UAE residency visa options: Golden, green, blue visas and more explained

Dubai: From short-term work permits to decade-long visas for scientists and entrepreneurs, the UAE’s residency framework has evolved into one of the most varied systems globally—part economic policy, part social strategy, and part humanitarian gesture.

Employment visas: The backbone of residency

The employment visa is the standard route, enabling millions of expatriates to live and work in the country, whether in the private sector, government, or free zones. Typically valid for two years, it ties residency to an employment contract. Parallel tracks exist for domestic workers, such as housekeepers, caregivers, and drivers, reflecting the country’s formal recognition of household labour.

Golden Visa: Long-term residency for high achievers

Introduced in 2019, the golden visa has become a flagship program. Valid for five or ten years and renewable, it is granted to select investors, entrepreneurs, doctors, scientists, artists, and high-achieving students. Golden visa holders enjoy wide privileges: they can remain abroad for more than six months without losing residency, sponsor unlimited domestic workers, and extend visas to spouses and children, with family residency continuing even after the primary holder’s death.

Blue Visa: Residency for environmental leaders

Launched in 2024, the blue visa targets individuals contributing to ecological protection, award-winning scientists, and members of environmental organisations. It grants a 10-year residency and allows applications directly or via nominations by accredited UAE bodies, positioning the country as a global hub for green leadership.

Green Visa: Skilled professionals, freelancers, and investors

The green visa offers five-year residency to skilled professionals, freelancers, and investors without a sponsor. Requirements include proof of income—Dh15,000 per month for skilled workers—and relevant contracts or education credentials. Benefits include extended family sponsorship, a 180-day grace period for renewals, and eligibility for parents and unmarried children.

Student visas: Education-based residency

Student visas are issued for one year and renewable, usually sponsored by accredited universities or parents holding valid residency. Male students can stay on family visas until age 25 if enrolled in higher education, while daughters remain sponsored regardless of age.

Retirement visa: Long-term residency for retirees

The UAE allows retirees to continue living in the country through a five-year retirement visa. Applicants must be at least 55 and meet conditions such as 15 years of service, property ownership worth Dh1 million, equivalent savings, or monthly income of Dh20,000 (Dh15,000 in Dubai).

Remote work visas: Adapting to global labour trends

The UAE now offers a one-year renewable remote work visa. Foreign professionals employed abroad may live in the UAE while working for overseas employers if they earn at least $3,500 per month. Dubai runs a Virtual Work Program, allowing professionals and entrepreneurs to bring families while working remotely.

Humanitarian visas: Temporary relief for displaced nationals

The UAE provides one-year renewable visas to nationals of countries affected by wars or natural disasters, offering temporary stability in the country.

Family sponsorship: Keeping families together

Residents can sponsor spouses, children, and parents if they earn at least Dh4,000 per month, or Dh3,000 with employer-provided housing. Family visas are usually valid for two to three years and require medical fitness exams for those over 18. Widows and divorcees, along with their children, may receive one-year extensions without a sponsor.

Residency conditions and exceptions

Most visas are cancelled if holders remain outside the UAE for more than 180 consecutive days. Golden visa holders are exempt. Exceptions also exist for students, diplomats, government employees, and those sent overseas for medical treatment or training. Re-entry for other residents requires reactivation and fines of Dh100 for every 30 days overstayed.

Comprehensive system for every resident type

Taken together, the UAE’s residency system accommodates nearly every category of foreign resident: professionals, students, retirees, environmentalists, entrepreneurs, families, and those displaced by conflict. It balances the need for migrant labour with policies that attract high-value talent, provide humanitarian relief, and allow families to remain together.