A longer future in the UAE.
Explore the main routes to long-term residence and calculate a planning estimate for yourself and your family.
Five ways to plan long-term residency.
This is a preliminary guide. Immigration assesses the complete application.
Choose the right qualification route
Property investment, qualifying business investment, eligible professional employment and other recognised categories can lead to long-term residence. The evidence required changes between categories and issuing authorities. A property value or salary figure alone does not confirm eligibility; the complete application must satisfy the relevant conditions.
- Property owner
- Business investor
- Eligible professional
- Qualifying deposit
- Family dependant
Build the evidence before applying
Start with your passport, current residence details and the documents that demonstrate your qualifying route. Professional applications may require attested qualifications and employment evidence; investment applications need ownership and financial records. Ask which authority will handle the application before obtaining additional certificates.
Understand the total budget
The estimator separates indicative government transactions from additional services. Medical fitness, Emirates ID, nomination, immigration steps and dependant applications may be separate charges. Insurance, translation, attestation and an existing visa cancellation can affect the final amount. Obtain an itemised written quote before authorising work.
Bring your family into the plan
Eligible dependants have their own document and processing requirements. Prepare relationship certificates early, check names across passports and certificates, and establish the intended application order. An approval for the main applicant does not automatically complete every dependant application.
Documents you need
Tick off the documents as you prepare them. Your checklist is kept only on this page.
Common questions.
Does the calculator confirm eligibility?
No. It supports budgeting. Eligibility and approval depend on the authority reviewing your supporting evidence.
Can I include family members?
Family sponsorship is available for eligible holders, subject to relationship documents and the applicable conditions.
Should I cancel my current visa first?
Ask for a confirmed application sequence. Cancelling too early can create a gap in your lawful stay.
Choose your next step.
Your plans. Our attention.
Speak to Harf about the documents, route and next steps for your case.