Complete Guide to Living in Dubai in 2025

What is a UAE residence visa?

UAE Residence Visa It is a permit granted to foreign individuals, allowing them to live in this country for an extended period. This visa can be for 2, 5, or even 10 years Be valid and renewed as often as needed. Many families have settled in the UAE for years through this very method and have Advantages of living in this country They benefit.

In essence, UAE Residency It means living continuously in this country for a specified period. Although the concept of 'permanent residency' as it exists in some countries is not precisely applied in the UAE, having a residence visa provides similar benefits.

The UAE residence visa allows you to live in the country for an extended period, but it does not mean permanent residency or obtaining UAE citizenship.

What are the benefits of obtaining a UAE visa and residing in Dubai?

Residency in Dubai and obtaining a UAE visa can undoubtedly bring you many benefits. The points we will discuss next represent just a glimpse of the advantages of living in this country:

• Working in a thriving financial and commercial center: The UAE is a global financial and commercial hub that offers endless opportunities for business and networking.
• A Friendly Environment for Business: The UAE warmly welcomes foreign businesses and offers a low tax rate (9%), applicable only to incomes exceeding 375,000 dirhams per year.
• Unlimited International Access: The UAE acts as a bridge between East and West, making international travel easier.
• Excellent education for children: International schools in the UAE offer high-quality education.
• Excellent Medical Services: The UAE has advanced medical centers and experienced specialists.
• Flawless Banking Services:With a residence visa, you can easily open a bank account.
• Property Ownership: You can purchase property in the UAE and live in a luxurious home.
• Flexibility in Housing and Transportation: You can easily obtain a driving license and also rent accommodation in the country.
• Access to Government Services:The UAE residence visa provides access to all government and public services.
• Cultural and Recreational Opportunities: The UAE has numerous cultural and recreational attractions, making it one of Asia's tourism hubs.

Ways to

Various methods to obtain residency in Dubai or the UAE

There are several ways to obtain UAE residency; among the available options that Iranians can also use, we can mention the following:

• Registering a company and establishing a business in the UAE
• Work visa with a job offer from the UAE
• Freelance visa in Dubai or remote work visa
• Student visa by enrolling in a college or university
• Property investment visa by purchasing real estate
• Golden Visa or UAE Green Visa
• UAE Residency Visa for Retirees
• Family Visa for Dependents of UAE Residents (Spouse, Child, or Retired Parents)

The UAE residence visa permits long-term stay in the UAE for work, study, family reunion, investment, or retirement. It is typically issued for 1 to 10 years, with the possibility of renewal.

Persian Translation

The UAE residency visa allows you to stay in the country for an extended period for work, study, joining family, investment, or retirement. This visa is usually issued for 1 to 10 years and can be renewed.

Source

Typical Steps and Costs for Obtaining a Residency Visa

In general, the steps and costs for obtaining a Dubai or UAE residency visa can be summarized as follows; in the following sections, we will provide detailed explanations about each of them:

The total cost of obtaining a UAE visa is also around 3,000 to 4,000 dirhams; it’s worth noting that the fees include the following:

• Government fees
• Status Change Fee
• Medical Examination
• Biometric Data Processing
• Issuance of UAE Identification Card

Important Conditions for Obtaining Dubai and UAE Visas

One of the important conditions for the UAE residence visa is that You must not leave the soil of the UAE for more than 180 days and are not present in this country. In other words, if you do not live permanently in the UAE, you must at least Enter the country once every 6 months To maintain your residency visa.

This condition is for Golden Visa Holders It does not apply; they can stay inside or outside the UAE for as long as they want. Also, for Investment Visa Holders and Partners, this time period to One year Increases.

It is also worth paying attention to the following points:

• After obtaining a residence visa, you can open a bank account; if you are a business owner or shareholder, you can open a corporate account, and if you are an individual, you can open a personal bank account.
• For those looking to open a corporate bank account in Dubai, this process will be very easy; visa holders are considered low-risk individuals for the UAE under banking regulations.

1- Obtaining UAE residency through company registration

Company Registration or Business Establishment One of the fastest methods to obtain a UAE visa. You can choose a company in Free Zones Or in The Original Soil of the Emirates Register.

Company registration in UAE Free ZonesEspecially for Iranians, it is a very popular option; because these areas Special Benefits Provided for business owners. Depending on Nature of the business, financial status, and long-term goalsYou can choose one of Dubai's free zones or other free zones in the UAE.

The advantages of this method include the following:

• Tax exemptions Under special conditions
• Lower costs For company establishment
• Ability to operate in Diverse Fields of Work (From freelancers to large companies)
• Access to Extensive Business Activities, including rare and specialized activities

In the article “Company registration in Dubai» Read more about this.

How to Obtain a UAE Visa by Registering a Company

For Visa ApplicationFirst, you must choose one of the Corporate Structures Select 'Available in the UAE' and register it through the relevant authorities. In the UAE, more than 40 Company Registration References There is.

Usually, during company registration, licensing, and visa application processes, you can Stay in your country; but only if You must have traveled to the UAE at least once before.

Required Documents for Company Registration in the UAE

You must attach the required documents to your file. It’s also good to know that you can upload all the necessary documents through government portals as well:

• Application Form
• Passport Copy
• Copy of entry permit or visa
• Email
• Phone Number
• Residential Address
• Business Plan and Company Details (if available)

Visa Application Steps with Company Registration in Dubai

Registering a company in Dubai involves simple steps that are easy for everyone to understand; overall, the process of obtaining a Dubai visa through company registration can be summarized as follows:

In the article “Dubai Residency Through Company Registration» Read more about this.

Cost of Obtaining a Visa by Registering a Company in Dubai

In general, the costs of registering and establishing a company in Dubai can be summarized as follows. It’s also worth noting that the overall expenses may vary depending on the type of company, emirate, and free zone selected. Additional costs may include office space rental and professional services.

• Company Registration and Trade License: 10,000 to 20,000+ AED
• Residence Visa Application: 4,000 to 7,000+ AED
• Issuance of UAE Identification Card: 300 to 500 AED (per year)
• Health Examination: 300 to 700 AED

Important Tips for Obtaining a Visa Through Company Registration in Dubai

When applying for a UAE visa by registering a company in Dubai or anywhere else in the country, it’s advisable to keep the following points in mind:

• Your personal presence is required for the medical examination, UAE ID card application, finalizing the visa process, and also for opening a bank account.
• Depending on the company registration authority, the company registration and visa application process may take from 1 up to 5-6 weeks.
• For establishing a company in Dubai’s free zones, you also need to obtain health insurance.
• The visa applicant must be registered as an owner or shareholder in the company.
• The minimum paid-up capital required varies depending on the free zone or emirate, but usually starts from 50,000 AED.

2- Obtaining UAE Residency Through Property Purchase

Another method of obtaining a UAE residence visa is Purchase of commercial or residential property in this country. The minimum investment amount for this method 750,000 AED is.

The visa issued through property purchase can have a validity of 2 to 10 years and under special conditions is renewable. it is, so there is no need to worry.

To obtain a visa through this method, you must first choose a property that meets the necessary requirements for obtaining a residence visa.

UAE Golden Visa Program

The UAE is one of the countries that Golden Visa offers it to applicants. Minimum investment amount to obtain this visa 2 million AED is.

The property you purchase to receive Golden Visa must meet the following conditions:

• According to the Golden Visa program, the property can be ready for occupancy or Under construction It must be (for properties under construction, the construction progress must be at least 30% complete).
• For properties under construction, it is possible to purchase in installments There is.
• To buy a property under construction or with a loan in the UAE, there is no longer a need to pay Down payment to the government. (The previous law required applicants to make a minimum 1 million AED down payment, but this law has now been repealed).

In the article “UAE Golden Visa» Read more about this.

Conditions for obtaining a Dubai visa by purchasing property

As briefly mentioned earlier, obtaining UAE residency through property purchase has specific conditions. These conditions can be summarized as follows:

• Property value: The property must be priced at least 750,000 AED. In the case of joint ownership, each owner must have at least 750,000 AED share.
• Ownership: The property price must be fully paid and free of loans, unless the loan is from a UAE bank.
• Property type: Only freehold residential properties qualify. Properties under construction are generally not accepted unless completed and delivered to the customer.

Steps to obtain a Dubai visa by purchasing property

In general, the various steps of the process for obtaining a UAE residency visa through property purchase in the country can be summarized as follows:

Cost of obtaining a Dubai visa through property purchase

Although we mentioned the required costs for obtaining this visa in previous sections, ultimately, to obtain a residency visa through property purchase, it is essential to be aware of the detailed expenses. It is also worth noting that additional costs include real estate agency fees and maintenance expenses.

• Property Purchase (Minimum Value): 750,000+ AED
• Residence Visa Application: 4,000 to 7,000+ AED
• Property deed registration tax: 4% property value
• Issuance of UAE Identification Card: 300 to 500 AED (per year)
• Health Test: 300 to 700 dirhams

3- Obtaining UAE Residency through Investment

In addition to investing in UAE Real Estate Sector (Property purchase), there are also other methods for investment and obtaining residency in this country. You can 2,000,000 Dirhams Deposit it in an Emirati bank or use the same amount in one of the Emirati Businesses which are government-approved, invest. This visa also Golden Visa is called and its credit 10 years is.

Golden Visa Benefits UndeniableThere are some of the most important ones as follows:

• Non-payment of taxes On personal income, including rental income, capital gains, inheritance, etc.
• Possibility To reside inside or outside the UAE Without the need to enter the country every six months to maintain the visa.
• Possibility To financially support family members And hire any number of domestic workers.
• Possibility To open a personal bank account And enjoy all the benefits of international banking.

Requirements for obtaining a Dubai visa through investment

Obtaining a UAE residence visa through investment in the country has specific conditions that must be considered before applying. Among these conditions are the following:

• Minimum investment amount: Invest at least 2 million dirhams in approved sectors, such as UAE companies, funds, or government bonds.
• Providing proof of financial capability: You must submit official documents confirming the source and amount of the investment.
• Investment in qualified entities: Only direct investments, business partnerships, or approved public investment funds are eligible for this visa.

Steps to obtain a Dubai visa through investment

In addition to meeting the necessary conditions and documents and also filing the application, it is good to be aware of the steps involved in this Dubai residency acquisition method beforehand:

Costs Required for Obtaining a Dubai Visa through Investment

Finally, it’s useful to be aware of the investment costs in Dubai and the expenses involved in obtaining a visa through this method. Generally, the costs can be summarized as follows. It’s also good to know that the visa validity can vary from 5 to 10 years depending on the type and scale of the investment. Additional costs may include legal and administrative fees as well.

• Minimum Investment: 2,000,000+ AED
• Residence Visa Application: 4,000 to 7,000+ AED
• Issuance of UAE Identification Card: 300 to 500 AED (per year)
• Health Test: 300 to 700 dirhams

4- Obtaining UAE Residency through Employment or Job Offer

You can obtain residency status by having an official job in the UAE. This means you must be formally and legally employed by a UAE employer to be able to receive a Dubai visa or a visa for other parts of the UAE through this employment. It’s also worth noting that the validity period of your work visa corresponds to the duration of your employment.

One advantage of obtaining UAE residency through this method is that the employer manages all the procedures and costs. The employer must sign a work contract with you, which will serve as the basis for obtaining the visa. The work visa also offers several other benefits, including the most important ones listed below:

• You do not pay taxes and are not obligated to do so.
• You can freely live anywhere in the UAE for the duration of your visa validity.
• You can financially support your family members and obtain residency visas for them as well.
• You can rent accommodation in the UAE for a long period.
• You can enroll your children in UAE schools.
• You have access to the country’s healthcare services.
• You can open a resident bank account for yourself.

Documents Required for Obtaining a UAE Work Visa

The documents required for your UAE work visa application are of great importance; therefore, you should be well acquainted with them and have them fully prepared in advance. The necessary documents for obtaining a Dubai work visa include the following:

• Work Contract: You must receive a job offer from a reputable company based in the UAE.
• Employer Support Documents: The employer must sponsor your residency visa or take on the role of sponsor.
• Minimum salary slip: There is no specific requirement for the minimum salary, but a higher salary may qualify for a long-term visa.

Steps to obtain Dubai residency with a work visa

Obtaining a Dubai work visa with a job offer is a relatively straightforward process, and as mentioned, most of the steps are handled by the employer. In general, these steps can be summarized as follows:

Cost required to obtain Dubai residency with a work visa

Compared to other available methods, obtaining UAE residency with a Dubai visa is more cost-effective; however, securing a job offer may come with challenges. It should be noted that the UAE work visa is usually valid for 2 to 3 years, and its renewal depends on the continuation of your employment.

• Visa application (payment by employer): 3,000 to 7,000+ AED
• Issuance of UAE Identification Card: 300 to 500 AED (per year)
• Health Test: 300 to 700 dirhams

5. Obtaining UAE Residency as a Freelancer or Remote Employee

This method is one of the simplest and Most affordable These are ways to obtain residency in the UAE. If you provide professional services and do not need to hire employees, rent a large office, or work outside the UAE, it is recommended to register as Freelancer Get active and obtain a freelancing license in one of the UAE Free Zones Get it now.

Also, if you are a remote worker or have your own business, you can Dubai Digital Nomad Visa Get the (Digital Nomad Visa).

Visa Freelancer and Digital Nomad They provide you with all the benefits of residing in the UAE. This visa is similar to a work or investment visa, but it is easier to obtain and Cheaper The application steps for both visas are essentially the same and there is little difference.

It should be noted that if you have obtained the visa outside of the business startup service packages, you must complete the mandatory related procedures and pay the associated fees.

Required documents for applying for the UAE freelance visa

• Providing a freelance permit: Obtain a freelance permit from a free zone or an authority issuing remote work visas.
• Income proof documents: A minimum monthly income of 15,000 AED is required for the remote work visa.
• Relevant business activity: The freelance permit must align with your professional activities, such as media, technology, or education.

Steps to obtain UAE residency with a freelance visa

In general, it’s good to know that obtaining UAE residency with a freelance visa involves the following steps:

Cost Required to Obtain Dubai Residency with a Freelance Visa

Finally, the necessary costs to obtain this visa are as follows. It is worth mentioning that the UAE freelance visa is usually valid for 1 to 3 years and is also renewable. You will see the cost details below:

• Freelance Permit: 7,500 to 15,000+ AED
• Residence Visa Application: 4,000 to 7,000+ AED
• Issuance of UAE Identification Card: 300 to 500 AED (per year)
• Health Test: 300 to 700 dirhams

6- Obtaining UAE Residency with a Student Visa

Another way to obtain Dubai residency is enrolling in colleges or universities located in Dubai or other parts of the UAE. Studying in this country as a student can grant you residency as well.

During your studies, you can reside in the UAE and under certain conditions, work as well.

You should note that studying in this country requires providing a language proficiency certificate. The minimum required certificate is IELTS 5.5 or TOEFL 70 is.

Requirements for obtaining Dubai residency with a student visa

To obtain this visa, you must first meet the necessary prerequisites and also be eligible for a student visa. Some of the required conditions for the UAE student visa include the following:

• University enrollment: First, you need to enroll in a recognized educational institution in the UAE.
• Age restrictions: This visa is generally for individuals aged 18 to 25; however, exceptions exist for graduate students.
• Financial support: Your chosen educational institution or one of your parents must financially sponsor your visa.

Steps to obtain Dubai residency with a student visa

The process of obtaining Dubai residency with a student visa is among the simplest procedures for acquiring a UAE residence visa. In general, this type of residency can be obtained by completing the following steps:

Cost Required to Obtain Dubai Residency with a Student Visa

Residency in Dubai using a student visa can sometimes be quite expensive depending on the university or educational institution you choose; however, this method is still considered one of the most affordable ways to obtain Dubai residency. It is important to know that the visa is valid for the duration of the study period and can be renewed annually. The costs for obtaining this visa are as follows:

• Visa Application: 3,000 to 5,000+ AED
• Issuance of UAE Identification Card: 300 to 500 AED (per year)
• Health Test: 300 to 700 dirhams

7. Obtaining UAE Residency with a Special Retirement Visa

If you have ended your career and reached retirement age, the best option for you is to obtain a retirement visa. By acquiring a Dubai retirement visa, you can start a peaceful and enjoyable life in Dubai with your family. The retirement residency visa is issued for individuals 55 years old or older and is valid for 5 years and is renewable.

To obtain Dubai residency with a retirement visa, you must meet one of the following conditions:

• Having a retirement income of at least 15,000 AED per month
• Depositing at least 1 million AED in one of the UAE banks
• Purchasing property in the UAE worth at least 1 million AED

Steps to Obtain Dubai Residency with a Retirement Visa

Obtaining UAE residency through the special retirement visa program is one of the types of residency that has a simple process and its steps proceed quickly and smoothly. In general, the specific steps for obtaining this type of residency can be summarized as follows:

The required cost for obtaining Dubai residency with a retirement visa

In addition to the costs mentioned in the previous sections, obtaining a UAE residency visa through retirement may also involve other expenses. Some of these additional costs include the following:

• Residence Visa Application: 3,000 to 7,000+ AED
• Issuance of UAE Identification Card: 300 to 500 AED (per year)
• Health Test: 300 to 700 dirhams

8- Obtaining UAE residency with a special visa for dependents of residents

The latest method for obtaining UAE residency is acquiring a special visa for family members and relatives of UAE residents. Your family members can also live and work in the UAE. With a UAE residency visa, you can financially support your family members or other dependents and obtain a family visa for them as well.

Requirements for Obtaining a UAE Family Visa

To bring your family members to Dubai and obtain UAE residence visas for them, you must first check whether they meet the necessary conditions and prerequisites. Some of the essential requirements for obtaining family member visas include the following:

• Financial support: A resident of the UAE must be able to financially support their family members.
• Minimum Income: The sponsor must have a minimum monthly income of 4,000 AED. (or 3,000 AED with proof of housing rent)
• Eligible individuals: Obtaining a UAE family visa only for Spouse Children under 18 years old and Unmarried daughters It is possible.

Steps to Obtain a UAE Residence Visa for Family Members

Obtaining family residency for others can sometimes face specific challenges; this is because the UAE government exercises particular oversight and strictness in issuing this visa. In general, the steps to obtain Dubai residency for family members can be described as follows:

Cost of obtaining Dubai residency for family members

Being aware of the costs of obtaining a family visa is also very important, as the applicant residing in the UAE must provide financial proof certificates to the relevant authorities. In general, these costs can be summarized as follows. You should also know that the family visa is valid for 2 to 3 years and can be renewed as long as the sponsor's residency is valid.

• Visa application (per person): 3,000 to 5,000+ AED
• Issuance of UAE ID card (per person): 300 to 500 AED (per year)
• Health test (only for individuals 18 years and older): 300 to 700 dirhams

Familiarity with types of long-term UAE visas

The United Arab Emirates also offers several types of long-term visas designed to attract foreign talents and investors. These visas provide holders with a sense of stability and long-term residency; they also allow them to plan their future in the UAE more precisely.

Among the types of long-term UAE visas, we can mention the following:

• Investment visa: For individuals intending to make significant investments in the UAE. This visa can be valid for 5 or 10 years and is renewable.
• Entrepreneurship visa: For individuals who have a successful project in the UAE. This 5-year visa can be upgraded to an investment visa if the business succeeds.
• Special talents visa: The UAE also offers long-term residency for individuals with special talents in fields such as science, art, culture, and sports. This includes researchers, scientists, inventors, artists, and athletes.
• Green visa: The UAE Green Visa provides a 5-year residency option for skilled professionals, freelancers, and investors.
• Golden visa: This long-term visa was introduced by the UAE government in 2019 and is granted to investors, entrepreneurs, scientists, outstanding students, artists, athletes, and frontline heroes.

How to maintain UAE residency visa

If you maintain your residence in the UAE, you will have no problem keeping your visa valid. In other words, permanent presence in the UAE helps preserve your residency. However, if you are a frequent traveler or do not live in the UAE, you must enter the country at least once every 6 months. Failure to comply with this condition will result in automatic visa cancellation, and you will need to go through the residency visa renewal process from the beginning.

If you have not met this condition and have been absent from the UAE for more than 180 days, you can apply for a re-entry permit. To do this, you must:

• Submit your application from outside the UAE.
• Provide a reason for violating the 180-day rule.
• Pay a fine of 100 AED for every 30 days of absence.

How to renew a UAE residency visa

Renewing a UAE residency visa is usually easier than obtaining the initial visa. However, it requires undergoing a medical examination and renewing your Emirates ID card. You must also re-submit the same conditions you met for your previous visa (such as investor, freelancer, or retiree) to the relevant authorities.

In general, the steps to renew a Dubai residency visa can be summarized as follows:

• The visa renewal process begins by visiting a medical examination center 1-2 weeks before the visa expiration date.
• After completing the necessary tests, you can apply to renew your Emirates ID card.
• Once you receive the medical report, submit it along with your passport to the immigration department.
• Your new visa will be issued, and your residency will be extended for another period.

Can a UAE residency visa be canceled?

Yes, it is possible, but it is important to note that visa cancellation in the UAE is usually done by the sponsor or the supporting individual. Sponsors are typically one of the following:

• Employer: As part of the cancellation process, you must sign a form confirming that you have received all your rights and benefits.
• Your own company: If you own a business and your visa was issued under the company, you can request cancellation yourself or use business consultant services.
• Spouse or parents: If you have a dependent visa, the sponsor (spouse or parents) is responsible for canceling it.

Final words

In this article, we covered 8 main ways to obtain residency in Dubai in 2025. If you want to start a new life in a new country, without a doubt, UAE this will be the best option for you.

Our team can greatly smooth this path for you. If you wish to receive free and specialized consultation from our experts, simply contact us through the communication channels provided. We look forward to hearing your warm and kind voices, dear friends.