Updated 2025 20 min read

UAE Visa Requirements Guide 2025

Complete guide to UAE work visas, residence permits, Golden Visa program, and family sponsorship requirements. Navigate the immigration process with confidence using our expert insights.

12+
Visa Types Available
7-30
Processing Days
10 Years
Golden Visa Max
0%
Income Tax
Paul Phillips, Chartered Accountant
Updated January 2025

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Work Visas Golden Visa Family Sponsorship Required Documents Application Process Costs & Fees Renewal Process Expert Tips

Work Visas & Employment Permits

The UAE offers several types of work visas depending on your employment situation, skills level, and intended duration of stay. Here's everything you need to know about each option.

Types of Employment Visas

Regular Employment Visa

Most common work visa

Validity & Duration
  • • Initial Entry: 60 days to complete medical tests
  • • Residence Permit: 2-3 years (renewable)
  • • Sponsor Required: UAE employer must sponsor
Eligibility Requirements
  • • Valid job offer from UAE company
  • • Minimum salary: AED 4,000/month
  • • Educational qualifications (degree preferred)
  • • Clean criminal record
  • • Medical fitness certificate

Processing Time: 7-14 working days

Green Visa (Skilled Worker)

Self-sponsored option

Key Benefits
  • • Self-sponsorship: No employer required
  • • 5-year validity: Longer than regular visa
  • • Flexible employment: Change jobs freely
  • • Family sponsorship: Include dependents
Eligibility Requirements
  • • Bachelor's degree or equivalent
  • • Minimum salary: AED 15,000/month
  • • Specialized skill in demand sectors
  • • 2+ years relevant experience
  • • Valid employment contract

Processing Time: 10-15 working days

Freelancer & Remote Work Visas

Dubai Freelance Visa
  • • Validity: 1 year renewable
  • • Cost: AED 7,500-15,000
  • • Activities: 1,000+ approved activities
  • • Location: Dubai only
  • • Family sponsor: Possible with conditions
Abu Dhabi Freelance
  • • Validity: 2 years renewable
  • • Cost: AED 5,000-12,000
  • • Activities: Creative & tech focus
  • • Location: Abu Dhabi Emirate
  • • Benefits: Health insurance included
Remote Work Visa
  • • Validity: 1 year renewable
  • • Cost: AED 3,000-5,000
  • • Requirement: Work for overseas company
  • • Min Salary: $5,000/month
  • • Coverage: UAE-wide residence

Specialized Work Visas

Professional Licenses

Medical Professionals
  • • DHA License (Dubai Health Authority)
  • • HAAD License (Abu Dhabi Health)
  • • MOH License (Ministry of Health)
  • • Minimum 2 years experience required
Teachers & Educators
  • • Teaching license from home country
  • • Bachelor's degree minimum
  • • KHDA approval (Dubai schools)
  • • ADEK approval (Abu Dhabi schools)

Business & Investment Visas

Investor Visa
  • • Minimum AED 10M investment
  • • 10-year residence permit
  • • Family sponsorship included
  • • Multiple re-entry visa
Business Partner Visa
  • • Minimum AED 5M investment
  • • 5-year residence permit
  • • UAE company partnership
  • • Renewable with maintained investment

Minimum Salary Requirements by Emirate (2025)

Dubai

AED 4,000
Basic employment visa

Abu Dhabi

AED 4,000
Basic employment visa

Family Sponsorship

AED 10,000
Minimum for dependents

Green Visa

AED 15,000
Self-sponsored visa

Note: Higher salaries may be required for specific professions or to qualify for family sponsorship. Requirements updated annually.

UAE Golden Visa Program

The Golden Visa is a long-term residence program offering 5 or 10-year renewable visas to exceptional individuals and their families. It provides numerous benefits including visa stability and self-sponsorship capabilities.

Golden Visa Categories & Requirements

10Y

10-Year Golden Visa

Premium long-term residence

Investors
  • Real Estate: AED 2M+ property investment
  • Business: AED 10M+ in public investment
  • Bank Deposit: AED 10M+ for 3+ years
  • Company Establishment: AED 500K+ capital
Professionals & Specialists
  • Doctors: Specialized medical practitioners
  • Scientists: PhD + research achievements
  • Engineers: Specialized fields (AI, renewable energy)
  • Artists: Internationally recognized talent
5Y

5-Year Golden Visa

Extended residence for skilled professionals

Students & Graduates
  • • Top university graduates (3.8+ GPA)
  • • UAE university students
  • • Outstanding high school students
  • • International competition winners
Entrepreneurs
  • • Startup founders with funding
  • • Tech entrepreneurs
  • • Previous successful business exit
  • • Innovation sector leaders
Skilled Workers
  • • Executive level positions
  • • High-demand specializations
  • • Salary AED 30,000+ monthly
  • • Advanced degrees preferred

Golden Visa Benefits & Privileges

Residency Benefits

  • Long-term stability: 5 or 10-year renewable residence
  • Self-sponsorship: No employer sponsorship required
  • Extended travel: Stay outside UAE up to 12 months
  • Multiple entry: Unlimited entries to UAE
  • Work flexibility: Change jobs without visa transfer

Family Benefits

  • Family inclusion: Spouse and children included
  • No age limit: Children can stay beyond 18
  • Education access: World-class schools and universities
  • Healthcare: Access to premium medical services
  • Property ownership: 100% property ownership rights

Golden Visa Application Process

1

Eligibility Check

Verify you meet category requirements

2

Document Preparation

Gather and attest all required documents

3

Online Application

Submit via ICP or emirates.ae portal

4

Approval & Issuance

Receive visa and complete Emirates ID

Processing Time

15-30 working days for most categories

Application Fee

AED 2,800-4,800 depending on category

Success Rate

95%+ with proper documentation

2025 Golden Visa Updates

New Categories Added

  • Blue-collar workers: Exceptional skilled workers
  • Frontline heroes: COVID-19 essential workers
  • Retirees: With sufficient savings (AED 1M+)

Process Improvements

  • Faster processing: Streamlined approval process
  • Digital platform: Fully online application system
  • Reduced requirements: Lower thresholds for some categories

Family Sponsorship & Dependent Visas

Once you have UAE residence, you can sponsor your family members for long-term residence visas. This comprehensive guide covers eligibility, requirements, and the complete application process.

Who Can You Sponsor?

Spouse

Legally married husband or wife with valid marriage certificate

Children

Sons & daughters under 18 (or unmarried daughters of any age)

Parents

Mother & father (with higher salary requirements)

Domestic Help

Housemaid, nanny, driver (with special permits)

Salary Requirements for Family Sponsorship

Basic Family (Spouse + Children)

Dubai & Abu Dhabi
AED 10,000
Monthly salary minimum
Other Emirates
AED 8,000
Monthly salary minimum
Housing Requirements
  • • Minimum 1-bedroom for couple
  • • Additional room for children
  • • Tenancy contract required

Extended Family (Including Parents)

Dubai & Abu Dhabi
AED 20,000
Monthly for parent sponsorship
Alternative Options
  • • Golden Visa holders: Lower requirements
  • • Combined family income accepted
  • • Bank guarantee alternatives
Additional Requirements
  • • Health insurance mandatory
  • • Larger accommodation needed
  • • Higher security deposits

Family Visa Application Process

1

Salary Certificate

Get official salary certificate from employer

2

Document Attestation

Attest all family documents

3

Visa Application

Submit family visa applications

4

Entry Permits

Receive and use entry permits

5

Medical Tests

Complete medical examinations

6

Emirates ID

Apply for Emirates ID cards

14-30 days
Total processing time
AED 2,000-5,000
Total costs per person
2-3 years
Initial visa validity

Required Documents for Family Sponsorship

Sponsor Documents

  • Passport & Visa: Valid UAE residence visa copy
  • Emirates ID: Both sides copy
  • Salary Certificate: Official letter from employer
  • Bank Statements: Last 6 months
  • Tenancy Contract: Valid accommodation proof
  • No Objection Letter: From current employer

Family Member Documents

  • Passports: Valid for minimum 6 months
  • Photos: White background passport photos
  • Marriage Certificate: Attested for spouse
  • Birth Certificates: Attested for children
  • Education Certificates: School-age children
  • Health Insurance: Valid UAE health coverage

Special Considerations & Tips

Important Restrictions

  • Sons over 18: Must leave UAE unless they have their own visa
  • Daughters: Can stay if unmarried, regardless of age
  • Parents: Cannot work on dependent visa
  • Divorce: Sponsored spouse must leave UAE

Money-Saving Tips

  • Bulk Applications: Apply for all family members together
  • Document Attestation: Use embassy services instead of agents
  • Medical Tests: Use approved government centers
  • Health Insurance: Compare family plans for better rates

Complete Document Checklist

Proper documentation is critical for UAE visa success. This comprehensive checklist ensures you have everything needed for a smooth application process.

Personal Documents

Essential Documents

  • Passport: Valid for minimum 6 months
  • Photos: 4x6cm white background (8 copies)
  • Medical Certificate: From approved center
  • Police Clearance: From home country

Educational Certificates

  • Degree Certificates: All educational qualifications
  • Transcripts: Academic records and grades
  • Professional Licenses: If applicable to your field
  • English Proficiency: IELTS/TOEFL if required

Professional Documents

Employment Documents

  • Employment Contract: Signed UAE job offer
  • Company Trade License: UAE employer's license
  • Salary Certificate: Official salary statement
  • Experience Letters: Previous employment proof

Financial Documents

  • Bank Statements: Last 6 months (home country)
  • Tax Returns: Last 2 years if self-employed
  • Property Documents: For Golden Visa investors
  • Investment Proof: For investor visa categories

Document Attestation Process

All foreign documents must be attested before submission. The attestation process varies by country but generally follows these steps:

1

Notarization

Local notary public in home country

2

Ministry Attestation

Ministry of Foreign Affairs

3

UAE Embassy

UAE Embassy in home country

4

MOFA UAE

Ministry of Foreign Affairs UAE

5

Translation

Certified Arabic translation

Attestation Costs

  • • Per document: $50-200
  • • Express service: +50% fee
  • • Agent fees: $100-300
  • • Total per person: $500-1,500

Processing Time

  • • Regular service: 15-30 days
  • • Express service: 7-15 days
  • • Peak times: +5-10 days
  • • Postal delays: +7-14 days

Pro Tips

  • • Use authorized agents
  • • Keep original documents safe
  • • Get multiple attested copies
  • • Check embassy requirements

Complete Cost Breakdown (2025)

Government Fees (Non-refundable)

Work Visa Fees

  • Entry permit: AED 500
  • Visa change status: AED 650
  • Residence visa (2 years): AED 1,200
  • Labour contract typing: AED 300

Golden Visa Fees

  • 5-year Golden Visa: AED 2,800
  • 10-year Golden Visa: AED 4,800
  • Family member (each): AED 1,200
Total Government Fees: AED 2,500-6,000

Additional Costs

Medical & Insurance

  • Medical fitness test: AED 300-500
  • Health insurance (annual): AED 1,500-5,000
  • Emirates ID: AED 370

Professional Services

  • Document attestation: AED 2,000-5,000
  • Typing & translation: AED 500-1,000
  • Agent fees (optional): AED 1,000-3,000
Total Additional Costs: AED 5,000-15,000

Total UAE Visa Costs (Per Person)

Budget Route

AED 7,500
DIY process, basic services

Standard Route

AED 12,000
With professional assistance

Golden Visa

AED 20,000+
Premium long-term residence

Expert Tips for Visa Success

Do's for Visa Success

  • Start early: Begin document preparation 3-6 months before
  • Double-check requirements: Each emirate has slight variations
  • Keep originals safe: Always submit copies, keep originals
  • Use authorized centers: For medical tests and typing
  • Track applications: Use official government portals
  • Maintain valid passport: 6+ months validity always

Common Mistakes to Avoid

  • Incomplete attestation: Skipping required attestation steps
  • Expired documents: Using outdated certificates or clearances
  • Wrong visa type: Applying for incorrect visa category
  • Insufficient salary: Not meeting minimum requirements
  • Fraudulent agents: Using unregistered service providers
  • Poor planning: Rushing the application process

Paul's Professional Insight

"As a Chartered Accountant who went through this process recently, I cannot stress enough the importance of proper documentation and understanding the financial implications. The UAE visa process is systematic and predictable if you follow the requirements precisely. My advice: invest in proper document attestation and don't cut corners on required procedures. The initial investment in doing it right saves time, money, and stress later."

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