Silver Visa UAE

The Silver Visa targets a broader audience including retirees, high-achieving students, and entrepreneurs, offering long-term residency with family sponsorship and flexible living conditions.

Introduction to the Silver Visa UAE

The Silver Visa UAE is a long-term residency permit aimed at skilled professionals, entrepreneurs, and investors seeking stability and the freedom to live and work in the UAE without the need for a local sponsor. Typically valid for 5 years, the Silver Visa offers holders various benefits including the ability to sponsor family members and easier access to UAE services.

Designed to attract talent and investment, the Silver Visa supports the UAE’s vision of economic diversification and innovation by welcoming qualified individuals and business owners.

Experience secure, long-term residency in the UAE with confidence—our reliable Silver Visa services empower skilled professionals, entrepreneurs, investors, and retirees to live, work, and prosper with ease.

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Silver Visa UAE Benefits

  • 5-Year Renewable Residency
  • No Local Sponsor Required
  • Family Sponsorship
  • Access to UAE Services
  • Flexibility to Work and Invest
  • Grace Period
  • Attractive for Retirees
  • Support for High Achievers
  • Multiple Entry and Exit
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Step-by-Step Guide to Silver Visa UAE

Whether you’re an experienced professional, entrepreneur, or investor seeking the UAE Silver Visa, this guide will lead you through each stage of the application journey:


Step 1: Check Your Eligibility

Review the Silver Visa eligibility criteria to confirm you qualify as a skilled professional, investor, entrepreneur, retiree, or high-achieving student.

Step 2: Gather Required Documents

Prepare essential documents such as your valid passport, educational certificates, proof of investment or business ownership, salary statements, medical fitness certificates, and health insurance.

Step 3: Submit Your Application

Apply through:
1) The ICP (Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs & Port Security)
2) GDRFA (for Dubai-based applicants)
Brightlink can handle this entire process on your behalf.

Step 4: Undergo Medical Fitness Test

Complete the mandatory medical examination at an authorized health center in the UAE.

Step 5: Biometric Data Collection

Attend biometric registration for your Emirates ID, including fingerprinting and photography.

Step 6: Visa Approval and Residency Stamping

Once approved, your Silver Visa E-residency will be stamped in your passport.

Step 7: Collect Emirates ID Card

After processing, collect your Emirates ID card, which serves as your official residency identification.

Step 8: Family Sponsorship (Optional)

If you intend to sponsor your family, submit their applications along with necessary documents and follow a similar process for their medical tests and Emirates ID.

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Get Your UAE Silver Visa with Ease!

Complete Guide to the UAE Silver Visa (2025)

The UAE Silver Visa is a long-term residency permit designed to attract skilled professionals, investors, entrepreneurs, retirees, and talented students to the UAE. It offers stability, freedom from local sponsorship, and the ability to sponsor family members, making it an attractive option for those seeking to live, work, and invest in the UAE.

What is the Silver Visa UAE?

The Silver Visa grants a 5-year renewable residency without requiring a local sponsor. It is part of the UAE’s strategy to encourage economic diversification, innovation, and long-term settlement by welcoming a broad range of applicants including investors, entrepreneurs, and high-performing individuals.

Eligibility Criteria:

The Silver Visa is available for:

1. Skilled Professionals

  • Minimum monthly salary of AED 15,000 or above
  • Relevant educational qualifications and work experience
  • Employment in sectors contributing to UAE’s economic development

2. Investors and Entrepreneurs

  • Investment of at least AED 1 million in property or business in the UAE
  • Valid commercial license or property ownership documents
  • Commitment to retain investment for a minimum period (usually 3 years)

3. Retirees

  • Age 55 or above
  • Investment of AED 1 million in property or a pension fund of AED 500,000
  • Proof of income or savings to support living expenses

4. High-Achieving Students

  • Exceptional academic records at high school or university level
  • Endorsement from educational institutions

Benefits of the Silver Visa UAE

  • Long-Term Residency:
    • Valid for 5 years, renewable without leaving the UAE.
  • No Local Sponsor Required:
    • Freedom to live and work independently.
  • Family Sponsorship:
    • Ability to sponsor spouse, children, and in some cases, parents.
  • Access to UAE Services:
    • Eligibility for healthcare, education, banking, and other government services.
  • Flexibility to Work and Invest:
    • Start or manage businesses, invest, or pursue professional activities freely.
  • Grace Period:
    • Up to 6 months to renew or change visa status without exiting the UAE.

Required Documents

  • Valid passport with minimum 6 months validity
  • Passport-size photos
  • Proof of investment or business ownership (if applicable)
  • Salary certificates or bank statements (for professionals)
  • Educational certificates attested by UAE authorities
  • Medical fitness certificate
  • Health insurance policy valid in the UAE
  • Proof of income or savings (for retirees)

Step-by-Step Application Process

  1. Verify Eligibility: Confirm you meet Silver Visa criteria based on your category.
  2. Prepare Documents: Collect and attest all necessary documents.
  3. Submit Application: Apply via the Federal Authority for Identity and Citizenship (ICP) or the General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs (GDRFA).
  4. Medical Examination: Undergo a medical fitness test at an authorized UAE health center.
  5. Biometric Registration: Attend biometric data collection for Emirates ID.
  6. Visa Approval: Await approval and visa stamping on your passport.
  7. Collect Emirates ID: Once issued, collect your Emirates ID card.
  8. Family Sponsorship (Optional): Apply to sponsor eligible family members following a similar process.

Difference Between Silver Visa and Green Visa UAE

FeatureSilver Visa UAEGreen Visa UAE
Residency Duration5 years, renewable5 years, renewable
EligibilitySkilled professionals, investors, entrepreneurs, retirees, high-performing studentsSkilled employees, freelancers, investors
Minimum Salary RequirementUsually AED 15,000+ (for professionals)AED 15,000+ monthly for skilled workers
Investment RequirementAED 1 million+ in real estate or businessInvestment generally not required except for investors
Target GroupsBroader—includes retirees, students, entrepreneurs, investors, and skilled workersMore focused on skilled workers, freelancers, and investors
Family SponsorshipYes—spouse, children, and in some cases parentsYes—spouse, children (up to 25 for sons), and children of determination
Grace Period After CancellationTypically 6 monthsTypically 6 months
Work FlexibilityCan work, start businesses, or investGreater job mobility, freelancers can work without employer sponsorship
PurposeAttracts a wider pool including retirees and students for long-term stayFocuses more on skilled labor market and entrepreneurial activities
Application ProcessThrough ICP, GDRFA, and free zonesThrough ICP, GDRFA, and free zones

Summary

  • The Silver Visa targets a broader audience including retirees, high-achieving students, and entrepreneurs, offering long-term residency with family sponsorship and flexible living conditions.
  • The Green Visa is designed primarily for skilled professionals, freelancers, and investors, focusing on self-sponsorship and work flexibility without requiring a local sponsor.

Cost Breakdown for Silver Visa (Estimated 2025)

ServiceEstimated Cost (AED)
Entry Permit200 – 720
Medical Fitness Test300 – 500
Emirates ID Registration575 – 1,500
Residence Visa Stamping (5 years)500 – 1,000
Health Insurance (annual)800 – 3,000+
Document Attestation150 – 300 per document
Government Fees100 – 200
Total Estimated Cost Range2,625 – 7,220+

How Brightlink Can Help You with Your Silver Visa

  • Comprehensive eligibility assessment and personalized guidance
  • Document verification and attestation assistance
  • Application submission and follow-up with UAE immigration authorities
  • Coordination of medical fitness tests and Emirates ID biometrics
  • Family sponsorship processing
  • Transparent pricing with no hidden fees
  • Ongoing support throughout the visa duration and renewals

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Frequently Asked Questions: Silver Visa UAE

The UAE Silver Visa is a 5-year renewable residency permit designed for investors, entrepreneurs, skilled professionals, retirees, and high-achieving students. It allows holders to live, work, and invest in the UAE without the need for a local sponsor.

Eligibility varies by category:

  • Investors:
    • Minimum investment of AED 1 million in real estate or AED 500,000 in a business.
  • Entrepreneurs:
    • Ownership or partnership in a UAE-based business generating at least AED 1 million in annual revenue.
  • Skilled Professionals:
    • Employment in sectors like medicine, engineering, IT, or education with a minimum monthly salary of AED 15,000.
  • Retirees:
    • Aged 55 or above with an investment of at least AED 500,000 in a pension fund or property.
  • High-Achieving Students:
    • Exceptional academic records, such as a 95%+ in high school or a GPA of 3.75+ in university.

The Silver Visa is valid for 5 years and is renewable upon meeting the eligibility criteria.

Yes, Silver Visa holders can sponsor their spouse, children, and, in some cases, parents.

No, the Silver Visa is a self-sponsored residency permit, eliminating the need for a local sponsor or employer.

Financial requirements vary by category:

  • Investors: AED 1 million in real estate or AED 500,000 in a business.
  • Entrepreneurs: Business generating at least AED 1 million in annual revenue.
  • Skilled Professionals: Minimum monthly salary of AED 15,000.
  • Retirees: Investment of at least AED 500,000 in a pension fund or property.
  • High-Achieving Students: Exceptional academic records.

Applications can be submitted through the Federal Authority for Identity and Citizenship (ICP) website, the Dubai General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs (GDRFA) portal, or through free zone authorities for freelancers and entrepreneurs. Applying through Brightlink ensures a faster, smoother process with expert guidance every step of the way.

Yes, if you meet the eligibility criteria for the Golden Visa, such as a higher salary, increased investment, or exceptional achievements, you can apply for an upgrade.

The cost varies depending on the category but typically ranges from AED 4,000 to AED 7,000, covering processing fees, medical tests, and Emirates ID issuance.

With expert guidance and support, the average processing time is 7-30 days. However, this may vary based on individual cases and additional checks required.

Apply for Your Silver Visa Today with Brightlink!
Your Reliable Partner for Long-Term Residency Solutions in the UAE