Dubai Residence Visa in 2025: The Complete Guide

Obtaining a Dubai residence visa in 2025 is more accessible than ever with several options: freelance visa (7,500-15,000 AED), investor visa (minimum 2M AED), Golden Visa (10 years), and Green Visa (5 years). Each visa offers tax benefits, exceptional quality of life, and the ability to sponsor your family.

Why Choose Dubai for Your Residence?

Dubai stands out as a premier destination for establishing permanent residence. The city attracts thousands of entrepreneurs and investors annually thanks to its unparalleled advantages.

Tax Benefits: No personal income tax, reduced VAT at 5% on most goods and services.

Business-friendly Environment: Simplified company formation, free zones with 100% foreign ownership allowed.

Safety and Quality of Life: Crime rate among the lowest in the world, world-class infrastructure.

Strategic Geographic Position: Hub between Europe, Asia, and Africa, with one of the world's most connected airports.

What Are the Different Types of Dubai Residence Visas in 2025?

The Investor Visa

The investor visa is designed for individuals looking to invest substantially in Dubai. Two main options are available: company formation or real estate investment.

Main Requirements: Minimum investment of 1 million AED in real estate or company creation with significant initial capital.

Duration: 2 to 3 years, renewable based on maintained investment.

Source: Dubai Investment Development Agency, 2025

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The Freelance or Independent Visa

Perfect for digital workers and solo entrepreneurs, this visa has gained popularity since 2022.

Average Cost: Between 7,500 and 15,000 AED for obtaining and annual renewal, depending on the chosen free zone.

Key Benefits: No local sponsor required, ability to work for multiple clients, facilitated bank account opening.

Eligible Sectors: Media, design, technology, education, consulting.

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The Golden Visa (Long-term Visa)

The Golden Visa represents the pinnacle of residence visas. Designed for high-value profiles, it offers exceptional stability.

Duration: 10 years, automatically renewable if conditions remain met.

Eligible Profiles:

• Real estate investors (minimum 2M AED)
• Entrepreneurs with innovative projects (minimum 500,000 AED)
• Exceptional talents (scientists, artists, athletes)
• Graduates from prestigious universities

Exclusive Benefits: Ability to stay outside the Emirates for more than 6 months, extended family sponsorship, no sponsor required.

Source: UAE Government Portal, 2025

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The Green Visa (New 5-Year Visa)

Launched in 2022, the Green Visa revolutionizes residence access. It allows self-sponsorship for 5 years without employer or local sponsor.

Main Requirements:

• Skilled employees: Minimum salary 15,000 AED/month, minimum bachelor's degree
• Freelancers: Annual income 360,000 AED over the last 2 years
• Investors: Participation in local company

Unique Benefits: Possible parent sponsorship, 6-month grace period upon expiration, job changes without visa impact.

What Are the Steps to Obtain a Dubai Residence Visa?

Step 1 - Choose the Right Visa Type for Your Profile

Analyzing your personal and professional situation determines the optimal visa. Consult an expert to evaluate your options based on your long-term objectives.

Step 2 - Create a Company or Obtain a Contract

Depending on the chosen visa, you'll need to either create a company, obtain a freelance contract, or make a real estate investment.

Step 3 - Gather Required Documents

Essential Documents:

• Valid passport (minimum 6 months)
• Recent passport photos
• Employment contract or trade license
• Apostilled education certificates
• Mandatory health insurance

Additional Documents: Good conduct certificate, bank statements, investment proofs according to visa type.

Step 4 - Submit Application via GDRFA or Free Zone

Applications are submitted online through official portals. The process typically takes 5 to 7 working days once the complete file is submitted.

Step 5 - Medical Examination and Fingerprints

Mandatory for all applicants over 15 years old. The examination includes blood tests and chest X-ray. Approximate cost: 850 AED.

Step 6 - Obtain Emirates ID

Timeline: 5 to 10 days after visa approval. Cost: 400 AED.

This card constitutes your official identification document in the Emirates, essential for all administrative procedures.

💡 Need help with your trade license? Discover our complete guide on obtaining a commercial license in Dubai.

What Is the Cost of a Dubai Residence Visa in 2025?

Sources: GDRFA Dubai, various free zones, 2025

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Additional Fees to Consider:

• Document translation and apostille: 500-1,000 AED
• PRO services (administrative agent): 2,000-5,000 AED
• Mandatory health insurance: 800-3,000 AED/year depending on coverage

What Is the Duration and Validity of the Visas?

Freelance visa: 1 to 2 years depending on free zone, annual renewal required.

Investor visa: 2 to 3 years, linked to maintaining investment.

Golden Visa: 5 or 10 years depending on category, automatic renewal if conditions maintained.

Green Visa: 5 years renewable, with employment change flexibility.

Residence obligations: Return to the Emirates at least once every 6 months to maintain validity (except Golden Visa with more flexibility).

Can You Obtain Residence Without Living Year-Round in Dubai?

Excellent news for digital nomads! Dubai residence only requires minimal presence. One entry every 6 months is generally sufficient to maintain your resident status.

This flexibility allows you to:

• Maintain activities in your home country
• Travel freely while keeping your tax base in Dubai
• Develop international business from the Emirates

Tax Benefits: Even without permanent residence, you benefit from the Emirates' advantageous tax regime.

📋 Want assistance with your procedures? Consult our Dubai support services for a simplified process.

Family Sponsorship: Bringing Your Family

General Requirements:

• Minimum income: 4,000 AED/month for spouse and children
• 10,000 AED/month to sponsor parents
• Mandatory rental contract (EJARI)

Source: GDRFA Dubai, 2025

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Why Use Professional Support Like Amary.ai?

Considerable time savings: Our experts know all administrative subtleties and avoid back-and-forth.

Avoid costly mistakes: A poorly prepared file can lead to rejections and additional delays.

Guaranteed compliant file: We handle apostille, translation, and optimal presentation of your file.

Personalized follow-up: A dedicated contact person accompanies you from A to Z in your project.

Client testimonials: Over 2,000 visas processed successfully in 2024, 98% approval rate.

🏠 Ready to take the step? Discover how Amary.ai can support you in your Dubai residence project.

FAQ - Frequently Asked Questions

Can I change visa types once in Dubai?

Yes, it's possible to switch from one visa to another based on your situation's evolution.

Is health insurance really mandatory?

Absolutely, it's a prerequisite for all residence visas.

Can I buy property with a freelance visa?

Yes, visa type doesn't influence your real estate ownership rights.

How long does it take to get your visa?

Between 2 and 4 weeks on average, depending on visa type and file completeness.

Reliable Sources Used

Official Government Sources:

• UAE Government Portal - Official UAE government portal
• Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation

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This article was written in June 2025 with the most recent information from Emirati authorities. Rates and conditions may evolve. For personalized support, contact Amary.ai experts.

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