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
5- or 10-year renewable, self-sponsored residence for qualifying investors, entrepreneurs, exceptional talent, students and other designated categories.
No sponsor needed · Leads to settlement · Last reviewed 21 July 2026
UAE Green Visa
5-year self-sponsored residence for skilled employees, freelancers, and investors.
No sponsor needed · Non-settlement · Last reviewed 8 July 2026
UAE Employment (Standard Residence) visa
Standard employer-sponsored residence for workers recruited by UAE companies.
Sponsor required · Non-settlement · Last reviewed 8 July 2026
UAE Virtual Working Programme
1-year residence for remote workers employed by companies outside the UAE.
No sponsor needed · Non-settlement · Last reviewed 8 July 2026
UAE Green Residence — investor / business partner
5-year renewable, self-sponsored Green Residence for investors and business partners in UAE commercial activities.
No sponsor needed · Non-settlement · Last reviewed 21 July 2026
UAE freelance permit with residence
Self-sponsored freelance residence via MOHRE or free-zone freelance permits.
No sponsor needed · Non-settlement · Last reviewed 8 July 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.
Planning life after your move?
Organise documents, arrival money, housing and the practical steps after visa approval. Your route conditions remain the starting point.
Frequently asked questions
How many visa routes does United Arab Emirates have?+
We cover 6 United Arab Emirates visa routes in these categories: investor, unsponsored work, sponsored work, and digital nomad. 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.
Need tailored advice?
We do not provide legal advice. For an application that depends on your exact circumstances, consult a regulator-listed immigration advisor.
Find a regulated advisor in United Arab Emirates