Golden Visas: Laws and Requirements in United Arab Emirates

What is Immigration?

Immigration in the UAE means the legal processes that allow non-UAE nationals to enter, live, study, work, or invest in the country under visas and residence permits issued by federal or emirate-level authorities. It covers entry permits, status changes to residence, Emirates ID issuance, and compliance with labor, health insurance, and security rules.

In the UAE, immigration is primarily regulated by Federal Decree-Law No. 29 of 2021 on Entry and Residence of Foreigners, implemented through Cabinet Decision No. 65 of 2022. Administration runs through the Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs and Port Security (ICP) nationwide and the General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs - Dubai (GDRFA-D) in Dubai.

Why Might You Need Legal Help with Immigration?

You may need a lawyer to choose the right visa category, structure your investment or employment to meet eligibility, and avoid delays or refusals. Lawyers also help reconcile immigration rules with labor law, corporate setups, family sponsorship, and tax residency.

In practice, small mistakes can lead to fines or cancelations, especially when changing status onshore, transferring sponsorship between free zones and mainland entities, or meeting Golden/Green Visa criteria. Legal advisers can also coordinate attestations, medicals, insurance and tenancy proofs, and advise on the difference between residence permits and UAE tax residency certificates.

How Does the Immigration Process Work?

Most UAE immigration journeys follow a predictable sequence: get an entry permit, change your status onshore, complete medical fitness and biometrics, and receive your Emirates ID and residence permit. Timelines generally range from 5 to 20 working days, though Golden Visas can take longer depending on category and evidence.

1. Choose a visa category and sponsor
   • Employer, family member, or self-sponsorship (Golden/Green) or education provider.
   • For company-sponsored visas, ensure the entity is licensed (mainland via Department of Economy and Tourism or relevant emirate, or free zone authority) and MOHRE-registered where required.
2. Apply for entry permit (e-visa)
   • Submit via ICP Smart Services (smartservices.icp.gov.ae) or GDRFA online/Amer centers in Dubai.
   • Typical government fees: AED 200-600 per applicant depending on type and duration.
3. Change status or enter the UAE
   • If you are in the UAE, file an in-country status change (fee commonly AED 675-1,000).
   • If abroad, enter using the entry permit within its validity period.
4. Medical fitness test
   • Attend an approved medical fitness center (DHA in Dubai, DOH/MOHAP in other emirates).
   • Fees: roughly AED 320-700; results in 24-72 hours for regular service.
5. Biometrics and Emirates ID
   • Give fingerprints and facial biometrics at ICP centers.
   • Fees: roughly AED 370-1,080 depending on validity (1-10 years for some categories).
6. Residence permit issuance
   • Digital residence is linked to your Emirates ID; passport stamping is largely replaced.
   • Government issuance fees vary (about AED 500-1,000 per year of validity).
7. Optional: Dependents and other services
   • Sponsor spouse, children, or parents after your own residence is issued.
   • Arrange health insurance (mandatory in Dubai and Abu Dhabi; increasingly required elsewhere).

Average timelines: employment or family residence 5-10 working days after medicals; Green Visa 10-15 working days; Golden Visa 2-6 weeks depending on category and emirate. Complex cases and security checks can extend these timeframes.

What are the Specific United Arab Emirates Legal Requirements?

The UAE offers multiple residence routes with defined eligibility, documentation, and minimums. The most used are the Golden Visa (10 years), Green Visa (5 years), standard employment or family residence (2 years in many cases), plus student, retirement, and remote work permits.

• Golden Visa - 10 years (self-sponsored)
  • Investors in public investments: typically AED 2,000,000 in approved investments per Cabinet Decision No. 65 of 2022. Evidence may include audited statements or attestation from a UAE-licensed fund or bank.
  • Real estate investors: property value of at least AED 2,000,000. Mortgaged properties can qualify if bank is approved and equity meets the threshold; accepted by DLD and relevant land authorities since 2022-2023 updates.
  • Professionals: employment in level 1 or 2 occupational categories under MOHRE with monthly salary usually at least AED 30,000 and a bachelor’s degree (or equivalent) in the field.
  • Entrepreneurs, scientists, outstanding students, exceptional talents: require approvals from competent bodies (e.g., Ministry of Economy, Emirates Scientists Council, or relevant incubators), often with valuation or award criteria.
  • Typical government fees: approximately AED 2,800-3,800 onshore or AED 3,800-4,800 offshore, plus medicals, Emirates ID and insurance. Total practical cost per adult often AED 6,000-12,000, more with family and attestations.
• Green Visa - 5 years (self-sponsored)
  • Skilled employees: MOHRE skill levels 1-3, bachelor’s degree, salary usually at least AED 15,000.
  • Freelancers/self-employed: MOHRE permit plus annual income of AED 360,000 over the last 2 years or sufficient savings; degree or specialized diploma typically required.
  • Investor or partner in a commercial entity: proof of investment, corporate documents, and approvals from the licensing authority.
  • Total cost estimate: AED 5,000-10,000 per adult including medicals and ID.
• Employment Residence Visa (sponsored)
  • Requires a UAE employer with valid trade license and MOHRE registration (except some free zones with their own systems).
  • MOHRE work permit issuance precedes the residence process; employer bears most costs under Federal Decree-Law No. 33 of 2021.
  • Processing 5-10 working days post-medicals; typical total government and service fees per employee are often AED 3,000-7,000, largely paid by the employer.
• Family Residence Visa (sponsored by resident)
  • Minimum income usually AED 4,000 per month or AED 3,000 plus accommodation; both male and female residents can sponsor eligible dependents subject to conditions.
  • Validity generally matches the sponsor’s permit; dependents require insurance in Dubai and Abu Dhabi.
  • Costs per dependent commonly AED 1,800-3,500 plus insurance.
• Student Visa
  • Sponsorship by an accredited UAE university or college; proof of admission and funds required.
  • Costs vary by institution and emirate; expect AED 2,500-5,000 plus insurance.
• Retirement Visa (5 years)
  • Applicants 55+ meeting criteria such as AED 1,000,000 property in the UAE, or AED 1,000,000 in financial savings, or AED 20,000 monthly income, or a combination as per local schemes.
  • Available in Dubai and other emirates under the federal framework; costs often AED 3,000-7,000 plus insurance.
• Remote Work Visa (1 year)
  • Proof of foreign employment, salary (commonly USD 3,500+ per month or equivalent), and health insurance covering the UAE.
  • Appeals to digital nomads but does not by itself grant tax residency.
• Tourist and Visit Visas
  • Single or multiple-entry, including the 5-year multi-entry tourist visa managed by ICP/GDRFA; some nationalities receive visa-on-arrival.
  • Overstay fines generally accrue daily (about AED 50 per day) plus exit processing fees.

Physical presence requirements: Golden and Green Visas do not impose minimum days per year for residence validity, but prolonged absence can impact practical matters (such as bank relationships) and will not automatically create UAE tax residency. For tax residency, see “Laws and Regulations” below.

What United Arab Emirates Laws and Regulations Apply?

UAE immigration is anchored in federal legislation and executive regulations. The main instruments define who can enter or reside, for how long, and under what conditions, and they link immigration to labor, corporate, real estate, health, and tax systems.

• Federal Decree-Law No. 29 of 2021 on Entry and Residence of Foreigners
• Cabinet Decision No. 65 of 2022 - Executive Regulations to the above (introduced the 2022 visa overhaul including Golden and Green Visa refinements)
• Federal Law No. 17 of 1972 on Nationality and Passports, as amended (framework for nationality; in 2021 the UAE enabled citizenship by nomination for exceptional cases through competent authorities, not by application or investment)
• Federal Decree-Law No. 33 of 2021 on Regulation of Labour Relations and Cabinet Resolution No. 1 of 2022 (work permits, contracts, and employer obligations in the private sector)
• Cabinet Decision No. 85 of 2022 on Determination of Tax Residency (effective 1 March 2023)
  • Generally, an individual is a UAE tax resident if present in the UAE for 183 days or more in a 12-month period, or for 90 days with additional ties (such as a permanent place of residence and being a UAE national, GCC national, or UAE resident with a business or employment).
  • Residency visas do not automatically confer tax residency; day-count and ties matter for a Tax Residency Certificate from the Ministry of Finance.
• Federal Decree-Law No. 47 of 2022 on Taxation of Corporations and Businesses (9 percent corporate tax from financial periods starting on or after 1 June 2023; no personal income tax on salaries)

Key authorities and portals:

• Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs and Port Security (ICP) - national visa and Emirates ID processing, Smart Services portal
• GDRFA - Dubai - local processing in Dubai and Amer centers
• MOHRE - work permits and labor relations
• Dubai Land Department and other emirate land authorities - real estate valuation and ownership records for investor visas
• Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation (MoFAIC) - document attestations
• DHA/DOH/MOHAP - medical fitness examinations

Frequently Asked Questions

Is UAE residency the same as UAE citizenship?

No. UAE residency is a legal right to live in the UAE for a defined period, usually 1-10 years, subject to renewal. Citizenship is governed by Federal Law No. 17 of 1972 and is not available by investment; in rare cases, citizenship can be granted by nomination to exceptional contributors, at the discretion of UAE authorities.

What is the difference between Golden Visa and Green Visa?

Golden Visa is a 10-year, self-sponsored residence for investors, professionals, entrepreneurs and exceptional talents, often with higher thresholds (for professionals, salary typically AED 30,000). Green Visa is a 5-year, self-sponsored residence for skilled employees, freelancers, and investors with generally lower salary or income thresholds.

How much does a UAE residence visa really cost?

Beyond official fees, budget for medicals, Emirates ID, insurance, typing, and courier services. For standard employment or family residence, total practical cost per adult is often AED 3,000-7,000; for Green Visa AED 5,000-10,000; for Golden Visa AED 6,000-12,000 or more, excluding any investment amount.

How long does UAE immigration processing take?

Entry permits can be issued within 2-7 working days; status change, medicals, and Emirates ID add 5-10 working days. Golden Visas range from 2-6 weeks depending on category, emirate, and approvals.

Can I be a UAE tax resident with a Golden Visa?

Not automatically. Under Cabinet Decision No. 85 of 2022 you usually need 183 days presence (or 90 days plus other ties) to qualify for a Tax Residency Certificate. Golden Visa has no minimum stay for immigration purposes, but tax residency is separate and fact-specific.

Does the UAE have a citizenship by investment program?

No. The UAE does not sell citizenship. It offers long-term residency by investment or talent, but citizenship is only possible by descent, marriage (under strict criteria), naturalization after long residence in limited cases, or by exceptional nomination under the nationality law.

What happens if my visa expires or is canceled?

Grace periods vary by category, typically 30-180 days to find a new sponsor, change status, or exit. Overstay fines accrue daily (about AED 50 per day) plus exit processing fees; always check your grace period in your ICP/GDRFA account.

Can I sponsor my family on a Green or Golden Visa?

Yes. Green and Golden Visa holders can sponsor spouses and children (age limits apply, with higher limits for unmarried daughters and for sons under certain ages). Dependents generally receive residence matching the sponsor’s visa validity.

How do UAE options compare with EU residency-by-investment and US EB-5?

The UAE offers fast, sponsor-free residence but no Schengen access. EU programs increasingly favor fund investments over real estate, and US EB-5 grants a path to a green card with longer timelines and higher total costs.

Do I need a local employment contract for a Golden Visa as a professional?

Often yes. Professionals typically qualify via an employment role in MOHRE skill level 1 or 2 with salary around AED 30,000 and a related bachelor’s degree, though exceptional talent categories can be exempted from salary thresholds with endorsements.

When Should You Hire a Lawyer?

Hire a lawyer if you are investing (real estate or funds), restructuring corporate sponsorship, moving a family with school-age children, or aiming for Golden/Green Visa categories with endorsements. You should also seek counsel when coordinating immigration with tax residency, corporate tax registration, or cross-border personal tax planning.

Lawyers help with due diligence on qualifying investments, aligning job descriptions and MOHRE skill levels, obtaining pre-approvals, preparing valuation and income evidence, and minimizing gaps or overstay risks during cancellations and transfers.

What are the Next Steps?

Start by choosing a target visa pathway, assembling the required documents, and booking medicals and biometrics in advance. If you are considering investment options, model your total cost and timeline with legal input before you commit funds.

1. Assess eligibility for Golden, Green, employment, family, student, retirement, or remote work visa.
2. Collect documents: passport, photos, educational certificates (with MoFAIC attestation if required), salary letters, tenancy contract, insurance, and investment or property proofs.
3. Open an ICP or GDRFA account and confirm fee schedule and processing times in your emirate.
4. If investing, obtain legal due diligence on properties or funds and confirm they meet Cabinet Decision No. 65 of 2022 criteria.
5. File entry permit, complete status change onshore or enter on the permit, and book medicals and biometrics.
6. Receive Emirates ID and digital residence permit; then proceed with dependents, driver’s license conversion, banking, and school enrollment.

How Does the UAE Compare With High-Demand RBI/CBI Options?

UAE residence is popular for lifestyle and business access in a tax-efficient jurisdiction, but it does not grant Schengen movement like EU programs. There is no citizenship by investment in the UAE; for passport upgrades, applicants look to Caribbean CBI or Malta’s exceptional naturalization, each with distinct costs and requirements.

Market trend: EU programs increasingly favor regulated investment funds over direct real estate. UAE investor routes still accept real estate, but professional and talent pathways have become more prominent for those prioritizing operational presence rather than Schengen mobility.

United Arab Emirates Process Walkthrough by Common Route

Below are concise, step-by-step UAE workflows with typical documents and timelines. Each starts with the core answer you need and then lists the steps.

Golden Visa - Real Estate Investor (10 years)

You qualify by owning UAE property worth at least AED 2,000,000, including eligible mortgaged units with sufficient equity. Expect 2-6 weeks total and plan AED 6,000-12,000 in fees per adult excluding property costs.

1. Obtain property title deed and a valuation letter from the land department if required.
2. Apply for nomination/pre-approval via ICP or GDRFA (Dubai) with ownership evidence.
3. Receive pre-approval; apply for entry permit (if outside) or status change (if inside).
4. Complete medical fitness, Emirates ID biometrics, and health insurance.
5. Pay issuance fees and receive Emirates ID and digital residence.
6. Sponsor your dependents after your own visa issuance.

Golden Visa - Professional (10 years)

You qualify with a MOHRE level 1-2 occupation, salary typically AED 30,000+, and a bachelor’s degree related to your field. Plan 2-6 weeks and AED 6,000-10,000 in fees.

1. Gather employment contract, salary certificate, degree (attested), and classification proof.
2. Apply for Golden Visa pre-approval via ICP/GDRFA; secure endorsement if requested.
3. Proceed with entry permit/status change, medicals, and biometrics.
4. Receive Emirates ID and residence; then sponsor family if needed.

Green Visa - Skilled Employee or Freelancer (5 years)

Skilled employees need salary around AED 15,000 and degree/diploma; freelancers need MOHRE permit and AED 360,000 income over 2 years or sufficient funds. Plan 10-15 working days and AED 5,000-10,000 in fees.

1. Collect proof: job contract, salary, or freelance permit and income statements.
2. Apply via ICP Smart Services for Green Visa eligibility.
3. Complete entry/status change, medicals, biometrics, and issuance.

Employment Residence Visa (2 years typical)

Your employer sponsors your visa after a MOHRE work permit; you cannot self-sponsor under this route. Processing usually takes 5-10 working days after medicals.

1. Employer obtains MOHRE work permit or free zone equivalent.
2. Apply for entry permit and complete in-country status change or enter on the permit.
3. Complete medicals and biometrics, then receive Emirates ID and residence.

Family Sponsorship

Residents can sponsor spouses and children with minimum income thresholds and suitable housing. Expect 5-10 working days after sponsor’s visa is issued.

1. Verify sponsor income (typically AED 4,000 or AED 3,000 plus accommodation) and obtain tenancy contract and attested marriage/birth certificates.
2. Apply for entry permit, status change, medicals (adults), biometrics.
3. Receive Emirates ID and residence for dependents.

Costs, Timelines, and Practical Tips

Most applicants underestimate the total cost. Include attestations, translations, medicals, Emirates ID, health insurance, courier, typing center service fees, and any deposits.

• Government fees:
  • Entry permits: AED 200-600
  • Status change: AED 675-1,000
  • Medical fitness: AED 320-700
  • Emirates ID: AED 370-1,080 depending on validity
  • Residence issuance: AED 500-1,000 per year of validity
  • Golden Visa issuance add-ons: pre-approval and nomination fees can bring totals to AED 2,800-4,800 per applicant
• Timelines:
  • Standard residence: 5-10 working days post-medicals
  • Green: 10-15 working days
  • Golden: 2-6 weeks
• Grace periods after expiry/cancellation: typically 30-180 days depending on category and emirate; always verify in your account.
• Insurance: mandatory in Dubai and Abu Dhabi; purchase before final issuance to avoid delays.
• Tenancy: Ejari (Dubai) or equivalent attestation may be required for family sponsorship and some applications.

Common Legal Nuances in the UAE

Understanding how immigration interacts with labor and tax rules prevents costly errors. Below are high-value nuances for planning.

• Residency vs tax residency: A Golden or Green Visa does not grant tax residency. To obtain a Tax Residency Certificate, track days and ties as per Cabinet Decision No. 85 of 2022 and apply through Ministry of Finance channels.
• Real estate investor checks: The relevant land department must recognize the property value and applicant ownership; mortgaged property requires bank letters and minimum equity thresholds.
• MOHRE occupational levels: Professional Golden Visa often aligns with MOHRE skill levels 1-2; verify job title codes and salary before applying.
• Free zone vs mainland: Transfers between sponsors can require cancellation and new entry permits; coordinate timing to avoid overstay.
• Dependents aging out: Sons typically up to a set age limit; plan transitions to student or their own permits early.

United Arab Emirates Laws and Agencies - Quick Reference

Here is a concise reference you can use when preparing or reviewing applications.

• Entry and Residence: Federal Decree-Law No. 29 of 2021; Cabinet Decision No. 65 of 2022
• Nationality: Federal Law No. 17 of 1972, as amended
• Labor: Federal Decree-Law No. 33 of 2021; Cabinet Resolution No. 1 of 2022
• Tax Residency: Cabinet Decision No. 85 of 2022
• Corporate Tax: Federal Decree-Law No. 47 of 2022
• Authorities: ICP, GDRFA-D, MOHRE, MoFAIC, DHA/DOH/MOHAP, DLD and other land departments

Why a Lawyer Adds Value Beyond DIY Applications

Experienced immigration counsel front-loads your file with the exact evidence that officers expect, reducing back-and-forth and refusal risk. They also align immigration with company formation, labor strategy, and tax outcomes across borders.

• Investment structuring to meet Executive Regulation thresholds and accepted proof standards
• Degree and civil document attestation planning across jurisdictions
• Sponsorship transfers and cancellations timed to preserve grace periods
• Family strategy for schooling, health insurance classes, and tenancy documentation
• Tax residency and compliance planning if you aim to shift personal or business tax footprints

What are the Specific United Arab Emirates Legal Requirements? - Documents Checklist

Most UAE applications ask for a similar core set of documents, plus category-specific proofs. Preparing these in advance speeds up your file.

• Core
  • Passport (6+ months validity) and photos
  • Entry permit or status change approval
  • Medical fitness certificate
  • Emirates ID biometrics appointment confirmation
  • Health insurance policy valid in the issuing emirate
• Employment/Professional
  • MOHRE work permit or employment contract
  • Salary certificate and bank statements
  • Degree certificates with MoFAIC attestation
• Investment
  • Title deed and valuation, or bank/fund letters for AED 2 million public investments
  • Evidence of source of funds when requested
• Family
  • Attested marriage and birth certificates
  • Tenancy contract (Ejari in Dubai) and sponsor’s salary letters
• Freelancer/Self-employed
  • MOHRE freelance permit, invoices, tax returns or audited statements evidencing AED 360,000 income over 2 years or sufficient savings

Risk Management and Compliance

Small compliance issues can derail otherwise strong cases. Proactively manage the following areas.

• Overstay and grace period monitoring via ICP/GDRFA accounts
• Accurate occupational coding with MOHRE to meet skill level thresholds
• Real estate due diligence and ensuring properties are in qualifying categories
• Insurance coverage that meets emirate-specific mandates
• Timely renewals - start 30-90 days before expiry, especially for dependents

Final Planning Notes

The UAE is designed for speed and clarity, but the details matter: match your profile to the right route, document thoroughly, and align immigration plans with tax residency rules. If Schengen access is your primary goal, pair your UAE strategy with an EU RBI program that fits the current trend toward investment funds rather than real estate.

Before you commit funds or resign from a job, model your total cost, expected processing time, and day-count needs for tax residency. A UAE-focused lawyer can help you sequence steps to minimize risk and cost while keeping your options open across jurisdictions.