Working in the United Arab Emirates : Residence Visa Regime

• As the UAE cements its status as a global nexus for talent, innovation, and investment, understanding its multi-tiered residence visa framework is essential. Whether you’re an employee, entrepreneur, investor, freelancer, or sponsor, this guide distills the core requirements, procedures, and timelines—plus how HLS-Global UAE ensures a seamless journey from application to stamping.

1. Green Visa for Work (5 Year, Self-Sponsored)

What It Is

A long-term, self-sponsored residence visa valid for five years allows skilled employees, freelancers and self-employed individuals to live, work and sponsor family—without an employer or national guarantor.

Who Qualifies & Key Requirements

Freelancers & Self-Employed

• Valid freelance/self-employment permit from MOHRE (Ministry of Human Resources & Emiratisation), For guidance on establishing your business structure, see our UAE Market Entry and Restructuring Support services.
• Bachelor’s degree or specialized diploma.
• Minimum AED 360,000 annual income over the past two years or proof of financial solvency for the duration of stay.

Skilled Employees

• Active employment contract in the UAE.
• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent.
• Minimum salary of AED 15,000 per month.
• Classified at first, second or third occupational level by MOHRE.

(Note: The applicable occupational levels are as follows- Level 1: Legislators, managers, and business executives; Level 2: Professionals in scientific, technical and human fields; Level 3: Technicians in scientific, technical and humanitarian fields)

Key Advantages

• 5-year renewable term.
• No sponsor dependency; self-sponsorship.
• Can sponsor spouse, children, and other family members.

Understanding compliance requirements is essential – learn more about Regulatory Compliance Services.

Process & Timeline

Self-application digitally via MOHRE/GDRFA e-portal service; processing generally completes within 4–6 weeks.

2. Standard Work Visa (2 Year, Employer-Sponsored)

What It Is

The traditional employment visa for private-sector, government and free-zone employees—valid for up to two years and fully sponsored by the hiring entity.

Who Qualifies & Key Requirements

• Private-sector (commercial, industrial, professional); government employees; free-zone personnel (e.g., DIFC, DMCC).
• Signed employment contract and valid company trade license, Companies establishing operations in UAE should review our Starting a Consultancy in Dubai guide for licensing requirements.
• Passport copy (≥6-month validity) plus passport-size photos.
• Attested academic/professional certificates (where specified).

Process & Timeline

• Employer Applies via MOHRE/GDRFA e-portal followed by medical examination at an approved health center, Emirates ID enrollment with ICP, and finally Visa stamping on the passport at GDRFA/MOI (Ministry of Interior).
• Processing generally completes within 3–5 weeks.

3. Golden Visa (10 Years, No Sponsor Required)

What It Is

A long-term residency visa (10 years) designed to attract high-value investors, entrepreneurs, specialists, scientists, creatives, outstanding students, humanitarian pioneers and frontline heroes.

Key Advantages

• 6-month multiple-entry permit to initiate residency.
• 10-year renewable residence; no sponsor required.
• Extended absence allowance (beyond the standard 6 months).
• Unlimited family & domestic-helper sponsorship.
• Family stay assured even if the primary holder passes away.

Key Eligibility Categories & Requirements

Investors in Public Funds

• AED 2 million deposit in an accredited UAE fund or AED 2 million share capital in a company.
• Annual FTA (Federal Tax Authority) tax payment ≥ AED 250,000.
• 100% ownership of invested capital and proof of medical insurance.

Real-Estate Investors

• Property portfolio ≥ AED 2 million (owned outright or via approved local-bank loan).

Entrepreneurs

• Economic project of a technical/innovative nature valued ≥ AED 500,000.
• Our Advisory Services team can help evaluate project feasibility and structure innovative ventures.
• Approvals from a UAE auditor, relevant emirate authority and an accredited incubator.

Outstanding Specialized Talents

• Doctors, scientists, inventors, artists, executives, athletes, PhD holders, and engineers.
• Category-specific recommendation letters from ministries, councils or accredited bodies.

Outstanding Students

• National high-school toppers (≥ 95%) or university graduates (GPA ≥ 3.5–3.8; top 100 global universities).
• Recommendation from Ministry of Education/university; graduation within two years.

Humanitarian Pioneers & Frontline Heroes

• Minimum five years of distinguished service or funding ≥ AED 2 million; recommendation by competent authorities.

Process & Timeline

• Via ICP “One Touch” service: digital submission, multi-step consolidation of entry permit, residency, Emirates ID and renewals in one workflow.
• Processing generally completes within 4–6 weeks.

How HLS-Global UAE Streamlines Your Visa Journey

1. Personalized Category Selection

We analyze your profile—employment, investment, talent—to recommend optimal visa type and jurisdiction.

2. End-to-End Project Management

From document attestation and application drafting to regulatory follow-up, we handle every detail.

3. Fast-Track Liaison

Leveraging our direct channels with MOHRE, GDRFA, ICP, and free zones for priority processing.

4. Compliance & Renewal Alerts

Automated calendar reminders, audit preparations, and proactive renewals to keep you visa-ready.

The UAE’s recent removal from the EU’s high-risk countries list further strengthens its appeal for international residents and investors.

 Ready to secure your UAE residency with zero hassle?

Contact HLS-Global UAE at info@hls-global.ae or visit www.hls-global.ae for a complimentary eligibility assessment.

Navigate the Emirates confidently—your new chapter starts here.

Disclaimer: All views expressed in this article are solely for informational purposes and should not be construed as legal advice. This information is for reference only and is bound to change in case of any amendments or changes to applicable laws. We do not assume any responsibility or liability for any errors or omissions in the content of this article, and do not make any warranties about the completeness, reliability and accuracy of the information expressed in this article.