuance
- Receive Emirates ID
[Internal linking suggestions]
- Health insurance → Financial Services in UAE
- Medical → Relocation Services
- Emirates ID → dedicated guide page when created
Required Documents for UAE Residency
Documents vary by category; however, most applicants will need:
- Passport valid 6+ months
- Passport-size photographs
- Entry permit or status change document
- Employment contract or investment proof
- Tenancy contract (Ejari/Tawtheeq)
- Health insurance policy
- Attested marriage certificate (for spouse sponsorship)
- Attested birth certificates (for children)
- Attested degree certificate (for skilled professions)
What does “attested” mean in relation to documents required for a UAE visa or residence permit?
Attestation is the process of legally verifying documents through your home country authorities and the UAE embassy or consulate.
[Internal link to: Legal & Professional Services – Attestation]
Costs and Government Fees (What to Expect)
While fees change and vary by emirate, you should plan for:
- Entry permit
- Medical examination
- Emirates ID issuance
- Visa stamping
- Administrative/typing center fees
- Health insurance premiums
How much does it cost to apply for UAE residency?
The total cost of UAE residency typically ranges from AED 3,000 to AED 12,000+ depending on visa type, emirate and service provider fees.
[You may add a fee table per visa type when convenient.]
Renewals, Cancellation and Grace Periods
Renewal
Most visas must be renewed before expiry.
Cancellation occurs when:
- You leave your employer
- You change sponsor
- Your company closes
- You leave the UAE permanently
Grace Periods
After cancellation or expiry, many visas include a 30–180 day grace period for status correction depending on visa type.
Long-absence rule
Most residency visas become invalid if you stay outside the UAE for more than 6 months, with exceptions such as Golden Visa holders.
Overstaying in the UAE
Overstaying your visa in the UAE may lead to:
- Fines
- Travel restrictions
- Need to exit and re-enter
[Internal link: Overstay fines guide if available]
Short extractable answer:
Overstaying in the UAE after visa expiry or cancellation results in daily fines until status is corrected or the individual exits the country.
Working, Banking and Living After Residency Issuance
Once you hold valid residency in the UAE you can:
- Work legally under approved permit
- Open bank accounts
- Lease housing
- Purchase vehicles
- Access healthcare
- Enroll children in schools
- Sponsor family members
Internal linking suggestions
- Banking → Banking & Finance in UAE
- Housing → Accommodation in UAE
- Car leasing → Car Rental & Leasing in UAE
- Schools/education → create page later if needed
How We Can Help
PlanUAE provides:
- Visa and residency pathway assessment
- Introductions to licensed immigration service providers
- Relocation coordination
- Financial planning and tax residency structure guidance
- Support with accommodation, schools and banking
- Partner access for insurance, real estate, legal and corporate services
Conversion Block
Plan your UAE move with clarity and confidence
✓ Independent, practical guidance
✓ Tools to assess your options
✓ Professional financial planning integration
✓ Carefully selected local partners
→ Start with the Expat Planning Portal
[Link]
→ Request Personal Assistance
[Link]
Legal Notice
This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal, financial or immigration advice. Immigration rules and government fees change frequently and may differ by emirate and personal circumstances. Always confirm eligibility and application requirements through official UAE government sources or a licensed immigration service provider.