United Arab Emirates visas
The UAE issues residence via employer-sponsored work permits, Golden Visa long-term residence for skilled professionals and investors, the Green Visa for self-sponsored skilled workers, and a remote-work visa for overseas employees.
6 routes · 5 without a sponsor · 1 lead to settlement
Official portal
Primary source
UAE Government Portal — Visa & Emirates ID ↗ · Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs and Ports Security (ICP)
Link last verified:
Regulators of immigration advice
- UAE Ministry of Justice — Lawyers Affairs Department (MOJ) — Licenses legal consultants and lawyers authorised to practice in UAE courts.
Visa routes (6)
UAE Golden Visa
10-year renewable residence visa for investors, entrepreneurs, and outstanding talent across professional categories.
No sponsor needed · Leads to settlement · Last reviewed 1 June 2026
UAE Green Visa
5-year self-sponsored residence for skilled employees, freelancers, and investors.
No sponsor needed · Non-settlement · Last reviewed 1 June 2026
UAE Employment (Standard Residence) visa
Standard employer-sponsored residence for workers recruited by UAE companies.
Sponsor required · Non-settlement · Last reviewed 1 June 2026
UAE Virtual Working Programme
1-year residence for remote workers employed by companies outside the UAE.
No sponsor needed · Non-settlement · Last reviewed 1 June 2026
UAE Investor / Partner residence visa
Residence for business owners and partners holding qualifying shares in UAE companies.
No sponsor needed · Non-settlement · Last reviewed 1 June 2026
UAE freelance permit with residence
Self-sponsored freelance residence via MOHRE or free-zone freelance permits.
No sponsor needed · Non-settlement · Last reviewed 1 June 2026
Recent United Arab Emirates policy changes
·material
UAE expands Green Visa eligibility for freelancers and skilled workers
ICP widened Green Visa eligibility criteria for freelancers, self-employed workers, and skilled employees, extending the 5-year self-sponsored residence option to a broader profile of applicants.
Frequently asked questions
How many visa routes does United Arab Emirates have?+
We cover 6 United Arab Emirates visa routes across the work, study, family, business, and residence categories. Each one links to its primary government source and carries a last-reviewed date.
Which United Arab Emirates visas do not need an employer sponsor?+
5 of the 6 United Arab Emirates routes we cover can be pursued without an employer sponsor, which helps if you do not have a job offer yet. The remaining 1 are employer-sponsored.
Which United Arab Emirates visas lead to permanent residence?+
1 of the 6 routes can lead to settlement or permanent residence; the others are temporary. Open each route for its settlement detail and qualifying period.
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We do not provide legal advice. For an application that depends on your exact circumstances, consult a regulator-listed immigration advisor.
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