Last Updated on June 25, 2025 by Hend Ibrahim
The United Arab Emirates (UAE) is considered an ideal destination for investors and professionals from around the world, thanks to its rapidly growing economy, ease of doing business, advanced infrastructure, high standard of living, and safe, multicultural environment. The absence of personal income tax also makes it an attractive option for those looking to settle and work there.
If you are planning to move to the UAE for work, investment, or to live with your family, it is essential to understand how Issuing a new residence permit works, the types of residence visas available, and the procedures required to issue them. This article will be your comprehensive guide to understanding the steps and requirements for Issuing a new residence permit in the UAE, helping you begin your journey clearly and easily through Alpha’s website.
What is Residence in the UAE?
Residence is a legal permit issued by the competent authorities in the UAE that allows foreign individuals to stay in the country for a specific period under certain conditions. Residency can be temporary or permanent, and its type varies depending on the purpose, such as work, study, investment, or retirement.
In the UAE, residence is issued by the Federal Authority for Identity and Citizenship and generally requires a sponsor or specific conditions to obtain, such as a work contract, investment, or university admission. Issuing a new residence permit in any of these categories follows a set of clear and accessible procedures.
What is a Residence Visa?
A residence visa is an official document similar to a residence permit that allows foreign nationals to enter and exit the UAE multiple times without restrictions. It also grants the right to reside in the country throughout the visa’s validity. A new residence visa is usually issued for a duration of two years and can be renewed under specific conditions.
Key Benefits of the Residence
Visa Holders of a residence visa enjoy many benefits, including:
- The ability to work or do business within the country, depending on the type of visa.
- Eligibility to be considered a tax resident, provided certain criteria are met.
- Opening a bank account and applying for loans from financial institutions in the country.
- Renting properties under official contracts with the relevant authorities.
- Access to public healthcare and health insurance.
- Enrolling children in public or private educational institutions.
- Easy access to internet services and mobile networks.
- Obtaining a UAE driver’s license in accordance with approved procedures.
Note: The holder is not required to stay continuously in the UAE but must enter the country at least once every six months to maintain visa validity. Issuing a new residence permit ensures access to all these benefits.
Types of Residence Visas in the UAE
- The UAE offers several residency options for foreigners, including:
- Regular work visas.
- Golden residency for investors and specialists.
- Green residency for skilled individuals.
- Domestic worker residency.
Each type is designed to support different categories of individuals and facilitate their life and work in the UAE. Issuing a new residence permit for each category involves different criteria and documentation.
Golden Residency for Long-Term Investors
Golden residency is one of the most well-known visa types in the UAE and is granted to certain community segments, such as scientists, investors, exceptional talents, entrepreneurs, and others. It is a great example of Issuing a new residence permit for investment purposes.
Conditions for property investors include:
- Significant financial investment in the country.
- Owning and managing a company in the UAE that meets specific standards.
- Contributing to companies with a specific share percentage.
- Diversifying investments across sectors, with part of it outside real estate.
Additional rules include:
- No financing through loans.
- Commitment to maintain the investment for a specific period.
- Having financial assets to ensure business continuity.
- Inclusion of partners is allowed if each contributes a defined amount.
Advantages: Long validity, automatic renewal without renewal fees. These features make Issuing a new residence permit through investment highly attractive.
Golden Residency for Property Owners
Those owning property in the UAE may apply for golden residency, provided certain financial and funding-related requirements are met. This falls under the category of residence permit by investment.
Benefits for property investors:
- Long-term residence based on property investment.
- Ability to sponsor family members.
- No need for a local sponsor.
Requirements:
- Property must meet the approved financial value.
- Property must not be purchased through a bank loan.
- The property must be held for a defined period before selling.
Required documents:
- Passport.
- Current residence visa.
- Recent photo with white background.
- Property ownership deed.
- Good conduct certificate.
- Bank statement.
- Approved health insurance.
- Recent utility bill.
Retirement Residency for Expats
This visa is for residents who reach a certain age and meet specific conditions, such as:
- Owning property of a certain value in the UAE.
- Holding savings of a specified amount or more.
- Receiving a stable monthly income above a certain threshold.
- Combining savings and property to meet the total required value.
Required documents:
- Passports of the applicant and family (if applicable).
- Marriage certificate (if applying with spouse). This is also relevant for residence visa marriage.
- Current residence visa.
- Emirates ID.
Additional documents depending on application reason:
- For property investors: property ownership deed.
- For savings-based application: retirement letter, proof of savings.
- For income-based application: retirement letter, salary certificate, bank statements.
- For combined investment: ownership deed and proof of savings.
Validity: Limited duration and renewable under approved conditions. Issuing a new residence permit under these categories depends on providing accurate documentation.
Regular Work Visa
Issued to individuals working in the private or public sector. The employer acts as the sponsor. Residents can also sponsor family members under this visa.
Benefits:
- Residence for the duration of the employment contract.
- Ability to sponsor family.
- Access to banking, education, and healthcare services.
Requirements:
- Official work contract with a registered company in the UAE.
- Medical test proving absence of infectious diseases.
- Health insurance (as per the emirate).
- Issuance of Emirates ID.
Green Residency (5-Year Visa Without a Sponsor)
A new type of visa allowing individuals to live and work in the UAE without a sponsor. It targets:
- Highly skilled professionals (engineers, programmers, scientists, AI specialists).
- Freelancers and self-employed individuals.
- Small business owners and investors.
Benefits:
- 5-year renewable visa.
- No need for a sponsor or employer.
- Ability to sponsor family.
- Flexibility in job transitions.
Requirements:
- Proof of expertise in a specific field (experience certificates, contracts).
- Financial stability.
- Health insurance and legal permits.
Freelance Visa (Self-Employment)
Granted to individuals working independently in fields like media, design, programming, consultancy, etc.
Benefits:
- Work independently without a sponsor.
- Offer services to companies inside and outside the UAE.
- Easy work permit issuance.
Requirements:
- Proof of freelance work (contracts, experience certificates, bank statements).
- Independent work permit from the relevant authorities.
- Proof of financial stability.
Domestic Workers Residency
Dedicated to domestic helpers such as housemaids, drivers, cooks, and nannies.
Benefits:
- Reside in the UAE throughout the contract period.
- Access to healthcare and banking services.
Requirements:
- Local or resident sponsor.
- Required medical tests.
Application via government entities. Issuing a new residence permit for domestic workers follows a separate track.
Investor Visa (Company Owners)
Issued to business owners or shareholders in UAE companies. Valid for 3 years and renewable.
Required documents:
- Trade license and company formation contract.
- Establishment card and list of partners.
- Passport, photo, and bank statement (if available).
Shareholding certificate if investing in a free zone. These are critical parts of residence visa requirements.
Student Visa
For students admitted to UAE universities. Valid for one year and renewable.
Required documents:
Passport valid for at least 6 months.
University acceptance letter.
Proof of tuition fee payment.
Photos and health insurance.
For outstanding students: 5-year visa for those scoring 95% in high school or 3.75 GPA in university.
Remote Work Visa
For remote workers employed by foreign companies and freelancers.
Conditions:
Passport valid for at least 6 months.
Health insurance covering UAE.
For employees: Work letter, one-year contract.
For business owners: Proof of company ownership for one year.
Newborn Residence Procedures in UAE
Newborns must be registered within a specific time. If parents have different nationalities, the child takes the father’s. A birth certificate must be obtained from the hospital or health authority.
Issuing residence for newborns:
Apply within the legal period to avoid daily fines.
Child cannot exit the country without a residence visa.
Required documents:
Sponsor’s (father/mother) passport copy.
Sponsor’s residence visa copy.
Sponsor’s Emirates ID copy.
Tenancy contract copy.
Baby’s photo (white background).
Procedure:
Submit application form to the General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs in the sponsor’s emirate.
Pay required fees (ID and residence fees).
Receive visa sticker on the passport via courier. This is another case of Issuing a new residence permit in a family context.
General Requirements for Issuing New Residence
- Visas Applicants must meet the following:
- Security clearance.
- Be free from infectious diseases (HIV, TB).
- Over 18s must undergo a local medical test (blood test, chest x-ray).
- Apply for Emirates ID. Issuing a new residence permit involves fulfilling all these requirements.
Online Residency Renewal in UAE
The UAE promotes digital government services, including online visa renewals. Here are the steps:
Online renewal steps:
- Visit the official ICA website or app.
- Create an account and enter accurate data.
- Submit renewal request and upload required documents.
- Review and update information if needed.
- Pay renewal fees using preferred method.
- Renew Emirates ID if needed.
- Submit passport to authorized courier for visa sticker, then receive updated passport via delivery.
Conditions for Residency Renewal
- Submit online application via UAE Vision system.
- Request Emirates ID renewal.
- Colored photo with white background.
- Valid passport of the applicant.
- Sponsor’s valid passport and Emirates ID.
- Sponsor’s IBAN.
- Medical test results.
- Valid, attested housing lease exceeding 60 days.
- Latest paid utility bill.
- Salary certificate (Arabic) for government employees.
- Attested work contract for private sector workers.
- Father’s declaration for unmarried daughters over 18 under sponsorship.
- Proof of ongoing study for sons over 18.
- Valid health insurance.
Online Renewal Requirements
- Passport valid for at least 6 months.
- Complete all requirements (medical, insurance) within deadline to avoid cancellation.
- Follow all transaction guidelines.
- Double-check data before paying to avoid delays.
Reasons for Residence Visa Rejection Common reasons include:
- Applying for a job not in demand.
- Sponsor refusal.
- Previous visa not canceled.
- Data inconsistencies.
- Blurry or unclear documents.
- Not meeting requirements (qualifications, income).
- Criminal record or legal violations.
- Frequent suspicious visa applications.
- Female under 24 applying without a sponsor/guardian.
- Contagious or chronic illness detected.
- Financial incapacity to live in UAE.
Always verify documents and information before submitting your application on Alpha’s platform. Issuing a new residence permit is easier with correct and complete paperwork.
Alpha Services for UAE Residency Issuance
Alpha provides comprehensive services to help individuals, investors, and professionals obtain UAE residency easily and flexibly, with personalized consultancy for each client.
Alpha’s services include:
- Issuing a new residence permit and Emirates ID.
- Timely renewal of residency permits.
- Data amendments for residence or ID.
- Scheduling required medical exams.
- Free consultations on procedures and legal requirements.
- 24/7 support team.
- Compliance with Abu Dhabi regulations.
- Hassle-free process so clients can focus on their work.
Contact Details
Email: info@alphabudhabi.com
Phone: +971561691648
Address: Abu Dhabi – Mussafah Industrial Area – M44 – Sheikh Sultan Bin Zayed Building
Conclusion
Whether you are an investor, professional, or someone planning to live with your family, understanding the procedures and requirements for Issuing a new residence permit in the UAE is crucial for a smooth and hassle-free experience. With its strong economy, world-class infrastructure, and supportive environment, the UAE remains a top choice for expatriates seeking opportunity and security. Understanding residence visa uae price and how to issue the right visa ensures a well-informed and successful relocation
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