How to Become a Dubai Resident

The path to residency, step by step

1. 1

   Confirm you qualify for a residence visa

   A UAE residence visa is issued through recognised sponsorship routes. According to recent changes, a residence visa can also be issued for 5 and 10 years, subject to certain conditions. Check which category fits your situation before you apply, since the conditions and any fees are set by the authority.

   المستندات:PassportProof of eligibility
2. 2

   Pass the medical fitness test

   A residence visa requires applicants who are 18 and above to undergo a medical test to prove that they are medically fit. Book this test through an approved health centre once your application reaches that stage.

   المستندات:Medical fitness certificate
3. 3

   Clear the security check and get your Emirates ID

   You must also pass a security check and apply for an Emirates ID card from Federal Authority for Identity and Citizenship. The Emirates ID is your official proof of residency and is needed for most services in the country.

   المستندات:Emirates ID application
4. 4

   Renew before your visa expires

   Renewing your residence visa is your sponsor's responsibility: your sponsor must renew your residence visa before it expires. Keep track of the expiry date and start the renewal early so your status never lapses.

5. 5

   Know the rules for dependents

   If you sponsor family members, remember that the expiry date of the dependent's residence visa will not exceed that of the sponsor. Renewing your own visa on time keeps your dependents covered too.

6. 6

   Understand grace periods and re-entry

   UAE residents are granted longer flexible grace periods that reach up to 6 months (according to resident category) to stay in the country after the residence permit is cancelled or expired. Separately, an entry permit for residents staying outside the UAE for over 6 months applies to UAE residents whose residence visa expired as a result of staying outside the country for more than six months for study, work or treatment — they can apply for a permit to enter the UAE.

قد تتغيّر الرسوم والمدد — تحقّق من المصدر الرسمي.

شركات حقيقية من خرائط جوجل — التقييمات محدّثة.