Anyone looking to build a future in a booming country like the United Arab Emirates must consider getting a permanent residency. The Arab nation is known for its stable economy, great job opportunities, top-quality amenities, high standard of living, and family-friendly environment. This makes it a top choice for many to invest, work, and live in. Hence, to encourage this decision, the government has made it more accessible to obtain UAE permanent residency.
So, if you are planning to invest in a property, start a new project, or engage in a profession, this guide will explain how to get permanent residency in UAE, including the different methods to obtain it.
UAE permanent residency: Explained
The Permanent residency visa is a legal permit that allows foreign individuals to live, work, and study in the UAE for an extended period of 5 to 10 years. It is renewable and doesn’t require a local sponsor, unlike standard visas. Furthermore, the holders of the permanent residency visa can enjoy greater flexibility. For instance, they can exit and re-enter the UAE without strict time limits.
In addition, the UAE permanent residency visa allows individuals to sponsor their family members, access essential services like healthcare and banking, own property, and even start a business.
Benefits of UAE permanent residency
Some key benefits of acquiring permanent residency in the UAE include the following: –
- Long-Term Visa, valid for 5 or 10 years; Renewable
- Allows multiple Entries
- No requirement for a local sponsor.
- Provides the freedom to exit the UAE for up to six months without losing residency
- Sponsorship of family members
- Liberty to buy property or start a business
- Avail financial services such as opening bank accounts, applying for loans, and access to other financial services
- No income, property, or capital gains tax
- Endorses global mobility by allowing visa-free or visa-on-arrival access to around 170 countries
- Allows the family members to stay in the UAE until the end of their visa, even if the holder of the residence visa passes away
Types of permanent residency in the UAE
There are two main types of long-term residency visas in the UAE – Golden Visa and Green Visa. Both provide permanent residency and promising opportunities for expat investors, skilled professionals, and entrepreneurs.
Golden Visa
This unique long-term residency visa is specifically designed for investors, entrepreneurs, specialized talents, students, humanitarian pioneers, and frontline heroes. They are issued for 5-10 years, with a range of unique benefits and a renewable path to living and working in the UAE. Additionally, there are various categories of Golden Visa, each with different eligibility criteria.
Visa for public investments: – It is issued to foreign investors who contribute to investment funds in the UAE. The requirements to obtain this visa include the following:
- A minimum investment of AED 2 million in a recognized investment fund
- Proof of annual taxes paid (at least AED 250,000)
- Confirmation that the invested money is not mortgaged
Visa for real estate investors: – This is issued to foreign individuals who have invested in a property or real estate in the UAE. The general requirements for this visa are:
- Proof of property ownership worth AED 2 million
- Documents confirming that the invested money is not loaned
Visa for entrepreneurs: – This visa is issued to expats who are owners or shareholders in an economic project or startup in the UAE. To obtain this visa, they must fulfill the following criteria:
- Official confirmation that the project is worth at least AED 500,000
- Approval from an official authority in the UAE stating that the project focuses on the country’s economic goals or future-oriented sectors.
- An official authorization from an authority supporting the project
Visa for specialized talents: – Individuals or professionals in the field of medicine, science, engineering, the arts, and other creative industries can obtain this visa. However, the eligibility criteria vary according to the profession or special talent of the applicant:
- Scientists – Certification from the Emirates Scientists Council or the Mohammed Bin Rashid Medal for Scientific Excellence
- Creative Talents – Certification from the Ministry of Culture and Knowledge Development
- Inventors – A valuable patent contributing to the UAE economy, approved by the Ministry of Economy
- Other Exceptional Talents – Patents or scientific research published in top journals
Doctors and Specialists must meet any of the two conditions:
- D. from any of the top 500 universities
- 10 years of professional experience
- Awards or accolades in their field of work
- Significant contributions to scientific research
- Published articles or books in esteemed journals
- Membership in relevant professional groups
- Specialization in fields prioritized by the UAE government
Visa for outstanding students: – This visa is issued to students with academic excellence in secondary schools or top-ranked foreign universities. The requirements for this visa are:
- A minimum score of 95%
- Approval from the Ministry of Education
- A minimum GPA of 3.5 to 3.8
- Graduated within the last two years from any of the top 100 global institutions
Visa for humanitarian work pioneers: – Individuals who have made significant contributions to humanitarian work can obtain this visa in the UAE. However, to obtain this visa, they must:
- Have work experience of at least five years with a regional or international organization, civil association, or public interest institution
- Letters of appreciation or humanitarian contributions of at least AED 2 million
- Recommendation letter from the Ministry of Community Development or any official authority in the UAE
Visa for frontline heroes: – This visa is provided to healthcare workers such as nurses, medical aides, and pharmacists who have shown extraordinary efforts during crises. All they need is a letter of recommendation from the relevant authority to obtain this visa.
Green Visa
The Green Visa is yet another permanent residency visa that allows skilled employees, freelancers, and investors or partners to live in the UAE for up to 5 years. Nevertheless, there are certain requirements for each category: –
Skilled Employees:
- Must have a valid employment contract at a position at the first, second, or third level.
- A minimum monthly salary of AED 15,000
Freelancers:
- A legal permit from MoHRE (Ministry of Human Resources & Emiratisation)
- Proof of annual income of at least AED 360,000 secured over the past two years
Investors or Partners:
- Approval from the Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs & Ports Security (ICP)
- Investment of at least AED 1 million
How to get permanent residency in UAE?
Foreigners seeking a UAE permanent residency need to follow the following essential steps: –
- Secure an entry permit from the General Directorate of Residency and Foreign Affairs (GDRFA) or the Federal Authority for Identity and Citizenship.
- Apply for a Residency Visa to the GDRFA after arriving in the UAE
- Pay the applicable visa fee depending on the validity period of the requested visa
- Receive an Emirates ID and the Residency Visa stamped on the passport
Seek professional support to secure UAE permanent residency
In a nutshell, there are numerous advantages to obtaining permanent residency in the UAE such as long-term stability, access to outstanding amenities, and the opportunity to build a promising future. With options like the Golden Visa and Green Visa, eligible individuals can enjoy the numerous benefits of living in the UAE.
Shuraa Business Setup can provide personalized assistance with the permanent residency application in the UAE. Call +97144081900 or simply send a WhatsApp message to +971507775554 to get prompt professional support.