The United Arab Emirates (UAE) is a global magnet for professionals, investors, families, and retirees. In 2025, residency visas have been streamlined with digital processes and new options like the Blue Residency.
Whether you're seeking employment, investment opportunities, family reunification, or retirement, a UAE residency visa grants legal long-term stay, access to healthcare, education, banking, and more—without the need for citizenship.
From standard 2-3 year employment visas to premium 10-year Golden Visas, options suit every lifestyle. Mandatory health insurance and Emirates ID ensure seamless integration. With over 200 nationalities calling the UAE home, now is the perfect time to secure your residency.
For personalized guidance, visa applications, and business setup, contact Hire Consultancy experts. Get Started Today!
A UAE residency visa (also called residence permit) allows foreigners to live in the UAE beyond tourist limits. It's electronically linked to your Emirates ID—no physical passport stamp required since 2022. Validity ranges from 1-10 years, renewable, and enables work, study, or investment depending on type.
Residency opens doors to sponsoring family, opening bank accounts, getting driver's licenses, and enjoying Esaad card discounts.
Holding a residency visa transforms your UAE experience:
| Benefit | Description |
|---|---|
| Long-Term Security | Stay 1–10 years without frequent renewals; renewable indefinitely if conditions met. |
| Family Sponsorship | Sponsor spouse, children (any age if dependent), parents, and domestic staff. |
| Work & Business Freedom | Work freely (self-sponsored visas) or change jobs easily; 100% business ownership in most sectors. |
| Access to Services | Top-tier healthcare, international schools, banking/loans, utilities—on par with citizens. |
| Travel Flexibility | Multiple entries; no status loss for absences up to 6+ months (varies by visa). |
| Tax Advantages | No personal income tax; corporate tax only 9% for mainland businesses. |
| Exclusive Perks | Esaad privileges, priority services, and lifestyle discounts. |
The UAE offers diverse options. No official "Silver Visa"—it's often used informally for mid-tier or retirement visas.
| Visa Type | Validity | Target Group | Key Requirements | Sponsor Needed |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Employment Visa | 2–3 years | Employees | Job offer, AED 4,000+ salary | Yes (employer) |
| Family Visa | 1–3 years | Spouses, children, parents | Sponsor salary AED 4,000+ | Yes (resident) |
| Golden Visa | 5–10 years | Investors, talents | AED 2M property / AED 30K salary | No |
| Green Visa | 5 years | Skilled workers, freelancers | Degree, AED 15K salary | No |
| Blue Residency | 10 years | Environmental contributors | Sustainability impact | No |
| Retirement Visa | 5 years | Retirees 55+ | AED 1M property / AED 20K income | No |
| Student Visa | Duration + 180 days | Students | Enrollment | Yes (university) |
| Investor/Partner | 2–10 years | Business owners | Trade license, capital | No |
| Remote Work | 1–2 years | Digital nomads | AED 13K+ income | No |
| Domestic Worker | 2 years | Maids, drivers | Sponsor residency | Yes (household) |
New 2025 additions: Expanded Golden categories (teachers, AI specialists); Humanitarian Residency for crisis-affected individuals.
Category-specific details available on ICP.gov.ae. Women can sponsor family with AED 8K–10K salary.
Fully online via ICP portal—processing 2–6 weeks.
Check eligibility via ICP tool.
If abroad (AED 500–1,200).
Passport, photos, proofs, attested certificates, medical/insurance.
ICP.gov.ae or app; pay fees.
At authorized centers.
Receive e-visa & Emirates ID.
Pro Tip: Use Hire Consultancy for document attestation and submissions—reduce delays by 50%.
Fees vary by type/emirate (approximate, excluding insurance):
| Item | Cost (AED) |
|---|---|
| Application/Processing | 100–500 |
| Medical Test | 320–750 |
| Emirates ID (5–10 years) | 370–1,070 |
| Residency Filing | 300–500 |
| Total (Standard 2-year) | 3,500–7,000 |
| Golden Visa | 2,800–4,800 + investment |
| Family (per person) | 1,500–3,500 |
| Renewal | Similar to initial |
Overstay fines: AED 50/day.
Renewal: Renew 30–60 days before expiry via ICP app. Update documents; simultaneous Emirates ID renewal. Grace period: 30 days (fines after).
Cancellation: Required when leaving job/country; employer initiates. Re-entry permit for long absences (AED 500+).
| Feature | Residency Visa | Tourist Visa | Visit Visa |
|---|---|---|---|
| Duration | 1–10 years | 30–90 days | Up to 60 days |
| Work Allowed | Yes (most types) | No | No |
| Family Sponsorship | Yes | No | No |
| Renewable | Yes | Extendable | Limited |
| Best For | Long-term living | Short trips | Family visits |
Residency far outperforms short-term options for stability.
In 2025, a UAE residency visa is your gateway to opportunity—whether launching a business in Dubai, retiring in Abu Dhabi, or raising a family in Sharjah. With flexible types, digital ease, and inclusive rules, securing residency has never been simpler.
Hire Consultancy handles applications, renewals, family sponsorship, and company setup end-to-end.
A permit for long-term stay (1–10 years), linked to Emirates ID, allowing work/study/investment.
2–6 weeks; faster with complete documents.
AED 3,500–7,000 for standard; plus investment for premium visas.
Yes—spouse, children (any age), parents (with AED 20K salary).
No official Silver Visa; term sometimes used for Retirement (5-year) or mid-tier options.
Golden: 5–10 years for elites/investors (AED 2M+); Green: 5 years for skilled workers/freelancers (no investment).
10-year visa for environmental contributors—launched 2025.
Yes—change status inside UAE (AED 500 fee).
Standard visas cancel after 6 months; long-term allow longer absences.
Yes—for all residents since 2025; sponsor provides.