UAE Residency & Visas
From 10-year Golden Visas to family sponsorship — we manage the full visa lifecycle so you can live and work in the UAE with confidence.
The United Arab Emirates has established itself as one of the world's most desirable destinations for entrepreneurs, investors and skilled professionals. With world-class infrastructure, a zero income tax environment and a cosmopolitan lifestyle, the UAE attracts talent from every corner of the globe. Securing the right residency status is the foundation of building your life and business here.
At Aurum Gateway Solutions, our visa specialists navigate the complexities of the UAE immigration system on your behalf. Whether you are applying for the prestigious Golden Visa, relocating your family or bringing in skilled employees, we ensure every application is accurate, complete and positioned for swift approval.
UAE Visa & Residency Options
We cover the full spectrum of UAE residency categories for individuals, families and businesses.
Golden Visa (10 Years)
The UAE Golden Visa is a long-term residence permit granting 10 years of renewable residency. It offers exceptional stability — no employer sponsorship required, unlimited entry and exit, and the ability to sponsor unlimited family members and domestic staff.
Golden Visa holders also benefit from the ability to stay outside the UAE for extended periods without their visa lapsing — a unique advantage compared to standard residency.
Investor Visa
Issued to individuals who establish or invest in a UAE business. Valid for 2–3 years and renewable, the investor visa is the most common route for entrepreneurs setting up a company. It can be converted to a Golden Visa once investment thresholds are met.
Family members can be sponsored under an investor visa, making it an attractive option for those relocating with their household.
Employment Visa
The standard residency route for professionals employed by a UAE-registered company. Employment visas are sponsored by the employer and are typically valid for 2–3 years. We assist companies with the full employment visa quota application and individual staff onboarding.
Employees can also sponsor their immediate family members once their visa and Emirates ID are issued.
Family Visa
UAE residents earning AED 4,000 or more per month (AED 10,000 for some categories) can sponsor their spouse, children and — in certain circumstances — parents. We manage the full sponsorship process including medical tests, Emirates ID enrollment and document attestation.
Children can be sponsored up to the age of 18, or up to 23 if they are full-time students. Daughters of any age can be sponsored.
Freelancer Visa
Designed for independent professionals and remote workers, the UAE freelancer visa allows self-employment without the need for a corporate sponsor. Available through select free zones including TECOM and DMCC, it enables individuals to work legally in the UAE across approved activity categories.
An increasingly popular option for digital nomads, consultants and creatives who wish to base themselves in Dubai.
Golden Visa Eligibility Criteria
The UAE Golden Visa is available across a range of categories. You may qualify if you meet one or more of the following:
Investors
- Real estate investment of AED 2 million or more
- Business investment with minimum AED 2 million capital
- Approved public investment fund deposit
Entrepreneurs
- Founder of a UAE startup with proven innovation impact
- Owner of a project valued at AED 500,000+
- Approval from an accredited business incubator
Talented Professionals
- Specialised talent in science, engineering, medicine, arts or culture
- Professionals earning AED 30,000+ per month
- PhD holders and outstanding university graduates
Outstanding Students
- Students with exceptional academic performance (3.75+ GPA)
- Graduates from the world's top 100 universities
- Students in UAE high schools with 95%+ grades
Processing Timeline
Most UAE residency visas are processed within 2–4 weeks from the date of document submission. Here is a general breakdown:
Document Collection & Entry Permit
We compile and verify all required documents, submit the application and obtain the entry permit (if the applicant is outside the UAE) or initiate the status change (if already in country).
Medical Fitness Test
The applicant attends a medical fitness screening at an approved UAE health centre. Results are typically available within 1–2 working days.
Residency Visa Stamping
The residence visa is stamped in the passport. For Golden Visa holders, this step includes biometric data enrollment with the Federal Authority for Identity and Citizenship (ICA).
Emirates ID Issuance
The Emirates ID card is issued and delivered, completing the residency process. The ID serves as the primary identification document in the UAE for banking, government services and daily life.
Required Documents Checklist
Standard documents required for most UAE residency visa applications. Specific requirements vary by visa category.
Personal Documents
- Valid passport (minimum 6 months validity)
- Recent passport-size photographs (white background)
- Proof of current address (utility bill or bank statement)
- Medical fitness certificate from approved centre
- Health insurance policy valid in UAE
Business / Investment Documents
- Trade licence copy (for investor/employer visas)
- Memorandum of association / share certificate
- Tenancy contract or Ejari registration
- Salary certificate or employment contract (employment visas)
- Investment proof (Golden Visa applicants)
Note: Document requirements are subject to change. Our team provides you with a personalised checklist at the outset of your application.
Frequently Asked Questions — Dubai & UAE Visas
What are the UAE Golden Visa requirements in 2026?
The UAE Golden Visa in 2026 can be obtained through several pathways: real estate investment of AED 2 million or more; business ownership with a capital investment of AED 2 million+; an annual salary of AED 30,000+ for specialised talent; or academic/professional distinction (doctors, scientists, artists, athletes). The Golden Visa is valid for 10 years and is renewable, with no restriction on time spent outside the UAE — a major advantage over standard residence visas.
How much does a Dubai investor visa cost?
A standard Dubai investor visa (issued to company owners) costs approximately AED 3,000–5,000 in government fees including medical, Emirates ID, and visa stamping. The total cost including Aurum Gateway's PRO services is typically AED 4,500–7,000 depending on the visa duration (2 or 3 years). Golden Visa processing costs more due to additional eligibility verification steps. All fees are confirmed upfront with no surprises.
Can I sponsor my family with a Dubai visa?
Yes. UAE residence visa holders can sponsor their spouse and children under 18 (sons up to 25 if studying). To sponsor a spouse and children, you generally need a minimum monthly salary of AED 4,000, or AED 3,000 plus employer-provided accommodation. Golden Visa holders can sponsor family members regardless of salary. Parents can be sponsored with a minimum salary of AED 20,000/month. Our team manages all family visa applications as part of our comprehensive visa service.
Can I apply for the Golden Visa through real estate?
Yes. Purchasing a UAE property with a minimum value of AED 2 million qualifies you for the Golden Visa. The property can be mortgaged provided the paid portion meets the minimum threshold. Off-plan properties from approved developers are also eligible. We can connect you with trusted real estate partners to structure your investment correctly and then process your Golden Visa application seamlessly.
How long can I stay outside the UAE without my visa lapsing?
Standard UAE residence visas lapse if the holder stays outside the country for more than 6 consecutive months. The UAE Golden Visa eliminates this restriction entirely — Golden Visa holders can remain abroad indefinitely without their residency being cancelled. This is one of the most significant advantages of the Golden Visa for internationally mobile entrepreneurs and investors.
What happens to my visa if I close my UAE company?
If your UAE company is cancelled, all visas sponsored under that company — including your investor visa and any family or employee visas — must be cancelled within the prescribed timeframe. Failure to do so can result in overstay fines. We manage the full company and visa cancellation process to ensure a clean exit with no liabilities.
Ready to Secure Your UAE Residency?
Our visa specialists are available to assess your eligibility and guide you through the most suitable residency pathway. Contact us for a confidential consultation.