Dubai Issues Over 1 Million Residence Permits and 66,000 Golden Visas in First Half of 2026
Dubai recorded significant growth in residency, tourism and long-term immigration services during the first half of 2026. According to figures released by the General Directorate of Identity and Foreigners Affairs – Dubai, millions of entry permits and more than one million new residence permits were issued between January and June 2026.
The figures underline Dubai’s continuing appeal as a destination for employment, investment, business establishment, tourism and long-term residence.
Dubai Visa and Residency Figures for 2026
During the first six months of 2026, GDRFA Dubai reported the following immigration-service figures:
- 5,078,078 entry permits issued
- 1,051,978 new residence permits issued
- 910,552 residence permits renewed
- 66,000 Golden Visas issued
These figures cover a broad range of travellers and residents, including tourists, employees, investors, entrepreneurs, property owners, skilled professionals and family members.
More Than 5 Million Dubai Entry Permits Issued
Dubai issued more than 5.07 million entry permits from January to June 2026.
An entry permit may be issued for different purposes, depending on the traveller’s eligibility and circumstances. These can include:
- Tourism
- Family visits
- Business visits
- Employment procedures
- Residency processing
- Property-related visits
- Other approved short-term or long-term purposes
The large number of entry permits reflects Dubai’s position as an international tourism, aviation, employment and business hub.
Travellers should remember that the appropriate permit depends on their nationality, purpose of travel, intended duration of stay and sponsorship arrangements.
Dubai Issues Over 1 Million New Residence Permits
More than 1.05 million new Dubai residence permits were issued during the first half of 2026.
Dubai residence visas may be available through several routes, including:
- Employment sponsorship
- Company ownership or investment
- Property investment
- Family sponsorship
- Freelance or professional arrangements
- Student sponsorship
- Golden Visa eligibility
- Other approved residence categories
Each residence category has its own eligibility conditions, supporting-document requirements and validity period.
Applicants should determine the correct residence route before beginning the process. Submitting an application under an unsuitable category can cause delays or require the application to be resubmitted.
Over 910,000 Dubai Residence Visas Renewed
GDRFA Dubai also completed more than 910,000 residence permit renewals during the same six-month period.
UAE residents should begin preparing for renewal before their visa expires. Depending on the residence category, the renewal process may require:
- A valid passport
- An Emirates ID application or renewal
- A valid sponsor file
- Medical fitness testing
- Health insurance
- Employment or company documents
- Tenancy or accommodation evidence
- Family relationship documents
- Payment of applicable government fees
The exact requirements depend on the applicant’s visa type, age, profession, sponsor and emirate of residence.
Residents should also check the validity of their Emirates ID, passport and dependent visas when renewing their UAE residence status.
Dubai Grants 66,000 Golden Visas
Dubai issued approximately 66,000 Golden Visas during the first half of 2026.
The UAE Golden Visa is a long-term residence programme designed for eligible individuals in approved categories. These may include:
- Investors
- Property owners
- Entrepreneurs
- Exceptional professionals
- Scientists and researchers
- Doctors and healthcare specialists
- Engineers and technology professionals
- Creative professionals
- Outstanding students and graduates
- Other eligible individuals recognised under UAE regulations
Golden Visa eligibility is assessed according to the applicant’s category. Income, property value, investment level, professional qualifications, academic performance or official recommendations may be considered.
A person should not assume eligibility based only on their occupation or salary. The applicable category and supporting evidence must be reviewed before an application is submitted.
Faster Dubai Immigration Services
GDRFA reported a 95% customer happiness rate and stated that services were completed within approximately four minutes.
The authority attributed its service improvements to digital transformation, reduced bureaucracy and greater use of innovative government systems.
Many Dubai visa and residency services can now be initiated through official digital platforms. However, applicants may still need to complete additional procedures such as:
- Medical fitness testing
- Biometric registration
- Emirates ID processing
- Document attestation
- Sponsor verification
- In-person identity checks
- Submission of original documents
The availability of an online service does not remove the requirement to provide accurate and valid supporting documents.
What These Figures Mean for UAE Residents and Visitors
The growth in Dubai entry permits, residence visas and Golden Visas shows that the emirate continues to attract international residents, investors, professionals and tourists.
For applicants, this also means that it is important to:
- Select the correct visa or residence category.
- Check eligibility before submitting an application.
- Ensure that passport and identity information is accurate.
- Prepare complete supporting documents.
- Follow the conditions attached to the issued visa.
- Renew residence documents before they expire.
- Use authorised government or professional service channels.
Visa approval remains subject to the assessment of the relevant UAE immigration authority.
Get Dubai Visa and Residency Assistance
Dubai offers several entry, residence and long-term visa options, but the correct route depends on the applicant’s purpose, nationality, profession, sponsor and personal circumstances.
Eshaare Tours can assist with:
- UAE tourist and visit visa guidance
- Family visit and residence visa assistance
- Residence visa document review
- Dubai visa renewal support
- Golden Visa eligibility guidance
- Entry permit application assistance
- Emirates ID and related process guidance
- Application status follow-up
Contact Eshaare Tours for professional assistance in selecting the appropriate UAE visa or residence service.
Disclaimer: Visa categories, eligibility requirements, government fees, processing procedures and approval policies may change. Final approval is solely at the discretion of the relevant UAE immigration authority. Applicants should verify the latest official requirements before applying.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many new residence permits did Dubai issue in the first half of 2026?
Dubai issued 1,051,978 new residence permits between January and June 2026.
How many Dubai entry permits were issued?
GDRFA Dubai reported that 5,078,078 entry permits were issued during the first six months of 2026.
How many Golden Visas did Dubai issue in 2026?
Approximately 66,000 Golden Visas were issued in Dubai during the first half of 2026.
How many Dubai residence permits were renewed?
More than 910,000 residence permits were renewed between January and June 2026.
Does a certain profession automatically qualify for a UAE Golden Visa?
No. Golden Visa eligibility depends on the applicable category and supporting criteria. A profession or job title alone does not necessarily guarantee eligibility.
Can Dubai visa and residence applications be completed online?
Many services can be initiated or completed through official digital platforms. However, certain applications may require medical examinations, biometric registration, document verification or other in-person procedures.