The United Arab Emirates (UAE) offers a dynamic environment and excellent quality of life that make it on most foreigners’ wish lists. Whether you’re seeking a tranquil retirement, lucrative investment opportunities, or an immersive cultural experience, the UAE offers a visa category to suit your needs. In this blog, we will discuss the top 6 UAE non-work residency visas. Understanding these options will enable you to decide on the right direction for your residence in the UAE.
1. Investor Visa
Investor visas are the right option for anyone planning to invest in the UAE. The visa aims to promote foreign investment and offer residence to individuals who satisfy the stipulated investment conditions.
Requirements for UAE Investor Visa
To be eligible for an investor visa, one must satisfy one of the below requirements:
- A minimum investment of AED 2 million in a government-approved fund. Establish a company in the UAE with a capital of at least AED 2 million
- Register a new company in the UAE with a minimum capital of at least AED 10 million
- A partnership in an existing business with a partner share of at least AED 10 million
Benefits of UAE Investor Visa
- Valid for up to 10 years
- Renewable
- Allows sponsorship to family members
2. Property Owner Visa/Real Estate Investor Visa
The property owner visa or real estate investor visa is designed for those who own a property in the UAE. It’s a type of visa that will help attract foreign investment in the real estate sector.
Requirements for 10-Year UAE Property Owner Visa
- A minimum real estate investment of AED 2 million, fully owned by the investor
- If the property is mortgaged, a bank no-objection letter is required, confirming that the bank does not oppose issuing a residence permit based on the property. This letter should specify the amount already paid and the outstanding balance
- The applicant must be physically present in the UAE
Benefits of 10-Year UAE Property Owner Visa
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Valid for up to 10 years
- Renewable
- Allows sponsorship to family members
Requirements for 2-Year UAE Property Owner Visa
- The individual must own at least AED 750,000 in property, with a maximum of 50% in mortgage
- The property must be ready to move in, not an off-plan project
- Partnerships are eligible for the residential property investor visa, provided each partner’s share is at least AED 1 million
- This option is exclusive to residential property investments
Benefits of 2-Year UAE Property Owner Visa
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Valid for up to 2 years
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Renewable
- Allows sponsorship to family members
3. Golden Visa
The Golden Visa offers residency for 5 or 10 years in the UAE for a certain set of categories. This allows foreigners to come to the country and be granted a visa for their achievements in the UAE, or their profession.
Requirements for UAE Golden Visa
To apply for a UAE Golden Visa, one must fall under certain categories set by the UAE government and fulfil the specified requirements. The main categories include investors in public, economic and real estate investments, entrepreneurs, and outstanding specialised talents such as doctors and scientists, inventors, creative people in the fields of culture and art, athletes, outstanding students, pioneers of humanitarian work, and frontline heroes.
Benefits of UAE Property Owner Visa or Real Estate Investor Visa
- Valid for 5 or 10 years
- Renewable
- Sponsorship for family members is granted
4. Retirement Visa
The retirement visa is designed for any expatriate over 55 who wants to retire in the UAE. This visa is part of the UAE’s initiative to help the elderly or senior expatriate community.
Requirements for UAE Retirement Visa
- The applicant must be above 55 years old
- The applicant should show proof of AED 20,000 monthly income
- Savings amounting to AED 1 million
- Property worth AED 2 million shall be owned
Benefits of a UAE Retirement Visa
- Valid for five years
- Renewable
- Covers family member sponsorship, including spouse and children
5. Student Visa
The student visa is for those pursuing higher education in the UAE. This visa is accrued to the licensed UAE educational institutions.
Requirements for UAE Student Visa
- A certificate from the university or institute stating the period of education
Benefits of a UAE Student Visa
- The visa is valid for one year
- It is renewable
- Part-time work is allowed for students in certain cases
6. Family Visa
The family visa is granted to individuals whose family members, whether relatives or spouses, are residents in the UAE. In this case, they can move to join their families. Usually, the family member who is a resident or citizen of the UAE sponsors such a visa.
Requirements for UAE Family Visa
- A family member who must be a UAE resident or citizen is eligible for sponsorship
- Relationship proof, such as a marriage certificate or birth certificate
- Pay a refundable deposit of AED 3,000 for each member of the family
- A minimum salary requirement of AED 4,000 or AED 3,000 with accommodation
- For female sponsors, a minimum salary requirement of AED 10,000 or AED 8,000 with accommodation
Benefits of UAE Family Visa
- Valid for 2 years
- Renewable
- Includes spouses, children, parents, and other dependents
Conclusion
Whether you are an investor, property owner, retiree, student, or family member, the UAE offers a solution for all. Obtaining any of these visas can help you navigate the residency process and maximise your time in the UAE. However, it can be a hectic procedure, especially if it’s your first time applying for a visa. Also, most of the above-mentioned visas are not common, and not every provider can assist. In such a case, getting help from an experienced professional like Gatestone Group is a better, hassle-free solution. We have helped thousands of individuals and companies ease their visa-obtaining process, and now we offer free 30-minute consultation calls, making the deal even better. Get started now! Contact us for a free consultation at [email protected] or +971 4 450 1023.
FAQs
No, non-work residency visas do not permit working in the UAE. If you intend to work, you must obtain a work permit and a visa through an employer.
Renewal of a non-work residency visa typically includes a renewal application before the expiry date, supported by the latest documents indicating that you still meet all the eligibility criteria. The procedures for renewals vary from one visa type to another, so it is best to get the latest guidelines from the UAE immigration authorities or consult a professional like Gatestone Group.
By understanding and applying for the correct category of non-work residency visa, you can look forward to a hassle-free, memorable stay in the UAE, which offers many unique opportunities and experiences. For a free consultation, contact Gatestone Group via email at [email protected] or call +971 4 450 1023.
