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Visa routes explained
Most people come on a visa their employer arranges. There are other routes too. Pick the one that sounds like you.
Which sounds most like you?
7 situationsYour likely route: Employment visa
Length2 years
Who appliesYour employer
Key testA job offer
FamilyYes, from AED 4,000 a month
How it works
- Sign the offer letter. Your employer files it with MOHRE
- Your employer gets your work permit and entry permit
- Fly out. Your sponsor tells you the deadline to complete the steps
- Medical fitness test (everyone 18 and over)
- Emirates ID fingerprints and photo
- Residence issued. Your Emirates ID is your proof: there is no passport sticker any more
By law your employer pays the recruitment and visa costs. They can’t pass them on to you, directly or indirectly.
Could you skip the sponsor?
If your basic pay is AED 30,000 a month or more, with a degree and a skilled role, you may qualify for a 10-year . From AED 15,000 there is the 5-year .
Bringing family
Once your visa is issued you can sponsor a spouse and children. .
Sources: u.ae: residence visa for working; Federal Decree-Law 33 of 2021.
All the main routes
Tap a question below for detail| Visa | Length | Who sponsors | Main test |
|---|---|---|---|
| Employment | 2 years | Employer | Job offer |
| Green (skilled) | 5 years | Yourself | AED 15,000 a month, degree, skilled role |
| Golden (skilled) | 10 years | Yourself | AED 30,000 a month, degree, skill level 1–2 |
| Golden (property) | 10 years | Yourself | AED 2m property |
| Retirement | 5 years | Yourself | 55+ and a financial test |
| Remote work | 1 year | Yourself | USD 3,500 a month abroad |
| Family | As sponsor | Family member | Sponsor earns AED 4,000 |
| Job-seeker | 60–120 days | Yourself | Skilled role or top-500 graduate |
Every route has these steps
- A medical fitness test for everyone 18 and over.
- Emirates ID fingerprints. The card is your proof of residence.
- A grace period if your visa ends: usually 60 days in Dubai.
Before you commit: the regional situation. Conflict involving Iran has disrupted flights across the Gulf in 2026. The FCDO does not advise against travel to the UAE but asks people to be ready for disruption. Read the FCDO travel advice (last updated 24 July 2026).
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