Dubai (and the wider UAE) offers a surprisingly wide menu of residence visas to suit different plans: working here, investing, buying property, freelancing, retiring, studying, or aiming for long-term “Golden” status. Below I’ve laid out the main visa types you’re likely to encounter, what they’re for, how long they last and the headline eligibility points — with official sources where it matters most. Rules do change, so treat this as a practical overview, not legal advice.
1) Employment / Work residence visa
What it is: The standard route for people moving to Dubai to work — your employer sponsors your residence visa (work permit + residency). It’s the most common one.
Validity & family sponsorship: Typically issued for 2–3 years (sometimes 1–3 years depending on contract or authority) and allows the holder to sponsor dependants.
Why it matters: If you’re joining a company in Dubai this is the usual path and includes labour protections and entry-to-residency steps.
2) Golden Visa (long-term residency — 10 years)
What it is: A long-term (usually 10-year) residence permit aimed at investors, entrepreneurs, top specialists, scientists, doctors, outstanding students and some other high-value categories. It is designed to give long-term stability and the ability to live and work in the UAE without a local sponsor.
Who is eligible (examples): major investors, certain real-estate investors (meeting thresholds), founders of start-ups, outstanding professionals and researchers. Specific eligibility and nomination routes vary by category.
3) Green Visa (self-sponsored, medium-term)
What it is: A relatively new, self-sponsored 5-year residence option intended for skilled workers, freelancers/self-employed people and certain investors; it gives more flexibility than an employer-sponsored visa (you can sponsor some family members and you are less tied to one employer).
Notes: eligibility thresholds (salary, freelance income or qualifications) vary by sub-category. Authorities have tightened and updated rules since introduction, so check the latest criteria on the official portal before applying.
4) Investor / Partner / Company-owner visas
What it is: For business owners or investors who set up a company in the UAE or invest in an existing business. Visa length and conditions depend on the structure (mainland vs free zone), size of investment, or company type. These visas often allow family sponsorship.
5) Property-owner (real-estate) residence visas
What it is: Dubai allows residency linked to property ownership. There are short-term and longer-term property-based routes (commonly 2-year residency when property meets the minimum value threshold). Requirements include proof of title deed, health insurance and standard identity checks.
Practical note: thresholds and conditions (minimum purchase price, mortgage rules, whether the property must be freehold) are important and handled through Dubai Land Department procedures — always check DLD guidance before committing.
6) Freelance / self-employment visas
What it is: A visa for freelancers who obtain a freelance permit or licence from a relevant free zone or authority, enabling legal self-employment in certain permitted activities and a linked residence visa. It can often be used to sponsor family members (subject to the same checks).
Important update: issuance of new freelance visas has, at times, been paused or adjusted as policy evolves — there have been announcements affecting new applications, so check for any current suspensions or updated rules.
7) Family residence visas (sponsored by a resident)
What it is: If you hold a valid UAE residence visa (employment, investor, Golden, Green, etc.) you can usually sponsor eligible family members (spouse, children, sometimes parents) subject to income, accommodation and other requirements. Rules on ages (children), income thresholds and supporting documents vary.
8) Student visa
What it is: Issued to those enrolled in licensed UAE educational institutions. Student visas permit residence for the course duration and have limited sponsorship rights (e.g., students cannot usually sponsor family members). Requirements include university acceptance, medical checks and insurance.
9) Retirement visa (5-year)
What it is: A 5-year renewable retirement/residency option for people aged 55+ who meet financial requirements (savings/property/income thresholds). Dubai publishes qualifying routes (e.g., property ownership, fixed savings or minimum monthly income) for retirees who want to live long-term in the emirate.
10) Remote work / virtual work visas (one-year)
What it is: Shorter-term programmes have allowed remote workers to live in the UAE while employed elsewhere (one-year “virtual working” visas). These schemes’ availability and terms have been updated from time to time; check the official entry/visa pages for current options.
Quick comparison table (practical summary)
- Golden Visa — long (10 years), for investors/talent, self-sponsored in many categories.
- Green Visa — up to 5 years, self-sponsored for skilled workers/freelancers/investors.
- Employment visa — employer-sponsored; common 2–3 year durations.
- Property visa — typically 2 years (subject to minimum property value); DLD handles applications.
- Investor / company owner — depends on investment and company type; allows family sponsorship.
- Retirement visa — 5 years, for 55+, with financial thresholds.
- Freelance visa — freezone-linked freelance permits + residence; availability has been subject to recent policy adjustments.