Would you like to immigrate to Dubai and need to know the key routes & procedures? You may explore these lines and find out the information you need. Plus, you can use our online services and get in touch with our Dubai lawyers for representation during the relocation process.
| Quick Facts | |
|---|---|
| Entry visa requirement (from EU) (YES/NO) | NO |
Entry visa requirement (outside EU) | No visa for countries like USA, Canada, UK, Mexico, Brazil, etc. |
Types of visas available | tourist visa, family visa, (GCC) residents e-visa, student visa, freelance visa, golden visa |
| Time frame for obtaining work visa (approx.) | Around 10 days |
| Validity of temporary residence permit | About 3 years, with the possibility of renewal |
| Temporary residence permit renewal requirements | – current residence permit, – proof of sponsorship or work contract, – health insurance |
| Documents for obtaining a residence permit | – valid passport, – entry visa, -health insurance, – proof of income |
| Max. validity of long-term visa | 10 years |
| Investor Visa availability (YES/NO) | YES |
| Start-up Visa Scheme availability (YES/NO) | YES |
| Sponsorship requirement (YES/NO) | YES |
| Time frame for obtaining citizenship | After living in UAE for 30 years |
| Citizenship/Residency by investment scheme availability (YES/NO) | You can obtain residency in Dubai for a minimum investment of AED 2 million in the real estate sector. |
| Taxation of foreign citizens | No taxes on personal income |
| Tax benefits for expats | Expats are treated the same as citizens in UAE, therefore, there is no income tax. |
Table of Contents
What are the main routes for immigration to Dubai?
- Employment,
- Business setup/investments,
- Studies,
- Family reunification, and many more.
NOTE: It is important to choose the appropriate relocation path to Dubai to apply for the correct type of visa.
How do I immigrate to Dubai for work purposes? What are the key steps?
- the hiring company acts as a sponsor. This is why accessing a job first is important,
- the work permit application is done through the employer,
- a medical exam is mandatory before arrival in Dubai, etc.
NOTES:
- our immigration lawyers in Dubai can provide legal advice and representation to foreigners interested in relocation here. Plus, we can collaborate with the hiring companies in terms of visas and residency,
- in the case of family members relocating to Dubai, the relatives established here can act as sponsors. It should be noted that women cannot act as sponsors.
How can I apply for a golden visa for Dubai? What are the eligibility criteria?
- AED 200,000 is the minimum amount required to buy a property in Dubai to obtain residency. One must own the property for at least 2 years.
- in the case of highly skilled professionals, the minimum salary required starts from AED 30,000/month, plus a valid employment contract,
- a bank deposit of AED 2 million is another path to getting a golden visa in Dubai,
- startup founders investing at least AED 500,000 can obtain a golden visa in Dubai.
REMARKS:
- a golden visa in Dubai grants 10 years of residency with auto-renewal in the case of foreign investors. Applicants will not lose their residency in Dubai if they stay outside the UAE for an undetermined period,
- business owners with a golden visa can enjoy 100% company ownership in Dubai’s free trade zones and also on the mainland,
- there is no restriction on the number of household staff when relocating to Dubai as a foreigner with a golden visa.
Where do I apply for a UAE visa to immigrate to Dubai?
At the General Directorate of Residency and Foreign Affairs.
How can I apply for a Dubai investor visa?
The Dubai investorvisa has a 3-year validity. The investor visa and the partner business visa allow residence based on the value of a partners’ shares in a Dubai company.
What are the main documents for relocation to Dubai?
The following documents must be prepared when immigrating to Dubai:
- the valid passport;
- recent photographs;
- proof of financial means to support oneself;
- proof of accommodation;
- job offering letter (in the case of employment visas);
- the property title of the purchased property (required under the residence by investment program);
- information about the sponsor (where required).
What is the time frame to immigrate/relocate to Dubai?
About 4-6 months, considering all immigration-related requirements.
You can contact our company incorporation agents in Dubai to find out all the eligibility criteria for immigration. Our local consultants can also help foreign investors interested in opening companies in Dubai or other emirates in the UAE.