The UAE is an extremely attractive destination for individuals looking to relocate both their businesses and families. Its thriving economy, tax advantages and world-class infrastructure make it a top choice for professionals and entrepreneurs. Acquiring permanent residency in the UAE can offer a gateway to these opportunities, enabling long-term living and business operation in the region.
If you’re interested in obtaining a long-term UAE residency visa, this is the post for you. We will explore the different types of UAE residence visas available, including the coveted 5-year residence visa known as the Golden Visa. We’ll outline the specific requirements for obtaining this visa and provide essential insights into how it can benefit those seeking a more permanent foothold in the UAE. Whether for business or personal reasons, understanding these pathways can significantly enhance your relocation journey.
Types of UAE residence visa
The UAE offers several types of residence visas designed to accommodate different needs, from employment and investment to family sponsorship. The most common options include the Green Visa for Work, which does not require a sponsor, and the Green Visa for Investors and Partners, available for investors looking to incorporate a company in the UAE without a sponsor.
One of the most attractive options is the UAE 5-year residence visa, the Golden Visa. This visa is designed for investors, entrepreneurs, exceptional students and highly skilled professionals. It offers a renewable, long-term residence without the need for a national sponsor and provides holders with various benefits, including the ability to sponsor family members. This makes it a highly sought-after choice for those aiming for stability and security in the UAE.
The UAE 5-year residence visa
The Golden Visa is a prestigious UAE permanent residency programme, offering individuals and their families the opportunity to live, work and study in the country for an extended period without the need for a national sponsor. Aimed at investors, entrepreneurs, exceptional talents and professionals in specialised fields, the Golden Visa provides 5- or 10-year renewable residency, making it an attractive option for those seeking long-term stability and enhanced opportunities in the UAE.
The principal advantages of the Golden Visa include:
- An entry visa for six months with multiple entries
- A long-term, renewable residence visa valid for 5 or 10 years
- No need for a sponsor
- The ability to exit the UAE for longer than 6 months (the usual period required to keep the residence visa valid)
- The ability to sponsor their family members, including spouses and children no matter their age
- The ability to sponsor unlimited number of domestic helpers
- Permission for family members to remain in the UAE until the end of their permit duration, if the primary holder of the Golden Visa passes away.
The requirements for obtaining UAE permanent residency
The requirements to obtain permanent residency depend on the holder’s individual circumstances. To qualify for a ten-year residency in the UAE, you must meet one of four sets of criteria: investors in public investments, outstanding specialised talents, outstanding university students and pioneers of humanitarian work. Each category has its own list of requirements, ranging from capital minimums to accredited academic records, and awards in the humanitarian field, depending on the application in question.
There are also UAE 5-year residence visas available for real estate investors, entrepreneurs and outstanding high school students. As with the ten-year residence visas, the application criteria vary depending on the case in point.
In general, however, you can expect to need to present the following:
- A recent passport photo
- Copy of passport
- Emirates ID application receipt
- Lease contract or proof of residence
- Entry permit
- Birth certificate (of dependents)
- Medical insurance or health card
How to get a residence visa in the UAE
Now you have greater insight into how to get permanent residency in the UAE, you are probably wondering how to get a residence visa in the UAE. The answer is simple: contract Europe Emirates Group.
We are the ideal partner for obtaining your UAE permanent residency visa thanks to our deep expertise and extensive experience in the field. We pride ourselves on offering a seamless and swift process, handling everything from your application submission to its successful approval.
Our approachable yet highly professional team ensures that you receive personalised attention while benefiting from our efficient, results-driven approach. With us, you can trust that your UAE residence visa application will be managed quickly, accurately and with the highest level of success.
Get in contact with us today to initiate the process.
Written by
Adrian Oton
CEO, Europe Emirates Group