Reference Guide
Eligibility criteria, qualifying thresholds, and document requirements for every UAE residency category.
If you want to confirm your eligibility before gathering documents, speak to an Aurum consultant first. We assess your situation, confirm the applicable route, and check your documentation before any submission. See how our Residency & Visa service handles each route in practice.
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Residency Category 01
For company owners, shareholders, and investors who hold or are establishing a UAE trade licence. This 2-year renewable residency runs alongside your business activity.
You qualify if you hold a valid UAE trade licence with a shareholding or directorship interest in the licensed entity and have the relevant corporate approvals and establishment card where applicable.
Required Documents
Residency Category 02
For individuals employed by a UAE-based company and sponsored through their employer. This is the most common entry point for professionals relocating to the UAE for work.
You qualify if you have a valid UAE employment contract with a work permit or employment approval from your registered UAE employer.
Required Documents
Residency Category 03
For individual UAE property owners seeking residency through their investment, where the investment does not reach the Golden Visa threshold. Separate from the Golden Visa property category.
In Dubai, individual property owners can qualify without a minimum property value requirement, subject to ownership documentation and applicable authority conditions. Requirements for jointly owned properties may differ.
Required Documents
Residency Category 04
A renewable 10-year self-sponsored long-term residency. Not tied to any employer or active company for renewal. Eligible dependants are included. Available across six qualifying categories — each with its own eligibility criteria and documentation requirements.
Qualifying UAE real estate of AED 2 million or more. Off-plan eligible from 20% payment (Oqood + DLD documentation required). Mortgaged properties must show AED 2M paid towards the mortgage at application.
Investment or deposit of AED 2 million or more in an approved fund, company, or qualifying financial structure. Source of funds documentation required.
Level 1 or 2 professional classification. Minimum AED 30,000 per month. Minimum Bachelor's degree with MOE equivalency where the degree was issued outside the UAE.
Qualifying innovative or technology-focused business project. Requires approved incubator or competent authority recommendation and evidence of project value.
Doctors, scientists, researchers, engineers, creatives, athletes, PhD holders, and specialists in priority fields. Requirements differ significantly by category — each applicant assessed individually.
High-achieving students and recent graduates from recognised institutions meeting the applicable GPA threshold and authority endorsement criteria.
Unsure which Golden Visa category applies to your situation?
Speak to Aurum →Residency Category 05
A 5-year self-sponsored residency for skilled employees, freelancers, and investors. It is not tied to any employer for renewal — if you change jobs, your residence status is unaffected.
The Green Residency allows you to reside and work in the UAE without conventional employer sponsorship. It is available across three qualifying categories, each with its own eligibility criteria and income threshold.
5a — Skilled Employees
5b — Freelancers & Self-Employed
5c — Investors & Business Partners
Residency Category 06
A renewable 5-year retirement residency for eligible individuals. Covers eligible dependants and is renewable on the same terms.
Required Documents
Residency Category 07
For individuals employed by or running a business outside the UAE who can perform their work remotely while residing in the UAE. This route does not require forming a local company or taking up UAE employment.
Required Documents
Residency Category 08
For independent professionals, consultants, and freelancers who wish to live and work in the UAE on a self-employed basis. Eligibility varies by the selected jurisdiction and residency route.
Common requirements include a valid freelance or self-employment permit, relevant professional qualification, evidence of professional activity, and financial solvency.
Required Documents
Residency Category 09
A 10-year long-term residency for individuals with a recognised contribution to environmental protection or sustainability.
Potential qualifying categories include:
Required Documents
Residency Category 10
For students enrolled in accredited UAE educational institutions. Student residency can be obtained through an eligible sponsor or directly through a recognised institution.
Required Documents
Residency Category 11
For eligible family members of UAE residents including investors, business owners, employees, and Golden, Green, or Blue Residency holders.
Eligible dependants:
Sponsor's Documents
Dependant's Documents
Documentation
UAE government authorities do not accept foreign documents without verification. Getting attestation wrong is one of the most common reasons residency applications are rejected. Aurum conducts a pre-application document review before any submission to catch problems before they cause delays.
HRD attestation (India), Apostille (UK and Hague Convention countries), or MOFA authentication (Pakistan). Requirements vary by country and document type.
After authentication in the country of issue, most documents require attestation by the UAE Embassy or Consulate in that country confirming the preceding authentication.
UAE Ministry of Foreign Affairs attestation — the final stage before documents are accepted for UAE government procedures including residency applications.
Ministry of Education equivalency or recognition is additionally required for foreign educational qualifications used in Golden Visa and Green Residency applications. Separate from attestation.
Pre-Application Support
Getting attestation right before submission is the single most effective thing you can do to protect your application. Aurum reviews your complete document file, identifies what is missing or non-compliant, and coordinates the full attestation process before anything is filed.
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