Residence in United Arab Emirates: permits and requirements
Living legally in United Arab Emirates is possible through 6 permit types: investment, work, family, retiree, other. Each program has its own requirements; below are the duration, renewal, costs and documentation according to the country's official sources.
Golden Visa (Residency by Investment)
Residence type #1 of 6
Long-stay residency for investors, entrepreneurs, talent and exceptional students
Requirements
- Real-estate investment of AED 2 million or more
- Or investment in an approved fund of AED 2 million
- Or be an entrepreneur with a project valued at AED 500,000+
- Or have special talents (scientists, athletes, artists, inventors)
- Or be a student with outstanding grades (GPA 3.8/4.0 or higher)
Documentation
- Valid passport (minimum 6 months)
- Proof of investment (property certificate, fund registration)
- Business plan (for entrepreneurs)
- Achievement certificates (for talent)
- Academic record (for students)
- UAE medical certificate
- Health insurance in the UAE
- Passport-size photos
Frequently asked questions about residence in United Arab Emirates
How many types of residence permits are there in United Arab Emirates?
United Arab Emirates offers 6 residence permit types, grouped into the categories investment, work, family, retiree, other. Each permit has its own requirements, duration and documentation, detailed in this fact sheet according to the country's official sources.
How long do residence permits in United Arab Emirates last?
Durations vary by permit type: 5 or 10 years, automatically renewable; 5 years, renewable; 2 or 3 years, renewable while the work contract lasts; 1 to 3 years renewable (coextensive with the holder's residence). The exact details of each type appear in the corresponding fact sheet.
Can residence permits in United Arab Emirates be renewed?
Yes. All residence permit types of United Arab Emirates (6 in total) are renewable before their expiration, according to the rules of each program.
What documentation is usually required to reside in United Arab Emirates?
Although each permit requires its own file, the most recurrent documents are: Seguro médico; Valid passport; Certificado de antecedentes penales. The complete list by residence type appears in each fact sheet, together with the corresponding official link.
Does residence in United Arab Emirates lead to nationality?
Yes, through the Naturalization by residence pathway, which requires 30 years (7 years for Arabs) of legal residence. The complete requirements are in the nationality fact sheet of United Arab Emirates.
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Anything to correct or add about United Arab Emirates?
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