Who can apply for a UAE Residency Visa?

You can apply if you have a job offer from a UAE company, own property in the UAE, or are a dependent of a UAE resident.

How long is the UAE Residency Visa valid for?

The visa is typically valid for 1-3 years, depending on your circumstances and the type of your application.

Do I need a medical exam?

Yes, a medical fitness test carried out at an approved UAE medical center is mandatory.

Can I sponsor my family for residency?

Yes, as a resident, you can sponsor your spouse, children, and other dependents for their own residency visas.

Can I work in the UAE with a Residency Visa?

Yes, a residency visa allows you to work, provided you have a valid work permit from a UAE employer.

Is health insurance required for a UAE Residency Visa?

Yes, proof of valid health insurance is required for applying for the residency visa.

What sort of financial proof is required for investors?

Investors need to provide bank statements and other financial documentation proving their financial stability.

How long does the visa processing take?

Processing usually takes a few weeks, but it can vary depending on individual circumstances and completeness of the application.

Can I convert my tourist visa to a residency visa?

In most cases, you will need to exit the UAE and re-enter on your new residency visa, but specific cases might be handled differently.

Do I need to renew my Residency Visa?

Yes, you need to renew it before it expires. The renewal process is similar to the original application process.

United Arab Emirates Residency Visa Guide

Find out everything you need to know about United Arab Emirates Residency Visa application process and requirements.

What Is the United Arab Emirates Residency Visa?

The Residency Visa for the United Arab Emirates is designed for those seeking long-term residence in the UAE. This visa can be obtained by expatriates who meet certain criteria, such as having an employment contract, investing in real estate, or being a family member of an existing resident. It provides several perks, including tax-free living, access to the UAE's diverse job market, high standards of living, and the ability to sponsor family members for their own residency visas.

Residency Visa Requirements for United Arab Emirates

Explore the key requirements for obtaining your Residency Visa for United Arab Emirates. This section covers the necessary documentation, eligibility criteria, and any specific conditions you must meet to successfully apply for and secure your visa.

Passport Validity
Your passport must be valid for at least six months from the date of your intended entry into the UAE.
Medical Fitness
A clean bill of health from an accredited UAE clinic is required to confirm your eligibility for living in the country.
Proof of Health Insurance
You must have health insurance coverage that is valid in the UAE.
Financial Statements
If you are applying as an investor or business owner, you need to provide financial documentation, such as bank statements, to prove your financial stability.
Employment Contract
For employment-based applications, an official job offer and a work contract from a company based in the UAE are mandatory.

How to Apply for United Arab Emirates Residency Visa

Understand the process of applying for an United Arab Emirates Residency Visa, including key steps, document submission, and what to expect throughout the application.

Secure Eligibility
Determine your eligibility based on employment, investment, or family sponsorship criteria. Employment involves having a job offer from a UAE-based company, while investment requires real estate ownership, and family sponsorship involves being a dependent of a UAE resident.
Gather Required Documentation
Collect necessary documents such as your passport, medical fitness test results, proof of health insurance, and relevant financial statements. Ensure these are valid and up-to-date.
Submit an Online Application
Fill out and submit your residency visa application through the UAE's official immigration website. Ensure all information is accurate and complete to avoid delays or rejections.
Wait for Processing
Once your application is submitted, it will be reviewed by UAE immigration authorities. This process typically takes a few weeks, during which your eligibility and documents will be thoroughly checked.
Undergo Medical Examination
All applicants must undergo a medical examination at an approved UAE medical center to ensure they meet health requirements for residency.
Receive Visa Approval
If your application is approved, you will receive your residency visa. You may then need to complete an issuance and stamping process at one of the UAE's immigration offices.

Useful United Arab Emirates Residency Visa Resources

UAE Government Portal

Federal Authority for Identity and Citizenship

Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation

Dubai Residency Directorate

United Arab Emirates Residency Visa Advice

Consider arranging your employment or investment details well in advance before applying for the residency visa, as those are key components of the approval process. Ensure all your documentation, such as your passport and other required credentials, are up-to-date and in order. Finally, keep track of application deadlines and remain aware of any updates to UAE's immigration policies.

United Arab Emirates Residency Visa Guide

What Is the United Arab Emirates Residency Visa?

Residency Visa Requirements for United Arab Emirates

Passport Validity

Medical Fitness

Proof of Health Insurance

Financial Statements

Employment Contract

How to Apply for United Arab Emirates Residency Visa

Secure Eligibility

Gather Required Documentation

Submit an Online Application

Wait for Processing

Undergo Medical Examination

Receive Visa Approval

Useful United Arab Emirates Residency Visa Resources

United Arab Emirates Residency Visa Advice

Frequently Asked Questions

United Arab Emirates Passport Details and Ranking 2024