Dubai attracts millions of expatriates each year entrepreneurs, remote workers, families, investors, retirees…
But understanding visas can quickly become complicated: employment visa, investor visa, freelance visa, Golden Visa, family sponsorship, tourist extensions…
When I moved to Dubai, I wished someone had simply explained how the system works.
This 2025 guide gives you a clear, human, and complete view of all visas available in Dubai:
tourist visa
residence visa
employment visa
investor / partner visa
freelance visa
Golden Visa
family sponsorship
special categories
- Tourist Visa (30 / 60 / 90 Days)
For who?
Visitors, people exploring Dubai before settling, friends & family.
Durations:
30 days (extendable)
60 days (extendable)
90 days (some nationalities)
Cost:
30 days: 330–450 AED
60 days: 550–650 AED
Extensions:
Possible one time, without leaving the UAE.
- Residence Visa (Standard UAE Residence)
A residence visa allows you to live legally in Dubai, work, rent a property, open a bank account, and get an Emirates ID.
Issued for:
2 years (main visa type)
renewable
You need:
sponsor (employer, free zone, company, spouse…)
medical test
Emirates ID biometrics
- Employment Visa
Sponsored by:
a company
a free zone
a UAE employer
Steps:
- Job offer
- Entry permit
- Medical test
- Emirates ID
- Visa stamping (digital since 2023)
Validity:
2 years for most private companies
- Investor / Partner Visa (For Business Owners)
If you own a company in the UAE, you can get a Partner / Investor Visa.
Requirements:
shareholding documents
trade license
immigration card
Validity:
3 years (most free zones)
Cost (approx):
3 500–7 500 AED
- Freelance Visa (Very Popular in 2025)
Perfect for:
digital nomads
consultants
creatives
marketing / IT professionals
personal trainers
What you get:
2-year residence visa
freelance permit (license)
Emirates ID
Cost:
7 500–14 000 AED depending on free zone
- Golden Visa (10-Year Residency)
The famous 10-year UAE Golden Visa.
Eligible profiles:
investors (2M AED real estate)
entrepreneurs
doctors / nurses
scientists
highly skilled professionals
outstanding students
exceptional talents
Benefits:
10-year residency
no sponsor needed
can sponsor parents easily
more flexibility
- Family Sponsorship (Spouse & Children)
Residents can sponsor:
wife / husband
children
parents (conditions apply)
Requirements:
minimum salary: 4 000 AED or 3 000 AED + accommodation
valid residence visa
tenancy contract (EJARI)
Visa validity:
2 years (linked to sponsor visa)
- Remote Work Visa (Digital Nomad Visa)
Allows you to live in Dubai while working for a foreign company.
Requirements:
proof of employment
minimum salary: 5 000 USD/month
valid international health insurance
Validity:
1 year (renewable)
- Student Visa
For students enrolled in UAE universities.
Validity:
1 year, renewable
Sponsor:
university or parent living in UAE
- Retirement Visa (For Over 55)
Requirements:
age 55+
income 20k AED/month
OR
savings 1M AED
OR
property 1M AED
Visa validity:
5 years
Conclusion
Dubai offers one of the most flexible and modern visa systems in the world.
Whether you are an entrepreneur, employee, freelancer, investor, or with family, there is a visa suited to your situation and life plan in Dubai.
Find visa consultants, PRO services, business setup experts, and relocation specialists on The Expat Services Directory your trusted partner for moving to Dubai.
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