To apply for the residency visa to UAE, first you have to obtain an entry permit to UAE. In most cases, you cannot apply for a residency visa by yourself without a sponsor, such as a spouse, employer and etc. Validity and the duration of your visa vary on the type you apply.

Unless you apply for a long-term investment visa or 5-year retirement visa, you need a sponsor to apply. 

• Work Visa – Your Employer
• Family Visa – Your family member

Once you arrive in the country, your sponsor can apply for your residency visa at the respective general directorate of residency and foreign affairs in the Emirate you intend to live. You will be given an Emirates ID once you get the residency visa.

Keep in mind the visa comes with an expiration date, so your sponsor has to renew the visa prior to 30 days of expiration. 

Golden Visa for UAE granting long-term residency status to foreign nationals is ideal for investors, entrepreneurs, specialized talent in STEM research, and promising students with outstanding talent profiles. 

You are eligible for a 10-year visa if you satisfy below criteria:

• 2 Million capital deposit in an Investment fund/bank account in Adu Dhabi
• Own and operate a company worth AED 2 Million in Abu Dhabi, or partner up with an existing or brand new company with a minimum investment of AED 2 Million.
• Own and operate a company that pays a regular annual government tax of AED 250,000 or more.
• Partner with a company that pays federal taxes with a minimum contribution of AED 250,000 or more.

Investment should be kept in the country for at least 2 years. The respective visa includes visas for spouses, children, an advisor, and an executive director. The main applicant can sponsor a domestic worker. Rules and regulations apply.

Once you invest AED 2 Million in real estate in UAE, you are eligible for a 5-year visa. 

• Minimum of AED 2 Million investment in a property. 
• If the property is mortgaged, at least AED 2 Million cash down is required to be eligible for the visa.

Abu Dhabi offer a 5-year visa for outstanding high school students with scientific expertise. Eligible students should satisfy the below criteria:

• High grades from a high school in Abu Dhabi
• Recommendation letter from Ministry of education

This visa includes, parents and siblings of the main applicant.

You are eligible for a 5-year visa, if you satisfy one or more of the below criteria:

• A project worth AED 500,000
• Received a recognized business incubator in Emirates of Abu Dhabi

Spouses and children are included in the visa. The visa holder can sponsor employees to the company. The main applicant can sponsor a domestic worker. Rules and regulations apply.

10-year long term residency visa for highly qualified university graduates.

Graduates are eligible if you satisfy the below criteria,

• Must be a graduate of an accredited university in Abu Dhabi
• Have a cumulative GPA of at least 3.8

This includes parents, siblings, spouses and children if the main applicant has the financial means to provide accommodation and facilities.

This applies to professionals with outstanding performance in their respective fields, it is a 10-year visa for talented individuals in the following occupations.

Doctors, Scientists, Creatives, Innovators, Executive Directors, Educators, Sports personnel, PhD holders, Engineers.

To be eligible for the retirement visa you must be at least 55 years old and obtaining one of the following,

• Property purchase in Dubai worth of AED 2 Million
• Financial saving of at least AED 1 Million
• Active income of at least AED 20,000 from your investments or pension