Residence permit for a student
Foreign students enrolled at an accredited university, college, educational institution or research institute in the UAE can get a residence permit without work, with the institution acting as host and guarantor. The permit is renewable on the same terms while the student stays enrolled. These details come from GDRFA Dubai.
1 entry rule for United Arab Emirates based on recent travel
These apply to people who were recently in certain countries. Sign in and add your trips to see whether any apply to you.
Yellow fever certificate needed after a stay in countries with risk of yellow fever transmission (WHO list)
Travellers aged 9 months and over arriving from a yellow fever risk country (or after more than 12 hours' airport transit in one) need a valid yellow fever certificate.
WHO International Travel and Health, Annex 1: Countries with risk of yellow fever transmission and countries requiring proof of vaccination against yellow fever (18 Nov 2022, revised 3 Jan 2023) WHO ITH Country List: Vaccination requirements and WHO recommendations for international travellers, 2022 edition (18 Nov 2022, revised 3 Jan 2023) Checked October 19, 2026
Life in United Arab Emirates
Money
3
Currency
United Arab Emirates Dirham
AED
United Arab Emirates Dirham
Cost of living
69
Price level · US = 100
World Bank price levels, 2025
Living
1
Happiness
#19 of 145 countries
World Happiness Report 2025
Your edge here Premium
What gives you an edge here: passports, visas and permits you hold, work, study, language and family ties
Who it’s for
Foreign students admitted to a licensed and approved UAE university, college, institute or research centre who will be sponsored by that institution.
Eligibility
Enrolment
The applicant must be a foreign student enrolled in an accredited university, college, educational institution or research institute in the UAE.
Licensed and approved institution
The institution must hold a licence to operate in the UAE and approval from the Ministry of Education or the competent education authority in the emirate.
Institution as sponsor
The educational institution is the student's host and guarantor.
A sneak peek at what's inside
- Document checklist
- Fees
- Steps to apply
The full requirements are for members
Create an account and subscribe to see every requirement, the full document checklist, fees, steps, processing times and conditions, and how your profile compares.
- 5 documents
- 5 fees
- 4 steps
- Processing times and conditions
Places to visit in United Arab Emirates
Attractions picked for you, based on your profile and interests.
Finding places for you…
Official sources
Other routes to United Arab Emirates
- Visit & tourismTourist visit visa (entry permit for tourism), sponsored by a licensed tourism establishment
- Work permitsWork permit (MOHRE) and residence visa for private sector employees
- Permanent residenceGolden Residence (10-year) – Skilled Professionals category
- 2 more routes with Premium
