Residency Visa Services in Dubai and the UAEUpdated 20 July 2026

The UAE offers several routes to residency, and Avyanco handles the whole process — new visas, status changes and renewals. There are five common types of UAE residence visa: Investor & Partner, Employment, Business, Golden and Dependent (family) visas. Each has its own eligibility, validity and documents. Our consultants prepare the paperwork and manage the entry permit, medical, Emirates ID and biometrics so you get your residence visa smoothly.

Types of UAE residence visa

Investor & Partner Visa

Granted to foreign nationals who own a company or hold shares in a UAE business. It lets you live and work in the UAE and sponsor your family. The standard investor/partner residence visa is typically valid for 2–3 years and is renewable.

Employment Visa

Sponsored by an employer for its staff. The company — a mainland, free-zone or government entity — processes the visa so the employee can enter the UAE, complete the medical and Emirates ID biometrics, and obtain residency. Employment visas are usually valid for 2–3 years (depending on the sponsor) and are renewable. Existing residents can change status without leaving the country.

Business Visa

A long-term residency route (part of the Golden Visa system) for entrepreneurs — typically those with experience in innovation, technology or a promising business — allowing them to live in the UAE with their dependents.

Golden Visa

A long-term residence visa valid for 5 or 10 years, aimed at investors, entrepreneurs, specialised talent, researchers and outstanding students. It offers self-sponsored residency and the ability to sponsor family. Categories and financial thresholds are set — and periodically updated — by the Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs & Port Security (ICP); for example, property investors may qualify from a set investment level. Confirm the current criteria for your category with the ICP or with us.

Dependent (Family) Visa

Holders of a valid UAE residence visa can sponsor their family. Sponsorship is generally subject to a minimum salary (commonly around AED 4,000, or AED 3,000 plus accommodation) and the applicable relationship and documentation rules. Dependents aged 18 and over undergo a medical test as part of the process.

Documents required for a UAE residence visa

Requirements vary by visa type and whether you're a mainland/LLC or free-zone investor. Typical checklists:

Investor (Mainland / LLC) — from the investor

• Personal photo on a white background
• Passport copy
• Bank statement (if required)
• Previous visa and Emirates ID with cancellation (if applicable)

Investor (Mainland / LLC) — from the company

• Trade licence
• Immigration establishment card
• Local Service Agreement (for a professional licence)
• Memorandum of Association and partners' list (for an LLC)

Investor (Free Zone) — from the company

• Share certificate
• Trade licence
• Immigration card
• Certificate of Incorporation
• Memorandum of Association

Business / Golden Visa (property route)

• Title deed of the qualifying property
• Passport copy and visit visa
• Bank statements (if required)
• Health and medical insurance

Document lists are indicative and subject to the current rules of the ICP / GDRFA and your specific category.

How Avyanco helps

Avyanco's PRO and immigration team manages UAE residence visas end to end — assessing the right visa type, preparing and submitting the documents, and handling the entry permit, status change, medical, Emirates ID and biometrics, plus renewals. Whether you need an investor, employment or family visa or the Golden Visa, we make the process fast and hassle-free. Talk to our team to get started.