Silver Visa UAE: Eligibility, Benefits, Cost & How to Apply

Introduction:

The UAE is a dream destination for professionals. As its popularity increases, the country is making efforts to expand residency options. These options are beyond short-term visas. It gives foreigners more stability and flexibility. Among those options, Silver Visa UAE offers a mid-tier long-term residency. The visa is designed for skilled professionals. Plus, property investors and business owners can also benefit from it. Specifically, one who wants to build a future in the country. They don’t even need to commit to ultra-high investment thresholds.

We’ve written this guide to provide detailed insight into the topic. We explain:

• What the Silver Visa UAE is
• Who qualifies
• How much does it cost, and
• How to apply

Get the latest information about this visa. This article will answer all your questions. Helping you plan your journey in the UAE for the long term.

Silver Visa UAE Explained:

Understand the Silver Visa for the UAE in detail, along it’s definition, purpose, and comparison with other residency visas.

Definition & purpose of the Visa:

The Silver Visa UAE is a renewable residence visa for five years. The visa give permit to foreign nationals to live and work. Under the visa, they are allowed to make an investment and sponsor their family members in the UAE. It sits between a standard residence visa and the Golden Visa. Professionals enjoy long-term stability. The visa has no high financial requirements.

The UAE Silver Residency Visa’s main purpose is to:

• Retain skilled talent
• Encourage property investment, and
• Support entrepreneurship

What do Silver Visa holders UAE mean?

The Silver Visa holders in the UAE are residents of the UAE. Those who legally hold this five-year residency status. The holders enjoy more flexibility than regular visa holders. They can avail of many facilities, including:

• Easier job mobility
• Business setup opportunities, and
• Family sponsorship privileges.

Difference between Silver Visa and UAE residence visas

Here’s the detailed comparison of a Silver visa and other UAE regular visas.

If you’re looking for longer stability and independence, the Silver visa is best suited for your needs. The visa offers unmatched freedoms as compared to standard residence visas.

Why the UAE Introduced the Silver Visa?

The UAE keeps on upgrading its residency visa options. The Silver visa is a remarkable inclusion among them. But why is there a need to upgrade? Explore this in detail.

UAE’s long-term residency & talent-retention vision:

The introduction of the Silver Visa is the UAE’s part of its economic strategy. The reason behind its launch is to attract mid-level investors. The qualified professionals and growing entrepreneurs are also welcome to obtain it. The goal behind it is to keep experienced individuals in the country longer. Hoping this visa strengthens sectors such as:

• Technology
• Healthcare
• Real estate, and
• Innovation.

How does it fit into the Golden & Silver Visa UAE system?

The Golden and Silver Visa UAE system works as a tiered residency framework. The Golden Visa can be obtained for 10 years. The visa requires high investment or exceptional talent. On the other hand, a Silver Visa is for 5 years. To apply for it, you need a moderate investment or a professional qualification. This structure allows more people to qualify for long-term residency. Under which, they don’t even have to meet Golden Visa-level assets.

Key Advantages of the Silver Visa UAE:

Now, we discuss the main benefits of having the Silver visa for the UAE.

Long-term residency & legal stability

Five-year residency with renewal is the biggest benefit of the Silver visa. As a Silver Visa holder, you’ll gain long-term peace of mind. You do not need to worry about frequent visa renewals or sudden cancellations. Everyone wants to achieve this comfort level in life.

Job flexibility & business opportunities:

Silver Visa holders UAE can change jobs without employer sponsorship issues. They are open to starting a business or investing in one they’re interested in. Even applying for trade licenses and freelancing legally has become easy for them. This flexibility is valuable for professionals and entrepreneurs.

Lifestyle benefits: Healthcare, education, banking, family stay

The Silver Residency Visa in hand can let you open UAE bank accounts easily. You can access healthcare and insurance services. Enrolling children in schools is possible through this visa. Sponsoring family members is no longer a headache. With this visa, you can do it without any problem. Simply put, it supports a complete lifestyle in the UAE.

Silver Visa UAE Eligibility Criteria

After understanding the Silver visa purpose and key advantages, discover its eligibility criteria that you’re required to meet.

Silver Visa UAE eligibility:

The eligibility of the Silver visa depends on your category. The United Arab Emirates focuses on individuals who are worthy.  Individuals who can contribute economically, professionally, or through investment.

Silver Visa UAE salary requirements:

The minimum UAE salary requirement is usually 20,000 dirhams per month for skilled professionals. Dubai’s salary requirement is around 15,000 dirhams. The requirement is supported by a job contract and qualifications.

Eligibility for professionals, investors, & entrepreneurs:

But who is eligible for the visa? The eligible applicants mostly include property investors, skilled professionals, entrepreneurs, and business owners. Note that each category has different documentation requirements that you must need to fulfill.

Eligibility Categories for the UAE Silver Visa:

Eligibility for the Silver visa depends on the applicant’s professional background and investment status. Let’s discover the eligible categories that can apply for the Silver visa. 

Property investors & Silver Visa UAE property route:

Applicants qualify if they show savings of 1 million dirhams or more in the UAE. They must hold the savings for a minimum required period to qualify for the Silver visa. Moreover, a property investor should own residential or commercial property of 750,000 dirhams. This route is popular among long-term real estate investors.

Skilled professionals & specialists:

Professionals in IT and technology, Engineering, Healthcare, and Science and research sectors must show their recognized qualifications and income stability. It is needed to show if they’re eligible for the visa or not.

They must hold a valid employment contract in the UAE. Earning a minimum salary of 15,000 dirhams per month qualifies them.

Entrepreneurs & business owners:

Business owners qualify if they own a licensed UAE business. Showing financial stability and compliance will make them eligible. If they contribute to employment or innovation, it also increases their chances of getting the Silver visa.

Silver Visa UAE Requirements:

You must be 18 or older to apply for the visa. Make sure you have a clean criminal record in the UAE and your residence country. For instance, more essentials are described for the Silver visa below:

Complete the UAE Silver Visa requirements checklist:

You’ll need the following documents for the Silver visa.

• Valid passport
• Passport-size photographs
• Medical fitness certificate
• Health insurance
• Proof of income or investment

Passport, medical fitness, insurance, & education documents:

Applicants must submit:

• Valid passport (6 months validity)
• UAE medical test results
• Health insurance policy
• Degree certificates (for professionals)

Attestation & compliance requirements:

Educational documents usually require MOFA or embassy attestation. This is especially needed for professional applicants.

Process to Apply for Silver Visa UAE:

The steps involved in the process are discussed below in detail.

Silver Visa UAE application process steps

Start by:

1. Confirm eligibility
2. Prepare documents
3. Apply via the UAE portal
4. Complete medical test
5. Pay visa fees
6. Receive Emirates ID

How to apply for Silver Visa UAE online

Three different methods through which you can apply for the visa. You can apply through the ICP Smart Services portal and the GDRFA Dubai official website. There is an alternate way to do so. You can contact an authorized PRO or a consultancy service. They help you with the visa process. However, if you need fast approval, go for online applications. They are faster and more reliable.

Silver Visa UAE Cost & Government Fees:

The Silver visa costs you around 2,500 to 7000 + dirhams. The government fee included in this cost is 100 to 200 dirhams. The detailed breakdown of the cost is as follows.

Silver Visa UAE price & fee:

Expect to spend 2,500 to 7000 + dirhams to obtain a Silver visa for the UAE. Moreover, the additional fees are included in it. These are mainly for the processing fee, the health insurance fee, etc.

Medical test, Emirates ID, & processing charges:

The medical test fee falls between 300 and 500 dirhams. While the Emirates ID has a fee of 575 to 1500 to register. Similarly, the process fee costs you around 300 to 500 dirhams. These costs vary slightly by emirate and application method. However, the Silver Visa UAE price remains lower than the Golden Visa.

Validity, Renewal, & Cancellation Rules:

Getting a visa involves many responsibilities. You must be aware about it’s validity period, renewal, and cancellation rules. Knowing about this information will save you from last-minute mishaps. The Silver Visa UAE is valid for 5 years from the issuance date. The visa can be renewed every five years if you continue to meet eligibility criteria. This includes meeting the income threshold, showing investment proof, passing medical fitness, and providing valid health insurance. Renewal should ideally start 30 to 90 days before expiry. You can apply for visa renewal via the ICP/GDRFA portals.

Moreover, visa cancellation can occur if you stay outside the UAE for more than six consecutive months. Your visa will also get cancelled if you fail to maintain eligibility requirements. After cancellation or expiry, you may have a grace period to renew or change your status before penalties apply.

Validity period of the UAE Silver Residency Visa:

The Silver Visa UAE is valid for five years from the date of issuance.

Renewal process, timelines, & penalties:

The visa renewal requires you to submit valid documents, pass a medical test, and provide updated insurance. Remember late renewal may result in fines. Therefore, timely action is important.

Work Rights & Business Opportunities:

Under the Silver visa for the UAE, explore your work rights and business opportunities.

Employment flexibility & job switching rules:

Silver Visa holders UAE can switch employers freely. They are permitted to work without traditional sponsorship restrictions.

Business setup, freelancing, & investment benefits:

According to the studies, over 50,000 Silver Visas are issued annually through the UAE’s federal immigration system. This reflects strong uptake by investors, professionals, and business owners seeking long-term residency. Moreover, the Silver Visa allows its holders to apply for a trade license and operate a business directly. It is reinforced by market offerings like a 5-year residency plus 5-year trade license package designed for entrepreneurs. A sign that long-term business setup pathways are being actively used by Silver Visa holders.

Investors with property or business investments that start around 1 million dirhams in real estate or business activities qualify for the Silver Visa. They can sponsor family members. It shows that investment and entrepreneurial activities are a core part of the visa’s appeal.

As a Silver visa holder, you can also apply for a trade license. If you’re a freelancer, you can do freelance work legally and can invest in startups or property. This makes the visa attractive for independent professionals. These official figures and trends underline how the Silver Visa UAE supports long-term residency, freelance and business activity, and investment engagement in the UAE.

Silver Visa UAE vs Golden Visa:

Both visas have their own worth. The Golden visa is ideal for professionals who are looking to stay longer in the UAE beyond five years. But if you have 5-year plans, you can try out the Silver visa. Similarly, both have different requirements in terms of investment, target group, and cost.

UAE Golden and Silver Visa explained

The comparison between the Silver visa and Golden visa is discussed in detail.

Eligibility, benefits, cost, & duration comparison:

The Silver Visa is well-suited to those professionals who want long-term residency. They’re free from massive financial commitments with this visa type.

Which visa is better for professionals and families?

Professionals often find the Silver Visa UAE more practical. Why? The Silver visa has a lower cost compared to the Golden visa. Plus, the eligibility criteria are simpler than those of the Golden visa.

Pros & Cons of the Silver Visa UAE:

Let’s discover some of the pros and cons of the Silver visa.

Key advantages of the UAE Silver Residency Visa

Pros:

With this visa, you enjoy the benefits such as:

• Long-term residency
• Job and business flexibility
• Family sponsorship

Limitations and practical challenges

Cons:

Despite the benefits, it has some cons, too:

• Not as long as the Golden Visa
• Strict eligibility checks
• Document attestation required

Final Thoughts

The Silver Visa UAE offers a smart balance. The option is perfect to get affordability and long-term security with one visa. Ideal for professionals and investors who want stability. The visa also provides them with flexibility and growth opportunities. They don’t even meet the high thresholds of the Golden Visa. The Silver Visa is a strong option in 2025 and beyond if you plan to build a future in the UAE.

Looking to get a Silver visa? It can be simplified and made easy if you join the Freelancer Gate team today. We understand every requirement and support you every step of the way in your visa journey!

FAQs

What is Silver Visa in the UAE?

A Silver visa for the UAE is a five-year residency visa. The visa can be renewed when it expires. It is a launch for:

• Professionals
• Investors, and
• Entrepreneurs.

Who is eligible for a Silver Visa in the UAE?

Property investors, skilled professionals, and business owners meeting income or investment criteria.

What are the benefits of Silver Visa in the UAE?

There are many benefits of the Silver visa. You’ll earn:

• Long-term residency
• Job flexibility
• Family sponsorship, and
• Business opportunities.

How much is the Silver Visa UAE price?

To qualify for the Silver visa, you need a 1 million dirhams investment. The additional fee is also charged for processing and health insurance.

What is the AED 750,000 property visa?

A property visa is a separate property-linked residency option. It’s a 2-year investor visa. The visa is issued to property owners whose real estate investment is valued at 750,000 dirhams or more.

How to apply for a Silver Visa UAE?

You have three methods to apply for a Silver visa:

• • Apply online through the ICP or the GDRFA portals, or
  • Visit via authorized PRO services.