UAE Residence Visa Types (2026)

The main types are the Golden Visa (10 years), Green Visa (5 years, self-sponsored), investor/partner visa, employment visa (2 years), family/dependent visa, freelance visa, remote-work (virtual working) visa and retirement visa. The right one depends on whether you own a business, are employed, freelance or are investing.

The Golden Visa lasts 10 years and targets investors, entrepreneurs, specialists and top talent. The Green Visa lasts 5 years and suits skilled employees, freelancers and investors who want to self-sponsor without an employer. Both let you sponsor family; the Golden Visa has higher eligibility bars and a longer term.

The Golden, Green, investor and employment visas all allow you to sponsor eligible family members (spouse, children, and in some cases parents), subject to income and conditions.

No. Employment gets you a work visa, but you can also self-sponsor via a Golden or Green Visa, a company you own (investor/partner visa), a freelance permit, or a remote-work visa if you're employed abroad.

Starting a company gives you an investor/partner visa, and if you meet the criteria you can upgrade to the 10-year Golden Visa for long-term stability. Many founders set up a company specifically to secure residence.