A residence visa is what allows you to legally live in the UAE for an extended period — it's different from a tourist visa, and the type you're eligible for depends on why you're here: a job, a business you own, a family member sponsoring you, or your own investment. Each route has its own process and documents, and getting the wrong one, or missing a step, is what usually causes delays.

PROBIZ handles residence visa applications across Dubai and the wider UAE, and if you're nearby, our Al Barsha office is where most clients come in to sort documents that need an original signature or physical copy.

What Is a UAE Residence Visa?

A residence visa is a permit that lets a foreign national live in the UAE for a set period, typically renewable, based on one of several recognized categories employment, business ownership, family sponsorship, investment, or specialist status. It's tied to a sponsor, whether that's an employer, a spouse or parent, or your own company if you're a shareholder.

Without a valid residence visa, you can visit the UAE, but you can't legally live, work, or open certain accounts here long-term.

Types of UAE Residence Visas

• Employment visa — sponsored by an employer you work for
• Investor or partner visa — based on owning or holding shares in a UAE company
• Family sponsorship visa — sponsored by a spouse, parent, or other eligible family member
• Domestic worker visa — for household staff sponsored by a resident employer
• Specialist visa — for certain skilled professionals under specific government programs
• Student visa — sponsored by a UAE educational institution

Each type has its own eligibility rules and required documents, so the right starting point is confirming which category actually applies to your situation before gathering paperwork.

Documents Required for a Residence Visa

• Two passport-size photos, meeting UAE visa photo specifications
• Valid entry permit
• Original passport
• Completed UAE visa application form
• Medical fitness test clearance certificate
• Proof of your sponsor's legal residency or UAE citizenship
• UAE health insurance certificate
• For employment-based visas: employment contract, employer's trade license copy, and valid establishment card copy
• For family-based visas: proof of relationship, such as marriage or birth certificates (attested)

Exact requirements shift depending on which visa category applies PROBIZ confirms the specific list for your situation before you start collecting documents, so you're not submitting something incomplete and waiting on a resubmission.

Residence Visa Process — Step by Step

1. Confirm the right visa category — employment, investment, family, or another route, based on your situation
2. Entry permit application — submitted based on your sponsor type and supporting documents
3. Medical fitness test — required at an approved UAE health center
4. Emirates ID application — biometrics and application processed alongside the visa
5. Visa stamping — once medical clearance and Emirates ID are complete, the residence visa is stamped into your passport

Typical time frame: 15–20 working days, depending on document readiness and which category you're applying under.

Residence Visa Cost in Dubai

Costs vary depending on your visa category, whether it's a new application or renewal, and your sponsor type (employer, company shareholding, or family). Government fees, medical testing, and Emirates ID charges are billed separately from PROBIZ's service fee, and we provide a full breakdown before you commit to anything.

Residence Visa Services in Al Barsha, Dubai

If you're based in or near Al Barsha, our office is where clients typically bring in original passports, entry permits, and sponsor documents for us to review and process in person. We also handle residence visa applications for clients outside Al Barsha and manage the process remotely where needed, but being local speeds up anything that needs physical document handling or a same-day signature.

Why Work With PROBIZ for Your Residence Visa

• We confirm the correct visa category upfront, so you're not applying under the wrong route and losing time
• We check documents for completeness before submission most delays trace back to a missing attestation or an expired document nobody caught early
• We handle employment, investor/partner, and family sponsorship visas, so the process is matched to your actual situation
• Direct phone and WhatsApp support throughout, rather than waiting on email replies

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does it take to get a UAE residence visa?

Typically 15 to 20 working days, depending on the visa category and how quickly documents are submitted and processed.

What's the difference between a residence visa and an entry permit?

An entry permit is a temporary document that allows you into the UAE while your residence visa application is processed. The residence visa itself is what's stamped into your passport once the process, including medical testing and Emirates ID, is complete.

Can I sponsor my family under my residence visa?

Yes, depending on your visa category and income requirements. Employment, investor, and specialist visa holders who meet the minimum salary or investment threshold can typically sponsor a spouse and children under separate dependent visas.

Do I need a medical test for every type of residence visa?

Yes. A medical fitness test at an approved UAE health center is a mandatory step for all residence visa categories before the visa can be stamped.

What happens if my residence visa application is rejected?

PROBIZ reviews the reason for rejection, corrects the documentation or eligibility issue, and resubmits the application on your behalf.

Can I switch from one visa category to another, like from employment to investor visa?

Yes, this is possible in many cases, but it depends on your current visa status and whether your new eligibility (such as becoming a company shareholder) is properly documented. PROBIZ can review your specific situation.

Is health insurance mandatory for a residence visa?

Yes. UAE law requires valid health insurance as part of the residence visa application and renewal process.

How long is a UAE residence visa valid?

Validity depends on the category — employment and family visas are commonly issued for 2 to 3 years, while investor and specialist visas can vary, and Golden Visa holders receive 5 or 10-year validity.