Residence Visa Dubai Services
Dreaming of calling Dubai your home? Securing a residence visa is your golden ticket to legally living and working in the UAE, but let’s be real—navigating the visa application process can feel like solving a puzzle blindfolded. From strict Dubai immigration policies enforced by the General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs (GDRFA) to gathering the right documentation, every step demands precision. Whether it’s the entry permit, medical fitness test, or Emirates ID application, one misstep can slow you down. That’s where our expertise shines. We streamline the entire immigration journey, turning stress into a hassle-free experience so you can focus on your new beginning in Dubai.
Whether you’re an investor eyeing the prestigious 10-year UAE Golden Visa through property investment, a professional chasing an employment visa, or a parent planning family sponsorship, we’ve got your back. Our team helps you apply for the flexible Green Visa, renew your residency permit, or even cancel it without hiccups. Our mission? Ensuring you qualify for the perfect immigration document to kickstart your UAE residency with confidence.
Key Benefits of Residence Visa in Dubai
Legal Long-Term Stay
A Dubai residence visa isn’t just a piece of paper—it’s your foundation for long-term settlement and stability in the UAE. This official permit grants you the legal right to call Dubai your domicile, offering peace of mind with a secure legal status. It’s the cornerstone for building your future in one of the world’s most vibrant cities, whether you’re relocating for work, family, or adventure.
Access to Services
Once you obtain your residency, you unlock a world of essential services that make Dubai life seamless. Your visa is the key to securing an Emirates ID, which opens doors to opening bank accounts, getting a driving license, accessing Dubai’s healthcare system, and enrolling kids in schools. It’s your pass to fully integrating into the UAE’s infrastructure, making daily life a breeze.
Family Sponsorship
Nothing beats the joy of family reunification. With a Dubai residence visa, you can sponsor your spouse, children, or even parents in some cases, bringing your loved ones to share your UAE journey. Our visa services simplify the family sponsorship process, ensuring your family thrives in a stable and enriching environment in Dubai.
Career Opportunities
Your UAE residence permit is your gateway to professional mobility. It lets you pursue employment opportunities or launch your own Dubai business setup in a mainland or free zone. With Dubai’s thriving market, tax-free income, and status as a Middle East business hub, your career potential is limitless, whether you’re a freelancer, entrepreneur, or corporate professional.
Essential Requirements for UAE Residence Visa
Valid Passport:
Must have more than six months remaining before expiration.
Photographs:
Two passport-sized photographs that meet UAE specifications.
Visa Application Form:
Completed and signed.
Medical Fitness Test Result:
Must be conducted in the UAE.
Proof of Health Insurance:
Valid coverage within the UAE.
Cost of the UAE Residence visa
Visa application fees vary based on whether you apply online or in-person and the specific emirate. Here’s a breakdown to help you plan:
- The cheapest residence visa in the UAE, typically a 90-day long-term visa, starts at around AED 3,990, with options to renew for two additional 6-month periods. Additional costs like medical tests and visa stamping fees may apply.
- A 1-year UAE residence visa ranges from AED 1,000 to AED 3,000.
- A 2-year residence visa in Dubai costs about AED 3,500 without insurance, or around AED 6,000 with health insurance.
- A 2-year UAE family visa in 2025 is approximately AED 2,200 without insurance.
- A 3-year UAE residence visa costs around AED 3,700 without insurance, or AED 5,472 with it.
- A 5-year Dubai Green Visa typically ranges from AED 3,000 to AED 5,000, plus medical test fees and typing center charges.
Step-by-Step Guide to Obtaining a Residence Visa Dubai
Moving to Dubai? Securing a residence visa is your key to legally living and working in the UAE, but the visa application process can feel like a maze. Don’t worry—our expert guidance simplifies every step, ensuring you qualify for your UAE residency permit with ease. Whether you’re chasing a Golden Visa, employment visa, or family sponsorship.
Document Collection
Prepare all required documents to kickstart your Dubai residence visa process.
Entry Permit
Before you can apply for a residence visa, you need an entry permit to legally enter the UAE.
Medical Exam
Once your entry permit is approved, you must visit an approved medical center in the UAE for a medical fitness test.
Visa Submission
Submit your visa application to the General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs (GDRFA) for your residence visa
Frequently Asked Questions about Residence Visa Services
A Dubai Residence Visa is a long-term legal permit that allows foreign nationals to legally reside, work, and study in the United Arab Emirates. Unlike a tourist visa, this immigration document is essential for anyone planning a long-term settlement. You need this residency proof to open bank accounts, secure a driving license, enroll children in schools, and access the Dubai healthcare system, making it the foundational official document for life in the UAE.
The UAE immigration system offers several hyponyms (specific types) of visas to cater to different needs. Key categories include the Employment Visa (sponsored by a company), the Investor Visa (for those making a significant financial commitment), the Property Visa (a subset of the investor visa), the Family Visa (for dependents), the Retirement Visa, and newer categories like the prestigious 10-year UAE Golden Visa and the flexible 5-year Green Visa for skilled professionals and freelancers.
To qualify for a Dubai residency status, every applicant must meet core eligibility criteria. This universally includes having a valid passport, passing a medical fitness test at an approved medical examination center, obtaining mandatory medical insurance, and applying for an Emirates ID which involves a biometric enrollment. Specific supporting documents like birth/marriage certificates (for family visas) or an employment contract are required depending on the visa category.
The minimum financial requirement for a property investment visa in Dubai is directly linked to the visa's duration. To obtain a 2-year residence visa, you must invest a minimum of AED 750,000 in a property. To qualify for the highly sought-after 10-year Golden Visa, the minimum property purchase value increases to AED 2,000,000. This capital commitment must be in approved freehold areas.
This comparison search reveals key differences in duration, target audience, and sponsorship. The Golden Visa is a 10-year, premium long-term residence visa for major investors, exceptional talents, and top professionals. The Green Visa is a 5-year permit targeting skilled employees, freelancers, and smaller investors, with the significant benefit of not requiring a traditional employer sponsor, offering greater professional mobility.
The fundamental difference lies in the sponsorship and qualification basis. An Employment Visa is sponsored by your employer; your residency is tied to your job. An Investor Visa, a form of investment migration, is self-sponsored. You qualify by making a significant financial commitment, such as a property purchase or business setup, granting you more independence and direct control over your UAE residency status.
You can initiate the Dubai visa application process online through the official GDRFA Dubai portal or the Federal Authority's (ICP) website. The action-oriented search to "apply Dubai residence visa online" involves uploading initial documents to get an entry permit. However, the process still requires physical steps in Dubai, such as the medical test and biometric enrollment for your Emirates ID.
The residence permit renewal process should begin within the 3 months before expiry. It involves repeating several key steps from the initial application, including passing a new medical fitness test and renewing your medical insurance. Your sponsor (or you, if self-sponsored) will then submit the renewal application to the GDRFA to get a new visa sticker and update your Emirates ID.
For a family reunion visa in Dubai, the sponsoring Person must provide their passport with a valid residence visa, their Emirates ID, a salary certificate or employment contract showing they meet the minimum salary requirements, and a registered tenancy contract. You will also need attested birth certificates for children and an attested marriage certificate for your spouse, often requiring services from document attestation services.
Yes, US passport holders can acquire Dubai residency through any of the established channels, such as employment, investment, or business setup. The application process and documentation requirements are the same as for other nationalities. The strong economic ties between the countries make Dubai a popular destination for American expatriates seeking Gulf region opportunities.
Yes, securing medical insurance from an approved provider in the UAE is a mandatory prerequisite for all residence visa applications and renewals. Proof of valid health coverage is required by the Dubai Health Authority (DHA) before the visa can be stamped. This ensures everyone residing in the emirate has access to the healthcare system.
While you don't need a UAE bank account to apply for the visa, you will need a residence visa to open one. For certain visa types, like the investor visa or retirement visa, you will need to provide bank statements (from your home country or the UAE) as proof of funds or financial stability, making banking services an integral part of the macro context.
To find the "best Dubai residence visa consultants," look for firms with a long history, transparent fees, and deep knowledge of the legal framework, especially free zone vs mainland regulations. A reputable immigration consultant will be registered with the relevant authorities and can provide clear guidance on the entire process flow, from document preparation to post-approval steps.
Holding a UAE Golden Visa makes you a tax resident of the United Arab Emirates, a country with 0% personal income tax. This is a major benefit. However, your home country's tax laws may still apply (e.g., for Indian nationals or US citizens). It is highly recommended to consult with tax consultants to understand your specific obligations regarding tax residency and global income.
Yes, the "student visa to residence conversion" is a common pathway. Upon graduation, a student can switch to an employment visa if they secure a job. Alternatively, if they have an innovative idea, they can explore an investor visa through a business setup. The UAE actively encourages talented graduates from its universities, like the American University of Sharjah, to stay and contribute to the economy.
