Travel Tips
02 Apr, 2025
Can I Buy My Own Visa in Dubai?

Dubai’s growing economy and luxurious lifestyle attract many people from around the world. And lots of people want to live there while also having amazing opportunities. Whether you are an entrepreneur, freelancer, investor, business person, or property owner, you are eligible to live and thrive in Dubai. However, you need to make sure that you do whatever you do legally in Dubai.
I know what you’ll be thinking right now. Can I buy my own visa in Dubai is a serious query that demands a detailed answer. Let me share a secret with you here. Dubai has various visa options that can be chosen according to your preference. Because well, Dubai has made it easier to secure long-term residency. So, are you ready to have your own visa in Dubai? Then read this article till the end.
Can I Buy My Own Visa in Dubai?
Yes, you can buy your own visa in Dubai. To be honest, these visas are known as self-sponsored visas and allows individuals to live and work in the UAE without having any sponsorship. However, you have to choose your desired visa and meet the specific requirements.
Types of Visas Available for Self-Sponsorship
Dubai offers various self-sponsored visas for talented individuals. Additionally, you need to meet with the eligibility criteria to obtain your desired visa. Yes, you heard it right. It gets better with having all the benefits and perks. Here’s the list that can be your own visa:
Investor Visa
The investor visa of Dubai allows people to have residency in Dubai by investing in a business. But do you know that this visa is also known as the partner visa? But wait, let me tell you something. You must have to invest in UAE to obtain this visa either through starting your own company or investing in an existing one. However, this visa is valid till 3 years and can easily renewed. And the best part is that this visa gives you access to various opportunities.
Freelance Visa
The freelance visa in Dubai is a great deal for independent professionals who loves to work on their own terms. Think about it having to live and work in the UAE without needing any company’s sponsor. Isn’t it amazing? However, freelance visas are usually issued through free zones such as Dubai Media City and Dubai Internet City. We are not through yet. This visa is a short term visa and is valid for only 1 to 3 years. And the best part is that freelancers can sponsor their family members in Dubai with this visa.
Golden Visa
The golden visa is the long-term visa available in Dubai. In case you might be asking yourself. This is the only visa that offers 5 to 10 years plan. Moreover, golden visa is more ideal for investors, entreprenuers and skilled professionals who are passionate about their field and want to have a home in Dubai. And it doesn’t stop there. You get the benefits like business flexibility, family sponsorship and self-sponsorship. Simply put, make sure that you meet with the financial criteria.
Green Visa
The green visa is a self-sponsored visa that opens residency options for you in Dubai. However, this visa is typically for the workers and entrepreneurs. Meanwhile, green visa has only 5 year validity. And the best part is that you do not need any employer or sponsor to have this visa. Moreover, you can also easily sponsor your family members through this visa. Do you know that you have to be a professional in your specific field.
Property Investor Visa
The property investor visa in Dubai gives you access to residency in UAE. But wait, the residency only grants to the people who invest in real estate. And the good news? This visa offers you 2, 5 or 10 years of visa depending on your investment amount. In case you might be asking yourself. You must need to purchase property worth starting from AED 750,000. Nevertheless, this visa allows you to live in Dubai freely and you can also sponsor family members, and renew your residency as long as the investment is maintained.
Eligibility Criteria for Self-Sponsored Visas in Dubai
Eligibility criteria for self-sponsored visa in Dubai varies according to the visa types. However, some things are confirmed such as meeting with financial, professional and investment criteria. In case you might be asking yourself. These things are important for every visa type that can’t be missed.
Golden visa applicants must be investors, skilled professionals, or talented in a specific field.
Green visa applicants must be freelancers, entrepreneurs, and skilled workers in their field.
Freelance visa applicants must have expertise in their field along with good qualifications.
Investor visa applicants must have a valid business investment.
That’s it. Otherwise there are also other things that are almost same yet important. Moreover, make sure that you do not have any criminal record, have valid health insurance and proof of financial stability.
Application Procedure and Fee Guide for Self-Sponsored Visas
The application procedure for self-sponsored visa in Dubai is easier and dependents on the visa type you choose. However, you can apply for your visa through a free zone authority and submit all the required documents. You’ll need:
Emirates ID registration
Passport
Proof of funds
Qualifications
Visa stamping
Medical fitness test
But wait, there is more. It is important to check the required documents and stuff before submitting your application. Moreover, the fee is different for each visa such as Golden visa costs you around AED 2800, Freelance visa costs around AED 7500, Green visa costs around AED 2280, and investor visa costs around AED 15000. Lastly the additional costs can also be included.
Renewal and Cancellation
Like every other visa, self-sponsored visa also has its renewal and cancellation policies along with eligibility criteria. Moreover, the renewal procedure typically requires proof that the applicant still meets the eligibility criteria even after spending previous years in the UAE. Additionally, you have submit your updated documents, undergo from medical test and renew their Emirates ID and health insurance.
Meanwhile, you need to apply through the General Directorate of Residency and Foreigner Affairs (GDRFA). Moreover, you have to clear all your dues and cancel any dependent visa if applicable. Remember that overstaying after visa expiration leads you to fines and other serious consequences.
Benefits of Having your Own Visa in Dubai
Having your own visa offers unlimited advantages. In case you might be asking yourself. That includes complete independence along with flexibility. Moreover, self-sponsored visas provide long term residency with renewal options. And the good news? You can even get to sponsor your family members with your sponsored visa.
On the other hand, investors and freelancers gain access to Dubai’s growing business environment without any corporate restrictions. Additionally, visa holders can enjoy banking privileges, access to health care, and more. To be honest, with no need for a company sponsor, you get the full control over residency and professional opportunities.
FAQs
Can I get a visa in Dubai without a sponsor?
Yes, you can get a visa in Dubai without a sponsor. Additionall,y these visas are known as self-sponsored visas andincludesvarioust visas that can be chosen according to your needs.
How long is a self-sponsored visa valid?
Self-sponsored visas are normally valid for 2, 5, or 10 years. Moreover, the duration depends on the visa type you choose. However, the best part is that all self-sponsored visas are renewable.
Can I work in Dubai with a self-sponsored visa?
Yes, you can work with a freelance and green visa of yours in Dubai. Additionally, having these visas is so important to work legally in Dubai.
What happens if my self-sponsored visa expires?
It is best to renew your visa before the expiry date. However, if you miss then you have to pay the overstay fines in Dubai. Moreover, the UAE offers 30 to 60 days to renew or cancel your visa.