UAE work permits and residence

Who this pathway suits

The UAE revolutionized its immigration system by decoupling residency from direct corporate sponsorship. The 10-Year Golden Visa provides foreign nationals with unprecedented security, financial autonomy, and lifestyle flexibility in Dubai, Abu Dhabi, and across all seven Emirates.Unlike standard 2-year employment visas which become void if the holder remains outside the UAE for more than 6 consecutive months, Golden Visa holders can remain outside the UAE for any length of time without jeopardizing the validity of their residency.Golden Visa holders enjoy complete family sponsorship rights: they can sponsor spouses and children regardless of their age (including sons up to age 25 and unmarried daughters of any age), as well as an unlimited number of domestic support staff. In the tragic event of the primary holder's passing, family members are legally permitted to remain in the UAE until the full duration of the visa expires.

Eligibility at a glance

• Skilled Professionals Category: Valid UAE employment contract in Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation (MoHRE) occupational Level 1 or 2, minimum monthly basic salary of AED 30,000, and attested bachelor's degree or higher
• Real Estate Investors Category: Ownership of one or more properties in the UAE with a total purchase value of at least AED 2,000,000 (mortgages from approved local banks and verified off-plan properties eligible)
• Entrepreneurs & Startup Founders: Ownership of an innovative technical or economic project with a valuation of at least AED 500,000, or approval from an accredited UAE business incubator
• Scientists & Researchers: Recommendation letter from the Emirates Scientists Council or holding a PhD or master's degree from top global universities in engineering, technology, life sciences, or natural sciences
• Outstanding Students & Graduates: High-performing university graduates from top UAE universities (GPA 3.8+) or top 100 global universities (GPA 3.5+) within 2 years of graduation

How the process works

1. Eligibility Assessment & Category Selection — Confirm qualification under Skilled Professional, Real Estate, Entrepreneur, or Outstanding Talent criteria.
2. Degree Attestation & Nominations — Attest educational degrees via Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MoFA) or obtain regulatory nomination (e.g. DLD, Emirates Scientists Council).
3. Golden Visa Nomination Lodgement — Submit electronic nomination through ICP smart services portal or GDRFA Dubai smart application.
4. Issuance of 6-Month Entry Permit — For overseas applicants: Receive a 6-month multi-entry visa to travel to the UAE and finalize residency procedures.
5. Medical Fitness & Emirates ID Biometrics — Complete mandatory preventive medical fitness screening and biometric fingerprint registration at a government center.
6. Receipt of 10-Year Golden Visa & Emirates ID — Receive digital residence permit endorsement and premium physical 10-year Golden Emirates ID card.

Documents you will typically need

• Valid passport copy with at least 6 months validity
• For Skilled Professionals: Attested bachelor's degree certificate, salary certificate showing AED 30k+ monthly salary, last 6 months bank statements, and MoHRE employment contract
• For Property Investors: Title Deed (or Oqood for off-plan) issued by Dubai Land Department (DLD) or Abu Dhabi Municipality confirming valuation of AED 2M+
• Recent colored passport-size photograph with white background
• UAE Medical Fitness Examination certificate (blood test and chest X-ray)
• Current Emirates ID and valid UAE visa copy (if already resident in the UAE)
• Valid comprehensive UAE health insurance policy

Frequently asked questions