Dubai Residence Visa: Types, Costs & Application Process
A Dubai residence visa is the official permit allowing foreign nationals to live, work and invest in the United Arab Emirates. Five main categories exist: the Golden Visa (10 years), the Investor Visa (2–3 years), the Freelance Visa (1–3 years), the Employment Visa (2–3 years) and the Retirement Visa (5 years). Government fees range from AED 2,800 to AED 15,000 depending on visa type. Processing takes 2 to 6 weeks on average. Investir à Dubai provides end-to-end assistance from visa selection through to Emirates ID issuance and bank account opening.
Why Relocate to Dubai with a Residence Visa?
Dubai ranks among the world's most attractive destinations for entrepreneurs, investors and remote workers in 2026. With over 200 nationalities residing in the emirate and one of the lowest crime rates globally, the UAE offers a unique combination of lifestyle quality and business opportunity.
- 0% personal income tax for UAE residents
- Access to the MENA market (400 million consumers across Middle East & North Africa)
- World-class infrastructure: aviation connectivity, fintech, healthcare, education
- Strong political and legal stability
- AED pegged to USD — no currency risk for USD-denominated businesses
- Straightforward international bank account opening with Emirates ID
Types of UAE Residence Visa: Full Comparison
Choosing the right visa depends on your profile, financial situation and long-term goals. Here is an overview of the five main residence visa categories available to foreign nationals in the UAE:
Introduced in 2019 and significantly expanded in September 2022, the Golden Visa is the UAE's flagship long-term residency permit for investors, entrepreneurs and exceptional talent. It provides a 10-year renewable residence without employer sponsorship, with the right to sponsor family members and domestic staff.
Critères d’éligibilité principaux :
- Investissement immobilier d’au moins AED 2 millions (≈ 500 000 €)
- Investment in a qualifying business or approved fund ≥ AED 2 million
- Entrepreneurs fondateurs d’une startup approuvée par une incubateur accrédité
- Exceptional talent: physicians, scientists, creatives, elite athletes (subject to ministerial approval)
- University graduates with distinction from selected UAE or international institutions
Ce visa s’adresse aux personnes qui créent ou participent au capital d’une société aux Émirats. Il est lié à la licence commerciale de l’entité et à la participation au capital. Durée : 2 ans (Mainland) ou 3 ans (Free Zone), renouvelable.
Proposé par plusieurs Free Zones (Dubai Media City, TECOM, Fujairah Creative City, etc.), le visa freelance permet d’exercer en indépendant sans créer de société. Il est idéal pour les consultants, créatifs, développeurs et télétravailleurs souhaitant une solution souple et économique.
- Tarif d’entrée à partir de AED 7 500/an (≈ 1 900 €) selon la Free Zone
- Includes residence permit, Emirates ID and family visa eligibility
- Renewable annually with simplified procedure
Issued by the employer through the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation (MoHRE), the employment visa is conditional on a UAE employment contract. It is renewable and transferable upon change of employer with standard procedures.
Les ressortissants étrangers de plus de 55 ans peuvent obtenir un visa de résidence retraité en justifiant soit d’un bien immobilier d’une valeur ≥ AED 1 million, soit d’une épargne active ≥ AED 1 million, soit d’un revenu mensuel ≥ AED 20 000.
Step-by-Step Process: How to Obtain a Dubai Residence Visa
Visa selection and profile assessment
Our consultants analyse your financial profile, professional situation, family circumstances and objectives to recommend the most appropriate visa category and optimal pathway.
Medical examination and biometrics
Standard documents required: valid passport (minimum 6-month validity), biometric photographs, medical certificate (tuberculosis and HIV screening), apostilled police clearance certificate (where required), and supporting documents (commercial licence, property title deed, etc.).
Medical examination and biometrics
Upon initial approval, a medical examination is conducted at MOHAP-approved centres in the UAE. Biometric data is then registered for Emirates ID issuance.
Visa stamp and Emirates ID issuance
The residence visa stamp is affixed to the passport. The Emirates ID (national identity card for residents) is issued within 5 to 10 business days and is required to open a bank account and access government services.
Post-visa assistance
Investir à Dubai assists with personal bank account opening (Emirates NBD, ADCB, Mashreq), residential property selection, school enrolment if needed and first administrative steps in Dubai.
Dubai Residence Visa Costs: Fee Guide
The following fees are indicative government charges as of June 2026. Total costs include professional service fees and may vary based on Free Zone selection and individual profile complexity.
- Golden Visa: AED 2,800 to AED 4,200 in government fees + service fees
- Investor Visa (company formation included): AED 5,000 to AED 15,000 depending on Free Zone
- Freelance Visa: AED 7,500 to AED 15,000/year all-inclusive depending on Free Zone
- Employment Visa: typically employer-funded (AED 3,000 to AED 5,000)
Retirement Visa: variable — contact us for a tailored quote
FAQ — Dubai Golden Visa
Yes. The Golden Visa via real estate investment (AED 2 million or more), the retirement visa and the freelance visa all allow UAE residency without an employment contract or traditional company formation.
Standard residence visas require that you not remain outside the UAE for more than 180 consecutive days. The Golden Visa imposes no minimum stay requirement, making it particularly suited for internationally mobile investors.
No. The visa is a necessary but not sufficient condition for UAE tax residency. To obtain a Tax Residency Certificate (TRC), you must also demonstrate at least 183 days of effective presence in the UAE per calendar year — or 90 days for certain qualifying profiles under 2024 regulatory reforms.
Yes. The main visa holder can sponsor a spouse, children up to 18 years old (or up to 25 if they are full-time students), and parents. Minimum income requirements apply depending on the type of residence visa.
Yes. The primary visa holder can sponsor a spouse, children up to 18 years of age (or up to 25 if enrolled in full-time education) and parents. Minimum income thresholds apply and vary by visa category.
Yes. Freezone companies (DMCC, DIFC, IFZA, SPC Free Zone, RAKEZ, etc.) are eligible for the TRC, subject to demonstrating genuine economic substance: active operations, audited financial statements and an active UAE bank account. A registered office address (not only a virtual address or PO Box) is required.
Government fees range from AED 2,800–4,200 for the Golden Visa to AED 7,500–15,000 per year for a freelance visa. Investor visas linked to company formation cost AED 5,000–15,000 depending on the Free Zone selected. Employment visas are typically employer-funded. Contact us for a precise quote.
Your Dubai Residence Visa, Handled End-to-End
Golden Visa · Investor Visa · Freelance Visa · Retirement Visa Our consultants identify the right visa for your profile and manage every step — from document preparation to Emirates ID issuance.
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