UAE Residence Visa Services
Securing a UAE residence visa is the key to living, working, and investing in one of the world's most dynamic economies. At IBA DMCC, we simplify the process, from consultation to visa stamping, ensuring full compliance with UAE immigration regulations and complete peace of mind.
Your Gateway to Living and Working in the UAE
A UAE residence visa provides legal permission to live and work in the Emirates while unlocking a wide range of personal and professional benefits. From opening a bank account to sponsoring family and accessing healthcare, residence establishes your presence in one of the world's safest and most business-friendly environments.
With years of experience and coordination with UAE authorities, IBA DMCC ensures a transparent, fast, and fully guided process. Whether applying for a new visa or renewing an existing one, our team manages every step with precision and care.
Residence Options Tailored to Your Situation
We help you choose the visa that fits your goals and structure, then manage the full process. Below is a clear view of the main routes, typical validity, who sponsors the visa, and key points to consider.
01
Investor or Partner Visa
For owners or shareholders of a UAE company
Sponsor:
Your own UAE company or licence
Validity:
Your own UAE company or licence
Who it suits:
Free Zone or Mainland shareholders, start-ups, SMEs, family businesses
Key points:
Requires company incorporation documents and capital evidence as per the authority. Enables family sponsorship and UAE banking.
02
Employment Visa
For professionals hired by a UAE employer.
Sponsor:
UAE company that employs you
Validity:
Commonly 2 years, renewable
Who it suits:
Full-time roles in any sector
Key points:
Company handles work permits and contracts. Allows Emirates ID, medical insurance, and family sponsorship, subject to salary thresholds.
03
Golden Visa
Long-term residence for qualified investors, entrepreneurs, and professionals.
Sponsor:
Self-sponsored
Validity:
5 or 10 years, renewable
Who it suits:
Property investors meeting the threshold, business owners, scientists, exceptional talent, and certain professionals
Key points:
No local sponsor required. Wider family sponsorship benefits. Criteria and thresholds vary by category and must be evidenced.
04
Family Visa
For spouses, children, and eligible dependents of a UAE resident.
Sponsor:
UAE resident who meets salary and housing criteria
Validity:
Linked to the sponsor's visa, commonly 2 years, renewable
Who it suits:
Families relocating or consolidating status in the UAE
Key points:
Requires attested marriage and birth certificates where applicable. Medical insurance is usually required.
05*
Freelance Visa
For independent professionals working under their own name.
Sponsor:
Free Zone authority that issues the freelance permit
Validity:
Commonly 2 years, renewable
Who it suits:
Creatives, consultants, IT specialists, trainers, media and marketing professionals
Key points:
Operate legally as an individual, invoice clients, open a bank account, and sponsor family members once residence is active.
Note :
The UAE government is currently not issuing new freelance visas. Renewal or issuance remains subject to the discretion of the relevant authorities.
How We Handle Your UAE Visa Application
IBA DMCC manages the entire residence process in a structured, transparent, and fully compliant way. Every stage is designed to save time and prevent delays by ensuring all documentation and formalities are handled correctly from the start.
Consultation & Eligibility Assessment
We begin with a detailed consultation to identify the right visa type for your situation - investor, employment, family, or freelance. Our consultants review your goals, company structure, and documentation to confirm eligibility before submission.
Document Collection & Verification
Our team prepares and verifies all required documents, such as passport copies, trade licence, establishment card, photographs, and Emirates ID forms. We ensure that each file meets the standards of the relevant UAE authority.
Application Submission
Once verified, we submit your visa application to the appropriate Free Zone, Mainland, or Government channel. We maintain close communication with immigration officials to monitor the progress and resolve any queries instantly.
Entry Permit Issuance
If you are outside the UAE, we arrange for the entry permit, allowing you to travel and enter the country under the sponsorship of your new visa. For those already in the UAE, we handle the status change internally without the need to exit.
Medical Test and Emirates ID
After arrival or status change, we schedule your medical examination and biometric registration for the Emirates ID. Our team ensures appointments are confirmed, and results are uploaded promptly to move forward with visa stamping.
Visa Stamping and Handover
Once approved, your UAE residence visa is issued digitally and your Emirates ID card is processed and delivered. At this stage, you are officially a UAE resident, eligible to open bank accounts, sponsor family members, and access all resident benefits.
Consultation & Eligibility Assessment
We begin with a detailed consultation to identify the right visa type for your situation - investor, employment, family, or freelance. Our consultants review your goals, company structure, and documentation to confirm eligibility before submission.
Document Collection & Verification
Our team prepares and verifies all required documents, such as passport copies, trade licence, establishment card, photographs, and Emirates ID forms. We ensure that each file meets the standards of the relevant UAE authority.
Application Submission
Once verified, we submit your visa application to the appropriate Free Zone, Mainland, or Government channel. We maintain close communication with immigration officials to monitor the progress and resolve any queries instantly.
Entry Permit Issuance
If you are outside the UAE, we arrange for the entry permit, allowing you to travel and enter the country under the sponsorship of your new visa. For those already in the UAE, we handle the status change internally without the need to exit.
Medical Test and Emirates ID
After arrival or status change, we schedule your medical examination and biometric registration for the Emirates ID. Our team ensures appointments are confirmed, and results are uploaded promptly to move forward with visa stamping.
Visa Stamping and Handover
Once approved, your UAE residence visa is issued digitally and your Emirates ID card is processed and delivered. At this stage, you are officially a UAE resident, eligible to open bank accounts, sponsor family members, and access all resident benefits.
UAE Residence Visa - FAQs
Any foreign national who invests, works, or lives in the UAE can apply for residence. Common categories include company shareholders, employees, family dependents, and eligible freelancers.