The complete guide to visas, residence permits, and administrative procedures for EU and non-EU nationals looking to settle in the United Arab Emirates.
6
Routes covered
No income tax
income tax
Jul. 2026
Updated
Free · Results in 3 minutes
Overview
UAE — Golden, Green, sponsored or self-sponsored.
The UAE runs a federal system where residence is either sponsored (by an employer or a university) or self-sponsored (Golden Visa, Green Visa, Remote Work Visa). Three authorities issue permits depending on the emirate: the ICP at the federal level, the GDRFA in Dubai, the ADRO in Abu Dhabi. All in an environment with no income tax.
No sponsor
Golden & Green
AED 2M
10-year Golden threshold
ICP · GDRFA · ADRO
Three authorities
The Emirati logic rests on one distinction: residence is either held by a third party that sponsors you (an employer for the work permit, a university for studies), or self-sponsored and therefore independent — as with the Golden Visa (10 years), the Green Visa (5 years), and the Remote Work Visa (1 year). Three authorities issue permits depending on the emirate of residence: the ICP at the federal level, the GDRFA in Dubai, the ADRO in Abu Dhabi. Two falsehoods circulate widely: the “no minimum” for real estate, which actually applies to the 2-year investor visa and not the Golden Visa, and the “lifetime Golden Visa for AED 100,000,” officially denied.
Which route for your situation in the UAE?
Free assessment · Results in 3 minutes · No commitment
Available visas and permits
The main visas we support.
Click a permit to see the requirements, required documents, timelines, and practical tips. Each of these visas comes with full guidance in your nomadpass space.
GOLD
Golden Visa — 10-year residence
Investors and talent · self-sponsored
No sponsor10 years
›
Real estate or funds
AED 2M (10-year threshold, unchanged)
Professionals route
Salary of AED 30,000/month
Entrepreneur
An AED 500,000 project + an incubator
Duration
10 years, renewable without requalifying
Trap: the “no minimum” for real estate applies to the 2-year investor visa, not the Golden Visa, which remains at AED 2M. And the “lifetime Golden Visa for AED 100,000” does not exist — officially denied. Since February 2026, mortgages and off-plan purchases are accepted for real estate.
GREEN
Green Visa — 5-year residence
Skilled employees and freelancers · self-sponsored
The missing link between the sponsored permit and the Golden Visa. Often underused: many skilled employees qualify without knowing it. MoHRE levels 4 and 5 do not qualify.
WORK
Standard Work Permit (sponsored)
Employment with an employer sponsor
Sponsored2–3 years
›
Sponsor
Employer registered with MoHRE
Entry permit
Valid 60 days from issuance
Medical test
Within 14 days of arrival
Cost
AED 3,000 to 7,000, paid by the employer
Two federal streams: the MoHRE permit (driven and paid for by the employer) and the ICP/GDRFA residence visa. Under labor law, the employer must bear these costs — if a recruiter asks you to pay them, be wary.
RWV
Remote Work Visa
Remote work · self-sponsored
No sponsorNomad
›
Employee income
USD 3,500/month
Entrepreneur income
USD 5,000/month + a company outside the UAE (1 year)
Duration
1 year, renewable
Limit
No local employment allowed
A genuine remote work visa, unlike many countries. Threshold raised in January 2026. A frequent reason for refusal: a contract that doesn't explicitly mention remote work. All with no income tax.
STUD
Golden Visa — Outstanding students and graduates
Top academic profiles
No sponsorExcellence
›
High schoolers
At least a 95% average in secondary school
Graduates
Leading university, with honors
Key step
Prior academic nomination
Duration
5 to 10 years depending on the category
A separate route from the university-sponsored student visa: here residence is long-term and not held by the institution. The academic nomination sets the timeline.
GINV
Green Visa — Investor / partner
Commercial license · accessible entry ticket
No sponsor5 years
›
Basis
An active commercial license, no AED 2M threshold
Duration
5 years, self-sponsored
Family
Sponsorship included
Upgrade path
To the Golden Visa if the business crosses AED 2M
The entry point for entrepreneurs whose ticket is below the Golden Visa. Rests on a real, active license — a mere registered address is not enough. Get advice on the free zone vs. mainland choice.
This list presents the main residence permits, which cover the vast majority of relocation situations. It is not exhaustive: other specific visas exist for particular situations, available from the country's official authorities.
Not sure which permit to choose?
Our assessment identifies the right visa in 3 minutes
Competent authorities
The official bodies for your procedure.
The competent authorities vary depending on your nationality and your project.
ICP — Federal Authority for Identity and Citizenship
6 visas and permits are covered for the United Arab Emirates, including Golden Visa — Long-term residence (10 years) · Green Visa — Self-sponsored residence (5 years) · Standard Work Permit (sponsored work visa). The free assessment identifies the one that fits your situation in 3 minutes.
How long does it take to get a visa for the United Arab Emirates?
From 3 days to 8 weeks depending on the visa. For example, Golden Visa — Long-term residence (10 years): 1 to 4 weeks for a complete file · a prior nomination for some categories.
How much does a visa for the United Arab Emirates cost?
Official fees depend on the visa. For example, Golden Visa — Long-term residence (10 years): From about AED 2,800 (the ICP permit, Emirates ID, medical exam) — investment excluded.
Is the information on the United Arab Emirates up to date?
Yes: every sheet cites its official sources (The official government portal (u.ae) — Golden Visa: 5- or 10-year residence, no sponsor, The Economy Ministry — the Golden Visa for investors, entrepreneurs, and talents, ICP — The public funds threshold set at AED 2M, capital personally owned) and carries a verification date. Last verified: 2026-10-06.
