Which visa fits you?
| Visa | For | Main requirement | Duration |
|---|---|---|---|
| Employment visa | People with a UAE job | Employer sponsorship | 2 years |
| Partner (investor) visa | People who set up a company | A UAE-licensed company | Usually 2 years |
| Green Visa – skilled employee | High earners | Salary of at least AED 15,000 a month + bachelor's degree | 5 years |
| Green Visa – freelancer | Freelancers | Self-employment income of at least AED 360,000 a year over the last 2 years | 5 years |
| Remote work visa | People working for employers/clients abroad | At least USD 3,500 a month in foreign income | 1 year |
| Property owner residency | Dubai property owners | Property worth at least AED 750,000 | 2 years |
| Retirement visa | Age 55+ | Income, savings or property | 5 years |
| Golden Visa | Investors, high earners, entrepreneurs | e.g. AED 2 million in property | 10 years |
Residency through your own company
Without an employer, the most common route is to set up a free zone company and get a partner visa through it. With the visa, the first-year budget is usually AED 15,000–25,000. It also lets you invoice and do business in Dubai.
Remote work visa
If you work for a company abroad or your clients are outside the UAE, you can apply for the 1-year remote work visa. Since 2026 you need six months of bank statements showing at least USD 3,500 a month in income. UAE-valid health insurance is required. You can't work for UAE clients or employers on this visa, and it lapses if you stay abroad for more than six months.
Bringing your family
A UAE resident can sponsor their spouse and children with a salary of at least AED 4,000 a month, or AED 3,000 plus employer-provided housing. The family visa runs for as long as the sponsor's visa.
How the application works
- Entry permit. The sponsor (employer, your company or you) applies for an entry permit or change of status.
- Medical test. At an approved centre in the UAE.
- Emirates ID biometrics. Fingerprints and photo.
- Visa approval. Residency is recorded digitally on your Emirates ID.
Dubai applications go through GDRFA; other emirates through ICP.
Frequently asked questions
Can I get residency in Dubai without a job?
Yes. You can set up your own company and get a partner visa, apply for the remote work visa if you earn from abroad, or buy property worth at least AED 750,000 for a 2-year residency.
What's the difference between the Green Visa and the Golden Visa?
The Green Visa is a 5-year residency without a sponsor, based on an AED 15,000 monthly salary or freelance income. The Golden Visa lasts 10 years and has higher thresholds, such as an AED 30,000 salary or AED 2 million in property.
How much income do I need for the remote work visa?
At least USD 3,500 a month from abroad, shown in six months of bank statements.
How much do I need to earn to bring my family?
At least AED 4,000 a month, or AED 3,000 plus employer-provided housing.