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Getting a UAE residence visa can be complex—but not with Oasis Start. We handle every step for you, from documentation to approval, ensuring a smooth, compliant process for your employees and family. No stress. No delays. Just results.
The United Arab Emirates is a leading destination in the Middle East and attracting investors and entrepreneurs from around the world. Its strong economy and vibrant capital, Abu Dhabi, make it an ideal place for you and your family to live, work, and grow.
If you’re considering moving to the UAE, the first step you need to take is to get a residence visa. With a residence visa, you can invest, work, and fully enjoy living in this vibrant country.
To help you understand the process, we have created a comprehensive overview of how to obtain a UAE residence visa. Continue reading to learn everything you need to know.
How Can I Obtain UAE Residency?
There are many ways for a foreign national to become a resident of the UAE. These include:
While all these options lead to UAE residency, some are quicker than others. Presently, starting your own business in the UAE is the quickest way to secure a visa.
To register your business, you just use your legal name to run a company with the UAE’s business registration authorities.
With over 40 licensing authorities across the UAE, registering a business is simple. The process involves clear steps and reasonable fees, making it a convenient and efficient way to get UAE residency.
Where Can I Reside With a UAE Residence Visa?
A common question for those getting a UAE residence visa is where they can be. The good news is that you can choose to live in any Emirate!
Whether you receive your UAE visa in Dubai or another Emirate, you’re free to rent a home and settle wherever you prefer. There are no restrictions on your place of residence in the UAE.
However, it’s important to note that your driver’s license must be secured in the Emirate where your visa was issued. For example, if you started a business in Dubai, you would need a Dubai driver’s license.
Many people choose Dubai for its world-class infrastructure and entertainment options. Keep in mind, though, the living costs and residency expenses are usually higher in Dubai compared to other Emirates.
How the UAE Residence Visa Process Works
Obtaining a UAE residency visa is simple. If you are applying by establishing a mainland firm, the process usually entails the following steps:
One of the benefits of the UAE residency visa is that much of the application procedure can be done from your home country. The only processes required in the UAE are medical checks and passport stamping.
These in-country steps typically take about five business days. You will need to stay in the UAE until they are completed, so plan your trip and timetable appropriately.
The cost of becoming a UAE resident depends on your visa type and business location. Fees are lowest in the northern Emirates —Umm Al Quwain, Sharjah, Ras Al Khaimah, and Ajman—while Dubai has higher costs due to registration and health insurance requirements.
A UAE residency visa eliminates the need for regular tourist visa applications, provides convenient access to local banking, and opens up important opportunities for investors and enterprises growing in the region.
Maintaining your UAE residency visa is simple. To keep your visa valid, you must travel to the UAE at least once every six months. If you fail to do so, you will have to reapply for your visa.
Renewing your UAE residency visa is quick and simple. Visit an accredited medical screening center for a health check around one or two weeks before the expiration date. Submit your medical results with your passport to the immigration office, and once stamped, your visa will be renewed for another term.
Want to stay longer? The UAE offers 5-year and 10-year residence visas to qualified applicants. You could be eligible if you are a high-value investor—investing AED 5-10 million in real estate, business, or funds—or a highly-skilled professional in fields like medicine, science, or the arts.
If you decide to leave the UAE, it is easy to cancel your visa. Your sponsor—either your employer, business, spouse, or government entity—will need to cancel your visa. The process differs depending on whether you are outside or inside the UAE.
If you are inside the UAE, you will need to go to the authority that issued your visa and submit your passport. Your cancellation will typically be processed within a few days. If you are outside the UAE and away for more than six months, the visa is no longer valid, and no submission of your passport is required.
Canceling a visa can be done using:
However, cancellation of a free zone visa requires direct contact with the issuing government.
You will need:
Yes, but there are some important conditions. You’ll need to hold a UAE residence visa, comply with a minimum income requirement, and provide evidence of accommodation, insurance, and documents proving your relationship. For the most up-to-date information, consult an expert at the General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs (GDRFA), or use a specialist in UAE law like Oasis Start.
Becoming a resident of the UAE is an exciting opportunity, and it is much easier than you might imagine. Connect with our dedicated and knowledgeable team today, and we’ll help you find your new home in the UAE.
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