UAE personal-residence visa pathways.
All seven UAE residence-visa pathways evaluated against your facts — Golden, Green, Investor, Skilled Worker, Specialist Talent, Family, and Retirement.
Your facts
Stored in your browser only. No personal data is sent anywhere.
Required for retirement pathway (55+).
Basic only — housing/transport allowances excluded for visa thresholds.
For investor / Golden / retirement routes.
Advanced inputs
Freelance income · investment capital · savings · specialist field · federal endorsement · employer-housing flag. Only relevant if you're targeting freelance, investor, Golden Talent, or family/retirement pathways.
Advanced inputs
Freelance income · investment capital · savings · specialist field · federal endorsement · employer-housing flag. Only relevant if you're targeting freelance, investor, Golden Talent, or family/retirement pathways.
2-year average if claiming Green Freelancer.
Capital invested in a UAE-licensed entity.
For retirement pathway.
Drives the Golden Talent pathway.
Ministry / authority nomination letter, accreditation, or recognised body endorsement.
Reduces family-visa sponsor threshold (AED 3k vs AED 4k).
GCC nationals don't need a UAE residence visa. Visa-on-arrival nationalities still need residency for >90-day stays.
Top-10 graduate of a UAE federal university, ≥98% high-school grade (MOE), or top-of-class at an accredited international school.
Distinguished record of humanitarian work, volunteering, or COVID-era frontline essential service — recognised by a UAE federal authority.
Higher salary floor: AED 20,000/month (AED 19,000 with employer-provided housing). Both parents must be sponsored together with full medical-insurance cover.
Summary
3 pathways are open to you
Best option: Green Visa — Skilled Employee (5 years). See the pathway grid below for the full breakdown.
Golden Visa — Investor (10 years)
10-year residence
Below the AED 2M Golden Visa thresholds.
Missing
- · Property value AED 0 and capital AED 0 both below the AED 2M threshold.
What it takes →
Sponsor: Self-sponsored — no employer or company needed
Documents to gather
- Passport valid 6+ months (plus a copy)
- Passport-size photo, white background, to ICP spec
- Completed ICP application (or via a registered typing centre / agent)
- Medical fitness certificate
- Valid UAE health insurance
- Title deed showing AED 2M+ value, OR proof of AED 2M capital in a UAE-licensed entity/fund
- DLD / ADRA property valuation certificate (property route)
- Bank No-Objection Certificate (NOC) if the property is mortgaged or off-plan
The process
- 1Entry permit / e-visa issued (or in-country status change if already in the UAE)
- 2Medical fitness test — blood test + chest X-ray at an approved centre
- 3Emirates ID biometrics captured at an ICP / typing centre
- 4Residence visa issued digitally and linked to the Emirates ID
Typically 1–3 weeks once documents and eligibility are in place — the medical test and Emirates ID biometrics set the pace.
Renewal: 10-year residence, self-sponsored, renewable as long as the qualifying asset is held. No employer needed.
Golden Visa — Entrepreneur (10 years)
10-year residence
Doesn't meet the entrepreneur criteria (status or project value).
Missing
- · Must be a business owner or self-employed entrepreneur.
- · Project / business value AED 0 below the AED 500,000 entrepreneur threshold.
What it takes →
Sponsor: Self-sponsored — no employer or company needed
Documents to gather
- Passport valid 6+ months (plus a copy)
- Passport-size photo, white background, to ICP spec
- Completed ICP application (or via a registered typing centre / agent)
- Medical fitness certificate
- Valid UAE health insurance
- Approval / endorsement of an economic project worth AED 500k+ from an accredited UAE incubator or authority
- Business plan and, where applicable, licence of the UAE entity
The process
- 1Entry permit / e-visa issued (or in-country status change if already in the UAE)
- 2Medical fitness test — blood test + chest X-ray at an approved centre
- 3Emirates ID biometrics captured at an ICP / typing centre
- 4Residence visa issued digitally and linked to the Emirates ID
Typically 1–3 weeks once documents and eligibility are in place — the medical test and Emirates ID biometrics set the pace.
Renewal: 10-year residence, self-sponsored, renewable while the project/endorsement remains valid.
Golden Visa — Specialist Talent (10 years)
10-year residence
Doesn't meet the formal specialist-talent criteria.
Missing
- · Must select a specialist field (science / medicine / engineering / tech / arts / athletics / executive).
- · Endorsement / nomination from a UAE federal authority or recognised international body required.
What it takes →
Sponsor: Self-sponsored — no employer or company needed
Documents to gather
- Passport valid 6+ months (plus a copy)
- Passport-size photo, white background, to ICP spec
- Completed ICP application (or via a registered typing centre / agent)
- Medical fitness certificate
- Valid UAE health insurance
- Nomination / endorsement letter from the relevant UAE federal authority for your field
- Accreditation, awards, or recognised body membership evidencing the specialist talent
The process
- 1Entry permit / e-visa issued (or in-country status change if already in the UAE)
- 2Medical fitness test — blood test + chest X-ray at an approved centre
- 3Emirates ID biometrics captured at an ICP / typing centre
- 4Residence visa issued digitally and linked to the Emirates ID
Typically 1–3 weeks once documents and eligibility are in place — the medical test and Emirates ID biometrics set the pace.
Renewal: 10-year residence, self-sponsored, renewable with the endorsing authority's continued recognition.
Golden Visa — Outstanding Student (10 years)
10-year residence
Doesn't meet the outstanding-student criteria.
Missing
- · Must be recognised by a UAE federal university as a top-10 graduate, by the Ministry of Education at ≥98% high-school grade, or by an accredited international school as a top-of-class graduate.
What it takes →
Sponsor: Self-sponsored — no employer or company needed
Documents to gather
- Passport valid 6+ months (plus a copy)
- Passport-size photo, white background, to ICP spec
- Completed ICP application (or via a registered typing centre / agent)
- Medical fitness certificate
- Valid UAE health insurance
- Academic transcripts and certificate
- University or Ministry of Education endorsement of outstanding academic standing
The process
- 1Entry permit / e-visa issued (or in-country status change if already in the UAE)
- 2Medical fitness test — blood test + chest X-ray at an approved centre
- 3Emirates ID biometrics captured at an ICP / typing centre
- 4Residence visa issued digitally and linked to the Emirates ID
Typically 1–3 weeks once documents and eligibility are in place — the medical test and Emirates ID biometrics set the pace.
Renewal: 10-year residence, self-sponsored, subject to continued academic/endorsement conditions.
Golden Visa — Humanitarian Pioneer (10 years)
10-year residence
Doesn't meet the humanitarian / frontline-essential criteria for this pathway.
Missing
- · Must have a documented record of distinguished humanitarian / volunteering / frontline-essential contribution.
- · Federal-authority nomination required (UAE Red Crescent, MOCD, or relevant ministry).
What it takes →
Sponsor: Self-sponsored — no employer or company needed
Documents to gather
- Passport valid 6+ months (plus a copy)
- Passport-size photo, white background, to ICP spec
- Completed ICP application (or via a registered typing centre / agent)
- Medical fitness certificate
- Valid UAE health insurance
- Recognition / nomination letter from a UAE federal authority for the humanitarian contribution
The process
- 1Entry permit / e-visa issued (or in-country status change if already in the UAE)
- 2Medical fitness test — blood test + chest X-ray at an approved centre
- 3Emirates ID biometrics captured at an ICP / typing centre
- 4Residence visa issued digitally and linked to the Emirates ID
Typically 1–3 weeks once documents and eligibility are in place — the medical test and Emirates ID biometrics set the pace.
Renewal: 10-year residence, self-sponsored, renewable with the authority's continued recognition.
Golden Visa — Skilled Professional (10 years)
10-year residence
Below the AED 30k/month + bachelor's threshold for the skilled-professional Golden Visa; the Green Visa (AED 15k) may still apply.
Missing
- · Monthly basic salary AED 20,000 below the AED 30,000 threshold.
What it takes →
Sponsor: Self-sponsored — no employer or company needed
Documents to gather
- Passport valid 6+ months (plus a copy)
- Passport-size photo, white background, to ICP spec
- Completed ICP application (or via a registered typing centre / agent)
- Medical fitness certificate
- Valid UAE health insurance
- Valid UAE employment contract in a first- or second-level occupation (MoHRE classification)
- Attested bachelor's degree (or higher)
- Salary certificate showing AED 30,000+ per month (basic)
The process
- 1Entry permit / e-visa issued (or in-country status change if already in the UAE)
- 2Medical fitness test — blood test + chest X-ray at an approved centre
- 3Emirates ID biometrics captured at an ICP / typing centre
- 4Residence visa issued digitally and linked to the Emirates ID
Typically 1–3 weeks once documents and eligibility are in place — the medical test and Emirates ID biometrics set the pace.
Renewal: 10-year residence, self-sponsored — unlike a standard work visa it isn't tied to the employer for renewal.
Green Visa — Skilled Employee (5 years)
5-year residenceRecommended
All criteria met. Self-sponsored 5-year residence — no employer sponsor needed after issuance.
What it takes →
Sponsor: Self-sponsored — no employer or company needed
Documents to gather
- Passport valid 6+ months (plus a copy)
- Passport-size photo, white background, to ICP spec
- Completed ICP application (or via a registered typing centre / agent)
- Medical fitness certificate
- Valid UAE health insurance
- Valid UAE employment contract
- Attested bachelor's degree (or higher)
- Salary certificate showing AED 15,000+ per month (basic)
The process
- 1Entry permit / e-visa issued (or in-country status change if already in the UAE)
- 2Medical fitness test — blood test + chest X-ray at an approved centre
- 3Emirates ID biometrics captured at an ICP / typing centre
- 4Residence visa issued digitally and linked to the Emirates ID
Typically 1–3 weeks once documents and eligibility are in place — the medical test and Emirates ID biometrics set the pace.
Renewal: 5-year residence, self-sponsored — not tied to the employer for renewal, unlike a standard work visa.
Green Visa — Freelancer (5 years)
5-year residence
Below the AED 180k/year (2-year average) freelance income threshold or missing the freelance permit.
Missing
- · Must hold a UAE freelance / self-employment permit.
- · Annual freelance income AED 0 below the AED 180,000/year average required across the prior 2 years.
What it takes →
Sponsor: Self-sponsored — no employer or company needed
Documents to gather
- Passport valid 6+ months (plus a copy)
- Passport-size photo, white background, to ICP spec
- Completed ICP application (or via a registered typing centre / agent)
- Medical fitness certificate
- Valid UAE health insurance
- Freelance / self-employment permit from a UAE free zone or authority
- Proof of AED 360,000 income over the last two years (or bank statements evidencing it)
The process
- 1Entry permit / e-visa issued (or in-country status change if already in the UAE)
- 2Medical fitness test — blood test + chest X-ray at an approved centre
- 3Emirates ID biometrics captured at an ICP / typing centre
- 4Residence visa issued digitally and linked to the Emirates ID
Typically 1–3 weeks once documents and eligibility are in place — the medical test and Emirates ID biometrics set the pace.
Renewal: 5-year residence, self-sponsored, renewable while the freelance permit and income evidence hold.
Investor Visa — Property (2 years)
2-year residence
Below the AED 750k property threshold.
Missing
- · Property value AED 0 below the AED 750,000 threshold.
What it takes →
Sponsor: Self-sponsored — no employer or company needed
Documents to gather
- Passport valid 6+ months (plus a copy)
- Passport-size photo, white background, to ICP spec
- Completed ICP application (or via a registered typing centre / agent)
- Medical fitness certificate
- Valid UAE health insurance
- Title deed showing AED 750k+ value
- DLD / ADRA valuation certificate
- Bank NOC if mortgaged
The process
- 1Entry permit / e-visa issued (or in-country status change if already in the UAE)
- 2Medical fitness test — blood test + chest X-ray at an approved centre
- 3Emirates ID biometrics captured at an ICP / typing centre
- 4Residence visa issued digitally and linked to the Emirates ID
Typically 1–3 weeks once documents and eligibility are in place — the medical test and Emirates ID biometrics set the pace.
Renewal: 2-year residence, self-sponsored, renewable while the property is held.
Skilled Worker Visa (2 years, employer-sponsored)
2-year residence
Standard employment residency — your employer sponsors the visa. Most common pathway.
What it takes →
Sponsor: Employer-sponsored — tied to your job
Documents to gather
- Passport valid 6+ months (plus a copy)
- Passport-size photo, white background, to ICP spec
- Completed ICP application (or via a registered typing centre / agent)
- Medical fitness certificate
- Valid UAE health insurance
- Employment contract and MoHRE / free-zone labour approval
- Attested qualification certificate (for the occupation's skill level)
The process
- 1Entry permit / e-visa issued (or in-country status change if already in the UAE)
- 2Medical fitness test — blood test + chest X-ray at an approved centre
- 3Emirates ID biometrics captured at an ICP / typing centre
- 4Residence visa issued digitally and linked to the Emirates ID
Typically 1–3 weeks once documents and eligibility are in place — the medical test and Emirates ID biometrics set the pace.
Renewal: 2-year residence, employer-sponsored — renews with continued employment; lapses if you leave (grace period applies).
Family Visa (sponsor spouse + children)
2-year residence
You can sponsor spouse + children under 18. Parents need higher income thresholds — verify separately.
Next step
- · Parents and adult unmarried daughters require higher income thresholds and additional documentation.
What it takes →
Sponsor: Self-sponsored — no employer or company needed
Documents to gather
- Passport valid 6+ months (plus a copy)
- Passport-size photo, white background, to ICP spec
- Completed ICP application (or via a registered typing centre / agent)
- Medical fitness certificate
- Valid UAE health insurance
- Sponsor's residence visa + Emirates ID
- Attested marriage certificate (spouse) and/or birth certificates (children)
- Registered tenancy contract (Ejari) and salary certificate meeting the sponsor threshold
The process
- 1Entry permit / e-visa issued (or in-country status change if already in the UAE)
- 2Medical fitness test — blood test + chest X-ray at an approved centre
- 3Emirates ID biometrics captured at an ICP / typing centre
- 4Residence visa issued digitally and linked to the Emirates ID
Typically 1–3 weeks once documents and eligibility are in place — the medical test and Emirates ID biometrics set the pace.
Renewal: 2-year residence for dependents, renewed alongside the sponsor's own visa.
Family Visa — Parent sponsorship (1 year, renewable)
1-year residence
Not currently selected as a goal. Toggle 'I want to sponsor parents' in advanced inputs.
Missing
- · Set 'I want to sponsor parents' to evaluate this pathway.
What it takes →
Sponsor: Sponsored by a family member
Documents to gather
- Passport valid 6+ months (plus a copy)
- Passport-size photo, white background, to ICP spec
- Completed ICP application (or via a registered typing centre / agent)
- Medical fitness certificate
- Valid UAE health insurance
- Sponsor salary certificate showing AED 20,000+ per month (AED 19,000 with employer housing)
- Full medical insurance covering both parents
- Attested proof of the parent relationship
The process
- 1Entry permit / e-visa issued (or in-country status change if already in the UAE)
- 2Medical fitness test — blood test + chest X-ray at an approved centre
- 3Emirates ID biometrics captured at an ICP / typing centre
- 4Residence visa issued digitally and linked to the Emirates ID
Typically 1–3 weeks once documents and eligibility are in place — the medical test and Emirates ID biometrics set the pace.
Renewal: 1-year residence, renewable; both parents are sponsored together with a refundable deposit.
Retirement Visa (5 years, renewable)
5-year residence
Below the minimum age for retirement residency.
Missing
- · Age 35 below minimum age of 55.
What it takes →
Sponsor: Self-sponsored — no employer or company needed
Documents to gather
- Passport valid 6+ months (plus a copy)
- Passport-size photo, white background, to ICP spec
- Completed ICP application (or via a registered typing centre / agent)
- Medical fitness certificate
- Valid UAE health insurance
- Proof of AED 1M in property or savings, OR AED 180,000/year income
- Valid UAE health insurance covering the retiree
The process
- 1Entry permit / e-visa issued (or in-country status change if already in the UAE)
- 2Medical fitness test — blood test + chest X-ray at an approved centre
- 3Emirates ID biometrics captured at an ICP / typing centre
- 4Residence visa issued digitally and linked to the Emirates ID
Typically 1–3 weeks once documents and eligibility are in place — the medical test and Emirates ID biometrics set the pace.
Renewal: 5-year residence, self-sponsored, renewable while the financial condition is still met.
Across the board
- · Some pathways require a criminal-record clearance (good-conduct certificate) from your home country. Allow 4–8 weeks for legalisation.
Once you're a resident — who you can bring
Most residence visas let you sponsor your family. The bar is the sponsor's (your) monthly salary, plus valid housing and health insurance for each dependent.
Spouse
From AED 4,000/mo salary (AED 3,000 if your employer provides housing) + attested marriage certificate.
Children
Sons up to 25 (if studying) and unmarried daughters, under the same salary threshold as a spouse + attested birth certificates.
Parents
Higher bar: AED 20,000/mo (AED 19,000 with housing), both sponsored together with full medical cover and a refundable deposit.
Tax residency (TRC) readiness
A residence visa is not the same as UAE tax residency. Tax residency is what lets you (or your company) obtain a Tax Residency Certificate and use the UAE's 140+ treaties — the decisive question if you're weighing the UAE against an offshore structure.
Physical presence — entry/exit stamped days.
Owned or on a residential tenancy.
Your main home + financial/personal life.
Personal tax residency
Tax resident- · 120 days ≥ 90, plus a UAE national/GCC/residence-permit status and a permanent home or UAE activity — meets the 90-day conditional test.
Corporate TRC
Tax resident- · A company incorporated in the UAE is a tax resident by default. For a *treaty* TRC the FTA still expects genuine substance and usually a year of operations before issuing.
Questions to put to your tax advisor
- · How many months of trading and what substance level does the FTA want before issuing a treaty TRC for my entity?
Tax residency (Cabinet Decision 85/2022) is distinct from your residence visa. This is a readiness indicator, not a determination — the FTA assesses the qualitative limbs (centre of interests, effective management) and issues the TRC on your documented facts. Confirm with a UAE tax advisor before relying on treaty benefits.
Two routes to residency
A residence visa can be self-sponsored (the pathways above — no company needed) or come from a company you own: setting up a UAE free-zone company grants you an investor/ partner visa and lets you sponsor family and staff. Many founders do both — a company for the business, a Golden/Green visa for long-term security.
Self-sponsored visa
Golden, Green, property-investor, or retirement — based on your own assets, income, or talent. No business required.
Use the pathway grid above.
Company-sponsored visa
Set up a free-zone company — it sponsors your residence visa and your family's, and doubles as your business base.
Before you act on this
Decision support, not immigration advice
Eligibility is verified case-by-case by UAEICP. The thresholds here come from published rules and are accurate as of May 2026, but sub-category quirks (Skilled Levels 1–3, specialised Golden categories, dependent thresholds for parents) need a licensed immigration consultant to confirm. This calculator is a starting point for that conversation.