Three cities from the United Arab Emirates (UAE) made it to the top 20 of InterNations’s Expat City Ranking for 2023, including Ras Al Khaimah (4th), Abu Dhabi (5th) and Dubai (11th). It’s just one proof of the country’s allure to foreigners. As of December 2023, there are 9 million expatriates in one of the biggest economic hubs in the Middle East.
Do you want to get a permanent residency in the UAE and experience a higher quality of life? This is your comprehensive guide to obtaining a UAE permanent residency visa.
What is a permanent residency visa in UAE?
UAE’s permanent residency visa allows foreign nationals to live, work and study there for an extended period, typically 5 to 10 years. It’s a renewable permit that doesn’t need a local sponsor. Apart from it offering longer validity, it differs from a standard visa in terms of benefits.
For instance, permanent residency visa holders can exit and re-enter the UAE without stringent time constraints. They can also sponsor family members and domestic helpers, access essential services like healthcare, banking and education, and even own a property or set up a business in the country. Medical insurance is a necessary requirement for obtaining a permanent residency visa in the UAE.
The UAE offers two types of long-term residency visas. One is the Golden Visa and the other is the Green Visa.
Definition and Purpose of a Residence Visa
A residence visa is a crucial document that allows foreign nationals to live and work in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) for an extended period. The primary purpose of a residence visa is to open doors to long-term living and business opportunities in the region. The UAE offers several types of residence visas, catering to different needs and profiles. Among these is the prestigious Golden Visa, a 5-year residence visa designed for investors, entrepreneurs, exceptional students, and highly skilled professionals. This visa not only facilitates extended stays but also provides a pathway to a stable and prosperous life in the UAE.
Benefits of Obtaining a Residence Visa
Securing a residence visa in the UAE comes with a multitude of benefits that enhance both personal and professional life. These include:
- Long-term stability and enhanced opportunities: Enjoy the security of a renewable residence visa valid for several years.
- Ability to sponsor family members: Bring your loved ones to live with you in the UAE.
- Access to high-quality education and healthcare: Benefit from world-class services and facilities.
- Opportunity to open a bank account in the UAE: Manage your finances with ease.
- Property ownership: Foreign UAE residents can purchase properties on a mortgage, providing a solid investment opportunity.
These advantages make obtaining a residence visa in the UAE a highly attractive option for foreign nationals looking to make the UAE their long-term home.
What is a golden visa?
The Golden Visa is a long-term, renewable visa for investors, entrepreneurs, specialized talents, students, humanitarian pioneers and frontline heroes. It is available in 5-year and 10-year options, each with its eligibility criteria. The categories under the Golden Visa include:
The Golden Visa is one of the several types of UAE residence visas available.
Investors in public investments (10-year validity)
- Eligibility: You’re a foreign investor contributing to investment funds in the UAE
- Requirements:
- A minimum investment of AED2 million in an accredited investment fund
- A letter from the Federal Tax Authority saying you pay at least AED250,000 every year to the government
- Proof that you didn’t take out loans for the investment
Investors in real estate (10-year validity)
- Eligibility: You’re investing in the UAE’s property market.
- Requirements:
- A letter from your emirate’s land department to prove your ownership of property or properties with a total value of at least AED2 million
- Proof that you can invest in a property through a mortgage from a local bank
Entrepreneurs (5-year validity)
- Eligibility: You own or partly own an economic project or startup in the UAE
- Requirements:
- A letter from an auditor stating that your endeavor has a value of at least AED500,000
- A letter from a relevant UAE authority confirming that your project aligns with economic development goals or focuses on future-oriented sectors
- A letter from an official authority endorsing your planned business or project within the UAE
Specialized talents (10-year validity)
- Eligibility: You’re a professional in the field of medicine, science, engineering, art and other creative pursuits
- Requirements:
- Scientists must have accreditation from the Emirates Scientists Council or hold the Mohammed Bin Rashid Medal for Scientific Excellence
- Creative talents must have accreditation from the Ministry of Culture and Knowledge Development
- Inventors must have a valuable patent that contributes to the UAE’s economy, approved by the Ministry of Economy
- Other exceptional talents must have documentation of patents or scientific research that a world-class journal published
- Doctors and specialists must meet at least two of the following criteria: A Ph.D. from a top 500 university (QS World University Ranking); A Ph.D. and 10 years of professional experience in their field; awards or certificates of appreciation in their work field; contribution to significant scientific research in their field; published articles or books in respected publications in their field; membership in a relevant professional organization; or a specialization in areas prioritized by the UAE
Outstanding high school students (5-year validity)
- Eligibility: You’re a high-performing student in a public or private secondary school in the UAE
- Requirements:
- You must have a minimum grade of 95 percent
- A letter of recommendation from the Ministry of Education
Outstanding university students (10-year validity)
- Eligibility: You’re a high-performing student in a university with an A or B rating from the Ministry of Education
- Requirements:
- A letter from the university confirming the student’s cumulative grade point average (GPA) is at least 3.5 for A-class universities and 3.8 for B-class universities
- You must have graduated within the last 2 years
- If you’re a foreign university student, you’re eligible if your university belongs to the top 100 universities worldwide and you have a minimum GPA of 3.5. The graduation certificate must be accredited by the UAE Ministry of Education
Humanitarian work pioneers (10-year validity)
- Eligibility: You have worked at least five years for a regional or international organization, civil association, or public interest institution; have received appreciation letters for humanitarian contributions; or have donated at least AED2 million to humanitarian causes
- Requirements:
- A letter of recommendation from the Ministry of Community Development or a local competent authority
- A copy of your bachelor’s degree or equivalent
Frontline heroes (10-year validity)
- Eligibility: You are a healthcare worker (e.g., nurse, medical assistant, pharmacist) who has displayed extraordinary efforts in crises
- Requirement:
- A letter of recommendation from the relevant authority in your emirate
Read: How to get a golden visa in the UAE
What is a green visa?
The Green Visa is another type of permanent residency visa in the UAE. It’s designed primarily for skilled employees, freelancers and investors or partners. This visa allows holders to live in the UAE for 5 years without needing a sponsor. The Green Visa is one of the several types of UAE residency visa available. Here are the specific eligibility requirements for each category.
- Skilled employees. You must occupy first-, second- or third-level positions with a valid employment contract and a minimum monthly salary of AED15,000.
- Freelancers. You must obtain a permit from the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratization (MoHRE). Additionally, you must either have an annual income of at least AED360,000 over the past two years or provide proof of financial solvency.
- Investors or partners. You must gain approval from the Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs & Ports Security (ICP) and have a minimum investment of AED1 million.
Employment-based UAE residence visa
Getting a UAE residence visa for employment
Foreign nationals who secure long-term employment contracts with UAE-based companies can obtain residence visas through their employers. By law, the employer is responsible for covering the costs associated with obtaining the visa and work permit. The validity period of the residence visa is typically aligned with the duration of the employment contract, which is generally one year. This type of visa not only allows you to work legally in the UAE but also provides a pathway to long-term residency in the country.
Requirements for a UAE employment residence visa
To successfully obtain a UAE employment residence visa, you must meet the following requirements:
- Valid employment contract: Secure a contract with a UAE company.
- Work permit: Obtain a work permit from the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation.
- Medical examination and healthcare coverage: Complete a medical examination and secure healthcare coverage within two months of arriving in the UAE.
- Educational document confirmation: Confirm your educational documents through the UAE Ministry of Education website. The fee for confirming a bachelor’s degree is AED 100 (approximately $27), and for a PhD, it’s AED 200 (approximately $55).
- Family members: If the main applicant is male, close family members can also obtain residence visas. This includes the spouse, sons aged 18 to 21 who are studying at a university, and unmarried daughters.
By fulfilling these requirements, you can ensure a smooth process for obtaining your UAE employment residence visa and enjoy the benefits of living and working in this dynamic country.
How to get a permanent residency visa in the UAE
Follow these general steps to get your ticket to a long-term stay in the country. Business owners looking to register a company in the UAE must first obtain an entry visa, which requires personal presence for certain procedural steps.
Step 1: Assess your eligibility
The UAE has various eligiblities and requirements depending on your category. Determining which permanent residency visa type aligns with your profile is essential.
Step 2: Gather the required documents
Prepare the necessary documents accordingly. On top of category-specific requirements, you must also prepare your passport (valid for six months), Emirates ID (if applicable), a tourist visa with an entry stamp (if you don’t have any existing standard UAE resident visa) and a valid health insurance policy.
Step 3: Proceed with your application
You can do it yourself by visiting the UAE smart services system and filling out the appropriate application form for your category. Alternatively, you can tap reputable third parties to guide you throughout the application process. Either track you take on, you must pay the necessary visa fees, which vary depending on visa type and duration.
Step 4: Wait for your visa to be processed
After you pay, all you have to do is wait. The processing time can differ but generally takes a few weeks to a few months.
Frequently asked questions
Who can apply for a permanent residency visa in the UAE?
Investors, entrepreneurs, specialized talents (e.g., scientists and creatives), outstanding students, pioneers of humanitarian work, frontline heroes, skilled employees and freelancers who meet certain eligibilities can apply for a permanent residency visa in the UAE.
What are the types of permanent residency visas in the UAE?
The main types are the Golden Visa and the Green Visa, valid from 5 to 10 years.
How much is the permanent residency visa?
The Golden Visa will cost around AED2,800 to AED4,800, while the Green Visa will cost AED2,280.
Are there any financial requirements for this visa?
Yes, certain categories have financial requirements. For instance, if you’re a public investment or real estate investor, you must prove that you have made an investment worth at least AED2 million.
What are the perks of a permanent residency visa in the UAE?
Apart from long-term residency, perks include having no requirement for a local sponsor, flexibility in entering and exiting the UAE, access to local services and the ability to sponsor family members.
Am I required to stay in the UAE continuously to maintain the visa?
No. As mentioned, one of the benefits of your permanent residency visa is the flexibility in terms of travel. You don’t need to stay in the UAE continuously to maintain your visa status.
What are the benefits of a Dubai residence visa?
A Dubai residence visa allows individuals to live anywhere in the UAE. It provides access to advanced infrastructure, diverse amenities, and vibrant living conditions, making Dubai an attractive place to reside.
Final thoughts
The UAE is a wonderful place to live and thrive, boasting top-notch safety, accessible services and outstanding infrastructure. It’s no wonder why it continues to attract millions of foreign nationals. And by getting a permanent residency visa in the UAE, you can make this country your long-term home. Whether you’re a student, employee, entrepreneur or investor, the UAE welcomes you with its vast array of permanent residency visa categories. You just have to get started and apply through the appropriate channels.
For those holding Dubai mainland visas, it is important to note that these visas must be canceled by the same authority that issued them, specifically the General Directorate of Residency and Foreign Affairs in Dubai.
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