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Work Visa & Residency
How to obtain a residence permit in the UAE: expert advice
The United Arab Emirates attracts many foreign citizens, including Russians, thanks to its favorable conditions for obtaining a residence permit. As of 2026, the Emirates will continue to offer various programs allowing investors, entrepreneurs, retirees, and freelancers to obtain residence permits.
Differences between a Residence Visa and a Permanent Residence Permit
It’s important to understand the differences between a residence visa and a permanent residence permit:
• A residence visa is a temporary permit, typically issued for one to three years, for work, study, or family living. It does not grant citizenship and requires regular renewal.
• A permanent residence permit (PRP) is a longer-term status, linked to investment or business registration, offering a more stable residence.
To obtain a residence permit in the UAE, you need to complete several key steps:
1. Identify a suitable program. This could be an investment program with a minimum investment of approximately AED 2 million in real estate or a program for entrepreneurs and freelancers.
2. Prepare the necessary documents. You will need:
• Passport;
• Medical certificate of health;
• Criminal record certificate;
• Proof of eligibility for a residence permit (e.g., real estate transaction documents).
3. Undergo a medical examination. This is a mandatory step for all applicants.
4. Submit your application. Applications can be submitted through government agencies or specialized agencies.
The Emirates ID Process
We help you obtain a residence permit through reliable methods—opening a company or purchasing real estate in the UAE.
• We work with you to determine the visa method: opening a nominee company or buying real estate.
• We receive the necessary documents from you and begin the process.
• We prepare all the necessary documents, including a visa and entry permit.
• You arrive in the UAE, undergo a medical check and biometrics.
• Congratulations! Your residence permit is ready. You can pick it up upon arrival in the UAE, or we will deliver it to you.
The residence permit process takes approximately 5 days (if you own real estate) or approximately 2 weeks if you open a company.
Benefits of Obtaining a Residence Permit
Remember that obtaining a residence permit opens up many opportunities for you:
• Legal residence;
• Work and business in a country with high-quality services;
• No taxes on personal income.
Please keep an eye on current legislative changes and, if necessary, consult with professional consultants at Genesis Hub to facilitate the process of obtaining a residence permit in the UAE.
Types of Residence Visas in the UAE
The United Arab Emirates offers various categories of residence visas, each designed for specific purposes and categories of foreign nationals. You can choose the most suitable option based on your plans and goals.
UAE Golden Visa
The Golden Visa is a long-term visa designed for investors, entrepreneurs, highly qualified specialists, and professionals in key economic sectors. It is issued for 5 to 10 years and offers significant benefits, such as long-term residency without frequent renewals and family sponsorship. A key requirement is a significant contribution to the economy, which may include investment in real estate or a business.
Investor Visa
The investor visa is created for individuals investing in the country’s economy through the purchase of real estate or the establishment of a company. The minimum amount for obtaining a real estate visa is AED 750,000. This type of visa often attracts entrepreneurs and wealthy individuals seeking to live in one of the fastest-growing countries in the world.
Residence Visa (Emirates ID)
This visa grants long-term residency in the UAE and the right to obtain an Emirates ID. It is available to those in the country for work, business, or study, and can be extended upon expiration. Holders of this visa have access to a wide range of government and private services.
Freelance Visa
For professionals working remotely, the UAE offers a special visa for freelancers. It allows legal residency in the country and the ability to practice their profession without requiring an employer in the UAE. This is a convenient option for professionals in IT, media, and creative industries.
Residence Permit by Company Registration
If you plan to open a business in the UAE, registering a company in one of the free trade zones will allow you to obtain a residence permit. This is especially beneficial for international businessmen, as the country offers attractive tax conditions and access to global markets. The process of company registration and obtaining a residence permit is simplified, and the business environment is conducive to business growth.
Retirement Residence Permit
The UAE also offers a residence permit program for retirees who can demonstrate a stable income or significant savings. Basic requirements include providing proof of sufficient funds. This option allows retirees to live in comfort with access to high-quality healthcare and a pleasant climate.
Student Residence Permit
International students enrolled in UAE educational institutions can obtain a study visa, which allows them to temporarily reside in the country for the duration of their studies. To do this, they must provide proof of enrollment and undergo a medical examination. Universities and other educational institutions can sponsor their students.
Family Residence Permit
UAE residents have the opportunity to sponsor residence permits for their family members—spouses, children, and parents. To do this, they must meet certain requirements, including having sufficient income to support the family.
Documents required for obtaining a residence permit in the UAE
To obtain a residence permit in the UAE, you must collect a specific set of documents confirming the legality of the visa application and containing the applicant’s personal and financial information.
Key documents required
1. A valid passport – valid for at least six months at the time of application.
2. A medical report – results of mandatory HIV and tuberculosis tests.
3. A certificate of no criminal record – the document must be legalized and translated into Arabic.
4. A real estate purchase agreement or company registration documents – depending on the basis for obtaining a residence permit.
5. Proof of income – bank statements, tax returns, or other documents confirming financial solvency may be required.
6. Sponsorship documentation – if the visa is being processed by an employer or educational institution, the relevant documents must be provided.
Where to submit documents
Residency applications can be submitted to the General Directorate of Residency and Foreign Affairs (GDRFA) of the emirate where you plan to reside. Applications can also be submitted through specialized service centers or online platforms. Application processing times typically range from a few days to several weeks, depending on the visa type and the completeness of the documents submitted.
Residence permit processing time
The time required to process residence permit applications depends on the visa type and the workload of the immigration authorities. This process typically takes 2 to 6 weeks. Investors and property buyers can expect faster processing, while student and work visas may take longer due to additional checks.
Reasons for Residence Permit Denial
During the UAE residence permit application process, immigration authorities may refuse applications. The main reasons for refusal are usually related to non-compliance with requirements or errors in the submitted documents. For example, an application may be rejected due to an invalid or expired passport, incorrect medical certificates, or incomplete financial documentation. A residence permit may also be denied based on a negative criminal record or insufficient grounds for application, such as a lack of real estate purchase or business registration.
It is important to pay particular attention to the accuracy of all required documents to avoid potential problems. Genesis Hub offers professional services, helping applicants avoid errors and minimize the likelihood of refusal.
UAE Residence Permit Extension
Those who wish to continue living in the UAE after their visa expires must arrange for an extension in advance. The residence permit extension process requires submitting an application 1-3 months before the current visa expires. Important documents for renewal include: a valid passport, an updated medical certificate, proof of eligibility for an extension (e.g., a property lease or current business documents), and a certificate of no criminal record.
The renewal process can be fraught with difficulties, such as delays or missing documents. Genesis Hub handles the entire renewal process, from document preparation to obtaining a new visa, allowing you to continue living and working in the UAE with peace of mind.
A dedicated manager from Genesis Hub: your expert in residency and business matters in the UAE
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