Visas · Residency · Investment
UAE Residency, Golden Visa & Investment Services
The UAE combines no personal income tax, strong connectivity and several long-term residence routes that do not require a local sponsor. This page compares the main options and shows how DXB.IST supports each step in Dubai and Abu Dhabi.
Short answer
The UAE grants residence through the Golden Visa (10 years), the Green Visa (5 years) and property, employment, study, family and remote-work routes, issued by ICP or GDRFA Dubai. DXB.IST checks your eligibility, prepares the file and coordinates every appointment.
At a glance
- Main residence authority
- ICP (federal) and GDRFA Dubai
- Long-term options
- Golden Visa (10 years), Green Visa (5 years)
- Foreign ownership
- Freehold property in designated areas; 100% company ownership for most activities
- Personal income tax
- None; VAT and corporate tax apply to businesses
- Citizenship
- Not obtained through standard residence routes
Investment
InvestmentUAE Golden Visa 2026: Requirements, Cost & Steps
The UAE Golden Visa is a 10-year renewable residence for property investors (from AED 2 million), investors, entrepreneurs, specialised talents and outstanding students, with family sponsorship included.
Property investors, entrepreneurs, executives, doctors, creatives and outstanding students
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InvestmentDubai 2-Year Property Investor Visa (AED 750k)
The UAE property investor visa is a 2-year renewable residence for buyers of Dubai property worth commonly around AED 750,000. It is a lower-threshold step below the 10-year Golden Visa.
Property buyers who want residence at a lower entry level than the Golden Visa
View serviceResidency
ResidencyUAE Retirement Visa: Age 55+ Requirements & Steps
The UAE retirement visa is a 5-year residence for people aged 55 and over who qualify through property, savings or pension income. Commonly cited criteria are AED 1 million in property, AED 1 million in savings, or AED 15,000 to 20,000 monthly income.
Retirees aged 55 and over who want to live in the UAE
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ResidencyDubai Remote Work Visa: Income, Documents & How to Apply
The UAE remote work (virtual working) visa is a 1-year residence for people employed by a company abroad who can prove their job and a minimum income, commonly cited as USD 3,500 per month.
Employees and business owners working for companies abroad who want to live in the UAE
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Study
StudyUAE Student Visa: University Sponsorship & Documents
A UAE student visa is a residence permit sponsored by a licensed UAE university or school. Outstanding students and graduates may later qualify for the 10-year Golden Visa.
International students and parents choosing a university or school in the UAE
View serviceStudyStudy in Dubai: University Admission in the UAE
Students can apply to federal, local, private and international branch-campus universities in the UAE. Each institution sets its entry rules, and the university sponsors the student visa after acceptance.
School leavers, international students and their families
View serviceWork
WorkUAE Employment Visa: Process, Documents & Timeline
A UAE employment visa is a work permit and residence sponsored by your employer through MOHRE. It includes a medical test and an Emirates ID, and it lets you sponsor family once you meet the income rules.
Professionals with a UAE job offer and employers hiring from abroad
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WorkUAE Freelance Permit & 5-Year Green Visa Guide
The UAE Green Visa is a 5-year self-sponsored residence for skilled employees, freelancers, self-employed people and investors or partners. Freelancers can also work through a free-zone or MOHRE freelance permit.
Freelancers, consultants, self-employed professionals and skilled employees who want independent residence
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Services by city
10 services
Dubai
Dubai residence is processed by GDRFA Dubai, property is registered with the Dubai Land Department and businesses are licensed by Dubai Economy and Tourism or a free zone. DXB.IST coordinates visas, Golden Visa files, company setup and relocation in the city.
10 services
Abu Dhabi
Abu Dhabi residence is processed through ICP, businesses are licensed by the Department of Economic Development or ADGM, and freehold property is registered with the emirate's property authority. DXB.IST coordinates visas, company setup and relocation in the capital.
What residency options does the UAE offer?
Residence in the UAE is issued by the Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs and Port Security (ICP) and, in Dubai, by GDRFA Dubai. Routes range from employer-sponsored visas to long-term residence that you hold on your own. The best known is the Golden Visa, a 10-year renewable residence for property owners, investors, entrepreneurs, specialised talents and outstanding students.
How do the main UAE residence routes compare?
| Route | Typical validity | Benchmark (commonly cited) | Issued through |
|---|---|---|---|
| Golden Visa (property) | 10 years, renewable | Property worth at least AED 2 million | ICP / GDRFA Dubai |
| Property investor visa | 2 years, renewable | Property commonly around AED 750,000 in Dubai | GDRFA Dubai / ICP |
| Green Visa | 5 years, self-sponsored | Skilled employee, freelancer or investor criteria | ICP / GDRFA Dubai |
| Employment visa | Tied to the work contract | Employer sponsorship through MOHRE | MOHRE and ICP |
| Retirement visa | 5 years | Age 55+, with savings, income or property criteria | ICP / GDRFA Dubai |
| Remote work visa | 1 year | Employment abroad and a minimum income, commonly cited as USD 3,500 per month | ICP / GDRFA Dubai |
Which route suits whom?
- Property buyers who want long stability: the Golden Visa through a property of at least AED 2 million. Rules on mortgaged and off-plan property have been relaxed, and we confirm your case with the authority.
- Entrepreneurs and company owners: company formation on the mainland or in a free zone such as DMCC, IFZA, Meydan, DIFC or ADGM, with an investor or partner visa through the company.
- Professionals and freelancers: employment visa, Green Visa or a freelance permit, depending on whether you have an employer.
- Students and families: a student visa sponsored by a licensed institution, and family sponsorship for spouse, children and parents.
- Remote workers and retirees: the one-year remote work visa or the five-year retirement visa.
How does DXB.IST help with UAE residency?
We start with a free first consultation and an eligibility check, then prepare the document checklist and translations, book appointments with the authority or approved typing centres, and coordinate medical tests, Emirates ID and visa stamping. Licensed lawyers and PRO partners handle legal and company work. After approval we support renewals, family additions, banking, schooling, relocation, airport transfers and hotels through our travel desk. We are not a government body and we do not guarantee approval.
Frequently asked questions
Yes. The Golden Visa and the Green Visa are self-sponsored, and the property investor visa links residence to your property.