Investor, freelance or Golden Visa: what are the best residency options in 2025 to live and work in Dubai or the UAE? Here’s the complete guide to understanding your visa path.

1. Investor Visa: For Business Owners & Shareholders

💼 Who is it for?
Founders or shareholders of a UAE-based company

📅 Duration: 2 to 3 years (renewable)
💳 Average cost: AED 4,000 to 8,000 depending on Freezone or Mainland
🔹 Benefits: Access to Emirates ID, housing, bank account, and driving license

2. Freelance Visa: For Independent Professionals

📚 Ideal for: freelancers such as consultants, creatives, developers, designers, etc.
🌐 Where to apply: Available through specific Freezones like Dubai Media City or SPC
💶 Average cost: AED 3,500 to 6,000
📊 Important: Required if you plan to invoice clients within the UAE

3. Golden Visa: Long-Term Residency for Investors & Talent

🌟 Who is it for?
Real estate investors, entrepreneurs, researchers, high-salary employees, and other highly skilled profiles

📅 Duration: 10 years
💰 Eligibility criteria:

• Property investment worth at least AED 2 million (mortgage-free)

• OR a monthly salary of at least AED 30,000

• OR owning a business license (Golden Visa package starting from AED 60,000 via SLM)

🔹 Advantages: Ability to sponsor family, long-term stability, fewer renewals

4. Comparing the Main UAE Professional Visas

Investor Visa
This visa is valid for 2 to 3 years and is designed for individuals who own or hold shares in a UAE-based company. The average cost ranges between AED 4,000 and AED 8,000, depending on whether the company is registered in a Freezone or the Mainland. It’s ideal for entrepreneurs and business owners who want to establish themselves in the UAE.

Freelance Visa
Valid for 1 to 2 years, this visa targets independent professionals such as consultants, creatives, and tech specialists. It is one of the most affordable professional visas, with an average cost between AED 3,500 and AED 6,000. It’s the right option if you’re self-employed and plan to invoice clients in the UAE.

Golden Visa
This long-term visa offers 10 years of residency and is aimed at high-net-worth individuals or highly skilled professionals. You can qualify by investing at least AED 2 million in real estate (mortgage-free), earning a salary of AED 30,000 or more, or holding a business license with a full Golden Visa setup (starting from AED 60,000 via SLM). It’s ideal for those seeking long-term stability and family sponsorship.

5. How SLM Consultants Can Help You

✅ Help you choose the right visa based on your background and goals
✅ Manage all steps: business license, visa application, Emirates ID
✅ Provide complete Golden Visa packages (property, salary-based, or business-based)
✅ Support with health insurance, bank account setup, housing and more

📩 Contact us today for a free consultation: hello@slmconsultants.com
📞 WhatsApp us: +971 50 680 2887