Start your life in Dubai: Visa and ID essentials explained

Relocating to Dubai? Before you can settle in properly, you’ll need to secure your residency visa and Emirates ID — two essential documents for living and working in the UAE. Here’s how the process works and what to expect.

Sponsorship Options

Every residency visa must be backed by a sponsor. Depending on your situation, this could be:

Your employer
A spouse or parent (for family sponsorship)
Yourself, if you own a UAE-based business and apply for an Investor Visa

Step-by-Step Process

Once your entry permit is issued, the process usually follows this order:

Medical fitness test
Emirates ID application
Visa stamped into your passport

The full process typically takes 7 to 14 working days.

Medical Test Centres Near Tilal Al Ghaf

There are several government-approved facilities close to the community:

Smart Salem, City Walk – the quickest option with pre-booked appointments
Al Barsha Medical Fitness Centre
Nad Al Sheba Medical Fitness Centre

What It Costs

If your employer doesn’t cover the visa, expect to pay AED 1,000 to AED 2,500 for the full procedure, including medical tests and ID registration.

Why the Emirates ID Matters

This card is your official proof of identity in the UAE — used for everything from daily admin to financial and legal matters. You’ll need it to:

Open a bank account
Register a mobile number
Rent a home
Apply for a driving licence

Once issued, your card will be available for collection at Emirates Post.

How Long It Lasts

Most residency visas and Emirates IDs are valid for 2 years. However, some categories (such as investors or golden visa holders) may qualify for 3 or even 10 years.