UAE Residence Visa

A UAE residence visa allows you to reside in the Emirates as a business owner, employee, investor, or sponsored family member. Valid for 2–3 years and renewable, it requires an approved sponsor, medical fitness test, Emirates ID registration, and active documentation.

  • 2–3 year renewable residency
  • Emirates ID included
  • Family sponsorship eligibility
  • Required for UAE banking access
  • Convert from tourist status (case-dependent)
  • Applicable for employment and company ownership
Documents Verified
Submitted for processing
Emirates ID & medical booked
Visa stamping scheduled

Types of UAE Residence Visas

A UAE residence visa can be issued under different categories depending on your professional status, investment activity, or sponsorship structure. Each type has specific eligibility requirements and documentation conditions.

Employment Visa

Issued to professionals hired by a UAE-licensed company. The employer acts as the legal sponsor and manages work permit approval, medical testing, Emirates ID registration, and visa stamping.

Starting from
AED 4,500

Final pricing depends on whether the application is inside or outside the UAE, employer category, and medical & ID fees.

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Includes:
  • Work permit approval
  • Entry permit (if outside UAE)
  • Status change (if applicable)
  • Medical fitness test
  • Emirates ID registration
  • Visa stamping

Family Visa

Allows UAE residence visa holders to sponsor their spouse, children, and eligible parents to legally reside in the UAE.

Starting from
AED 3,500

Final pricing depends on number of dependents, housing documentation, and medical & ID fees.

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Includes:
  • Entry permit
  • Status change (if applicable)
  • Medical fitness test
  • Emirates ID registration
  • Visa stamping

Freelance Visa

For independent professionals operating under an approved UAE free zone permit. This route allows legal residence while working with local or international clients.

Starting from
AED 7,500

(Varies by free zone authority)

Final pricing depends on chosen free zone, activity type, and permit duration.

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Includes:
  • Freelance permit application
  • Establishment card
  • Entry permit (if applicable)
  • Medical fitness test
  • Emirates ID registration
  • Visa stamping

Golden Visa

A long-term residency option valid for 5 or 10 years, designed for investors, entrepreneurs, and specialised professionals meeting defined eligibility thresholds.

Starting from
AED 15,000

Final pricing depends on eligibility category, investment threshold, and document verification requirements.

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Includes:
  • Eligibility assessment
  • Nomination submission (if required)
  • Entry permit (if applicable)
  • Medical fitness test
  • Emirates ID registration
  • Visa issuance (5 or 10 years)

Investor / Partner Visa

Designed for shareholders in an active UAE company. This visa allows business owners to reside in the UAE while operating and managing their company.

Starting from
AED 3,800

(Excludes company formation fees)

Final pricing depends on company jurisdiction, immigration card setup, and visa duration.

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Includes:
  • Investor visa application
  • Establishment card processing
  • Entry permit (if applicable)
  • Medical fitness test
  • Emirates ID registration
  • Visa stamping

Property Owner Visa

Available to individuals investing in qualifying real estate in the UAE. Visa duration depends on property valuation and ownership structure.

Starting from
AED 9,000

Final pricing depends on property value category, land department approvals, and visa validity period.

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Includes:
  • Property eligibility review
  • Visa application submission
  • Entry permit (if applicable)
  • Medical fitness test
  • Emirates ID registration
  • Visa stamping

5-Year Retirement Visa

For individuals aged 55 and above who meet financial or property ownership criteria. Provides renewable long-term residency.

Starting from
AED 12,000

Final pricing depends on financial eligibility category and documentation requirements.

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Includes:
  • Eligibility review
  • Application submission
  • Medical fitness test
  • Emirates ID registration
  • Visa issuance (5 years)

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What a UAE Residence Visa actually is.

A UAE residence visa is your legal right to live in the Emirates, tied to an approved sponsor. It is typically valid for 2–3 years, renewable, and includes Emirates ID registration once issued.

Who it’s for
  • Business owners and partners with an active UAE company licence
  • Employees sponsored by a UAE employer
  • Freelancers under an approved free zone licence
  • Family members sponsored by a UAE resident (income rules apply)
What it includes
  • Emirates ID registration and biometrics
  • Medical fitness test
  • Visa stamping in your passport
  • Renewal eligibility if requirements remain valid
  • A key requirement for most UAE banking and services
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Steps to Apply for a Residence Visa in Dubai

The residence visa journey follows a clear sequence. CorpWise manages each stage, so nothing is missed or repeated.

Step 1 | Confirm eligibility

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We identify the right visa type based on your role, employee, investor, property owner, or family sponsor.

Step 2 | Secure an entry permit (if needed)

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If you’re applying from outside the UAE, we secure the entry permit that allows you to reside in the UAE temporarily.

Step 3 | Prepare documentation

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We collect, review, and align all required documents to avoid rejections or delays.

Step 4 | Complete medical fitness test

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You attend an authorised medical centre for the mandatory health check. This typically includes blood tests and a chest X-ray.

Step 5 | Register for an Emirates ID

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Complete biometrics at an authorised Emirates ID centre, creating your official UAE identification.

Step 6 | Submit the Visa application

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The application is filed with the relevant immigration or authority for processing and approval.

Step 7 | Visa Stamping

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Once approved, your residence visa is stamped in your passport, granting you legal residency in the UAE.

Step 8 | Final Registration

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Receive your Emirates ID and complete remaining formalities, including insurance enrollment & sponsorship documentation, to activate your residence status.

COMPARE CORPWISE
What makes CorpWise the smarter choice for UAE residence visas?
Typical provider
Eligibility pre-check
Included
Often Skipped
Sponsor requirement clarity
Included
Not explained
Cost breakdown upfront
Included
Add-on pricing
Dedicated case owner
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Multiple handoffs
Document checklist
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Generic guidance
Status updates
Real-time
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Medical & ID coordination
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Self-managed
Renewal tracking reminders
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Banking readiness guidance
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Rejection risk review
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Not sure which residence route applies to you?
Send us your situation, employment status, or company details.
We’ll confirm eligibility before you submit.
Contact our team

GO DEEPER BEFORE YOU APPLY

UAE Visa Guides & Resources

The details behind the decisions. Read before you apply, compare your options, and understand eligibility, timelines, and sponsorship rules before starting your UAE visa process.

25.02.2026
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UAE Residence Visa vs Golden Visa: Which One Is Right for You?

A clear comparison of UAE residence and Golden Visa options, including duration, eligibility criteria, sponsorship rules, and long-term benefits to help you choose the right path.

Read article
24.02.2026
UAE Visas Guides

Investor Visa in the UAE: Requirements, Costs & Process Explained

Everything you need to know about obtaining an investor visa in the UAE, from company ownership requirements and costs to processing steps and common approval challenges.

Read article
23.02.2026
UAE Visas Guides

How to Sponsor Your Family in the UAE: Income Rules & Process

A practical guide to UAE family visa sponsorship, covering income thresholds, housing requirements, required documents, and renewal rules for residents.

Read article
Visit the Blog

Everything you need to know about UAE residence visas.

Find clear answers on eligibility, validity, sponsorship rules, processing time, costs, renewals, and family sponsorship requirements.

Who is eligible to apply for a UAE Residence Visa?

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UAE residence visas are available to employees with a valid job offer, business owners and investors, property owners, and family members sponsored by a UAE resident or citizen.

How long is a UAE Residence Visa valid?

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Most residence visas are issued for 1 to 3 years, depending on the visa type. They can be renewed as long as eligibility requirements continue to be met.

Can I sponsor my family with a UAE residence visa?

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Yes. Residence visa holders can sponsor immediate family members, including a spouse and children, and in some cases parents, subject to income and housing criteria.

What documents are needed to apply?

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 Requirements vary by visa type but typically include passport copies, an entry permit where applicable, proof of employment or business ownership, a medical fitness certificate, Emirates ID registration, and proof of address.

How long does the residence visa process take?

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Timelines usually range from 2 to 6 weeks. Processing time depends on the visa category, document readiness, and the authority handling the application.

Get a Residence Visa in the UAE

Live and work in the UAE with the right visa in place.

We manage the process end to end, from eligibility and documentation to approvals and final stamping, so your residency is compliant, secure, and handled smoothly.