Residency pathfinder
Find the residence permit that fits you.
10 years Golden Visa, renewable
Read more
Residency
Living and Working in the UAE
Find your route to residency, then the practical guides: Emirates ID, health insurance, schools, driving and the cost of living.
Key figures · Checked October 2026
Residency
Living and Working in the UAE
Golden Visa
10 years, no sponsor, family included.
AED 2m Minimum public investment or property value
Read moreGreen Visa
Five years, self-sponsored.
5 years Validity, renewable
Read moreEmployment visa
Your employer applies; it lasts two years.
2 years Validity of the work visa and work permit
Read moreInvestor or partner visa
Residence through the company you own.
AED 1m Paid share for the Green Visa in Dubai
Read moreFreelance permit
Work for yourself, legally.
AED 360,000 Yearly freelance income over the last two years for the Green Visa
Read moreRemote work visa
Live here, keep your job abroad.
1 year Validity, renewable
Read moreRetirement visa
Five years for retirees aged 55 and over.
55 Minimum age
Read moreFamily sponsorship
Spouse, children and parents.
AED 4,000 Monthly salary to sponsor a spouse and children
Read moreCost of living
Rent, utilities, fuel, transport and schools.
1.3% UAE average inflation in 2025
Read moreMoving to the UAE
Everything to do in your first weeks.
1 year Minimum term of a registered Dubai tenancy
Read moreEmirates ID
The card every resident must carry.
AED 100 Card fee for each year of residence
Read moreMedical tests and health insurance
Two steps before every residence permit.
18 Age from which the medical test applies
Read moreDriving licence
Exchange it without lessons or a road test.
20 Countries whose licences Dubai exchanges regardless of nationality
Read moreCitizenship rules
By nomination only; residence is the route.
Jan 2021 Nomination of talented foreigners approved
Read moreSchools
Regulators, fees, ratings and admission.
406,563 Students in Dubai private schools, start of 2026-27
Read moreEmbassies
Attestation steps, fees and missions.
AED 150 MOFA attestation of a personal document
Read moreImmigration lawyers
Who may advise you and how to check.
Free Checking a lawyer in the Dubai Legal Affairs Department directory
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Frequently Asked Questions
How much do I need to invest for a UAE Golden Visa?
For the investor Golden Visa through public investments, the UAE Government Portal lists a minimum capital of AED 2 million, for a visa valid for 10 years.
Sources
Figures checked October 2026. Information only, not investment, tax or legal advice.
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Golden Visa consultants, immigration lawyers, relocation agents and PRO services, in the Invest-Emirates.ae directory.