UAE residency and visa regulations

The United Arab Emirates continues to implement various residency and visa frameworks managed by the Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs and Port Security.

Initial procedures focus on the legal requirements for newborn residence visas, which necessitate obtaining a passport and birth certificate, followed by document attestation and legal translation if required. Parents must also register newborns for an Emirates ID and ensure their own residence status is valid before sponsoring a child.

Expanding on residency options, the UAE has introduced a five-year Golden Residency permit for high-achieving secondary school students. To qualify, students must maintain a minimum academic score of 95 percent and receive a recommendation from the Ministry of Education. This program allows eligible students and their families to live, study, work, and invest in the country without a traditional sponsor.

Further long-term residency options include the Golden Visa, which is available to investors, entrepreneurs, property owners, skilled professionals, scientists, and creatives. Eligibility depends on category-specific requirements, such as demonstrating qualifying capital or providing evidence of exceptional talent, with costs varying based on the applicant’s category and related government procedures.

Regarding family sponsorship, women living in the UAE are eligible to sponsor their children’s residence visas, provided they meet a minimum salary requirement of Dh4,000, or Dh3,000 plus accommodation. Under current regulations, expatriates can sponsor unmarried daughters indefinitely, while sponsorship for sons is available up to age 25, provided they are enrolled in an accredited institution.