Different Types of Residency Visa in Dubai: You Should Know

One of the best ways people from around the world wish to secure residency in the UAE is through a residency visa in Dubai. But why Dubai?

The city has maintained its position as the top destination worldwide for entrepreneurs, HNWIs, and international investors. Its tax-friendly environment, strategic location, and world-class infrastructure, complemented by safety, is what makes it a magnet.

Whether you’re planning to invest in real estate, start a business, or simply work remotely, Dubai offers multiple pathways to enter, along with a new and updated guide for 2025 visas.

Here is a breakdown of the different types of residency visa UAE in 2025, which can meet your requirements and benefit.

Dubai, UAE Residency Visa: What Is It?

A residency permit UAE is a visa that is granted to foreign nationals who invest in the UAE economy.

Either the investment is in business, property, or other approved investment activities, and it can range from different numbers of years.

The visa types in UAE can range from 2 to 10 years, depending on the size and type of investment one makes. It allows:

• Long-term residency in the UAE
• Multiple-entry travel to the country
• Eligibility to get an Emirates ID and apply for a UAE driving license
• Access to quality healthcare and education
• Sponsorship of family members, including spouse, parents, children, and house help, as well.
• Open a bank account and lease property

Types of Residency Visa in Dubai and Their Requirements

Let us understand the different types of residency visa in Dubai and which one is ideal for you.

Real Estate Investments

2-Year Residency Visa

• Minimum property value: AED 750,000
• Applicable only to the investor
• Renewable
• Available for both ready and off-plan properties (with certain conditions)

5-Year Residency Visa

• Property value must be AED 2 million or more
• Property must be fully paid (no mortgage)
• Ideal for retirees or individuals with fixed income
• No local sponsor required

10-Year Golden Visa

• Minimum real estate investment: AED 2 million
• Includes the investor, spouse, and children
• No need for a local sponsor or employer
• Applicable to ready or off-plan properties

The UAE Golden Visa is the most prestigious residency permit in Dubai. It grants long-term residency for a period of 5 to 10 years for real estate investors, entrepreneurs, and professionals. In the past, buyers of under-construction properties had to wait until full payment or project completion before becoming eligible for residency.

New in Dubai 2025: There are some developers who allow Golden Visa eligibility with only 14% to 24% payment of the property value, even before handover. This makes residency in the UAE far more accessible for real estate investors.

UAE Green Visa (Self-Employed Residency)

The Green visa is a 5-year residency visa designed for individuals who wish to self-sponsor and stay in the UAE without any sponsorship. Originally coming into existence in 2022, it continues to offer flexibility and broader eligibility for investors, skilled professionals, and freelancers.

Categorize as eligible for the Green Visa includes:

• Freelancers and self-employed individuals with an annual income of at least AED 360,000
• Skilled Employees with a minimum salary of AED 15,000 with a bachelor’s degree as well.
• Investors or partners (holders with a valid business and license)

Remember: The UAE Green residence visa allows holders to sponsor their family members, and also provides a 6-month grace period after the visa expires or is cancelled.

Blue Visa: 10-Year Residency for Environmental Champions

It is a brand new addition to the UAE’s residency visa category. Targeting individuals who have made significant contributions to environmental sustainability. Launched in 2024, this visa offers 10 years of residency fr thosw who support the UAE’s green goals and COP28 legacy.

UAE is already following the sustainable living concept with eco-friendly properties, and its demand is escalating. This visa comes as an extension of the UAE Golden visa initiative, offering long-term benefits, but focused on eco-leadership and green initiatives.

It is eligible for

• Environmental activists, as well as researchers
• Globally recognized individuals in sustainability and climate initiatives
• Members of international organizations, as well as environmental institutions

Did you know: To process this residency permit, it is important for the visa holder to first enter with a 180-day multiple-entry visa.

UAE Retirement Visa

The retirement visa in the UAE is a special type of residency permit, valid for 5 years, available for expats aged 55 years and older. It allows you to stay in the UAE, without a job or sponsor, with an option to renew it as well. This visa promotes the UAE as a retirement-friendly environment, a haven for those who want to live in the country, stress-free.

For eligibility, one of the following options is needed:

• Own a property in the UAE worth 2 million dirhams
• Have a savings of about AED 1 million or more
• Have a monthly financial flow of at least AED 20,000 (rent, pension, or any other source)
• A combination of savings and real estate amounting to AED 2 million

This visa is ideal for retirees who are looking for a secure, stress-free residency in UAE and who live luxuriously.

Investors visa in UAE (Partner Visa)

It is a type of residency visa in Dubai designed for foreign nationals who have business or hold shares in an existing UAE-registered company. It typically allows you to legally live, work, and sponsor family with a visa in Dubai with validity for 2 or 3 years.

Key requirement

• Memorandum of Association
• Trade license
• Share certificate or partnership agreement
• The company established a card
• Certificate of formation
• Cancellation of any existing UAE visa

Capital Investment

• Minimum capital is not legalized, but the amount is usually AED 50K to AED 72K pretty common in the UAE.
• Available in both main and freezone jurisdictions.

It is popular amongst business owners, entrepreneurs, and co-founders who are looking to establish a long-term base in Dubai.

Types of Residency That Suits You

We are provided with a wide range of residency visa in Dubai to suit every profile. From property investors, to business owners, self-employed individuals, to retirees, and environmentalists.

Whether you are looking for long-term stability, a good life, an opportunity, or just want to be a part of a thriving environment, this is the ideal location. Now that you know how much is how much is Dubai visa costs, you can consider picking the right one.

The right type of visas in Dubai will open the door for you in terms of personal growth, business expansion, and futuristic living. Whether you're a seasoned real estate investor, a tech founder, or a digital nomad, Dubai offers exceptional flexibility in 2025 to have a residency without stress.