What is the UAE Golden Visa?

The UAE Golden Visa is a long-term residence visa that allows foreigners to live, work, and study in the UAE without the need for a national sponsor. It is valid for 5 or 10 years and is renewable automatically.

Who Qualifies?

Golden Visa Process

What You Need

What is an Employment Visa?

The UAE Employment Visa is a residence visa sponsored by a UAE-registered company for its employee. It requires a valid work permit from MOHRE, and covers the full process from entry permit to stamping on the passport.

Step-by-Step Process

Documents Required

What is a Dependent Visa?

A UAE Dependent Visa allows a UAE resident to sponsor their close family members — spouse, children, and parents — to live in the UAE. The sponsor must meet minimum salary requirements and provide suitable accommodation.

How It Works

Documents Checklist

What is an Investor Visa?

The UAE Investor Visa allows business owners and property investors to self-sponsor their own UAE residency. No minimum salary is required — your investment is your sponsorship. Valid for 2–3 years and renewable.

What You Need

What is a Freelancer Visa?

The UAE Freelancer Permit allows individuals to legally work as self-employed professionals without needing an employer sponsor. It is issued by Dubai free zones and includes a UAE residence visa, Emirates ID, and the ability to sponsor dependents.

What You Need

What is a Status Change?

A UAE status change allows a person already inside the UAE on a visit, tourist, or transit visa to convert to a UAE residence visa without leaving the country. This eliminates the need for a costly and time-consuming "border run."

Eligibility Conditions

Step by Step

Why Choose Mainland?

A mainland company (licensed by the Department of Economic Development) allows you to operate freely across the UAE, bid for government contracts, and trade with no restrictions on customers or location.

How We Set It Up

Why Choose a Free Zone?

UAE free zones are specially designated economic areas offering 100% foreign ownership, zero corporate and personal tax, full profit repatriation, and simplified company setup with flexible office arrangements.

What is an Offshore Company?

A UAE offshore company (JAFZA Offshore or RAK ICC) is a legal entity registered in the UAE for international business, asset holding, and wealth protection — without the need for a physical office or UAE presence.

What is a Schengen Visa?

The Schengen Visa is a short-stay visa (up to 90 days in any 180-day period) that grants access to 27 European countries in the Schengen Area. Applied through the embassy of the country of your main destination or first entry.

Documents Required

Types of UK Visas

Documents Required

Types of US Visas

Documents Required

Types of Canadian Visas

Documents Required

Types of Australian Visas

Documents Required

Visas for 50+ Countries

What is a Work Permit?

A UAE work permit (issued by MOHRE) is the official authorisation for an expatriate employee to work in the UAE under a specific employer. It must be obtained before the employment visa is processed and is linked to the employer's establishment card and quota.

Work Permit Steps

What is Emirates ID?

The Emirates ID (National Identity Card) is a mandatory identity document for all UAE citizens and residents. It is issued by the Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs and Port Security (ICP) and must be carried at all times.

About the Medical Fitness Test

The UAE Medical Fitness Test is a mandatory requirement for all expatriates applying for a UAE residence visa (18 years and above). It screens for communicable diseases and is conducted at DHA (Dubai) or DOH (Abu Dhabi/other emirates) approved centres.

Renewal & Cancellation

How Renewal Works

Department of Health Abu Dhabi

The Department of Health (DOH) is the regulatory authority overseeing all healthcare services, professionals, and facilities in the Emirate of Abu Dhabi. Any healthcare professional wishing to work in Abu Dhabi — whether in a hospital, clinic, pharmacy, or private practice — must obtain a valid DOH license before starting work.

Who Needs a DOH License?

DOH License Application Process

Documents Checklist

Dubai Health Authority

The Dubai Health Authority (DHA) is responsible for regulating and developing the healthcare sector in Dubai. All healthcare professionals working in Dubai — in any government or private healthcare facility — must hold a valid DHA license. The DHA uses its SHERHA portal for all licensing and renewal applications.

Who Needs a DHA License?

DHA License Application Process

Documents Checklist

Ministry of Health & Prevention

The Ministry of Health and Prevention (MOHAP) is the federal authority regulating healthcare professionals and facilities in the five Northern Emirates — Sharjah, Ajman, Ras Al Khaimah, Fujairah, and Umm Al Quwain. If you work in any of these emirates, you must hold a valid MOH license. Dubai and Abu Dhabi have their own separate authorities (DHA and DOH respectively).

Where MOH License Applies

Who Needs a MOH License?

MOH License Application Process

Documents Checklist

Government Fee Overview

All fees listed are approximate government charges subject to change. Contact us for exact quotes including our professional service charges.

* Government fees are approximate and subject to change. 5% VAT may apply. Our professional service charge is quoted separately. Contact us for a personalised quote.

Complete Guide to UAE Golden Visa 2025

The UAE Golden Visa is one of the most sought-after long-term residency programs in the world. Introduced in 2019 and significantly expanded in 2022, it allows investors, entrepreneurs, professionals, and outstanding students to live, work, and study in the UAE for 10 years without needing a national sponsor.

Who Qualifies for the UAE Golden Visa?

Investors who own UAE property worth AED 2 million or more qualify directly. Entrepreneurs with a UAE-accredited startup valued at AED 500,000+ are eligible. Exceptional talents including doctors, scientists, researchers, artists, and athletes can apply through the relevant UAE authority. Outstanding students graduating with 95%+ GPA from UAE high schools or top-100 global universities are also eligible. Senior executives earning AED 30,000+ per month with a relevant degree qualify under the executive category.

Key Benefits

The Golden Visa is valid for 10 years and renews automatically. It is self-sponsored — no employer or UAE national sponsor needed. You can sponsor unlimited family members including spouse, children, and parents. You can stay outside the UAE for more than 6 months without losing residency — a major advantage over regular visas. Golden Visa holders can also sponsor domestic staff.

Documents Required

Valid passport (6+ months), proof of investment or eligibility (property title deed, portfolio statement, or qualification certificates), bank statements (3–6 months), attested professional credentials, police clearance certificate, recent passport photo, and proof of UAE entry or current visa.

How to Apply — Step by Step

The application is submitted through the ICA portal. First an eligibility assessment is done. Then all documents are prepared and submitted. After initial approval you complete a medical fitness test, register for Emirates ID, and the Golden Visa is stamped on your passport — valid for 10 years.

Mainland vs Free Zone vs Offshore: Which Is Right for You?

Setting up a business in the UAE is one of the best decisions an entrepreneur can make. Zero personal income tax, strategic location between Europe and Asia, world-class infrastructure, and a business-friendly regulatory environment make the UAE a top choice. However, choosing the right company structure is critical.

Mainland Company

Licensed by the Department of Economic Development (DED), a mainland company lets you trade freely anywhere in the UAE and internationally. Since 2021, 100% foreign ownership is permitted for most activities. Mainland companies can bid for government contracts, have unlimited visa quotas, and operate anywhere in the UAE. Starting cost: around AED 15,000.

Free Zone Company

The UAE has over 50 free zones, each specialising in specific industries — DMCC for trading, DIFC for finance, Dubai Internet City for technology, RAKEZ for affordable general trading. Benefits: 100% foreign ownership, 0% corporate tax on qualifying income, full profit repatriation, and setup in as little as 3–5 days. Starting cost: around AED 12,000. Main limitation: cannot sell directly to UAE mainland customers without a commercial agent.

Offshore Company

Ideal for international holding structures, asset protection, and estate planning. No physical office required, no UAE residency visa issued, and cannot trade inside the UAE. Offers excellent privacy, asset protection, and zero tax on foreign income. Starting cost: around AED 8,000.

Sponsoring Your Family in UAE: Complete 2025 Guide

One of the greatest benefits of UAE residency is the ability to bring your entire family to live with you. The UAE dependent visa allows a UAE resident to sponsor their spouse, children, and parents with full residency rights — including access to schools, hospitals, and banking.

Minimum Salary Requirements

To sponsor your spouse and children you need a minimum salary of AED 4,000/month, or AED 3,000 plus employer-provided accommodation. To sponsor your parents the minimum is AED 10,000/month. Suitable accommodation is also required.

Who Can You Sponsor?

Legally married spouse, children under 18 (or up to 25 if studying full-time), unmarried daughters of any age, disabled children of any age, and parents (subject to higher salary requirement). All sponsored family members receive UAE residence visas, Emirates IDs, and access to all UAE services.

Documents Required

Your UAE residence visa and Emirates ID, salary certificate from employer, tenancy contract (Ejari), marriage certificate attested by MOFA, birth certificates for children attested by MOFA, passports for all family members, health insurance for all dependents, and school enrollment certificate for students above 18.

DHA vs DOH vs MOH: Which License Do You Need?

Healthcare professionals working in the UAE must hold a valid license from the relevant health authority covering their emirate. There are three separate licensing bodies — DHA for Dubai, DOH for Abu Dhabi, and MOH for the five Northern Emirates. Understanding which applies to you is the first critical step.

DHA License — Dubai

The Dubai Health Authority (DHA) licenses all healthcare professionals in Dubai — doctors, nurses, dentists, pharmacists, physiotherapists, and allied health staff in both government and private facilities. Applications go through the SHERHA portal. Most professions require DataFlow verification and a DHA Prometric exam. Processing: 8–14 weeks. Fee: AED 600–2,500.

DOH License — Abu Dhabi

The Department of Health (DOH) regulates all healthcare in Abu Dhabi. Applications go through the Sheryan portal. DataFlow PSV is mandatory. Some specialties require a DOH Prometric exam. License is valid for one year and must be renewed annually. Processing: 6–12 weeks. Fee: AED 500–2,000.

MOH License — Northern Emirates

The Ministry of Health and Prevention (MOHAP) covers Sharjah, Ajman, Ras Al Khaimah, Fujairah, and Umm Al Quwain. Applications go through the MOHAP portal. DataFlow PSV required. Many professions need the MOH Prometric exam. Annual renewal required. Processing: 6–12 weeks. Fee: AED 300–1,500.

Schengen Visa from UAE: Complete 2025 Guide

The Schengen visa gives you access to 27 European countries with a single visa. UAE residents from India, Pakistan, the Philippines, and most other nationalities require a Schengen visa to travel to Europe. Here is everything you need to know to get it approved first time.

Which Embassy to Apply To?

Apply to the embassy of the country where you will spend the most nights. If visiting multiple countries equally, apply to the embassy of your first point of entry. Most commonly applied-to embassies by UAE residents are Germany, France, Italy, Spain, and the Netherlands — all with visa application centres in Dubai and Abu Dhabi.

Documents Required

Valid passport (6+ months), UAE residence visa copy, Emirates ID copy, completed application form, recent passport photos, confirmed return flight tickets, hotel bookings or invitation letter, travel insurance (minimum €30,000 coverage), 3 months bank statements, salary certificate or employment letter, and NOC from employer.

Top Rejection Reasons & How to Avoid Them

Insufficient bank balance (embassies require at least €50–100 per day), missing or incomplete documents, no previous travel history, inconsistent travel itinerary, low salary relative to travel costs, and expired UAE residence visa. Always apply at least 3–4 weeks before your planned travel date.

UAE Employment Visa 2025: 7-Step Complete Process

The UAE employment visa covers millions of workers across all sectors. Whether you are an employer processing visas for new staff or an employee joining a UAE company, understanding the complete 7-step process helps avoid costly delays and errors.

Step 1 — Work Permit (MOHRE)

The employer applies for a work permit through the Ministry of Human Resources (MOHRE) via the TASHEEL system. The employee's nationality determines their category (A, B, or C) which affects quota and processing requirements. Work permits are approved within 1–3 working days.

Step 2 — Entry Permit

After work permit approval, the employer applies for an entry permit through GDRFA (Dubai) or ICA (federal). Valid for 60 days. For employees already in the UAE on visit visa, an in-country status change can be done — no need to travel out.

Steps 3–7 — Medical, Emirates ID, Insurance & Stamping

After arrival: DHA/DOH medical fitness test (same day results), Emirates ID registration (7–14 days delivery), mandatory health insurance enrollment, MOHRE labour contract signing, and finally the residence visa stamped on passport. Total process: 3–4 weeks from start to finish.

UAE Work Permit Categories A, B & C — 2025 Guide

MOHRE classifies work permit applications into three categories based on the employee's nationality. Understanding these categories is essential for every UAE employer as they directly affect hiring quotas, processing timelines, and bank guarantee requirements.

Category A Countries

Category A includes nationals from countries with unrestricted labour agreements with the UAE. Work permits are processed quickly with minimal restrictions and no additional quotas. Most Western countries fall into this category.

Category B Countries

Category B covers countries with standard labour agreements. India, Pakistan, Philippines, Sri Lanka, Nepal, Bangladesh, and most Arab countries fall here. Employers must maintain a specific ratio of Category B employees relative to total staff. A bank guarantee may be required per employee.

Category C Countries

Category C covers countries with temporary or restricted hiring arrangements. Employers must obtain special approval from MOHRE before hiring Category C nationals. The list changes periodically based on bilateral agreements. Contact us and we will confirm the category for any nationality.

UAE Freelancer Permit 2025: Work Without a Company

The UAE freelancer permit is one of the most flexible and affordable ways to live and work legally in the UAE. Issued by specific free zones, it allows professionals in technology, media, education, and consulting to work independently without setting up a company or needing an employer sponsor.

Who Can Get a Freelancer Permit?

The permit covers IT development, web design, graphic design, photography, videography, content writing, social media management, marketing consulting, tutoring, business consulting, project management, and many more. Specific activities covered vary by free zone.

Best Free Zones for Freelancers

Dubai Media City and Dubai Internet City are best for media and technology professionals. RAKEZ in Ras Al Khaimah is the most affordable — from around AED 7,500/year covering a wide range of activities. Fujairah Creative City offers competitive pricing. TECOM Group zones are ideal for Dubai-based digital and creative professionals.

What is Included

UAE residence visa, Emirates ID, legal right to invoice UAE and international clients, ability to open a UAE bank account, and the option to sponsor your spouse and children as dependents. No physical office required — work from home or any location in the UAE.