The United Arab Emirates (UAE), and more so Dubai, has been a shining example of opportunity, exclusivity, and cultural blend, welcoming expats from the farthest points on the planet. For the British, the transition to pursue residence visa in this vibrant country is often motivated by career opportunities, a beneficial tax system, and a top-notch quality of life. Knowledge of the different ways to obtain a dubai residence visa and costs involved is the vital first step for a long-term visitor to this country.
This in-depth guide, written for those who want to make the UAE home, explains the process of applying for a united arab emirates residence visa and how to choose the options, requirements, and approximate 2 years residence visa dubai cost as a UK citizen.Navigating UAE Residency: Your Options as a UK CitizenA quick visit, made easy with the visa-on-arrival for UK citizens, is a different matter altogether from the process of obtaining uae residency, which involves a formal process according to your intention to stay.
The UAE has a number of options for UK citizens applying for a long-term visa residency dubai:
1. Employment/Work Visa (Standard Residence Visa)
This is by far the most popular route for people coming to work in the UAE. Your employer serves as your sponsor and handles the application process for your residence visa.
Duration: Normally valid for two years, that's why the name "2 years residence visa dubai cost" is mostly linked with this type.
Sponsor: A UAE registered company (either Mainland or a Free Zone).
Process: The employer will initially apply for an entry permit (or e-visa) that will enable you to enter the country in order to complete your residency procedures. Once in the UAE, it involves a medical fitness test, an Emirates ID, and lastly, the stamping of the residence visa in your passport.
Principal Requirement: A valid, attested employment contract.
2. Investor/Partner Visa
For UK nationals who want to start or invest in a company in the UAE, the Investor or Partner residence visa is the best option.
Duration: Varies, typically two or three years, depending on the license type and investment, and renewal options.
Sponsor: The company trade license or license in which you have a share.
Process: The process is to setup the business (with the help of a reliable business setup consultant such as Flyingcolour®), secure the trade license, and then apply for your investor entry permit and eventual dubai residency permit.
3. Freelancer Visa (Green Visa)The Green Visa has welcomed global talent to the UAE, allowing skilled workers, freelancers, and entrepreneurs to reside.
Traditionally: Five years.
Target Group: Skilled workers, professionals, and self-employed individuals with specific qualifications without the necessity of a company sponsor. A breakthrough for digital nomads and self-employed UK professionals wishing for uae residency.
4. The Golden Visa
For exceptional talents, scientists, higher-skilled professionals, entrepreneurs, and investors, the Golden Visa provides long-term united arab emirates residence visa stability.
Duration: Five or ten years.
Benefits: This visa provides considerable stability, such as being able to remain outside the UAE for more than six months without forfeiting residency and more lenient family sponsorship regulations.
5. Retirement Visa
UK citizens aged 55 and above who fulfill specific financial requirements can apply for a long-term Retirement residence visa.
Duration: Five years, renewable.
Financial Requirements: Requirements generally include owning a property of specific value, possessing considerable savings, or a minimum monthly salary.
The Application Process: How to Obtain Residency in Dubai
Irrespective of the category, the basic steps on how to obtain dubai residency for a UK citizen adhere to a straight forward order:
Step 1: Get the Entry Permit (E-Visa)
Your sponsor (employer or your own firm) submits an application for a temporary entry permit on your behalf. This enables you to enter legally into the UAE for the purpose of switching your status to residency. For individuals who are already in the UAE on a visitor's visa (such as the UK citizen's 90-day on-arrival visa), you would normally submit a change of status application.
Step 2: Medical Fitness Test
After you have entered the UAE, you are required to take a mandatory medical test at an approved UAE government health centre. This usually involves a blood test for communicable diseases (HIV, Hepatitis) and a chest X-ray for pulmonary tuberculosis. A "medically fit" certificate is essential for moving forward with your residence visa.
Step 3: Emirates ID Application
The Emirates ID is the mandatory national identity card for all citizens and residents of the united arab emirates residence. The application is typically submitted in parallel with the residence visa application and involves a visit to an authorised centre for biometrics (fingerprinting and photography).
Step 4: Visa Stamping
Once cleared by the immigration authorities and receiving the 'Fit' medical outcome and Emirates ID approval, your residence visa stamp (also called the residency permit) is stamped onto your passport, formalising your resident status in the UAE. Understanding the 2-Year Residence Visa Dubai Cost.
The price of a residence visa in the UAE is a varying amount based on several factors such as the visa type, the emirate (Dubai, Abu Dhabi, etc.), the sponsoring company type (Mainland vs. Free Zone), and other services such as express handling.
For the most prevalent 2 years residence visa dubai cost (employment visa, sponsored by an employer), the fees are generally paid by the company, according to UAE Labour Law, and usually comprise:
| Component | Estimated Cost (AED) | Notes |
| Entry Permit Fee | AED 500 - AED 1,500 | Varies by visa type and entry status |
| Medical Examination | AED 300 - AED 1,000 | Basic vs. express services |
| Emirates ID (2 years) | AED 370 - AED 570 | Mandatory identity card |
| Change of Status Fee | AED 500 - AED 1,500 | If applying from within the UAE |
| Health Insurance | AED 600 - AED 5,000+ | Mandatory, cost depends on coverage plan |
| Total (Approximate) | AED 3,000 - AED 7,000+ | Note: These are indicative costs and may change. Excludes any security deposits for certain visa types. |
For an investor visa residence dubai or a Green Visa, the fees can be much greater owing to related government fees, trade license registration fees, and professional services fees for the establishment of the business, usually between AED 10,000 and more than AED 30,000 in the first instance, excluding the qualifying amount of investment.
It is imperative that UK citizens set aside not only for the visa, but also for the required health insurance and the attestation of educational and personal documents (marriage certificates, degree certificates) which is a requirement for many dubai residency applications.
Why Choose the UAE for Your Long-Term Residence? The transition to dubai residency for british citizens is extremely attractive because:
Favourable Tax Environment::
UAE's personal income tax-free status continues to be a strong attraction. Economic Opportunities: Thriving employment opportunities and a forward-looking approach to securing global talent and investment.
Strategic Location: Ingress to Europe, Asia, and Africa is easy. Security and Infrastructure: Global safety standards and state-of-the-art infrastructure. Navigating the intricacies of united Arab emirates residence visa types and the accompanying expenses can be challenging. Partnering with an experienced hand such as Flyingcolour Business Setup guarantees your UAE residency transition to be streamlined, compliant, and cost-efficient. We assist UK residents at every step, from determining the proper business set-up for an investor residence visa to handling all government submissions.
FAQs regarding the UAE Residence Visa
1. How long does it take for a UK citizen to obtain a Dubai Residence Visa?
The first processing time for an entry permit is usually several days. The whole process, from entry to the final residence visa stamping (medical and Emirates ID included), normally takes 2 to 4 weeks, depending on all documents being complete and attested.
2. Is a medical test required for the UAE Residence Visa?
Yes, a medical examination test for diseases such as HIV and Tuberculosis is required of all applicants applying for a long-term dubai residence visa. This is an uncompromising part of the process to acquire uae residency.
3. As a UK citizen, may I sponsor my family under my Residence Visa?
Yes, after getting a valid residence visa in Dubai (or any other Emirate) and fulfilling the minimum salary requirement (usually AED 4,000 to AED 5,000 per month, varying by the Emirate), you can sponsor your children and spouse. The visa residency dubai of the family members usually remains the same as yours.
4. How do I renew my 2-Year Residence Visa?
The 2 years residence visa dubai cost and procedure process for renewal is the same as applying for the first time. It includes renewal of the labour card/contract, fresh medical fitness test, renewal of the Emirates ID, and payment of government charges for a renewed united arab emirates residence visa. The renewal has to be started before the expiration date.
5. In what ways is the Golden Visa different from the usual 2-year residence visa for Brits?
undefinedThe Golden Visa provides a far more extended residence visa period (5 or 10 years) as opposed to the usual 2-year one.undefinedSome of the main differences are not having to stay within the UAE for less than six months and not needing a sponsor for skilled workers and investors. It offers a freer and more stable route to dubai residency.
Therefore, to find out more aboutUAE Residence Visa for UK Citizens – Process & Cost, Book a free consultation with a member of the Flyingcolour Business Setup team advisers.
The article was printed on 21/10/2025.undefined. Please be aware that the federal policies and news listed may have altered since. For the latest details, please reach out to our consultant!