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There are specific rules and procedures for obtaining a residence and work permit in Dubai, and these permits are usually granted based on work, investment or family ties. Dubai is an important center for trade, business and living in the United Arab Emirates (UAE). There are various residence and work permits available for foreigners who want to settle or work in Dubai.
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The UAE Dubai residence visa is a permit that allows foreigners to live in the country for a long period of time. The visa, which can be valid for two, three, five or even ten years, can be renewed as often as needed. Many international families have been rooted in the Emirates for generations and are constantly renewing their visas to maintain their residence.
Basically, the UAE Dubai permanent residence involves having a valid visa stamped in your passport while you are permanently residing in the country. Although the concept of “permanent residence” as it is known in some countries does not exist here, having a residence visa essentially provides the same benefits.
The table below compares the most preferred residence and work permit types in Dubai in terms of validity, target group and sponsorship requirements.
| Visa Type | Validity | Who Is It For | Sponsor |
|---|---|---|---|
| Work (Employee) Visa | Up to 2 years | Those who receive a job offer from an employer in Dubai | Employer |
| Investor Visa | Up to 2-3 years | Entrepreneurs who set up a company in Dubai | The established company |
| Property Owner Visa | 2 years (over AED 750,000) / 10 years Golden Visa (over AED 2 million) | Real estate investors in Dubai | Property owner |
| Family Visa | Same as the sponsor's visa | Spouse, children and dependents of an employee/investor | Family member (employee/investor) |
| Student Visa | Duration of study | Those enrolled in formal education in Dubai | Educational institution |
| Freelance Visa | Up to 2 years | Independent/freelance workers | Free zone license |
| Long-Term Visit Visa | 90 days (+90 days extendable) | Those seeking short-term residence/work | Sponsorless or host |
For foreigners who want to work in Dubai, it is first necessary to obtain a work permit. A work permit is obtained with the sponsorship of an employer and is usually associated with a specific job position and employer.
Job Offer: In order to work in Dubai, an employer must have made you a job offer. The employer applies on your behalf and obtains your work permit.
Employer Sponsorship: The employer in Dubai applies on behalf of the employee and submits the relevant documents and forms to the Dubai Immigration Office (GDRFA).
Health Insurance: It is mandatory to have a valid health insurance in Dubai in order to obtain a work permit.
Residence Permit: A work permit is usually linked to a residence permit and allows you to reside in Dubai for a long time.
UAE Dubai residence visa fees vary depending on where your business is registered. Fees will be the lowest if you set up a company in one of the Northern Emirates (Ajman, Umm Al Quwain, Sharjah or Ras Al Khaimah). The cost of a residency visa in Dubai varies depending on the type of visa. The employer sponsors work visas and the employer covers the cost.
Family and property visas require a visa application fee and a refundable deposit. The visa application fee is AED 910 for work and family visas and AED 3,100 for property visas. The refundable deposit is AED 4,000 for family visas and AED 5,000 for property visas. The cheapest residency visa in the UAE is the Long-Term Visit Visa, which is valid for up to 90 days and can be renewed twice for six months. This visa costs AED 5,000-6,200. Additional fees such as medical tests, Emirati ID cards and visa stamp fees may apply.
| Item | Fee (AED) | Approx. (USD) |
|---|---|---|
| Work / Family Visa Application Fee | 910 AED | ~248 USD |
| Property Visa Application Fee | 3,100 AED | ~845 USD |
| Family Visa Refundable Deposit | 4,000 AED | ~1,090 USD |
| Property Visa Refundable Deposit | 5,000 AED | ~1,362 USD |
| Long-Term Visit Visa (total) | 5,000 - 6,200 AED | ~1,362 - 1,689 USD |
Note: The amounts above are current reference values as of July 2026 and may vary depending on items such as the medical test, Emirates ID and visa stamping fees, and may change over time based on updates by the relevant authorities. For the most current and exact fees, we recommend checking the official websites of GDRFA, ICP or MoHRE, or contacting our team for an up-to-date quote.
Work permit approval is usually finalized within 2-5 business days. Completing the entire process, including the medical check, Emirates ID application and visa stamping, takes an average of 2-4 weeks. This period may vary depending on the emirate applied to, the sector and whether the documents are complete.
Dubai offers a program called the investor visa to attract investors. This visa is granted to entrepreneurs and business owners who invest a certain amount of investment in Dubai.
Investment Amount: In order to invest in Dubai, you need to have a certain investment amount. This is usually around 1 million AED (approximately 270,000 USD), but this amount can be lower in free zones.
Company Establishment: In order to obtain an investor visa, it is necessary to establish a company in Dubai.
Residence and Work Rights: With an investor visa, you can both reside in Dubai and work for yourself.
A foreigner who obtains a visa to work in Dubai can usually take their family members with them. A family visa for family members covers the spouse, children or other family members in need of care.
Foreigners who buy real estate worth at least AED 750,000 in Dubai can apply for a 2-year property owner visa. If the investment amount is AED 2 million or more, they may qualify for the 10-year Dubai Golden Visa. This visa type does not require the holder to register a company in Dubai, but it does not grant the right to work.
By setting up your own company in Dubai, you can apply for both an investor visa and work visas for your employees. As World Company Setup, we provide end-to-end support for setting up a company in Dubai and the subsequent accounting and tax advisory processes.
Introduced in October 2022, the Green Visa grants skilled employees, freelancers and self-employed people a 5-year residence right without the need for employer sponsorship. Because it allows professionals to sponsor themselves, it is a significant advantage for those planning a flexible career. Applicants generally need to meet requirements such as a valid work permit, a university degree and a minimum income level (around AED 360,000 per year).
For digital nomads and remote workers who want to live in Dubai while continuing to work for an employer abroad, a 1-year remote work visa is available. This visa provides access to Dubai's infrastructure and lifestyle without the need for a local UAE employer or company. A valid employment contract, proof of a certain monthly income and health insurance are required to apply.
Get a Quote for Dubai Residence Visa and open the doors to life and business opportunities in Dubai! Dubai is an attractive destination for international entrepreneurs and professionals with its business-friendly environment and high living standards. Dubai Residence Visa allows you to reside here for a long time while doing business. World Company Setup simplifies the Dubai Residence Visa application process and helps you meet all legal requirements.
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This will depend on the nature of your business as they both offer different benefits. Check out our free zone visa page to compare or alternatively contact our team to find out more.
There are various conditions under which a foreigner can apply for a residence permit in the UAE. These conditions also depend on the nationality of the applicant. The following conditions must be met when applying for a Dubai residence permit: Nationals of non-GCC countries are required to apply for a residence permit when moving to Dubai; In case of a residence visa through employment, it will be the responsibility of the employer to apply for the visa on behalf of the foreign national; A residence visa is required for various transactions such as opening a bank account in Dubai or purchasing goods including a car;
Another way to get a residence visa for Dubai is to buy real estate. Although this option is available to high-net-worth individuals, it is quite common for foreign entrepreneurs to establish residence in Dubai by investing in real estate. The conditions for obtaining a residence visa in this way are that the property to be completed and its value at the time of purchase must be at least AED 1 million (approximately $275,000). A residence visa obtained by purchasing a property in Dubai is valid for two years and does not grant the right to work in the Emirate. However, the main advantage is that the owners do not need to register a company in Dubai.
The seven emirates that make up the United Arab Emirates (UAE Dubai) are located together. Therefore, people who want to live and work in any of these emirates for a long time need to obtain a residence visa in Dubai, UAE. Work Visa: This type of visa is for people who have a job offer from a company in Dubai. The employer sponsors the visa, which is valid for up to three years. Investor Visa: This type of visa is for people who want to invest in Dubai. The visa is valid for up to three years and is sponsored by the company the person invests in. Owner Visa: This type of visa is for people who own property in Dubai. The visa is valid for up to three years and is sponsored by the owner. Family Visa: The family visa is for people who have family members living in Dubai. The visa is sponsored by a family member residing in Dubai and is valid for up to three years. Student Visa: This type of visa is for people who want to study in Dubai. The visa is sponsored by the training institution and is valid for the duration of the course. Freelancer Visa: This visa is for people working as freelancers in Dubai. The visa is valid for up to three years and is sponsored by a local company. Long-Term Visit Visa: The long-term visit visa is for people who want to stay in Dubai for a longer period of time. The visa is valid for up to 90 days and can be extended for another 90 days. There are various types of residence visas available in Dubai, each with their own unique requirements and benefits. Therefore, it is important to research and understand the requirements of each type of visa before applying.
A residence and work permit is granted after a local sponsor is provided and a foreigner is offered the right to stay in the Emirates for an unlimited period of time. A work permit in Dubai comes with a new ID card that can be used in place of the ones issued in the home country. In addition, a person who wants to work in Dubai and applies for legal permission must prepare the following: Copies of passport, birth and marriage certificates, Proof of financial statements, Employment contract, A lease agreement that will provide information about the address in Dubai.
Employer Application: The employer applies for a work permit and submits the necessary documents to the UAE Ministry of Labor and Immigration. Processing: Once the application is approved, the employer in Dubai will issue you a work permit and a residence permit. Health Check and Fingerprint: After arriving in Dubai, you may be required to undergo a health check and provide fingerprints. Work Visa and Residence Card: After approval, your work visa and residence card will be issued and you can start working legally in Dubai.
Work permit approval is usually finalized within 2-5 business days. Completing the entire process, including the medical check, Emirates ID application and visa stamping, takes an average of 2-4 weeks. This period may vary depending on the emirate, the sector and whether the documents are complete.
As of 2026, the application fee for work and family visas is around 910 AED (~248 USD); this does not include additional items such as health insurance, Emirates ID and the medical test. You can find the detailed fee table at the top of our page. Since amounts may change, we recommend contacting our team for the current and exact price.
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