Smart Zones® - Your UAE Entry Partner
Business • Residency • Banking • Wealth • Investment
Smart Zones® - Your UAE Entry Partner
Business • Residency • Banking • Wealth • Investment
Visa Services, Dubai, UAE
Employment, investor, Golden Visa, Green Visa, Freelancer Permit or family sponsorship - we handle the paperwork, the medical and Emirates ID appointments, and the follow-up, so your residency gets approved the first time.
Free, no-obligation consultation on the right visa route and cost.
UAE residence visas fall into a handful of routes: employment (sponsored by an employer), investor/partner (tied to your own trade licence), the 5-year self-sponsored Green Visa, the 10-year Golden Visa, and family sponsorship for dependants. Government fees generally run from around AED 2,500 to AED 10,500 depending on the category, and full processing typically takes two to four weeks.
Why It Matters
A UAE company licence doesn't automatically give you the right to live or work here. The visa category you apply under decides how long you can stay, whether you can sponsor family, and what happens if your circumstances change - getting it right from the start avoids a costly re-application later.
Your Options
The right route depends on how you earn, whether you own a company, and how long you want to commit to staying.
Sponsored by a licensed UAE employer against a signed job offer, valid two to three years and renewable for as long as employment continues.
Self-sponsored against your own active trade licence, whether mainland or free zone, with no salary threshold to clear.
For property investors (AED 2M+), a AED 2M+ bank deposit, salaried professionals earning AED 30,000+ monthly, or nominated specialised talent. Self-sponsored, renewable.
Self-sponsored residency for skilled employees, freelancers and business owners, typically requiring a salary around AED 15,000 or qualifying business activity.
A self-sponsoring route through an approved free zone freelance licence, for consultants and independent professionals working with multiple clients.
Bringing Your Family
Once your own residence visa is active, you can typically sponsor a spouse and children, subject to a minimum salary or income threshold that varies by category and emirate.
Requires your own valid residence visa, a minimum income threshold, and a suitable tenancy contract (Ejari) in your name.
Parents and household staff can be sponsored under additional conditions, generally with higher income requirements than immediate family.
Budgeting
Figures below are a general guide; the exact fee depends on your emirate, category and whether family members are included. We'll confirm the precise cost before you proceed.
| Visa Category | Approx. Government Fee | Validity |
|---|---|---|
| Employment / Investor | AED 3,000 to 5,000 | 2 to 3 years |
| Green Visa | AED 2,500 to 4,500 | 5 years |
| Golden Visa | AED 2,800 to 10,500 | 10 years |
| Processing time | Typically 2 to 4 weeks | Entry permit to Emirates ID |
Our Story
Smart Zones® UAE has helped more than 45,000 clients worldwide set up, relocate and protect their interests across the UAE, backed by 13+ years of experience in company formation, residency, banking and family trust formation.
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The trust formation process was seamless from start to finish. Highly recommend Smart Zones UAE.
Professional, transparent, and fast. Exactly what I needed for my family's estate planning.
Clear guidance throughout and no hidden costs. Would use them again.
Responsive team and a genuinely smooth setup process from our first call to licence in hand.
Handled everything remotely for us with zero surprises on cost. Would use them again without hesitation.
Frequently Asked, and Ready When You Are
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Smart Zones® - Your UAE Entry Partner
Business • Residency • Banking • Wealth • Investment