Country Reference
United Arab Emirates
Visa news and reference for the United Arab Emirates — Golden Visa pathways (investors, entrepreneurs, scientists, specialists, exceptional talents, students), Green Visa, employment residence, visit visa categories, and Emirates ID arrangements.
Last verified: May 3, 2026
Key facts
- Primary agencies
- Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs & Port Security (ICP) at federal level; General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs (GDRFA) for emirate-level operations including Dubai
- Workforce regulator
- Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation (MOHRE) — administers labour market and professional level classifications used in Golden Visa criteria
- Foreign affairs
- Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation (MOFAIC) — visa attestations, consular support
- Golden Visa
- Long-term residence (typically 10 years) across multiple pathways; Dubai operates emirate-specific operational requirements layered onto federal eligibility
Visa types covered
- Visit visa (tourist / business / mission / multiple-entry)
- Golden Visa — Investor pathway
- Golden Visa — Entrepreneur pathway
- Golden Visa — Scientists and Specialists pathway
- Golden Visa — Exceptional Talents pathway
- Golden Visa — Outstanding Students pathway
- Green Visa for investors / freelancers / skilled employees
- Standard employment residence visa
- Family sponsorship residence
- Job Exploration / Job Seekers visit visa
- Remote Work Visa
Recent news
UAE grants 30-day grace period for visa holders hit by flight disruptions
The UAE
June 24, 2026
UAE and Eswatini sign mutual visa-waiver agreement on May 30, 2026
An MOU signed by UAE Minister of State Sheikh Shakhboot bin Nahyan Al Nahyan and Eswatini Minister of Home Affairs Princess Lindiwe waives entry visas for holders of ordinary, diplomatic, and service passports.
May 31, 2026
Dubai removes property-value minimum for two-year investor residency visa
Dubai Land Department removed the AED 750,000 minimum for sole-owner property investors and set a AED 400,000 share floor for joint owners.
May 4, 2026
Dubai tightens Scientists and Specialists Golden Visa pathway with equivalency and job-title rules
Three layered cumulative requirements now apply to non-government-nominated Scientists and Specialists Golden Visa applicants in Dubai.
May 3, 2026