Apply for a UAE Residence Visa in 5 Minutes (Updated Guide, 2025)
January 19, 2023
September 24, 2025
September 10, 2024
September 24, 2025
Topic Summary
1. Seamless Integration with Trade License Issuance
Meydan Free Zone enables applicants to commence their UAE residence visa application immediately after obtaining their trade license, streamlining the overall process and reducing waiting times significantly.
2. Fully Digital Application Platform
The entire residence visa application is conducted through Meydan’s secure online portal, allowing you to submit all necessary documents and track your application status conveniently from any location.
3. Comprehensive End-to-End Support
Applicants benefit from dedicated support throughout the visa process, including assistance with entry permits, medical examinations, Emirates ID registration, and final visa stamping, ensuring a hassle-free experience.
4. Inclusive for Various Applicant Profiles
Whether you are establishing a new business, operating as a solopreneur, or relocating with dependents, Meydan Free Zone caters to diverse applicant needs, facilitating a swift and efficient visa issuance.
5. Compliance with Updated Regulatory Standards
The 2025 process aligns with the latest UAE immigration guidelines, guaranteeing that all applications meet legal requirements while enabling expedited processing times within Meydan Free Zone’s jurisdiction.
Getting a UAE residence visa is now faster and more accessible than ever.
Whether you’re setting up a company, working as a solopreneur, or relocating with your family, you can now start your residence visa application in just 5 minutes through Meydan Free Zone — right after your trade license is issued.
With a fully digital platform and end-to-end support, Meydan Free Zone simplifies the process from entry permit to Emirates ID, helping you live and work in Dubai legally — with zero paperwork or delays.
Types of Residence Visas in the UAE
The types of residence visas in UAE include:
- Investor/Partner Visa – for business owners or shareholders of UAE companies
- Employment Visa – for professionals working under a UAE company
- Dependent Visa – for sponsoring spouse, children, or domestic help
- Golden Visa – for high-net-worth individuals, skilled talent, and property investors
Meydan Free Zone issues Investor Visas, and also supports dependent visa processing under the same license.
UAE Residence Visa Application Process with Meydan Free Zone
Once your trade license is issued through Meydan Free Zone, you can begin your visa process immediately. In fact, you can complete the visa application submission in just 5 minutes via your Meydan Free Zone digital dashboard.
Here’s what the process looks like:
- Business Setup Completion
Your trade license is issued through Meydan Free Zone. - Entry Permit or Status Change
- Outside UAE: An entrypermit is issued.
- Inside UAE: A status change is applied to switch visa status.
- Medical Test & Emirates ID Biometrics
You complete your medical fitness test and Emirates ID biometric submission. - Visa Stamping
Once cleared, your passport is stamped with the residence visa. - Emirates ID Issuance
Your Emirates ID card is delivered, completing your residency.
The entire process is digitally managed via Meydan Free Zone’s visa support platform — no in-person paperwork, no third-party agents.
Get a Residence Visa in Dubai With Meydan Free Zone
To apply for a residence visa through Meydan Free Zone, you must:
- Be a shareholder, licensed solopreneur, or employee under a UAE business
- Hold a valid trade license
- Apply through an authorised platform (such as a free zone or immigration channel)
Once your license is live, you can submit your visa application within 5 minutes using Meydan Free Zone’s secure digital system. You’ll then be guided through each step until your Emirates ID is in hand.
Residency Visa Requirements in the UAE
Here are the key residency visa requirements in the UAE:
- Valid UAE trade license
- Passport with a minimum 6-month validity
- Passport-sized photo (white background)
- Entry permit (for applicants outside UAE) or status change request
- Medical fitness test (blood test and X-ray)
- Emirates ID biometric submission
- Proof of relationship for dependents (marriage certificate, birth certificate)
- Valid tenancy contract and salary certificate (for dependent sponsorship)
Documents Needed for a UAE Residence Visa
To apply, prepare the following documents needed for UAE residence visa:
- Passport copy
- Passport photo
- Trade license copy
- Entry permit or visa cancellation document
- Emirates ID form
- Medical test report
- Tenancy contract (Ejari) for dependents
- Relationship documents (attested)
All documents must be valid and can be submitted electronically through Meydan Free Zone’s secure platform.
Residence Visa Processing Time in the UAE
The average residence visa processing time in the UAE is 5 to 7 working days, but it can be faster with priority service.
But the application itself takes just 5 minutes — submitted digitally via our dashboard once your license is issued.
Cost of Residence Visa in Dubai
The cost of a residence visa in Dubai depends on:
- Visa duration (2 years or 3 years)
- Whether you are inside or outside the UAE
- Add-ons like express processing or dependent sponsorship
- Government fees (entry permit, Emirates ID, medical test, visa stamping)
Meydan Free Zone offers flexible visa options tailored to individuals and families. Prices vary, so we recommend requesting a custom quote through our team.
Sponsoring Dependents with Your Visa
Once your visa is approved, you can sponsor your:
- Spouse
- Children under the age of 18 (or daughters up to marriage age)
- Parents (with additional documentation and salary proof)
- Domestic staff (maids, drivers, etc.)
To apply for a dependent visa, you need:
- A stamped residence visa
- Emirates ID
- Salary certificate or business license showing sufficient income
- Attested relationship certificates
- Valid tenancy contract
Meydan Free Zone provides full support for dependent visa applications, ensuring your family or household staff can reside in the UAE legally.
FAQs
1. How long does it take to apply for a residence visa?
Once your license is issued, you can apply in just 5 minutes via Meydan Free Zone’s digital dashboard. Full processing takes 5–7 working days.
2. What types of residence visas are available in the UAE?
Investor visa, employment visa, freelance visa, dependent visa, and the long-term Golden Visa.
3. Do I need a job to get a UAE visa?
No. You can apply for an investor visa by registering your own business with Meydan Free Zone.
4. Can I sponsor my family?
Yes. Once your own investor visa is active, you can sponsor your spouse, children, and eligible dependents.
5. How much does a UAE residence visa cost?
Costs vary based on visa type and duration. Contact Meydan Free Zone for a personalised quote.
6. Can I apply from outside the UAE?
Yes. Meydan Free Zone issues entry permits for international clients and completes the process after arrival.
7. Do I need a trade license to get a visa?
Yes — investor visas require a valid UAE trade license.
8. What happens if my visa expires?
You’ll need to renew it before the expiry date. Fines apply for overstays. Meydan Free Zone provides renewal reminders and support.
9. Do I get an Emirates ID?
Yes. Your Emirates ID is included in the visa process and is your official residency proof.
10. Is Meydan Free Zone authorised to issue visas?
Yes. Meydan Free Zone is a fully licensed government entity with direct access to UAE immigration and visa systems.
.jpeg)