Residency in UAE: Long-Term Visa ProgramsLong-term residency, zero income tax strategic Middle East hub

Residence and Citizenship in the UAE

Why people seek residence and citizenship in the UAE

The United Arab Emirates has become a premier destination for those pursuing a residence permit in the UAE and potential citizenship pathways due to its robust economy, tax-friendly environment, and world-class infrastructure. As a federation of seven emirates—Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Sharjah, Ajman, Umm Al-Quwain, Ras Al-Khaimah, and Fujairah—the UAE offers diverse lifestyles from cosmopolitan urban centres to serene coastal and desert retreats. Strategic location at the crossroads of Europe, Asia, and Africa provides unparalleled global connectivity: Dubai International Airport is the world’s busiest by international passenger traffic, while Jebel Ali Port ranks among the top ten busiest ports globally. The UAE’s zero personal income tax policy maximizes disposable earnings, attracting high-earning professionals, entrepreneurs, and investors. Meanwhile, the Golden Visa program—granting five- and ten-year renewable residency for investors (AED 2 million real estate or AED 10 million capital), entrepreneurs with qualifying start-ups, and specialized talent in science, medicine, and the arts—offers security and family sponsorship without the need for local employment sponsorship. New remote work visas and virtual company licenses enable digital nomads and remote professionals to live in the UAE while working for overseas employers. Combined with world-class healthcare, education, and leisure facilities—including international schools, cutting-edge hospitals, luxury resorts, and cultural landmarks such as the Louvre Abu Dhabi—the UAE presents a compelling value proposition for families, retirees, and global citizens seeking residence and citizenship in a modern Middle East hub.

Types of residence permits and citizenship programs

The UAE’s immigration framework provides multiple residency pathways tailored to varied applicant profiles:

• Golden Visa (5- & 10-Year): Long-term residency for investors (AED 2 million in real estate for 5-year; AED 10 million capital for 10-year), entrepreneurs with approved start-ups, outstanding professionals (science, medicine, education, culture), and graduate students from top universities. Allows family sponsorship and unlimited renewals without local sponsor.
• Remote Work Visa: One-year renewable permit for remote employees earning ≥ USD 5 000/month, enabling digital nomads to reside in the UAE while working for foreign companies, with health insurance and 360-day bank account access.
• Virtual Company License Visa: Three-year residency linked to a virtual business license under Dubai or Abu Dhabi free zones, facilitating entrepreneurs and freelancers to establish a virtual office and bank account.
• Employment Visa: Standard two- or three-year residency under company sponsorship, open to expatriate workers across sectors; requires labour contract, medical fitness test, and Emirates ID registration.
• Family Sponsorship: Residents (Golden Visa or employment) may sponsor spouses, children up to 25 years, and first-degree relatives, broadening social stability and family integration.
• Citizenship Pathways: Naturalization remains selective but has expanded criteria for exceptional contributors in investment, science, technology, and culture, enabling certain Golden Visa holders to apply for UAE citizenship under federal cabinet resolution.

Requirements and application process

Each visa category entails specific requirements and procedures:

• Golden Visa: Investment applicants submit proof of real estate ownership (title deed ≥ AED 2 million) or audited financial statements showing capital ≥ AED 10 million, valid medical fitness certificate, and health insurance. Professionals and researchers provide accredited degree certificates, employment letters, or patents.
• Remote Work Visa: Applicants furnish passport copy, employment contract or proof of self-employment, last three months’ income statement (≥ USD 5 000/month), health insurance valid in the UAE, and a security background check.
• Virtual Company License Visa: Establish a virtual company in a designated free zone, obtain trade license, lease agreement for virtual office, share capital deposit proof, and submit passport copy and qualifications.
• Employment Visa: Employer applies for work permit through Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation (MOHRE), followed by entry permit, Emirates ID registration, medical fitness test, and labour contract stamping at the Ministry of Justice.
• Family Sponsorship: Sponsor must have valid residency ≥ one year, minimum salary threshold (AED 4 000–10 000/month depending on accommodation), tenancy contract, and health insurance for dependents.
• Citizenship Applications: Exceptional contributors present nomination by UAE authorities, proof of extraordinary achievements, clean criminal record, and continuous residency; subject to federal cabinet approval.

Applications are processed via the Federal Authority for Identity and Citizenship (ICA) e-channels or corresponding emirate-level portals (e.g., GDRFA in Dubai, ICP in Abu Dhabi). Processing times range from one to four weeks for Golden Visa and remote work visas; standard employment visas take two to three weeks. Residency permits are issued as stamps in passports and require registration for Emirates ID and health insurance within 30 days of entry.

Legal framework and government policies

Residency and citizenship in the UAE are regulated under Federal Decree-Law No. 6 of 1973 on UAE Nationality and Passport, Federal Law No. 17 of 1972 (as amended) on entry and residence, and Cabinet Resolution No. 56 of 2021 establishing the Golden Visa system. The Ministry of Interior and ICA oversee visa issuance, while MOHRE regulates employment visas. Recent policy reforms have introduced retirement visas (five-year residency for retirees aged ≥ 55 with financial criteria), remote work visas, and environmental and humanitarian Golden Visas to attract climate-focused professionals and philanthropic investors. Free zones across emirates offer specialized long-term visas tied to business licences, fostering entrepreneurship and innovation aligned with the UAE’s economic diversification goals under Vision 2021 and the Centennial 2071 strategy.

Lifestyle, infrastructure, and long-term benefits

Residents of the UAE benefit from a high standard of living underpinned by:

• Tax Advantages: Zero personal income tax and no inheritance tax on moveable assets enhance wealth preservation and retirement planning.
• Healthcare & Education: Access to world-class hospitals (Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi, Mediclinic, NMC) and international schools offering British, American, and IB curricula, supporting expatriate families.
• Real Estate & Investment: Robust property market in Dubai and Abu Dhabi with freehold zones, competitive rental yields, and capital appreciation; Investor-friendly regulatory framework encourages long-term holding.
• Connectivity & Travel: Emirates and Etihad offer global flight networks; hyperloop and bullet-train projects are under development; advanced port and logistics infrastructure support global trade.
• Safety & Quality of Life: One of the world’s lowest crime rates, political stability, and extensive leisure amenities—beaches, desert safaris, cultural festivals, and renowned sporting events.

How VelesClub Int. helps

VelesClub International offers end-to-end, personalized services for clients pursuing residence and citizenship in the UAE. Our comprehensive support includes:

• Eligibility Assessment: Detailed analysis of each client’s profile—investment capacity, professional qualifications, family structure—to identify the optimal visa category.
• Investment Advisory: Guiding real estate acquisitions in Golden Visa-eligible projects, company formation in free zones, and capital allocation strategies to meet visa thresholds.
• Document Coordination: Managing certified translations, notarizations, financial due diligence, medical fitness tests, and background checks to ensure seamless application submission.
• Application Management: Preparing and submitting visa applications through federal and emirate portals, liaising with government authorities, and tracking progress to guarantee timely issuance.
• Family Sponsorship & Integration: Arranging housing, schooling, healthcare enrolment, and cultural orientation for spouses, children, and dependents to facilitate smooth relocation.
• Post-Issuance Support: Assisting with Emirates ID registration, health insurance setup, bank account opening, and ongoing compliance for renewals and potential citizenship nominations.

Leveraging deep UAE expertise, strategic government relationships, and a proven track record, VelesClub International ensures a seamless, efficient, and fully tailored journey to secure residence permits and pursue citizenship pathways in the UAE—empowering clients to thrive in one of the world’s most dynamic and forward-looking nations.