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How to obtain a residence visa in the UAE in 2025: personal experience and instructions for Russians
How to obtain a residence visa in the UAE in 2025: personal experience and instructions for Russians
Anton Moskalev
@Anton_Moskalev
Anyone who decides to move to the UAE — whether to live, work, or do business — must apply for a residence visa and obtain an Emirates ID. Below, I have compiled all the important information: how to apply, what documents are required, where to submit them, as well as useful links to official resources and trusted partners who can help you with this process.
I went through this process myself: first, I obtained a two-year residence visa in the Emirates through employment with a company, and later I obtained a visa as a business co-owner.
In comparison, a work visa is the most affordable option. It is cheaper than starting a company or buying real estate. There is also the option of a freelance visa, but I did not look into it in depth, as it was important for me to get a credit score in the country as quickly as possible.
I went through this process myself: first, I obtained a two-year residence visa in the Emirates through employment with a company, and later I obtained a visa as a business co-owner.
In comparison, a work visa is the most affordable option. It is cheaper than starting a company or buying real estate. There is also the option of a freelance visa, but I did not look into it in depth, as it was important for me to get a credit score in the country as quickly as possible.
Applying for a resident visa through employment currently costs from 12,000 AED.
If you would like more details, please contact me on Telegram at @Anton_Moskalev, and I will share the contact details of trusted partners with whom I work personally.
The company we work with is not one of those where your visa will be canceled without explanation after six months or you will suddenly be billed for “additional services” that were not discussed. It is true that there are many amateurs in Dubai who talk a good game but cannot solve even basic issues. So my advice is simple: only work with people you trust.
If you want to learn more about life, business, and investing in Dubai, subscribe to the Telegram channel Real Estate | Investments | Dubai. There, I regularly share the latest offers, figures, and market insights.
If you would like more details, please contact me on Telegram at @Anton_Moskalev, and I will share the contact details of trusted partners with whom I work personally.
The company we work with is not one of those where your visa will be canceled without explanation after six months or you will suddenly be billed for “additional services” that were not discussed. It is true that there are many amateurs in Dubai who talk a good game but cannot solve even basic issues. So my advice is simple: only work with people you trust.
If you want to learn more about life, business, and investing in Dubai, subscribe to the Telegram channel Real Estate | Investments | Dubai. There, I regularly share the latest offers, figures, and market insights.
Every year, the UAE attracts hundreds of thousands of people who come here to live, work, and invest. To stay in the country legally, you need to apply for a residence visa.
What is a UAE resident visa?
What is a UAE resident visa?
A UAE resident visa is a document that allows the holder to legally live in the country, freely enter and leave, work, study, and obtain tax resident status. Without a visa, many basic things — from buying a SIM card to renting accommodation — become difficult or simply impossible, but with a visa, you are a full participant in life in the Emirates. In essence, it is similar to a residence permit (RIP) in other countries. It is not possible to obtain permanent residence (PR) in the UAE. All visas in the Emirates are temporary, with a specific validity period, but with the possibility of regular renewal.
The visa is valid for 6 months to 10 years, depending on the grounds for issuance. It can be extended an unlimited number of times if the conditions remain the same.
Dubai is particularly popular among Russians, as it offers the most comfortable conditions for living, doing business, and investing.
The visa is valid for 6 months to 10 years, depending on the grounds for issuance. It can be extended an unlimited number of times if the conditions remain the same.
Dubai is particularly popular among Russians, as it offers the most comfortable conditions for living, doing business, and investing.
What does a UAE resident visa give you?
What does a UAE resident visa give you?
- the opportunity to live in the country legally and enter/exit without restrictions;
- open a business;
- the opportunity to find employment;
- study at universities and schools;
- obtain a driver's license after completing training at a local driving school;
- open a bank account and use all financial services;
- obtain credit and start building a credit history;
- get a local SIM card;
- access medical and educational services (for a fee);
- apply for a resident visa for family members (spouse, children, parents);
- obtain UAE tax resident status;
- travel visa-free to certain countries and obtain visas to Europe and the US more easily.
Holders of a residence visa must visit the UAE at least once every six months.
Who can obtain a residence visa in Dubai, UAE?
Who can obtain a residence visa in Dubai, UAE?
- Employees of UAE government or private companies — the employer acts as the sponsor, more details here.
- Individual entrepreneurs, business owners, investors — if you have sufficient income or investments, see here for more details.
- Students of UAE universities and colleges, more details here.
- Property owners — if you purchase a property worth at least AED 750,000, more details here.
- Retirees (55+) with an income of AED 15,000/month or sufficient savings/investments in the UAE, more details here.
- Remote workers and freelancers with an income of 3,500–5,000 USD/month, more details here.
- Highly skilled professionals, scientists, doctors, outstanding talents, more details here.
- Family members of UAE residents — spouse, children, parents, subject to certain conditions (finances, housing), more details here.
What types of resident visas are available in the UAE in 2025?
What types of resident visas are available in the UAE in 2025?
Work visa
Issued through employment with a company. The most affordable way to legalize your stay in the UAE.
Real estate investor visa
Issued upon purchase of a property worth AED 750,000 or more. Valid for 2 years, with the possibility of extension.
Green Visa
A 5-year long-term visa for freelancers, specialists, and business owners with an income of AED 360,000 per year.
Golden Visa
Residency for 5 or 10 years for investors, talented professionals, entrepreneurs, and property owners with a minimum investment of AED 2 million.
Student visa
Issued for 1 year with the possibility of annual renewal. A letter of acceptance from an accredited UAE university is required.
Remote worker visa
For freelancers and employees of foreign companies working remotely with an income of USD 3,500–5,000/month.
Retirement visa
For persons over 55 years of age with an income of AED 15,000/month or savings/real estate in the UAE.
Family visa
For family members who can be sponsored by the holder of one of the above visas. Proof of income, housing, and kinship is required.
Issued through employment with a company. The most affordable way to legalize your stay in the UAE.
Real estate investor visa
Issued upon purchase of a property worth AED 750,000 or more. Valid for 2 years, with the possibility of extension.
Green Visa
A 5-year long-term visa for freelancers, specialists, and business owners with an income of AED 360,000 per year.
Golden Visa
Residency for 5 or 10 years for investors, talented professionals, entrepreneurs, and property owners with a minimum investment of AED 2 million.
Student visa
Issued for 1 year with the possibility of annual renewal. A letter of acceptance from an accredited UAE university is required.
Remote worker visa
For freelancers and employees of foreign companies working remotely with an income of USD 3,500–5,000/month.
Retirement visa
For persons over 55 years of age with an income of AED 15,000/month or savings/real estate in the UAE.
Family visa
For family members who can be sponsored by the holder of one of the above visas. Proof of income, housing, and kinship is required.
Conditions for sponsoring a family in the UAE
Conditions for sponsoring a family in the UAE
A UAE resident can apply for visas for family members if they meet the following requirements:
Minimum income:
Additional requirements:
Minimum income:
- from 4,000 AED/month or
- from 3,000 AED/month + accommodation
- Spouse
- Children (sons up to 25 years old if enrolled in full-time education, daughters of any age if unmarried)
- Parents (higher income required — from AED 20,000/month + deposit)
- Domestic staff
Additional requirements:
- Accommodation suitable for the number of family members
- Medical insurance
- Proof of family relationship (birth certificates, marriage certificates, etc.), more details here.
Residence visa validity periods in the UAE
Residence visa validity periods in the UAE
The validity period of a visa depends on its category:
- Work visa — issued for the duration of your contract, usually for 1–2 years, depending on the employer.
- Student visa — issued for 1 year with annual renewal.
- Virtual/Remote Work visa — issued for 1 year with the possibility of extension.
An investor visa is granted through the purchase of real estate worth at least AED 750,000, which may be mortgaged if at least 50% of the value has been paid and a NOC from the bank is provided.
- Green Visa is a separate format of long-term residence for 5 years, designed for freelancers and self-employed persons with an annual income of AED 360,000; specialists with higher education and a salary of AED 15,000/month.
- The Golden Visa provides residency for 5 or 10 years:
10 years — for large investors (investment of AED 2 million or more), outstanding scientists, doctors, engineers, athletes, exceptionally talented individuals in the arts, culture, sports, start-ups with high-tech, fast-growing businesses, etc. — this list will be expanded in 2025.
Documents required for a residence visa
Documents required for a residence visa
The following documents are required to apply for any residence visa in the UAE:
- Passport;
- 3 color photos (size 3×4 cm);
- Medical certificate issued by a licensed clinic in the UAE (includes tests for HIV, tuberculosis; in some cases, hepatitis B and syphilis);
- Certificate of no criminal record (required for some visas, with apostille and notarized translation into English/Arabic);
- Receipt for payment of the visa fee;
- Medical insurance for the entire duration of the visa (minimum — basic plan);
- Rental agreement and proof of address (Ejari) — to obtain an Emirates ID.
Employment contract and work permit from the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratization.
A copy of the title deed, confirmation of the property value, in case of a mortgage — a letter of consent (NOC) from the bank and confirmation of payment of at least 50% of the amount.
Documents confirming qualifications or education, a valid contract or license to conduct business, proof of income for the previous year.
Documents confirming investment, shareholder agreements or share in a business, diplomas and achievements for talented specialists, scientists, doctors and other categories.
A letter of admission to a higher education institution
A valid employment contract or sole proprietorship documents, confirmation of remote employment and income.
Proof of age, documents confirming savings/real estate, or proof of income.
Documents confirming kinship (marriage or birth certificates), translated and apostilled, proof of sponsor's income.
What is an Emirates ID?
What is an Emirates ID?
Emirates ID is the main document of a resident and citizen of the UAE, similar to an internal passport, issued for the duration of the visa and renewed along with it. It is a plastic card with a photo, number, chip, and biometric data of the holder. It is issued to everyone who applies for a residence visa — without this document, you cannot open a bank account, rent accommodation, sign a contract, or even activate a local SIM card.
How to obtain a residence visa and Emirates ID in the UAE: step by step
How to obtain a residence visa and Emirates ID in the UAE: step by step
First, you need to understand on what basis you will be obtaining residency. This could be:
- purchase of real estate worth 750,000 AED or more,
- starting a business,
- employment,
- studying,
- freelancing or remote work,
- investments,
- pension plan, etc.
If you are in the UAE as a tourist, you need to apply for a Change of Status (change of visa status to resident).
Cost: 100-200 AED
If you are outside the UAE, you must apply for an Entry Permit (permission to enter on a resident visa).
Cost: from 700 to 1,200 AED (depending on the visa center and type of visa).
Cost: 100-200 AED
If you are outside the UAE, you must apply for an Entry Permit (permission to enter on a resident visa).
Cost: from 700 to 1,200 AED (depending on the visa center and type of visa).
Documents are submitted through a visa sponsor (employer, university, developer) or independently through the website icp.gov.ae. All documents must be attached and fees must be paid:
- Visa stamping — from 500 to 900 AED (depending on the category),
- Emirates ID — from 170 AED for 1 year, from 270 AED for 2 years, from 1070 AED for 10 years.
This is a mandatory procedure. You will need to get tested for HIV, tuberculosis, hepatitis, etc. This is done at certified centers, available in every emirate. The entire procedure takes 1–2 days.
Cost: AED 300–750 (depending on the visa category and package type: standard or express).
Cost: AED 300–750 (depending on the visa category and package type: standard or express).
After passing the medical examination, go to the ICP center, where they will take your photo, fingerprints, and register your details for your Emirates ID.
When your visa is approved, you will receive an SMS or notification by mail, and you can also download your e-visa via the ICP Smart Services app or the official website. At the same time, the issuance of your Emirates ID will be initiated, which you can pick up at the issuance center (usually in the same area where you submitted your biometric data). The processing time is approximately 5–7 business days after all documents have been submitted.
Possible reasons for refusal of a residence visa
Possible reasons for refusal of a residence visa
- Incomplete or incorrect set of documents
- Unsatisfactory medical examination results
- History of visa violations in the UAE
- Criminal record, problems with the law
- Duplicate applications in the system
- Security concerns
Frequently asked questions about resident visas in the UAE
Frequently asked questions about resident visas in the UAE
If all documents are ready, it takes an average of 7–14 business days to obtain a residence visa in the UAE.
The process includes:
The process includes:
- Submitting an application (Entry Permit or Change of Status);
- Medical examination;
- Biometric data collection;
- Visa stamp and issuance of Emirates ID.
The cost of a visa depends on its type, validity period, and region of issuance, and also includes several mandatory payments: Entry Permit, medical examination, Emirates ID, passport stamp, medical insurance, and the services of a provider (PRO service). Below is an estimate for 2025.
Work visa — from 4,500 AED
Real estate investor visa — from 11,000 to 15,000 AED
Green Visa (5 years) — from AED 7,500
Golden Visa (5–10 years) — from 4,500 AED + investment from 2,000,000 AED
Remote worker visa — from 2,250 AED
Student visa — from 4,500 AED
Retirement visa (5 years) — from 8,950 AED
Family visa — from AED 4,500
Work visa — from 4,500 AED
Real estate investor visa — from 11,000 to 15,000 AED
Green Visa (5 years) — from AED 7,500
Golden Visa (5–10 years) — from 4,500 AED + investment from 2,000,000 AED
Remote worker visa — from 2,250 AED
Student visa — from 4,500 AED
Retirement visa (5 years) — from 8,950 AED
Family visa — from AED 4,500
Partially, yes.
If you are outside the UAE, you must first obtain an Entry Permit — permission to enter the country on a resident visa. After that, you enter the country and complete all the procedures on site (medical examination, biometrics, submission of original documents). However, the visa itself and the Emirates ID can only be obtained in person in the UAE.
If you are outside the UAE, you must first obtain an Entry Permit — permission to enter the country on a resident visa. After that, you enter the country and complete all the procedures on site (medical examination, biometrics, submission of original documents). However, the visa itself and the Emirates ID can only be obtained in person in the UAE.
Yes, a residence visa for the UAE is mandatory if you want to stay in the country for more than 90 consecutive days. Without a visa, you will not be able to:
- open a bank account,
- rent accommodation,
- get a SIM card,
- obtain a driver's license,
- access medical care.
No, an Emirates ID can only be obtained after obtaining a residence visa. It is a mandatory document confirming your status in the country. Without an Emirates ID, you will not be able to use most government services, open a bank account, sign a lease agreement, or even activate the internet.
To keep your resident visa in the UAE, you must be in the country at least once every 180 days. If you do not enter the UAE for more than six months in a row, your visa may be automatically canceled. This rule applies to all types of visas, including the Golden Visa. Therefore, it is important to plan your trips in advance or obtain the necessary documents for temporary stay outside the country.
The most common reasons for refusal are:
- an incomplete or incorrect set of documents,
- unsatisfactory medical examination results,
- previous visa violations,
- a criminal record or security concerns.
In general, yes, but this is extremely rare and exceptional. The UAE has a limited citizenship policy, and only certain categories of foreigners can obtain it by special decree of the emir or president of the country.
Since 2021, the UAE has officially allowed citizenship to be granted on an individual basis to scientists, investors, doctors, entrepreneurs, and outstanding talents. However, it is important to understand that the process is not open — it is not possible to apply independently. Candidates are nominated by the authorities, and the decision is made by the state. In addition, many recipients retain their second citizenship only with the approval of the authorities — dual citizenship in the Emirates is permitted only in exceptional cases.
Therefore, for most foreigners, a residence visa with regular extensions is the best possible format for legal long-term residence in the UAE.
Since 2021, the UAE has officially allowed citizenship to be granted on an individual basis to scientists, investors, doctors, entrepreneurs, and outstanding talents. However, it is important to understand that the process is not open — it is not possible to apply independently. Candidates are nominated by the authorities, and the decision is made by the state. In addition, many recipients retain their second citizenship only with the approval of the authorities — dual citizenship in the Emirates is permitted only in exceptional cases.
Therefore, for most foreigners, a residence visa with regular extensions is the best possible format for legal long-term residence in the UAE.
If you want to apply for a residence visa without unnecessary bureaucracy and surprises, write to me on Telegram @Anton_Moskalev. I will share the contacts of trusted partners with whom I work myself and whom I can confidently recommend.
And if you want to stay up to date with all the latest events, offers, and insider information from the market, subscribe to the channel Real Estate | Investments | Dubai. I regularly share important information there.
Useful links:
Step-by-step guide to obtaining a UAE resident visa
Step-by-step instructions for obtaining an Emirates ID (in English)
Online form for applying for an Emirates ID
How to legalize documents for the UAE
And if you want to stay up to date with all the latest events, offers, and insider information from the market, subscribe to the channel Real Estate | Investments | Dubai. I regularly share important information there.
Useful links:
Step-by-step guide to obtaining a UAE resident visa
Step-by-step instructions for obtaining an Emirates ID (in English)
Online form for applying for an Emirates ID
How to legalize documents for the UAE
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