GETTING A UAE RESIDENCE VISA
At Gulf Corporate Services, we have more than 14 years of experience helping individuals, families, and investors secure their UAE residence visa. Whether you are moving to Dubai for work, starting a business, or planning to sponsor your family, our team ensures a smooth, transparent, and compliant process.
Getting a Dubai Residence Visa is Easy With Us
Obtaining residency in Dubai may seem complex, but with the right guidance, the process is straightforward. Our specialists handle everything from visa applications and residence permits in the UAE to renewals, cancellations, and dependent sponsorships. Whether you are seeking a short-term residency or aiming for long-term or permanent residency in Dubai, we streamline every step.
In Dubai, the process is usually managed through the General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs (GDRFA) or Amer Centres, while in other emirates, it is handled through the ICP Smart Services portal. At Gulf Corporate Services, we know the exact requirements in Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Sharjah, Ajman, Ras Al Khaimah, and Fujairah, ensuring your application is submitted correctly the first time.
For professionals moving to Dubai, we manage your work permit and employment residence visa with your sponsoring company. For families, we prepare your Ejari tenancy contract, attested marriage and birth certificates, and health insurance to meet local sponsorship rules. For investors and entrepreneurs, we guide you through setting up your business licence, obtaining your Establishment Card, and filing for your investor residence visa in Dubai.
What is a UAE Residence Visa?
A UAE residence visa is an official permit that allows foreign nationals to legally live in the United Arab Emirates. It links to your Emirates ID and grants access to services such as opening a bank account, renting property, sponsoring family members, and enrolling children in schools.
There are several routes to obtain a residence visa in Dubai, including employment, investment, family sponsorship, or through special long-term visas like the Golden Visa. Once issued, the visa serves as proof of residence in Dubai and confirms your legal status in the country.
Why is a UAE Residence Visa Important?
The UAE residence visa is more than just permission to stay—it unlocks opportunities:
- Legal residency in Dubai or other emirates.
- Ability to sponsor dependents (spouse, children, parents).
- Access to healthcare, education, and financial services.
- Eligibility for long-term visas like the Dubai Golden Visa.
- Pathways to permanent residency in Dubai for investors and highly skilled individuals.
Without a residence visa, foreigners can only stay in the UAE on short-term tourist visas, which limits their access to services and opportunities.
Types of UAE Residence Visas
There are multiple ways to become a resident of Dubai or other emirates:
1. Employment Residence Visa Dubai
- Issued when a UAE-based company hires you.
- Requires a valid job offer, work permit, and sponsorship by your employer.
2. Investor / Partner Residence Visa UAE
- For those starting a business or investing in a UAE company.
- Allows full ownership in many free zones or shared ownership on the mainland.
3. Family Residence Visa Dubai
- For UAE residents who wish to sponsor their spouse, children, or parents.
- Requires proof of income, tenancy contract, and insurance.
4. Student Residence Visa UAE
- Granted to those enrolled in accredited universities or schools in the UAE.
5. Retirement Visa Dubai
- For residents over 55 who meet financial and property requirements.
6. Golden Visa UAE
- Long-term (5–10 years) residency for investors, entrepreneurs, scientists, and skilled professionals.
7. Blue Visa UAE
- A new visa category introduced for sustainability experts and global contributors.
UAE Residence Visa Types — Quick Comparison (2025)
Add a simple table (this is a big win for both users and snippets):
| Visa Type | Who it’s for | Sponsor needed? | Validity | Key benefits |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Employment (Work) | Employees (mainland/free zone) | Employer | ~2 years | Work legally, sponsor family |
| Investor/Partner | Company owners | Company/self | 2–3 years | Business + family sponsorship |
| Family (Dependent) | Spouse, kids, parents | Resident sponsor | Follows sponsor | Schooling, healthcare |
| Golden | Investors/exceptional talent | No | 5 or 10 yrs | Long stay, broad family benefits |
| Green | Skilled, freelancers, investors | No | 5 yrs | Self-sponsored, flexible stay |
| Blue | Sustainability contributors | No | 10 yrs | Long stay, prestige track |
Add a one-liner under the table: “We verify eligibility and prepare documents to avoid refusals and delays.”
Popular Options for UAE Residence Visa
While there are many types, the most popular options are:
- Dubai employment visa for professionals moving to work in the UAE.
- Investor visa UAE for entrepreneurs establishing companies.
- Family visa Dubai for expats wanting to live with their loved ones.
- Golden Visa for those seeking long-term residency in UAE.
Step-by-Step Process for Getting a UAE Residence Visa
At Gulf Corporate Services, we make the process easy to follow.
Step 1: Choose Your Visa Type
Decide whether you qualify for employment, investor, family, student, or long-term visas.
Step 2: Apply for an Entry Permit
If you are outside the UAE, you will first need an entry permit. If already inside, a status change can be arranged.
Step 3: Medical Fitness Test
Undergo a medical examination to confirm fitness to reside in the UAE.
Step 4: Biometrics for Emirates ID
Submit biometrics for your Emirates ID card, which serves as your official identification.
Step 5: Visa Stamping
Your passport will be stamped (or updated digitally) with your UAE residence visa.
Step 6: Sponsorship & Dependent Applications
Once your visa is active, you can sponsor dependents under your residency.
Required Documents for UAE Residence Visa
Depending on your visa category, the documents may vary, but typically include:
- Passport copy (valid at least 6 months).
- Passport-sized photographs.
- Entry permit or tourist visa copy.
- Proof of accommodation (Ejari or tenancy contract).
- Employment contract or trade license (for investors).
- Marriage or birth certificates (for family visas).
- Health insurance coverage.
For U.S. citizens and other foreign nationals, the process is the same, but some embassies may request additional verification.
UAE Residence Visa Cost and Processing Time
The residence visa cost in Dubai varies depending on the type:
- Employment visa Dubai: AED 3,000–7,000 (including work permit and medical).
- Investor visa UAE: AED 4,000–10,000 (plus trade license costs).
- Family visa Dubai: AED 2,000–5,000 (depending on dependents).
- Golden Visa UAE: AED 9,000–15,000 (based on eligibility).
Processing time is generally 7–15 business days if all documents are complete. For long-term visas, timelines can be longer.
How Long Does It Take to Get a UAE Residence Visa?
On average, it takes one to three weeks to get a residence visa in Dubai. Employment and investor visas are often completed faster, while family sponsorship may take longer due to additional documents. Golden Visa and Blue Visa applications can take a few months depending on eligibility checks.
Validity and Renewal of UAE Residence Visa
- Standard residence visas are valid for 2–3 years, depending on the type.
- Golden Visa and Blue Visa holders enjoy validity of up to 10 years.
- Renewals require updated insurance, tenancy, and valid passports.
- Renewal should be done before expiry to avoid overstay fines in UAE.
What is the Procedure for Cancelling My UAE Residence Visa?
If you change employers, leave the country, or switch sponsorship, your visa must be cancelled before a new one is issued.
- Employers cancel employment visas when you leave a job.
- Investors cancel their visa if closing a company.
- Family sponsors cancel dependent visas before exiting.
Step-by-Step Process for Cancelling Your UAE Residence Visa
Submit cancellation request to ICP or GDRFA.
Employer or sponsor signs cancellation form.
Clearance from GOSI, banks, and other authorities if required.
Visa is stamped as cancelled or updated digitally.
A grace period (usually 30 days) applies before leaving the UAE or applying for a new visa.
What Documents Are Required to Cancel a UAE Residence Visa?
- Original passport.
- Emirates ID card.
- Clearance letter from employer or sponsor.
- Completed cancellation form.
- Entry permit for new visa (if transferring).
With Gulf Corporate Services, we ensure the visa cancellation process in Dubai is handled quickly, avoiding delays or penalties.
Why Choose Gulf Corporate Services?
- 14+ years of expertise in immigration and business setup.
- Experience across all visa categories: employment, investor, family, Golden, and Blue.
- Transparent pricing with no hidden costs.
- Local presence in Dubai for faster processing.
- Dedicated consultants to guide you step by step.
Start your journey today. Contact Gulf Corporate Services to secure your UAE residence visa and enjoy a seamless move to Dubai.