Residency Visas in the UAE
Every route to UAE residency, explained simply, with the right one chosen for you.
Starting from
AED 250
Government/application costs vary by case
- Typical timeline
- 5-15 working days
- Best for
- Individuals and families moving to the UAE
- Typical validity
- 2 to 10 years
- Government/application costs vary by case
- From AED 250
About Residency Visas in the UAE
UAE residence visas are issued through several routes: employment, investor or partner, family, property, remote work and the 10-year Golden Visa. Each has its own requirements and validity.
We compare your options, prepare the file and take you through entry permit, medical test, Emirates ID and visa stamping.
Right route
We match your situation to the simplest visa.
Complete handling
Every government step done for you.
Family included
Spouse, children and parents where eligible.
At a glance
The numbers that matter
Purpose
UAE residence
Provides a route to legal UAE residency for eligible applicants.
Routes
Multiple
Eligibility can be based on employment, investment, family sponsorship or other approved categories.
Validity
Category-based
The residence validity depends on the visa category and sponsoring arrangement.
Process
Document-led
Medical, Emirates ID and authority requirements depend on the selected residence route.
Is this right for you?
Who may need a UAE residence visa?
Employees relocating to the UAE
Business owners and investors
Family members of UAE residents
Eligible professionals and skilled workers
Applicants qualifying under specialised residence programmes
Choose the residence route that fits your situation
UAE residence can be obtained through several approved routes. The correct route depends on your employment, company ownership, family relationship, investment or other qualifying circumstances.
We review the applicant's circumstances first so the application is prepared under the appropriate category.
- Identify the correct visa category
- Review eligibility and documents
- Prepare the application
- Coordinate medical and Emirates ID requirements
- Track the residence issuance process
Residency involves more than the visa itself
Depending on the route, applicants may also need medical fitness testing, Emirates ID processing, insurance and other supporting registrations.
Before you start
Requirements & eligibility
Applicant documents
- Passport copy
- Passport-size photograph
- Current visa information where applicable
- Contact and address details
Sponsor information
Employment, company ownership or family sponsorship documents may be required depending on the residence category.
Supporting documents
The exact documents depend on the selected residence route and applicant profile.
Medical and Emirates ID
Eligible applicants may need to complete medical fitness and Emirates ID procedures as part of the residence process.
What is included
- Visa route advice
- Entry permit or status change
- Medical test and Emirates ID booking
- Visa stamping
- Family application support
Documents you will need
Tick what you already have and we will help with the rest.
How it works, step by step
4 clear steps, and we handle each one. You always know where your file stands.
- 1
Choose the route
Employment, investor, family, property or Golden Visa.
- 2
Entry permit
Issued, or status changed if you are already here.
- 3
Medical and ID
Medical test and Emirates ID biometrics.
- 4
Visa issued
Residence stamped and Emirates ID delivered.
Important to know
Before you proceed
Eligibility varies by category
Not every applicant qualifies for every residence route.
Sponsorship matters
The required documents and process can differ depending on whether the visa is employment-based, investor-based or family-sponsored.
Validity depends on the route
Do not assume every UAE residence visa has the same duration or renewal requirements.
Keep linked records current
Passport, Emirates ID, insurance and sponsor information should remain aligned throughout the residence period.
Questions, answered
Can't find what you need? Message us and a consultant will reply.
Ask on WhatsAppIt depends on whether you work, invest, own property or join family. Tell us your situation and we recommend the simplest option.
Yes, through routes such as investor, property, remote work, retirement or the Golden Visa, depending on eligibility.
Ready to start with Residency Visas in the UAE?
Tell us about your situation. A consultant will confirm what you need, the cost and the timeline.
Brightlink is an independent private consultancy and is not a government authority. Prices and rules can change.
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