Every UAE residence visa answers one question differently: who sponsors you? A company you own, an employer, a family member — or, with the Golden Visa, effectively yourself. Here is the 2026 map of the main routes and who each one fits.
Investor / Partner Visa
Sponsor: your own company. The standard route for founders — own shares in a UAE company (mainland or free zone) and the licence sponsors your residency.
- Validity: typically 2 years, renewable
- Needs: trade licence, establishment card, medical, Emirates ID
- Fits: entrepreneurs, freelancers-turned-founders, overseas investors
- Full process on our visa services page
Employment Visa
Sponsor: your employer. The classic expat route — MOHRE work permit, labour contract, then residence stamping.
- Validity: usually 2 years, tied to the job
- Fits: salaried professionals; the employer handles costs and paperwork
Family / Dependant Visa
Sponsor: a resident family member. Residents meeting the salary criteria (generally AED 4,000+) can sponsor a spouse, children — and in many cases parents.
- Validity: matches the sponsor's visa
- Needs: attested marriage/birth certificates (we handle attestation), tenancy, salary proof
Golden Visa (10-Year)
Sponsor: none — that's the point. Long-term residency for investors (AED 2M+ in property or funds), entrepreneurs, skilled professionals (AED 30k+ salary with degree), scientists, talents and top students.
- Validity: 10 years, renewable; family included; no re-entry time limits
- Full eligibility breakdown in our Golden Visa guide
Green Visa (5-Year)
The middle path — self-sponsored 5-year residency for skilled employees (AED 15k+ salary, bachelor's degree) and freelancers/self-employed with proven income (AED 360k+ over two years).
- Fits: established professionals who don't yet clear Golden thresholds
Retirement Visa
For the 55+ crowd: qualify via AED 1M savings, AED 20k+ monthly income, or AED 1M property.
- Validity: 5 years, renewable
Which visa should you pursue?
| Your situation | Best route |
|---|---|
| Starting/owning a company | Investor visa |
| UAE job offer | Employment visa |
| Spouse/parent is a resident | Family visa |
| AED 2M+ to invest, or top-tier salary | Golden Visa |
| Skilled but below Golden bar | Green Visa |
| Retiring to the sun | Retirement visa |
Most founders' cheapest fast route is the investor visa via their own licence — then upgrading to Golden once eligibility is met.
Get matched to the right visa
Smartgic Visa processes every route above — eligibility check, documents, medical, Emirates ID and stamping, end to end. Talk to an advisor free.