Getting Residency in Dubai: Complete 2025 Visa Guide
The UAE residence visa is much more than just a permit to live in the country. It is the key that opens the door to tax optimization, an international banking system, and an exceptional quality of life. In this guide, we break down the most important ways to obtain it and the exact process you need to follow.
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The Main Routes to Residency in Dubai
Although there are multiple types of permits, for entrepreneurs, investors, and professionals seeking autonomy and tax benefits, the options focus on visas that do not depend on a local employer.
Investor Visa
Obtained by setting up your own company in the UAE. It is the most versatile and recommended route for most profiles.
Golden Visa
A long-term visa (up to 10 years) for high-net-worth individuals, real estate investors, established entrepreneurs, and exceptional talents.
Other Visas
Include options like the digital nomad visa (remote work) or the retirement visa, with very specific requirements.
The residence visa is not the end goal; it is the fundamental tool that allows you to establish your tax residency in the UAE and access 0% taxation.
What Does a Residence Visa Allow You to Do?
Beyond being able to live legally in the country, your residency unlocks a new world of personal and financial possibilities.
Open Bank Accounts
Gain unrestricted access to the robust and confidential UAE banking system for both your personal and corporate finances.
Sponsor Your Family
Obtain residence visas for your spouse and children, allowing your family to join you in your new life in Dubai.
Obtain Tax Residency
Fulfill the fundamental requirement to apply for a tax residency certificate and benefit from 0% taxation.
Comparative Table of Residence Visas
Each visa has its own characteristics. Here you can see the key differences at a glance to identify which one best suits your profile and goals.
| Feature | Investor Visa (via Company) | Golden Visa (Real Estate) | Golden Visa (Entrepreneur) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Duration | 2 years (indefinitely renewable) | 10 years (renewable) | 5 years (renewable) |
| Minimum Investment | Cost of company formation | AED 2 Million (approx. €500k) | Project approved by an incubator |
| Flexibility | Maximum. Allows operating a global business. | High. Not tied to a business. | Medium. Tied to the entrepreneurial project. |
| Family Sponsorship | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes |
| Main Requirement | Have an active company in the UAE. | Purchase of property without a mortgage. | Have an innovative startup project. |
| Ideal for… | Most professionals, freelancers, consultants, and entrepreneurs. | High-net-worth investors looking to diversify in real estate. | Startup founders with a scalable and technological business model. |
The Investor Visa: Your Direct Route to Residency
This is the ultimate strategic option. By incorporating a company, you not only create a vehicle for your business operations but also become an investor in your own business, which entitles you to a residence visa.
Key advantages of the investor visa:
- ✅ Full Control: You do not depend on an employer. Your resident status is linked to your own company.
- ✅ Flexibility: It allows you to manage international businesses and invoice clients worldwide.
- ✅ Family Sponsorship: Once obtained, you can sponsor residence visas for your immediate family.
- ✅ Duration: Generally issued for 2 years, indefinitely renewable as long as the company remains active.
The Golden Visa: Long-Term Residency for Elite Profiles 🌟
The Golden Visa is a long-term residency program (5 or 10 years) that does not require a local sponsor and is designed to attract talent and investment to the UAE. The main categories are:
Real Estate Investor
For the purchase of one or more properties with a total minimum value of AED 2 million (without a mortgage).
Entrepreneur
For startup founders with an innovative business idea approved by an accredited incubator in the UAE.
Exceptional Talent
For outstanding professionals in fields such as science, art, culture, sports, or digital technology, with credentials demonstrating their elite status.
Although the Golden Visa offers a longer duration, for most profiles, the investor visa through a Free Zone company is faster, more accessible, and more efficient for achieving the goal of tax residency.
The Process to Obtain Your Residency: From Application to Emirates ID
Regardless of the visa type, the final process, once the initial application is approved, follows a series of standardized steps that we manage entirely for you.
Entry Permit
An electronic entry permit is issued, allowing you to enter the UAE to complete the process. It is valid for 60 days.
Medical Fitness Test
A mandatory medical check-up at a government center to rule out certain communicable diseases.
Biometrics and Emirates ID
Your fingerprints and a photograph are taken at a Federal Authority for Identity (ICP) center to issue your identity card.
Visa Stamping
The final step: the residence visa is physically stamped in your passport, confirming your legal resident status in the UAE.
The official source for all visa procedures is the Federal Authority for Identity and Citizenship (ICP).
Maintaining Your Residency: Your Key Responsibilities
Obtaining residency is the first step. To keep it active and without issues, it is essential to comply with certain obligations.
- Visit the UAE every 180 days: To prevent your visa from being automatically canceled, you must enter the country at least once every six months.
- Renew your Emirates ID: Your identity card has the same validity as your visa. It is crucial to start the renewal process before it expires.
- Maintain the basis of your visa: If your residency depends on your company, it must remain active with its trade license renewed annually.
- Comply with local laws: As a resident, you are subject to the laws and regulations of the United Arab Emirates.
Frequently Asked Questions about the Residence Visa
How long must I stay in Dubai to maintain my residency?
To keep your residence visa active, you must enter the UAE at least once every 180 days (approximately 6 months). However, to be considered a tax resident and benefit from 0% taxation, it is recommended to spend more than 90 days a year in the country, and ideally more than 183 days to meet the criteria of most countries.
Can I work for another company with my investor visa?
Your investor visa is linked to your own company. You cannot be an employee of another company in the UAE with this visa. However, your company can provide services and invoice other companies, which in practice allows you to collaborate with them.
What happens if my company ceases to operate?
If you decide to close your company, the associated residence visa (and those of your sponsored family members) will be canceled. You will have a grace period (usually 30 days) to leave the country or find a new way to obtain another residence visa.