Employment Visa Services in the UAE

Comprehensive Guide to UAE Residency Visas:

What is a UAE Residence Visa?

A UAE Residence Visa allows foreign nationals to live, work, study, or invest in the UAE for an extended period (usually 2–10 years, depending on the type of visa).
It’s a mandatory legal requirement for all non-GCC nationals planning to stay in the UAE for more than just a visit.

Obtaining a UAE Residency Visa

In the United Arab Emirates, a residency visa is a legal requirement for all foreign nationals—except citizens of the UAE and GCC countries—who wish to live, work, or invest in Dubai or other emirates.

For many expatriates, the residence visa is sponsored by their employer. However, if you’re an entrepreneur or investor, you also have the option to set up your own company—either in a Free Zone or as a Local LLC—and obtain a residency visa as the business owner.

Brightlink Consulting can help you with all visa services in Dubai. Get in touch with our team today.

Why Is a UAE Residence Visa Important?

A valid residence visa is essential to access many key services in the UAE, including:

Whether you’re relocating for work, setting up a business, or sponsoring your family, having the right visa is your first step toward building a secure and successful life in the UAE.

Key UAE Residency Visa Types:

• Employment Visa – Sponsored by a UAE-registered company
• Investor/Partner Visa – For business owners or shareholders
• Freelance Visa – For independent professionals in approved sectors
• Family Visa – To sponsor spouse, children, and sometimes parents
• Golden Visa – 5 or 10-year residency for investors, professionals, and talents
• Green Visa – 5-year visa for skilled workers, freelancers, and entrepreneurs
• Retirement Visa – For retirees aged 55+ with sufficient financial resources
• Student Visa – Sponsored by a UAE educational institution
• Remote Work Visa – For individuals employed by companies outside the UAE
• Blue Visa – 10-year visa for environmental and sustainability professionals

General Requirements:

• Valid passport (6+ months)
• UAE entry permit or previous visa copy
• Medical fitness test results
• Emirates ID registration and biometrics
• Health insurance
• Sponsor documents (employer, family, or business license)

Benefits of UAE Residency:

• Legal stay and freedom to live in any emirate
• Open bank accounts and buy property
• Access to healthcare and education
• Sponsor family members
• Apply for UAE driving license
• Travel flexibility and visa-free/visa-on-arrival access to several countries
• Eligibility for long-term visas like the Golden, Green, or Blue Visa

Brightlink Management Consultancy – Your Visa Experts

At Brightlink, we offer end-to-end residency visa solutions, handling everything from eligibility assessment and documentation to visa stamping and renewals. With expert knowledge of UAE immigration law and a commitment to client satisfaction, we make the visa process smooth, fast, and stress-free.

Get in touch with Brightlink today and let us help you secure your future in the UAE.

ILOE Insurance & Free Zone Employees

Is ILOE Insurance Mandatory for Free Zone Employees in the UAE?

As of 2025, employees working in UAE Free Zones are exempt from the mandatory Involuntary Loss of Employment (ILOE) insurance scheme, with the exception of employees based in the Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC).

Key Information:

• Not Mandatory: If you are employed under a Free Zone visa (e.g., JAFZA, DMCC, DAFZA, SHAMS, RAKEZ, etc.), you are not required to subscribe to the ILOE scheme.
• DIFC Exception: Employees working in DIFC must enroll in the ILOE scheme as part of their employment visa compliance.
• Voluntary Enrollment: Free Zone employees may still choose to enroll voluntarily in ILOE by selecting the “Non-Registered in MOHRE” option via the official ILOE portal.
• No Employer Obligation: Employers in Free Zones are not obligated to register their staff for ILOE.
• Impact of Non-Subscription: While optional, not having ILOE may affect your eligibility for unemployment benefits or future job transitions within mainland entities.

At Brightlink Management Consultancy, we stay updated on UAE labor and visa regulations to provide accurate guidance for your business or employment needs. Contact us if you’re unsure whether ILOE applies to your visa type.