Golden visa
A long-term residence visa of 5 or 10 years. It needs no sponsor, allows longer stays outside the UAE and lets you sponsor your family. Main categories include:
- Investors — for example, public investments or real-estate ownership of at least AED 2 million, subject to conditions
- Entrepreneurs — founders of eligible ventures that meet approval, revenue or exit criteria
- Exceptional talents and specialists — including doctors, scientists, executives, creatives, athletes and senior professionals
- Outstanding students and graduates
- Humanitarian pioneers and frontline heroes
Golden visa holders can sponsor their spouse, children of any age and parents, and are not bound by the usual six-month limit on time spent outside the UAE.
Green visa
A renewable 5-year residence visa without a sponsor, with the ability to sponsor family members. It covers:
- Skilled employees — a valid UAE employment contract, at least a bachelor's degree and a minimum monthly salary of AED 15,000, among other criteria
- Freelancers and self-employed professionals — a freelance or self-employment permit and proof of sufficient income
- Investors and business partners
Residence through property (Dubai)
Owning property in Dubai opens two main routes:
- Golden visa (10 years) — property worth AED 2 million or more; off-plan property from approved developers and properties financed by approved local banks can qualify
- Property investor visa (2 years, renewable) — since April 2026, sole owners qualify with no minimum property value, while joint owners each need a share worth at least AED 400,000
Rules differ between emirates and change over time; we confirm the current position for your property before you apply.
Retirement and remote work
- Retirement visa (5 years, renewable) — for applicants aged 55+ or with at least 15 years of service, who own property worth AED 1 million, hold savings of AED 1 million, or have an annual income of at least AED 240,000
- Remote work visa (1 year, renewable) — for people employed by a company outside the UAE earning at least USD 3,500 a month, with health insurance; family members can be sponsored
Other residence routes
- Investor or partner visa through your UAE company
- Employment visa — typically valid for two years and renewable
- Family sponsorship for spouses and children, and in some cases parents
- Domestic worker visas sponsored by UAE residents, subject to income and other conditions
- Blue residency — a 10-year visa for outstanding contributors to environmental sustainability
The usual steps
- Eligibility review and document checklist
- Entry permit or change of status
- Medical fitness test and biometrics
- Emirates ID and residence visa issuance
- Family sponsorship, where needed
How ETURA helps
We assess which route fits your situation and long-term plans, prepare the file and coordinate each step with the authorities.
This page provides general information only and is not legal, tax or immigration advice. Requirements are set by the relevant authorities and may change; we confirm the current position for your case at assessment.
Last reviewed: November 2026