Residence visas for owners, staff and family

Routes for owners and partners

Source^1,2,6

Visas for your staff

• The employer applies: mainland companies through MOHRE for the work permit, free zone companies through their zone authority.
• MOHRE classifies jobs into skill levels 1 to 5; levels 1 and 2 need a degree.
• Since 1 January 2025 health insurance is compulsory for private-sector employees in every emirate.
• Work permits cost AED 250 to AED 3,450 to issue or renew, depending on the company's MOHRE category.^3,4,7,9

Bringing your family

• Spouse, sons up to 25, unmarried daughters of any age and children with special needs.
• Parents in Dubai need a salary of AED 10,000 a month and a guarantee of AED 5,000 each.
• A dependant's permit ends no later than the sponsor's own permit.^5,8

The steps for each visa

1. Entry permitOr a change of status if the person is already in the UAE.
2. Medical fitness testAt an approved health centre; everyone 18 or older.
3. Emirates ID biometricsFingerprints and photo at an ICP or service centre.
4. Health insuranceRequired for staff and for Golden Visa families.
5. Residence visa issuedNow recorded digitally against the Emirates ID.

Source^3,5

Timeline and timeframe

Each step in order, with the processing time the authority publishes. Green steps are handled by a government authority.

1. Entry permitValid 60 days

   Issued to enter the UAE for residence. If you are already in the country, change status for AED 500 instead.^12,2

2. Medical test30 to 40 minutes, result in 1 to 2 days

   At an approved centre; Smart Salem in Dubai publishes a 30-minute service.^13,14

3. Biometrics and Emirates ID applicationSame application

   The residence is linked to the Emirates ID application.²

4. Residence issuedWithin 60 days of entry

   Delivered by courier with the Emirates ID card.²

5. Employees: labour cardWith the residence

   Mainland employees also need the MOHRE work permit and labour card.¹⁵

6. Family sponsorshipAfter your own residence

   Spouse and children apply under your file once you hold a residence.⁵

Questions