AgenciesThe United Arab Emirates has built one of the world’s most diverse residency systems, offering visas that range from short-term work permits to decade-long residencies for scientists, entrepreneurs, and environmental leaders. The framework has grown beyond a labour policy into a mix of economic strategy, social planning, and humanitarian support.
Employment visa: The standard entry route
For most foreign nationals, the employment visa remains the main pathway to residency. Typically valid for two years, it ties an individual’s stay in the UAE to their work contract, whether in the private sector, government, or free zones. Special categories exist for domestic workers such as housekeepers, caregivers, and drivers, reflecting the formal recognition of household labour.
Golden visa: Long-term residency pathway
Launched in 2019, the Golden Visa is one of the most recognised residency schemes. It grants five- or ten-year renewable visas to investors, entrepreneurs, doctors, scientists, artists, and students who meet set criteria.
Holders can remain outside the UAE for more than six months without losing their status, sponsor unlimited domestic workers, and extend visas to family members.
Family residency continues even if the primary holder passes away, providing long-term stability.
Blue visa: Residency for environmental specialists
Introduced in 2024, the Blue Visa reflects the UAE’s growing emphasis on sustainability. It offers a 10-year residency to individuals who contribute to ecological protection, climate change research, or renewable energy.
Eligible applicants include award-winning scientists and members of recognised environmental organisations. Applications can be made directly or through nominations by accredited UAE institutions.
Green visa: Flexibility for skilled workers and freelancers
The Green Visa is aimed at skilled professionals, freelancers, and investors who prefer independence from traditional employer sponsorship. It provides five years of residency, subject to proof of income of at least Dh15,000 per month for skilled workers, relevant contracts, or educational credentials.
Benefits include the ability to sponsor family members, a 180-day grace period for renewals, and extended coverage for parents and unmarried children.
Student visa
Students can obtain one-year renewable visas sponsored by accredited universities or parents with valid residency. Male students may stay on family visas until age 25 if enrolled in higher education, while daughters remain eligible regardless of age. This system supports the UAE’s aim of becoming an international hub for education.
Retirement visa
The retirement visa allows residents aged 55 and above to stay in the country for five years. Applicants must show at least 15 years of work experience, own property worth Dh1 million, maintain savings of the same amount, or earn a monthly income of Dh20,000 (Dh15,000 in Dubai).
Remote work visa
Responding to new patterns of work, the UAE offers a one-year renewable remote work visa. Professionals employed abroad can live in the country while working for overseas employers if they earn at least $3,500 per month. Dubai also operates a Virtual Work Program, allowing workers to bring their families while working remotely.
Humanitarian visas
The UAE provides one-year renewable humanitarian visas for nationals of countries affected by war or natural disasters. These visas offer a legal framework for temporary settlement during crises.
Family sponsorship
Residents earning at least Dh4,000 per month, or Dh3,000 with employer-provided housing, can sponsor their spouses, children, and parents. Family visas usually last two to three years. Widows and divorcees, along with their children, may receive a one-year extension without a sponsor.
Residency rules and exceptions
Most visas are cancelled if holders remain outside the UAE for more than 180 consecutive days. Golden visa holders are exempt, while students, diplomats, and government employees on overseas assignments may qualify for special exceptions. Overstays require reactivation and attract fines of Dh100 for every 30 days.
Employment visa: The standard entry route
For most foreign nationals, the employment visa remains the main pathway to residency. Typically valid for two years, it ties an individual’s stay in the UAE to their work contract, whether in the private sector, government, or free zones. Special categories exist for domestic workers such as housekeepers, caregivers, and drivers, reflecting the formal recognition of household labour.
Golden visa: Long-term residency pathway
Launched in 2019, the Golden Visa is one of the most recognised residency schemes. It grants five- or ten-year renewable visas to investors, entrepreneurs, doctors, scientists, artists, and students who meet set criteria.
Holders can remain outside the UAE for more than six months without losing their status, sponsor unlimited domestic workers, and extend visas to family members.
Family residency continues even if the primary holder passes away, providing long-term stability.
Blue visa: Residency for environmental specialists
Introduced in 2024, the Blue Visa reflects the UAE’s growing emphasis on sustainability. It offers a 10-year residency to individuals who contribute to ecological protection, climate change research, or renewable energy.
Eligible applicants include award-winning scientists and members of recognised environmental organisations. Applications can be made directly or through nominations by accredited UAE institutions.
Green visa: Flexibility for skilled workers and freelancers
The Green Visa is aimed at skilled professionals, freelancers, and investors who prefer independence from traditional employer sponsorship. It provides five years of residency, subject to proof of income of at least Dh15,000 per month for skilled workers, relevant contracts, or educational credentials.
Benefits include the ability to sponsor family members, a 180-day grace period for renewals, and extended coverage for parents and unmarried children.
Student visa
Students can obtain one-year renewable visas sponsored by accredited universities or parents with valid residency. Male students may stay on family visas until age 25 if enrolled in higher education, while daughters remain eligible regardless of age. This system supports the UAE’s aim of becoming an international hub for education.
Retirement visa
The retirement visa allows residents aged 55 and above to stay in the country for five years. Applicants must show at least 15 years of work experience, own property worth Dh1 million, maintain savings of the same amount, or earn a monthly income of Dh20,000 (Dh15,000 in Dubai).
Remote work visa
Responding to new patterns of work, the UAE offers a one-year renewable remote work visa. Professionals employed abroad can live in the country while working for overseas employers if they earn at least $3,500 per month. Dubai also operates a Virtual Work Program, allowing workers to bring their families while working remotely.
Humanitarian visas
The UAE provides one-year renewable humanitarian visas for nationals of countries affected by war or natural disasters. These visas offer a legal framework for temporary settlement during crises.
Family sponsorship
Residents earning at least Dh4,000 per month, or Dh3,000 with employer-provided housing, can sponsor their spouses, children, and parents. Family visas usually last two to three years. Widows and divorcees, along with their children, may receive a one-year extension without a sponsor.
Residency rules and exceptions
Most visas are cancelled if holders remain outside the UAE for more than 180 consecutive days. Golden visa holders are exempt, while students, diplomats, and government employees on overseas assignments may qualify for special exceptions. Overstays require reactivation and attract fines of Dh100 for every 30 days.
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