Which countries can you visit without a visa with a UAE residence permit?

UAE residency visa-free countries are available across six countries, while UAE passports unlock significantly broader travel opportunities, providing access to 185 destinations worldwide. For instance, countries like France, Belgium and Japan allow visa-free stays, while India, Canada and Indonesia offer visas on arrival or electronic travel authorisations.

A flexible UAE visa-free regime is particularly valuable for those who prioritise freedom of movement and quick trip planning. It saves time and eliminates the need for visa applications at consulates or embassies, making travel more convenient—especially for business meetings or leisure trips.

The list of countries that allow UAE residents (without a UAE passport) to cross their borders visa-free is small. However, with a UAE residency, the travel process of obtaining visas can be simpler compared to other countries with stricter entry regulations. This is largely due to the high level of trust in the UAE's system, which thoroughly verifies expatriates' credentials. The UAE offers several pathways to obtain residency, including investment in Dubai real estate valued at a minimum of AED 750,000 (USD 204,000).

Visa-free countries for UAE residents

A UAE visa functions as a temporary residence permit valid for two to 10 years. Holders of this status are eligible for visa-free entry into six countries:

• Azerbaijan
• Georgia
• Maldives
• Seychelles
• Uzbekistan
• Montenegro

When travelling to these countries, the UAE residency benefitsmean that you only need to present your residency card.

Visas for UAE passport: Requirements

UAE passport tourism remains one of the most powerful globally in terms of travel freedom. As of 2025, it allows visa-free entry into 185 countries, categorized as follows:

• 144 UAE travel countries with visa-free access
• 33 tourist destinations from UAE offering visas on arrival
• 8 countries for UAE residents requiring prior electronic travel authorisation

For travel for UAE residents with visas on arrival, citizens must present a return ticket, hotel booking or proof of sufficient travel funds during border control. Some countries offer visas on arrival free of charge while others may impose fees. For example, an Indonesian visa on arrival costs USD 35.

Electronic visas can be obtained through the official immigration websites of the respective countries. Applicants need to register and submit their applications online. While most approvals are granted within minutes, exceptions can take up to three days. Similar to visas on arrival, electronic visas may come with fees, such as a USD 5 charge for a Canadian visa.

List of visa-free countries for UAE passport holders

With a UAE passport, visa-free countries include a wide range of options:

Countries offering visas for the UAE residents on arrival:

• Bangladesh
• Bolivia
• Burundi
• Cambodia
• Cameroon
• Cape Verde
• Comoros
• Republic of Congo
• Djibouti
• Ethiopia
• Guinea
• Guinea-Bissau
• Honduras
• Indonesia
• Iraq
• Jamaica
• Laos
• Macau
• Malawi
• Maldives
• Marshall Islands
• Mauritania
• Namibia
• Nepal
• Palau
• Samoa
• Sierra Leone
• Somalia
• Tanzania
• Timor-Leste
• Tuvalu
• Yemen
• Zimbabwe

UAE citizens are eligible to apply for electronic visas in the following countries:

• Canada
• Israel
• Kenya
• New Zealand
• Pakistan
• South Korea
• Sri Lanka
• United Kingdom

Best destinations for visa-free entry from UAE

European Countries

UAE citizens can travel without a visa to all Schengen Area countries, with the right to stay for up to 90 days within a 180-day stay period. Additional European countries such as Serbia and Bosnia and Herzegovina are also included in the list of countries without visas.

China

A UAE passport is all that's needed to enter China for a 30-day stay.

United Kingdom

A prior electronic visa is required for the UK. The fee is GBP 10, and it permits a single stay of up to 180 days.

Canada

UAE citizens can obtain a multi-entry electronic visa valid for five years, allowing stays of up to 180 days per visit. The application fee is USD 5.

How to obtain UAE residency and citizenship

The UAE offers long-term visas to qualified professionals, entrepreneurs, investors, freelancers, students, retirees and dependents of residents. The validity of these visas depends on the chosen route to residency. Foreign nationals can obtain residency through investments in real estate, existing businesses or by registering a new company within the UAE.

Purchasing property in Dubai is one of the most popular ways for expatriates to acquire residency through capital investment. The property can be either under construction or move-in ready. Applicants can also invest in commercial properties such as hotels, retail outletsor restaurants, provided the property is located in a designated freehold zone.

The minimum investment required for a five-year residency visa is AED 2 million (USD 544,500). Property can be purchased in any emirate, while a two-year visa is available in Dubai for investments starting at AED 750,000 (USD 204,000).

The requirements for issuance of a visa include the following:

1. The primary applicant must be an adult.
2. Proof of a legal income sufficient to sustain living expenses in the UAE.
3. The applicant must not have a criminal record or severe infectious diseases.

The eligibility of dependents to join the primary applicant varies by visa type:

Programme participants are allowed to purchase property using a mortgage or instalment plan. In such cases, the down payment must meet or exceed the investment threshold or constitute at least 50 percent of the property’s value.

To obtain citizenship, foreign nationals must reside in the UAE for 30 years and demonstrate proficiency in the Arabic language. Grounds for citizenship include naturalisation, exceptional achievements, investments (e.g. in houses in the UAE), marriage to a UAE citizen or the right of blood (citizenship passed from citizen parents to their child).

Foreign nationals can invest in real estate to acquire a UAE passport. This can include houses or apartments in Dubai or any other emirate, as well as commercial properties. However, there is no fixed minimum investment threshold stipulated in UAE law. Those seeking citizenship are advised to follow updates in Arabic media. According to reports, most foreign nationals who have successfully obtained UAE citizenship owned properties valued at over AED 10 million (USD 2.7 million).

One notable example of someone who received UAE citizenship is Pavel Durov, the founder of Telegram. The company’s headquarters are located in Dubai Media City and he obtained his status in early 2021.