Imiatlas

🇦🇪 United Arab Emirates

United Arab Emirates Permanent Residency: requirements and how to apply

Long-term renewable residency for specialized talents, scientists, investors, executive directors, and exceptional students without a national sponsor.

Official United Arab Emirates permanent residency page

UAE 10-Year Golden Visa

Long-term renewable residency for specialized talents, scientists, investors, executive directors, and exceptional students without a national sponsor.

Typical duration
10 years renewable
Path to permanent residency
Long-term self-sponsored status with no maximum stay restrictions outside UAE

Main requirements

  • Salary ≥ AED 30,000/mo or qualifying real estate/investment
  • Bachelor degree equivalence

Official page

Documents usually needed for United Arab Emirates

  • For Golden Visa (Professionals): monthly salary ≥ AED 30,000 (~$8,160 USD), Bachelor degree, and valid UAE employment contract
  • For Remote Work Visa: proof of employment with foreign company and minimum monthly salary of $3,500 USD
  • Emirates ID biometrics and medical fitness test (blood test & chest X-ray)
  • Passport valid for at least 6 months and a compliant photo (make yours here)

Application steps

  1. 1

    Online ICP / GDRFA Application

    Submit digital application on the ICP UAE or GDRFA Dubai portal with salary certificate and degree verification.

    3 - 7 business days

  2. 2

    Entry Permit & Medical Fitness Exam

    Enter the UAE or adjust status, then complete the statutory medical fitness screening.

    1 - 3 days

  3. 3

    Emirates ID Biometrics & Digital Visa

    Provide fingerprints at an ICP customer happiness center to receive physical Emirates ID card.

    3 - 5 business days

Other ways to move to United Arab Emirates

Helpful for your move

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Find a licensed adviser

For advice on your own case, use a licensed immigration lawyer or adviser. Always check they are registered before you pay anyone. Imiatlas does not refer or review cases.

Look for a lawyer registered with the national bar association or law society in United Arab Emirates. The official immigration website explains any rules on who may represent applicants.

Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs and Port Security (ICP) & GDRFA Dubai

General information to help you research, not legal advice. Rules change often: always confirm with Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs and Port Security (ICP) & GDRFA Dubai on the official website before applying.