RESIDENCEVISAS
A UAE residence visa lets you live in the country legally, open a personal bank account, sign a lease and sponsor your family. It is usually linked to a company, an employer, a property investment or one of the long-term visa programmes.
Draft text — under review by Milton Bridge
Milton Bridge takes care of your investor, employee and dependent visas, including all medical requirements and the Emirates ID. We tell you which route fits you and what we need from you — and we do not waste your time.
Types of UAE residence visa
The right visa depends on why you are coming to the UAE. The main routes are:
- Investor or partner visa — through your own UAE company.
- Employment visa — sponsored by a UAE employer, including your own company.
- Dependent visa — for your spouse, children and, in some cases, parents.
- Golden Visa — a long-term visa for eligible investors, entrepreneurs, professionals and others.
- Other routes — such as property-based or remote work visas, depending on current rules.
What the process involves
In most cases the process includes an entry permit, a medical fitness test, biometrics for the Emirates ID and the visa stamping or issuance. Some steps need you in the UAE in person.
Requirements and timelines vary by emirate, free zone and visa type, and the rules change from time to time. We follow the current rules for your case.
Visas for your family
Once you hold a residence visa, you can typically sponsor your spouse and children, subject to income or accommodation requirements. Documents such as marriage and birth certificates usually need to be attested or legalised. We tell you exactly which documents to prepare from your home country.
Golden Visa
The UAE Golden Visa is a long-term residence visa for eligible categories, including investors, entrepreneurs, skilled professionals and others. Eligibility criteria are set by the authorities and change from time to time. We check whether you qualify under the current rules and handle the application if you do.
How it works with Milton Bridge
- 1
Choose the route
We look at your situation and recommend the visa type that fits: investor, employee, dependent, Golden Visa or another route.
- 2
Prepare documents
We give you a clear list of documents and help with attestation where needed, so the application is complete the first time.
- 3
Entry permit and medical
We submit the application, book your medical fitness test and biometrics, and tell you exactly where and when to go.
- 4
Visa and Emirates ID
Your residence visa is issued and your Emirates ID follows. We then help with your family visas if needed.
Residence Visas: frequently asked questions
How can I get a residence visa in the UAE?
The most common ways are through your own UAE company, through employment, as a family member of a resident, or through a long-term programme such as the Golden Visa. The right route depends on your situation. We recommend one at the free consultation.
Can I get a UAE visa by opening a company?
Yes, owning a UAE company typically allows you to get an investor or partner residence visa. The number of visas the company can hold depends on the licence and office solution.
Can I sponsor my family on my UAE residence visa?
Yes, UAE residents can typically sponsor their spouse and children, and in some cases parents. There are usually income or accommodation requirements, and family documents must be attested. We handle the full process.
Do I need a medical test for a UAE residence visa?
Yes, a medical fitness test is generally required for residence visa applicants above a certain age. It is done at an approved medical centre in the UAE. We book it and tell you what to expect.
How long is a UAE residence visa valid?
It depends on the visa type. Standard residence visas are typically issued for a few years and can be renewed, while the Golden Visa is a long-term visa. We confirm the validity for your route.
How long does it take to get a UAE residence visa?
It depends on the visa type, the emirate or free zone and how quickly documents are ready. Most applications take a few weeks rather than days. We give you a realistic timeline for your case.
Who is eligible for the UAE Golden Visa?
The Golden Visa is available to eligible categories such as investors, entrepreneurs, skilled professionals and others who meet the criteria set by the authorities. The criteria change from time to time. We check your eligibility under the current rules.
Do I have to live in the UAE to keep my residence visa?
Standard residence visas can lapse if you stay outside the UAE for too long, while some long-term visas are more flexible. The exact rules depend on the visa type. We explain them for your case.
