GETTING A UAE RESIDENCE VISA
Whether for work, business, investment, or family, a UAE residence visa allows you to enjoy a secure and comfortable life in the Emirates.
We help you through every step of the visa process, making it simple and stress-free.
Getting A UAE Residence Visa is Easy With Us
Ever wondered why the United Arab Emirates (UAE), with its prosperous economy and fancy hub, Abu Dhabi, is such a hot destination? This happening place is full of opportunities for action and starting new businesses. The UAE has become an attraction to people who want to live good lives as individuals or families.
If you’re considering a move to the country, you will need to apply for a UAE residence visa. It also enables one to put down permanent roots in the country, and this visa allows you to invest in it, too. In this guide, we shall take you through every step involved in obtaining a residence visa in the UAE so that by the end of it all, you are fully aware of what you should do and why.
The Lowdown on UAE Residence Visas
A UAE residence visa is an official document that permits foreigners entry into the United Arab Emirates for long periods. Unlike short-term visas like tourist visas, residency visas usually have an initial period of validity lasting from two to three years and may be renewed up to 10 years after.
Residence visa is a must-have, if you are an immigrant who wants to remain here on a long-term basis. Most foreigners prefer applying for visas to renew them time and again so that they can stay here with their relatives.
Obtaining a UAE residence visa can be confusing. Here’s a brief overview to show you the path that may be waiting for you ahead.
What is a UAE Residence Visa?
A UAE residence visa is an official permit that allows you to live, work, and invest in the United Arab Emirates.
Issued by the General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs (GDRFA) or Federal Authority for Identity and Citizenship (ICP), it provides long-term legal status in the country.
Why is a UAE Residence Visa Important?
Having a UAE residence visa gives you:
- The right to live and work legally in the UAE
- Access to open a corporate bank account in Dubai
- Sponsorship ability for family members
- Access to health services and education
- Better travel flexibility
- Eligibility for long-term residency through the Golden Visa
With our guidance, you can easily complete your UAE residence visa application.
Types of UAE Residence Visas
Popular Options for UAE Residence Visa
- Employment Visa: If a UAE-based company hires you, this visa is sponsored by your employer.
- Investor or Partner Visa: For business owners starting a new venture or investing in a mainland company setup in Dubai.
- Golden Visa: A long-term residence option for investors, entrepreneurs, highly skilled professionals, and property owners.
- Property Owner Visa: Available to real estate investors with property valued at AED 750,000 or more.
- Family Visa: For residents who wish to sponsor their spouse, children, or parents.
We help you choose the right visa option based on your personal and professional needs.
Step-by-Step Process for Getting a UAE Residence Visa
- Select the Right Visa Type: We help you choose between employment, investment, family sponsorship, or property ownership.
- Apply for Entry Permit: Secure your entry permit through ICP or GDRFA.
- Complete Medical Test and Biometrics: Medical fitness and Emirates ID biometric data are mandatory.
- Submit Residency Application: Your passport is submitted for the residence visa stamp once cleared.
- Receive Emirates ID and Residence Visa: Collect your Emirates ID and official residence visa stamp to complete the process.
Our team manages every stage to ensure you meet all UAE residence visa requirements.
Required Documents for UAE Residence Visa
- Valid passport copy (minimum 6 months validity)
- Passport-size photographs (white background)
- Entry permit (approved by ICP or GDRFA)
- Emirates ID application form
- Medical fitness report
- Tenancy contract (Ejari)
- Proof of investment or income (if applicable)
- Marriage or birth certificates (for family visa)
- Trade licence copy (for investor visa)
We assist in organising every document for fast and smooth processing.
UAE Residence Visa Cost and Processing Time
The UAE residence visa cost depends on the type of visa you apply for:
- Employment Visa: AED 3,000 – 6,000
- Investor or Partner Visa: AED 4,000 – 7,000
- Property Owner Visa: AED 3,500 – 6,000
- Family Visa UAE: AED 2,500 – 4,500 per family member
Additional costs may include medical tests, Emirates ID, and mandatory health insurance.
How Long Does It Take to Get a UAE Residence Visa?
The UAE residence visa processing timeis generally 5 to 7 working days after submitting your documents.
Golden Visa applications or special cases may take longer based on approvals.
We ensure your application is completed quickly and correctly.
Validity and Renewal of UAE Residence Visa
Visa Validity Period
Most UAE residence visas are valid for 2 or 3 years, depending on the category and sponsorship type.
The Golden Visa offers a validity of up to 10 years.
How to Renew Your UAE Residence Visa
Renewing your visa is essential for a continued legal stay in the UAE. The process includes:
- Medical fitness test renewal
- Updated Emirates ID application
- Ejari renewal or proof of accommodation
- Submission of renewal application to GDRFA or ICP
- Payment of applicable fees
We manage your UAE residence visa renewal process efficiently to avoid any delays.
What is the Procedure for Cancelling My UAE Residence Visa?
If you are leaving the UAE permanently or switching jobs, it’s important to cancel your UAE residence visa officially. Canceling the visa ensures you are free from future liabilities and keeps your record clear with UAE authorities.
The cancellation process is handled through the General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs (GDRFA) or the Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs and Port Security (ICP), depending on where your visa was issued.
Step-by-Step Process for Cancelling Your UAE Residence Visa
- Submit Cancellation Request: Your employer or PRO service will usually handle the cancellation if you are employed. Investors and family visa holders can submit the application themselves.
- Employer’s Approval (For Employment Visa): If your visa is employer-sponsored, you will need a signed cancellation request from the employer.
- Clearance of Dues: Make sure all your end-of-service benefits, salaries, and dues are settled before applying.
- Process Through GDRFA or ICP: Submit your cancellation request to the authority that issued your visa, along with your Emirates ID and passport.
- Visa Stamp Cancellation: The residency stamp on your passport will be officially voided.
- Receive Cancellation Confirmation: You will receive an official confirmation of your visa cancellation from the government authority.
Note: If you have dependents (family visa holders), you must cancel their visas before cancelling your own.
Important Points to Remember
- Ensure you close your corporate bank account in Dubai or update your account status if you are cancelling.
- Notify landlords and utility companies to settle accounts linked to your residence.
- Visa cancellation typically takes 1 to 2 working days, depending on the application and clearances.
- If you plan to return or change sponsors, check your new visa application timeline to avoid overstaying.
We assist with complete UAE residence visa cancellation services, ensuring a smooth and hassle-free process.
What Documents Are Required to Cancel a UAE Residence Visa?
To successfully cancel your UAE residence visa, you need to submit a few important documents to the relevant authorities, such as the General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs (GDRFA) or the Federal Authority for Identity and Citizenship (ICP).
Having these documents ready will speed up the process and ensure smooth cancellation without delays.
Essential Documents for UAE Residence Visa Cancellation
- Original Passport: Your passport must be submitted to cancel the residency stamp.
- Original Emirates ID Card: The Emirates ID linked to your residence visa is required for cancellation.
- Visa Cancellation Form: This form needs to be completed and signed. If you are employed, your employer or PRO service usually prepares it.
- Sponsor’s Passport Copy (If Applicable): For family visa holders, a copy of the sponsor’s passport and visa page is necessary.
- Trade Licence Copy (For Investor Visa Holders): A copy of the active trade license is required if your visa is linked to a business.
- Labour Card and Labour Cancellation (For Employment Visa): If your visa is employer-sponsored, a cancelled labor card and confirmation from the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation (MOHRE) are required.
- No Objection Certificate (If Required): A No Objection Certificate (NOC) from the employer or sponsor might be requested for some instances.
- Proof of Settled Dues (Optional but Recommended): For your records and smooth processing, ensure salary, benefits, and final dues are cleared with your employer.
Our team will help you prepare and check all documents to ensure a quick and smooth UAE residence visa cancellation process.