Eight Types of Residency Permits for Foreigners in the UAE

The UAE offers various types of residency permits (Iqama) for foreigners, each tailored to different purposes and requirements. Here are the eight types of residency permits available for expatriates in the UAE:

Golden Residency Permit:

• A long-term residency permit issued for 5 or 10 years.
• Granted to investors, entrepreneurs, specialized talents, researchers, outstanding students, and humanitarian pioneers.
• Golden residency holders are exempt from the condition of not being outside the UAE for more than 180 consecutive days.

Work Residency Permit:

• Issued to individuals employed by companies within the UAE.
• Typically granted for 1 to 3 years, depending on the employment contract and company status.

Online Work Residency Permit:

• For remote workers employed by foreign companies but residing in the UAE.
• Allows digital nomads to live in the UAE while working remotely for their employers outside the country.

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Blue Residency Visa:

• Details about the Blue Residency Visa are not widely publicized, but it generally applies to specific employment sectors or types of workers.

Retirement Residency Permit:

• Available to retirees over the age of 55.
• The retiree must meet financial criteria, such as owning property, having savings, or receiving a certain level of pension.
• Usually granted for 5 years and renewable.

Business Establishment Residency Permit:

• For entrepreneurs and business owners setting up a business in the UAE.
• Aimed at encouraging business growth and investment in the country.
• Typically issued for 3 to 5 years.

Student Residency Permit:

• Issued to foreign students enrolled in UAE-based educational institutions.
• Usually valid for the duration of the study program.

Family Residency Visa:

• Allows residents to sponsor their immediate family members (spouse, children, and sometimes parents).
• The primary sponsor’s residency must be valid for the dependents’ visas to remain valid.
• Typically valid for 1 to 3 years.

Key Points About Residency Permits

• Entry Permit Requirement: Before obtaining a residency permit, an entry permit is required to enter the UAE.
• Validity and Renewal: Residency permits have varying durations – 1, 3, 5, or 10 years – based on the type of visa.
• Dependents’ Residency: The residency permit of dependents is linked to the primary sponsor’s permit. If the primary sponsor’s permit expires or is canceled, dependents’ permits will also expire.
• Continuous Stay Requirement: Generally, if a resident stays outside the UAE for more than 180 consecutive days, the residency permit becomes invalid. However, this rule does not apply to Golden Residency permit holders.

The UAE’s diverse residency permit options cater to a wide range of expatriates, from professionals and investors to students and retirees, supporting the country’s aim to attract and retain global talent and expertise.