Residency Route
Your visa, your way
Whether you want to live and work here, secure long-term status, or just get a visa cheaply — three questions map your route.
Residency & Golden Visa questions
Does a free zone company get me a residence visa?
Yes — a free zone license lets you sponsor your own residence visa as investor/partner, and employee visas for staff. The number depends on your package and visa quota.
What's the difference between a residence visa and the Golden Visa?
A standard residence visa (2 years, renewable) comes with your company. The Golden Visa (5–10 years) has separate eligibility — property, investment, talent or salary thresholds — and doesn't require a company, though many holders start with one.
What's the cheapest route to UAE residency?
The UAQ Freelance License bundles a one-visa residency for AED 9,999 — the lowest credible route through business ownership. Zero-visa licenses are cheaper but don't include residency.