Dubai Visa Types Explained: A Smart Guide for Real Estate Investors and Expats

Are you thinking about moving to Dubai or getting into its exciting real estate market? If so, getting familiar with the different types of Dubai visas is an essential first step. The UAE offers a range of visas, each designed for different needs - whether you’re planning a short visit, pursuing your studies, or looking to invest in property.

Some visas even provide the opportunity for long-term residency and property ownership, which is crucial for anyone interested in real estate investment in the city. This can make the difference between a temporary home and a place to truly settle down.

If you’re keen to learn more about the property scene, make sure to check out our guide on buying property in Dubai. Our 2025 guide covers the top areas to invest in and connects them with visa-eligible properties, giving you a solid starting point for your journey.

So, let’s get started and explore what Dubai has to offer!

How Many Types of Visas in Dubai?

Dubai offers a variety of visa types to cater to different purposes. Here’s a list of the main categories:

• - Tourist Visa
• - Transit Visa
• - Employment (Work) Visa
• - Student Visa
• - Freelance/Remote Work Visa
• - Investor Visa
• - Golden Visa
• - Green Visa
• - Retirement Visa
• - Property Owner Visa

With such a diverse range of visas, Dubai makes it easy for people to find the right fit for their needs. Whether you’re visiting for leisure or planning to move for work, there’s a visa that aligns with your goals. Each option comes with its own requirements and benefits, so it’s important to do a little research.

If you're also considering investing in property, there are specialized visas that offer additional perks. For guidance in making the right choice, take a look at our article on the Best Property to Buy in Dubai: Top 5 Investment Areas in 2025.

Types of Visas in Dubai

When it comes to visas in Dubai, there are several options depending on your needs. Let’s break them down.

Tourist Visas

If you're planning a short visit, tourist visas are available for stays ranging from 30 to 90 days. They can be issued for single or multiple entries. This type of visa is great if you want to explore the city or scout for potential investments, but keep in mind that it doesn’t allow you to purchase property.

Employment Visas

Looking to work in Dubai? An employment visa may be what you need. It's usually sponsored by your employer and can be valid for up to two years. With this visa, you’ll have the opportunity to rent or even buy property in certain areas that allow freehold ownership. Just make sure to read up on the financial effects, as there are some details regarding property taxes in Dubai.

Student Visas

For students or families considering education in Dubai, there’s the student visa, which is generally valid for one year and can be renewed. This is a good option if you’re looking to settle down near universities while pursuing studies.

Freelance and Remote Work Visas

If you’re a freelancer, Dubai offers a one-year renewable visa specifically for you. It’s designed to cater to those who work remotely, allowing flexibility while enjoying the city's vibrant lifestyle. To get a clearer idea of the costs and process involved, be sure to look into specific breakdowns available online.

Whether you’re visiting Dubai for leisure, planning to work, studying, or working remotely, there’s a suitable visa option to help you enjoy all that the city has to offer.

Types of Residence Visas in Dubai

Investor Visa

If you're looking to invest in property in Dubai, the Investor Visa might be for you. To qualify, you need to invest between AED 750,000 and AED 2 million in real estate. This visa typically lasts between 3 to 10 years, making it a good option for those who want to keep ownership and enjoy a medium-term stay in Dubai.

Golden Visa

The Golden Visa is a great choice for serious investors. If you're ready to invest at least AED 2 million in property, you can apply for this ten-year residency. It offers many benefits, such as being able to live and work in the UAE without a national sponsor. If you want to learn more, look at our detailed guide on the Golden Visa, which covers all the eligibility criteria, costs, and application steps.

Green Visa

For professionals and freelancers, the Green Visa provides a unique chance to live in Dubai without needing a local sponsor. This five-year visa is perfect for those who want flexibility in their work and lifestyle. Plus, it can be paired with various property investment options, giving you more choices.

Retirement Visa

Planning for a relaxing retirement in Dubai? The Retirement Visa is designed for individuals aged 55 and older who own property worth at least AED 1 million. This visa offers a great opportunity to enjoy a comfortable lifestyle in one of the most appealing cities in the world. If you’re curious about the best locations to invest for retirement, make sure to look at our blog on Top 5 Investment Areas in Dubai.

Each of these visas offers unique benefits, so choose the one that fits your situation best. Happy investing!

Dubai Visa Types and Cost: What You Need to Know

Here's an overview of visa types, durations, costs, and real estate links:

Visa Type	Duration	Cost (AED)	Sponsor Required	Property-Linked?
Tourist	30 - 90 d	400 - 1,100	Yes	No
Work	2 yrs	Employer pays	Yes	Indirectly
Student	1 yr	1,000 - 3,000	Yes	No
Freelance/Remote	1 yr	2,300 - 3,000	No	Optional
Investor	3 - 10 yrs	2,000 - 5,000	No	Yes
Golden Visa	10 yrs	4,000 - 5,000	No	Yes (2M+)
Green Visa	5 yrs	2,500 - 3,000	No	Optional
Retirement Visa	5 yrs	2,500+	No	Yes (1M+)

Which Visa Type is Best for Real Estate Investors?

When it comes to choosing the right visa for investing in real estate, it's essential to know the options that suit your needs best. Here’s a quick guide for real estate investors:

• Investor Visa: If you're looking to invest between AED 750,000 and AED 2 million in property, this visa could be your ticket. It offers residency for a period of 3 to 10 years, depending on your investment.
• Golden Visa: For those ready to invest AED 2 million or more, the Golden Visa is the way to go. With this visa, you’ll receive a secure residency for 10 years, giving you security and peace of mind.
• Retirement Visa: If you're aged 55 and above and want to invest at least AED 1 million in property, consider the retirement visa.

When thinking about where to invest, neighborhoods like Jumeirah Village Circle, Dubai South, Dubai Marina, and Dubai Hills are great choices. These areas not only offer great living experiences but also meet the visa eligibility requirements mentioned above.

Steps to Apply for a Property-Linked Visa in Dubai

Thinking about moving to Dubai? If you invest in property, you can apply for a property-linked visa. Here’s how to do it in a few easy steps:

• 1- Choose a Property: Look for a property that qualifies for the visa. Check online listings or guides for options.
• 2- Complete the Purchase: Work with a real estate company to buy your property. Make sure all paperwork is done correctly.
• 3- Get the Title Deed: After buying, get your title deed from the Dubai Land Department. This proves you own the property.
• 4- Apply for the Visa: Go to an immigration center to apply for your visa. Bring the necessary documents, including your title deed.
• 5- Health and Biometrics: You’ll need to take a medical test and provide your fingerprints. These checks are required for the visa.
• 6- Get Your Emirates ID: Once approved, you’ll receive your Emirates ID, which means you can enjoy living in Dubai.

Follow these steps, and you’ll be on your way to starting a new life in Dubai.

Final Thoughts: Your Visa, Your Investment, Your Future

The choice of visa you make can truly shape your life in Dubai - it impacts the length of your stay, your rights, your investment opportunities, and whether you can bring your family along. If you're looking into real estate, visas linked to property can give you both stability and some great lifestyle benefits.

Ready to Invest in Dubai and Secure Your Residency? At SSG7 Properties, we’re here to help you find the right property and guide you through the visa application process, making your move to Dubai smooth and hassle-free.