Resident Visa in the UAE — Everything You Need to Know

A residence visa for foreign nationals officially hired by a UAE-based employer (in the private sector, government entities, or free zones), issued through employer sponsorship.

Validity: 2–3 years
Sponsor: Employer
Who Is It For: Full-time employees hired by companies in the UAE
Main Advantage: Legal employment in the UAE

An independent residence visa (issued without an employer, e.g., through the Green Visa program), designed for freelancers and self-employed professionals, allowing them to live and work in the UAE without an employer sponsor.

Validity: 1–3 years
Sponsor: Free zone (license)
Who Is It For: Freelancers and independent specialists (IT, media, design, etc.)
Main Advantage: Work without employer sponsorship, independence

A long-term (typically 5-year) residence visa granted to foreign entrepreneurs launching innovative businesses in the UAE (e.g., startup category under the Golden Visa scheme), aimed at supporting new commercial projects and their founders.

Validity: 5 years
Sponsor: Self-sponsored
Who Is It For: Entrepreneurs and startup founders
Main Advantage: Support for innovative businesses

A one-year renewable residence visa for foreign students enrolled at accredited educational institutions in the UAE; issued through sponsorship by the institution or a resident parent.

Validity: 1 year
Sponsor: University/Parents
Who Is It For: International students enrolled in UAE educational institutions
Main Advantage: Legal residence during studies

Allows expatriate residents to sponsor their immediate family members to live in the UAE; intended for spouses, children (and in some cases, parents), legally under the resident’s care.

Validity: 1–3 years
Sponsor: Resident sponsor
Who Is It For: Family members of UAE residents (spouse, children, parents)
Main Advantage: Living together with family in the UAE

A residence visa for foreign domestic staff (e.g., maids, nannies, drivers), sponsored by a UAE national or resident; enables legal residence and employment in a private household.

Validity: 1–2 years
Sponsor: Resident employer
Who Is It For: Domestic workers (nannies, drivers, housekeepers, etc.)
Main Advantage: Legal employment and residence in the UAE

A long-term residence visa (5 or 10 years) issued without the need for a local sponsor; granted to foreign investors, entrepreneurs, highly skilled professionals, exceptional students, and other qualifying individuals, allowing them to live, work, and study in the UAE with special privileges.

Validity: 5 or 10 years
Sponsor: Self-sponsored
Who Is It For: Investors, talented professionals, outstanding students
Main Advantage: Long-term residency and special privileges

A new 5-year self-sponsored residence visa for skilled professionals, freelancers, and investor-partners; it allows residency in the UAE without being tied to a specific employer or local sponsor.

Validity: 5 years
Sponsor: Self-sponsored
Who Is It For: Freelancers, highly skilled professionals, and investors
Main Advantage: Long-term residency, independence from employer

A long-term residence visa aimed at attracting and supporting outstanding individuals in arts and culture (both Arab and international), allowing creative professionals to contribute to the UAE’s cultural and creative industries.

Validity: 10 years
Sponsor: Self-sponsored
Who Is It For: Distinguished individuals in arts and culture
Main Advantage: Support for creative activities

A 5-year residence visa for foreign retirees wishing to live in the UAE; granted to former professionals who meet certain criteria (age 55+, relevant work history, and financial requirements).

Validity: 5 years
Sponsor: Self-sponsored
Who Is It For: Foreign retirees (aged 55 and older)
Main Advantage: Ability to reside in the UAE post-retirement

A one-year self-sponsored residence visa for remote workers employed by foreign companies; allows legal residence in the UAE while continuing remote work for an overseas employer.

Validity: 1 year
Sponsor: Self-sponsored
Who Is It For: Employees of foreign companies working remotely from the UAE
Main Advantage: Residency in the UAE while working for a foreign employer