Last Updated on June 29, 2025 by Hend Ibrahim
Residency in the United Arab Emirates is a fundamental requirement for living and working legally in the country. Whether you are a citizen or an expatriate, understanding the new residency issuance fees in the UAE is crucial to avoid any legal complications. Here, we provide you with a detailed guide on the costs associated with obtaining a residence visa, focusing on different categories such as domestic workers and wives’ residence permits. We also highlight the services offered by Alpha Company, which facilitates the residence renewal process. This article also covers practical steps, common reasons for residency rejection, and answers to frequently asked questions.
Fees for Issuing a New Residence Permit in the UAE
Obtaining a residency or visa is a key factor that distinguishes its holder in the UAE. New residency issuance fees in the UAE vary depending on visa type and purpose. The ease of procedures, processing speed, and validity duration also differ. Whether you’re planning to live, work, or study in the UAE, it’s essential to be familiar with all related visa/residency procedures and costs before proceeding. If you’re wondering how much is residency fees in Dubai?, this guide will provide the clarity you need.
Overview of Visas and Residency Laws in the UAE
The UAE government has announced major updates to its residency and visa system, introducing an integrated structure to attract those wishing to live, work, or study in the country. These updates include regular, green, and golden residencies, among others, which we’ll detail later. These reforms aim to enhance the UAE’s status as a prime destination for living and investment.
Key Updates in the New Residency Law
- Golden Visa: Available for specialists in fields like medicine, engineering, technology, science, education, law, and culture, as well as for exceptional talents. No job contract or academic qualification is required.
- Green Visa: Granted to skilled workers, freelancers, and investors for 5 years, renewable without a sponsor.
- Extension for Children’s Residency: Age limit raised to 25 years for children on their parents’ residency. People of determination are eligible for permanent residency regardless of age.
- Multi-Purpose Entry Visas: Includes job and investment exploration visas, and visas without a host requirement.
Types of Residence Permits in the UAE
Before diving into the new residency issuance fees in the UAE, it’s important to understand the available types of residency:
Golden Residency
Golden residency is one of the most prestigious types in the UAE, offering long-term stays of up to 10 years without a sponsor. Eligible categories include scientists, exceptional talents, investors, entrepreneurs, and top graduates.
Benefits:
- 5 or 10-year renewable residency.
- Freedom to stay outside the UAE for extended periods.
- Family members can remain in the country in case of the sponsor’s death.
Green Residency
Granted to skilled individuals, freelancers, and investors for 5 years, this type of residency is not tied to a work permit, enabling employment without a sponsor.
Benefits:
- Children’s age raised to 25 years.
- Permanent residency for people of determination regardless of age.
- Flexibility in grace periods after visa expiration.
Blue Residency
The UAE launched the Blue Residency as part of its sustainability and environmental initiatives. It grants a 10-year residency to those contributing significantly to marine/land environment protection, the circular economy, and sustainable investments. Eligible individuals include scientists, green tech experts, and renewable energy entrepreneurs.
Purpose:
Attracting global talent to support the UAE’s sustainable development goals. Includes long-term residency benefits without the need for a sponsor.
Freelance Residency
Introduced as part of recent reforms, this visa is aimed at self-employed individuals who do not require a work contract or sponsor. Fields include consulting, digital marketing, and design. Benefits include family sponsorship and 5-year renewals with flexibility to change professions easily.
Regular Work Visa
Issued for those working in the public/private sectors or free zones. Valid for 2 years. Requires a valid job contract from a licensed UAE employer. Includes skilled and semi-skilled workers, with mandatory medical and background checks. Family sponsorship possible if salary and housing criteria are met. This category also involves 2 years residence visa Dubai cost, depending on the work contract and visa provider.
Student Visa
For international students enrolling in UAE higher education institutions. Valid for one year and renewable annually throughout studies. Requires an official acceptance letter and, for minors, a parent’s sponsorship. Students can work part-time with their institution’s approval.
Family Visa
Allows residents to sponsor their spouse and children. Sponsor must earn at least AED 4,000/month (or AED 3,000 with housing). Children up to 25 years and people of determination qualify for permanent residency. Family members over 18 must pass a medical exam. You must also consider the family residence visa UAE cost, which depends on the emirate and document processing fees.
Tourist Visa
Updated to include a 5-year multiple-entry visa, allowing stays up to 90 days per visit (renewable once for the same period). Requires proof of a minimum bank balance of $4,000 over the past 6 months. Aims to boost tourism in the UAE.
Retirement Visa
For individuals over 55 wishing to retire in the UAE. Valid for 5 years, renewable if financial criteria are met (monthly income of AED 20,000, or AED 1 million in bank deposits, or AED 2 million in property). Family sponsorship and full access to services without a sponsor included.
Job Exploration Visa
Newly introduced to attract skilled workers and top graduates from the world’s top 500 universities. Valid for up to 6 months. Requires a recognized degree obtained within the past 2 years. Designed to boost the UAE’s knowledge-based economy.
Fees for Issuing a New Residence Permit by Category
Residency requirements and new residency issuance fees in the UAE vary by category. Below are details for common types:
Fees for Domestic Worker Residency
Procedures and residence permit UAE fees for domestic worker residency are similar to those for hiring a maid, with minor differences in required documents:
- Submit the application through official channels.
Attach required documents (passport, photo, etc.). - Complete a certified medical exam.
- Obtain health insurance per regulations.
- Finalize Emirates ID procedures.
- Pay fees and receive the residency permit.
Fees for Sponsoring a Wife
To sponsor a wife’s residency, new residency issuance fees in the UAE vary depending on the emirate and process used:
- Entry Permit Application:
Submit via smart channels or service centers with required documents (passport, photo). - Medical Examination:
Conduct at approved centers and obtain a fitness certificate. - Residency Application:
Submit via relevant authorities with marriage certificate, medical result, valid insurance. - Emirates ID Completion:
Process mandatory for residency approval. - Residency Card Fees:
Include the cost of the smart card and possibly translation or attestation services. - In Case of Sponsorship Transfer:
Required if the wife was under a different sponsor previously. - E-Services Fees:
Applicable when applying through ICA or TAMM platforms. - Final Step – Receiving the Residency:
Once all steps are completed and fees paid, residency is issued digitally or via authorized printing centers.
Important Notes:
- Sponsor must have a steady income.
- Some emirates may require additional documents; consult local authorities for up-to-date info.
Passport Fees for Residency Renewal
Renewal fees typically include:
- Application submission via smart portals or service centers.
- New residency issuance fees in the UAE for renewal, based on visa type and sponsor.
- Administrative and e-service charges.
- Late renewal penalties if not renewed before expiry.
Important Notes:
- Fees may vary depending on visa duration and type.
- Check with ICA or relevant authorities for current rates.
Late Renewal Penalties
If residency is not renewed on time, late penalties apply:
- Grace Period:
A grace period is granted after expiry to renew without fines. - Daily Late Fee:
Applies after the grace period, charged per day until renewal.
- Extra Charges for Long Delays:
Legal action or added fees may be imposed for extended delays. - Other Fines:
May include administrative costs for legal follow-ups.
Tip:
Renew before expiry to avoid penalties. Always check with ICA for accurate grace periods and fees. Relying on trusted UAE residency services can also help you avoid unnecessary fines.
Hassle-Free Residency Renewal with Alpha Company
Alpha, based in Abu Dhabi, offers seamless UAE residency services for both individuals and businesses. They handle everything—from document submission to coordinating with government agencies—ensuring full compliance with local laws.
Their expert team manages the entire renewal process for employees and families, allowing businesses to operate without disruptions. Alpha also provides personalized consultations to ensure residence permit UAE status aligns with current regulations.
By choosing Alpha, you leverage their extensive experience in immigration services, letting you focus on business growth while they handle the legal and administrative responsibilities.
Contact Details
- Email: info@alphabudhabi.com
- Phone: +971561691648
- Address: Abu Dhabi – Mussafah Industrial Area – M44 – Sheikh Sultan bin Zayed Building
Conclusion
New residency issuance fees in the UAE are an important concern for all residents. Whether you’re applying for a domestic worker, spouse, or maid, understanding the associated fees and procedures ensures a smooth, legal process. You can also rely on UAE residency services to simplify renewal and handle any potential issues. We hope this article has provided you with clear and comprehensive information on the subject, including 2 years residence visa Dubai cost, family residence visa UAE cost, and how to secure your residence permit UAE efficiently.
FAQs
How can I check my visa validity?
Via the Federal Authority for Identity and Citizenship or the General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs websites.
What is the grace period after visa expiry?
Up to 30 days, after which fines apply.
Can a visit visa be converted into a residence visa?
Yes, certain types of visit visas can be converted within the UAE.
What are the penalties for late residency renewal?
AED 50 per day during the first 30 days of delay.
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