UAE visas explained: your biggest questions, answered
The Golden Visa is a long-term residency visa first launched in 2019. It allows foreign nationals to live, work and study in the UAE without needing a sponsor, offering 5- or 10-year validity depending on your category. It's aimed at investors, entrepreneurs, creatives, scientists, athletes, and outstanding students.
Important note: Despite rumours, there is no such thing as a 'lifetime' Golden Visa. The UAE's Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs and Port Security (ICP) has clarified that eligibility is defined by law and not by nationality. Can I get a visa if I own property in the UAE?
Yes. If you own property worth Dhs2 million or more, you may qualify for a 5-year property investor visa. The property must be fully completed (not off-plan) and ownership can be under a mortgage, provided the down payment meets minimum requirements set by certain banks. What's the difference between the Green Visa and the Golden Visa?
The Green Visa is a 5-year self-sponsored visa for freelancers, skilled workers and investors. Unlike the Golden Visa, it doesn't require as high a level of income or investment. It's designed for mid-level professionals and entrepreneurs. Can I get a visa if I don't have a job yet?
Yes. The Job Seeker Visa allows you to explore work opportunities in the UAE without a sponsor. It's available to graduates from top global universities and skilled professionals, and is typically issued for 60 to 120 days. Is there a visa for remote workers?
Yes — the Remote Work Visa (also called the Virtual Work Visa) allows you to live in the UAE while working for an overseas company. You'll need to prove a minimum monthly income of around USD 3,500, with supporting documentation. I'm a freelancer — what visa should I apply for?
You can apply for a Freelance Permit and a Freelance Visa, which are available in several emirates including Dubai, Abu Dhabi and Ras Al Khaimah. These allow you to operate legally as a self-employed individual. In Dubai, you can apply via the GoFreelance platform; in Abu Dhabi, through twofour54. Where can I apply for these visas?
You can apply through: ICP (icp.gov.ae) for federal visa services
GDRFA (gdrfad.gov.ae) for Dubai-specific visas
TAMM (tamm.abudhabi) for Abu Dhabi
Amer Centres for in-person Dubai support
Make sure to go through official channels only. Avoid third-party claims promising guaranteed visas — if it sounds too good to be true, it probably is.
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