Sign in
Sign up
The question of how to become a resident in UAE is very relevant for foreigners planning to move to a country known for its high safety standards (ranked first in the Numbeo Safety Index in 2025), a stable economy with an expected GDP per capita growth of 4.1% annually until 2027 and a favourable tax system. One of the main benefits of the Emirates is the wide range of residency programmes, offering a residency period from 1 to 10 years.
You can legalise your stay through employment, proof of stable income, studying at an accredited university, capital investments of AED 500,000 (USD 136,000) or family reunification. Buying Dubai real estate from AED 750,000 (USD 204,000) grants you a 2-year UAE residence permit, while an investment of AED 2,000,000 (USD 544,500) in residential or commercial property in any emirate allows you to obtain a 5-year Golden residence permit in the UAE.
Residents who have legally lived in the country for 30 years may apply for citizenship. For Arabs, the naturalisation period is 3 to 7 years. Investors who have contributed at least AED 10,000,000 (USD 2,720,000) to the local economy may also qualify for an Emirati passport, but the decision is made on a case-by-case basis by the authorities.
Content
Who can become a resident in UAE
A UAE residence permit for investment, employment or other grounds may be granted to foreigners who:
- have reached the age of majority and confirmed the purpose of legalisation
- can verify sources of income
- have provided the necessary documents according to the requirements of the specific residency category
- have undergone medical screening and provided biometric data
- have not violated immigration or criminal laws
Types of residence permit in UAE
Golden Visa
A long-term UAE residence visa is issued to foreign nationals for 5 or 10 years with the possibility of renewal. The status grants the right to live, work and study in the country and allows the holder to retain residency even if they spend more than 6 months abroad.
The main advantage of this program is that there is no sponsor required, neither an employer nor a family member is needed to apply. Golden visa holders can legalise their status along with spouses, children of any age who are unmarried and household staff.
To obtain this category of residence permit for investment in UAE, applicants must meet one of the following requirements:
- Purchase of real estate worth AED 2,000,000 (USD 544,500). Foreigners selecting this option can claim a 5-year residence permit for buying property in UAE. Partial mortgage financing is acceptable, provided the threshold amount is paid upfront and the loan is issued by an accredited local bank approved by the relevant government authority. Both off-plan and completed residential and commercial units are eligible, as long as they are located in a freehold zone.
- Investment in innovative projects from AED 500,000 (USD 136,000). Entrepreneurs who invest in technology and risk-related projects can obtain a 5-year residence. The application requires an approval letter from an accredited business incubator, an audit confirming the invested amount meets the minimum threshold and a government letter verifying the project’s innovative nature.
- Investment in an investment fund or business from AED 2,000,000 (USD 544,500). Foreign nationals must invest in a registered fund or business to qualify for a 10-year residence permit for investment. They must provide a letter from the fund verifying participation or a valid commercial or industrial licence and incorporation documents stating the capital amount. An additional letter from the Federal Tax Authority confirming tax payments of at least AED 250,000 (USD 68,000) per year is required.
Foreigners with outstanding achievements in certain professional spheres may also apply for a 10-year golden visa. This privilege is extended to highly qualified professionals such as:
- doctors
- scientific researchers
- artists and cultural figures
- inventors
- top-level executives
- professional athletes
Additionally, this category is available to people with doctoral degrees and experts in areas such as:
- epidemiology and virology
- artificial intelligence
- big data processing and analysis technologies
- computer and software engineering
- electronics and electrical engineering
- genetics and biotechnology
There is also an option to obtain a 5-year residency for students who complete secondary school with at least 95% or university graduates with a GPA of at least 3.75 who plan to pursue further studies in the UAE. A letter of recommendation from the Ministry of Education is required.
Green Visa
This is a 5-year renewable residence permit issued without the need for a UAE sponsor or resident citizen. It is available to investors, qualified professionals, freelancers and self-employed individuals. Applicants can include their spouse, unmarried daughters of any age and sons under 25 years old in their application.
To apply for a residence permit in UAE under this category, you must satisfy one of the following:
- Investment in starting or growing a business in the UAE from AED 1,000,000 (USD 272,500).
- An employment contract with a UAE-registered company, a qualification recognised by the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation, a bachelor's degree or equivalent and a salary of at least AED 15,000 (USD 4,100) per month.
- A valid freelance licence issued by the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation, a higher education degree (minimum of a bachelor’s) and confirmed income of at least AED 360,000 (USD 98,000) over the last two years or documents confirming sufficient financial resources for the entire period of stay.
Work Visa
Residency in UAE for employment is available to foreigners who are officially employed by companies registered in the Emirates. Applications are submitted by the employer to the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation or the administration of the relevant free zone, depending on the company’s legal status. Once approved, the applicant is issued an entry permit.
Upon entering the Emirates, the foreign worker receives an entry stamp and their information is automatically sent to the Immigration Department. To complete the process, a mandatory medical exam and biometric data collection are required. If all conditions are met and the screening is successful, the residence permit is issued within several weeks for up to 2 years.
Remote Work Visa
The remote work permit is an annual residence permit for freelancers and self-employed professionals working remotely from abroad. This category suits those in web design, IT, media, education and other industries.
To get this visa, you must prove valid remote employment outside the UAE and show documents that demonstrate stable income. Minimum financial requirements vary by emirate: USD 5,000 per month for Dubai and USD 3,500 per month for other emirates.
Student Visa
The student residence visa allows foreign nationals to legally stay in the country for the duration of their studies at an accredited educational institution. A sponsor is needed, either a resident parent or the university. The visa is issued for 1 year and can be extended with proof of ongoing enrolment.
Resident parents can sponsor sons only until they turn 25. However, if a male student can confirm at least 1 year of university studies, he may remain sponsored after this age. There are no age restrictions for unmarried daughters.
Retirement Visa
Retirement residency is available to foreign nationals who have completed employment after the age of 55 or have at least 15 years of work experience. The residence permit for investment is valid for 5 years and can be renewed if the requirements continue to be met.
To qualify, you must satisfy one of the following financial conditions:
- Ownership of one or more properties in the country or local savings of at least AED 1,000,000 (USD 272,500).
- Confirmed monthly income from AED 15,000 (USD 4,100) for Dubai or from AED 20,000 (USD 5,500) for other emirates.
Family Visa
The family sponsorship scheme allows residents to sponsor a residence permit for close relatives subject to certain requirements. The key financial criterion is confirmation of a monthly income of at least AED 4,000 (USD 1,100) or from AED 3,000 (USD 820) if the applicant owns a home. Every adult foreign national included must undergo a medical check.
Key family reunion provisions:
- A female resident can sponsor her children only with special permission issued by the Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs and Port Security.
- The family member residency application must be submitted within 60 days of entry to the UAE.
- A resident can sponsor their parents for 1 year, renewable, irrespective of the validity of the principal residence visa.
- The position or professional category of the work residence permit holder no longer impacts the right to sponsor family members.
Buy real estate in Dubai and get a residence permit
When buying apartments or villas in Dubai, foreign investors are granted a 2-year residence permit, which can be renewed as long as you retain ownership. To qualify, you must invest at least AED 750,000 (USD 204,000) in property. The investor may apply for a residence permit not only for themselves but also for immediate family, including spouse, sons under 25 years and unmarried daughters of any age.
How long can you stay in the UAE
| Type of residence permit | Validity period |
|---|---|
| Golden | 5 or 10 years |
| Green | 5 years |
| For buyers of property in Dubai | 2 years |
| Work Visa | Up to 2 years |
| Remote work residence | 1 year |
| Student | 1 year |
| Retirement | 5 years |
| Family | Depends on sponsor’s visa (1 year for resident’s parents) |
-
Bedrooms: 3Bathrooms: 3Living space: 125.6 m²
-
Bedrooms: 2Bathrooms: 2Living space: 184 m²
-
Bedrooms: 1Bathrooms: 1Living space: 95.8 m²
Documents for residence permit in UAE
The list of documents you need for residency depends on the specific category. For example, when applying for a long-term residence permit through property investment, a foreigner must provide:
- a notarised power of attorney (if the application is submitted by an authorised person)
- copies of passports for all applicants included in the application
- a valid visa mark (entry or residence)
- original marriage and birth certificates for children
- certificates confirming children over 18 are unmarried (if applicable)
- police clearance certificates for every adult applicant, issued by the authorities of their home country and the UAE Ministry of the Interior
- a copy of an active health insurance policy meeting local law requirements
- a certificate of medical examination from an accredited medical institution
- a copy of the title deed for the property, registered in the Land Department of the relevant emirate.
How to apply for a residence permit in UAE
| Step-by-step guide to get a residence permit for buying property in UAE | |
|---|---|
| Preliminary processing of entry permit and document preparation | To begin the procedure of legalisation, a foreign citizen must obtain an entry permit valid for up to 6 months. This is necessary to submit the application, for property selection and signing the purchase agreement if done in person. You can collect the required documents, translate them into Arabic and have them notarised. |
| Completion of investment requirements | Before applying, you must purchase property that meets the minimum investment threshold. It is advisable to carry out legal and technical due diligence before finalising the sale. Property registration is handled by the Land Department. All actions can be conducted personally or via an authorised representative. |
| Undergoing mandatory medical examination | All adult applicants must have a medical check-up at an accredited medical facility in the Emirates. The check-up includes chest X-rays and laboratory tests for infectious diseases, including HIV and tuberculosis. A medical certificate is issued as an essential document for the application. |
| Submission and biometrics | After meeting investment and medical requirements, the applicant submits a complete set of documents to the General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs or the Federal Authority for Identity and Citizenship (GDRFA or ICA, as relevant to the emirate). During the process, biometric data are collected, like fingerprints and a photo. After approval, the applicant and family members receive their residence permit. |
Frequently asked questions
Foreigners may become a resident in the UAE by investing in:
- villas or apartments in Dubai from USD 204,000 for 2 years
- real estate in any emirate from USD 544,500 for 5 years
- innovative technology projects from USD 136,000 for 5 years
- accredited investment funds or businesses from USD 544,500 for 10 years
- the creation or expansion of a business for 5 years
The cost varies depending on the type of residence visa, the number of family members, the potential residents’ nationality and other factors. For example, when legalising through real estate purchase in Dubai, you need to consider the property price (starting at USD 204,000), registration fee (starting at USD 8,200) and administrative costs (around USD 4,200).
Some stages can be managed remotely, such as purchasing property and registering ownership. However, for medical exams, submitting applications and collecting biometric data, the investor and their family members need to physically be in the country.
Residents can legally reside in the country, open bank accounts, rent or buy accommodation and obtain a local driving licence. Some categories also allow employment, business activity and family sponsorship.
A refusal may arise if the applicant has a criminal record, submits false documents, fails to meet financial requirements or fails the medical examination.