Thinking about migrating to the UAE, a nation with a strong expat community and many opportunities? Residence visas might be difficult, but knowing their kinds and benefits can help you relocate smoothly. This article discusses UAE resident permits like family, student, and investment. Each visa provides a benefit that matches the applicant’s goals. With the right visa, you may have more possibilities, greater living standards, and tax-free money. Learn which UAE resident visa suits you and how to apply with our complete guide. Give yourself the knowledge you need to make smart decisions and start your UAE career today.
Types of Residency Visa in UAE
The high level of life in the United Arab Emirates has led to roughly 88% of its population being foreigners. Check out the many kinds of residence visas that are available if you’re wondering how to get one in the UAE and take advantage of its bright future.
1. UAE 10-Year Golden Visa or Long-Term Investor Visa
One kind of investor visa that has certain conditions that the applicant must meet is the 10-year Golden Visa for the United Arab Emirates. Because the applicant must have specified public investments in the UAE, it is regarded as a resident visa by investment. Examine the criteria and requirements listed below.
Requirements
One of the following requirements for the UAE Golden Visa must be fulfilled:
- A minimum of AED 10 M in investment in the United Arab Emirates
- owning a business in the United Arab Emirates with a minimum capital of AED 10 million
- Investing at least AED 10 million in a UAE-based firm as a partner
- investing a minimum of AED 10 M across all of the aforementioned industries that were previously indicated (remembering that non-real estate sectors should account for 60% of total investments).
Documents
- Passport
- A clear passport copy (Passport valid more than 6 months).
- Old Emirates ID (If applicable)
- An excellent digital picture of the candidate that complies with ICP requirements
- The following nations’ applicants must provide their national identification: Iran, Pakistan, Iraq, Libya, Afghanistan
- Health insurance (from any UAE-based insurance provider)
Validity
The 10-year validity of this visa will automatically renew.
2. UAE 5-Year Golden Visa or Property Investor Visa
The answer to the common query of whether purchasing real estate in Dubai or the UAE may provide residence is in the affirmative. You should learn more about this kind of residence visa if you’re wondering how to get residency via real estate investing.
Requirements
The investor just has to meet the following criteria in order to purchase a property in the United Arab Emirates:
- The property must have a gross worth of at least AED 5 million.
- The sum used for investment shouldn’t be a loan.
- The aforementioned item must be kept for a period of three years.
Documents
When applying, the investor should have copies of the following documents with them:
- Passport
- Previous visa
- Personal photo (white background)
- The title deed of the property
- Good Conduct Certificate
- Bank statement
- Health insurance approved by DHA
- Utility bill.
Validity
It automatically renews after five years.
3. UAE Retirement Visa
Those who live in the United Arab Emirates and are over 55 years old may apply for a retirement visa.
Requirements
This UAE resident visa has certain requirements for those who want to retire there.
At least one of the following conditions has to be met:
- The candidate has to have invested AED 2 million in real estate (this qualifies as an investment visa in this scenario).
- The candidate must own funds of at least AED one million.
- Having a steady source of income of at least AED 20,000 per month would be beneficial.
- The applicant may combine AED 2 M in savings with property ownership in the United Arab Emirates.
Documents
The applicants must provide the copies listed below:
- Passport (applicants and their dependants if any)
- Marriage certificate (when applicants are spouses)
- Current UAE residency visa
- Emirates ID
Validity
The UAE retirement visa has a five-year expiration date and is renewable.
4. UAE Employment Visa
The first kind of UAE resident visa is acquired by foreign nationals who work for local businesses. They are able to live and work in the UAE legally with this kind of visa. In this instance, the person’s employer will serve as a sponsor to help them apply for a visa. Employers may be government-owned facilities or private companies with headquarters in a free zone or on the mainland.
Requirements
The following conditions must be met in order to get a UAE employment visa:
- The employer’s operating license is still in effect.
- There are no infractions against the employer.
- The nature of the employee’s job and the business’s operations align.
- The worker has completed high school, at the very least.
Documents
The following documentation is needed from both the employer and the employee:
- Company
- Trade License
- Company Immigration Card
- Company Labour Card
- Employee
- Passport
- Personal photo (white background)
- Education certificate
- Previous residency visa if applicable
- Previous Emirates ID if applicable
- Tourist Visa if applicable
- Health Insurance approved by DHA
Validity
The UAE Employment Visa is valid for two years when employed by a mainland firm and three years when employed by a free zone company or government agency.
5. UAE Company Investor Visa
Foreign nationals who operate their own business or possess stock in one may get this UAE resident visa. Moreover, it is intended for foreign nationals who want to launch their own companies in the nation. For the period of its validity, the UAE residence visa by investment grants its bearer the right to live and work in the nation.
Requirements
Before making an investment in real estate, there are a few conditions that must be satisfied.
- The property must be worth at least AED 1 million and have a maximum mortgage of 50% in order to qualify for sole ownership.
- If you purchased the property as a partnership, each person’s minimum stake should be AED one million.
- This is a home investment option only; it is not a business one.
- If you invest in an off-plan project or property, you are not eligible to apply for a resident visa; the property you buy should be freehold.
Documents
The following documents must be obtained in copy form from both the investor and the firm in order to invest in it:
- Company
- Trade License
- Immigration Establishment Card
- Memorandum of Association (LLC)
- Local Service Agreement
- Partnership contract if available
- Partners list (LLC)
- Investor
- Passport
- Personal photo (white background)
- Bank statement if applicable
- Previous visa if applicable
- Previous Emirates ID if applicable
Validity
The validity of this kind of investment visa is three years, renewable once.
Benefits of UAE Residence Visas
Let’s look at the advantages of a UAE residency permit for foreign nationals, both those who want to settle here and those who do not. To get a resident visa with all the perks, one just has to spend a portion of the year or make frequent trips there.
Opening a Bank Account in Dubai
The national residency card, or Emirates ID, enables holders to simply establish an account with UAE banks and access all citizen services. In general, visitors are permitted to establish bank accounts in Dubai. In actuality, because of security measures, local banks could reject an application from a non-resident. When assessing requests, Emirati banks consider the applicants’ nationality of origin, second passport, or legally permitted residency from another state.
Thus, the choice can change for those with so-called strong passports—such as those from the EU, USA, Canada, etc.—and those with weak passports—such as those from Russia, Iran, Afghanistan, etc. It considerably increases your chances of being accepted into the Emirates banking system if you were fortunate enough to inherit a reliable passport or if you have achieved the important credit on your own. As they say, “birds of a feather, flock together,” which may seem unjust.
Fast-Track Access to US and European Visas
In some regions, obtaining a working or tourist visa to enter the US may be quite time-consuming. Visa interview appointments may all be scheduled many months in advance, or they can even be temporarily postponed. On the other hand, an application may be filed in a US consulate or embassy abroad. In theory, even if you are only visiting as a tourist, you may apply for a US visa at the embassy in the UAE.
Nonetheless, UAE nationals applying for visas are given preference by the local consulate and are assigned additional time slots for visa interviews. Another tedious procedure is the application process to enter EU nations. Generally speaking, obtaining a visa for a single visit to a Schengen or EU member state should be simple. Searching for a multiple-entry visa that is good for a few years might be somewhat difficult. Foreign people need an EU national visa, often referred to as a visa D, in order to enter the European Union for stays longer than ninety days. A visa D is granted by EU member states for long-term stays related to education, employment, family reunions, and other purposes.
Get Your Business to the International Level
In an effort to draw in foreign companies, the UAE’s government provides a plethora of advantages to entrepreneurs based outside. The advantageous tax laws in the UAE-free zones, which provide both people and businesses with a tax-free environment, are one of the main benefits. Moreover, the UAE’s advantageous location—especially Dubai—allows companies to access global markets thanks to its top-notch financial, technical, and logistical centers.
Additional factors contributing to Dubai’s business-friendly atmosphere include significant digitization, low levels of corruption, and excellent public services. Modern infrastructure and regulatory frameworks, together with the government’s pro-business stance, draw international businesses to the United Arab Emirates. Businesses gain from less red tape, simpler procedures, and a range of growth- and innovation-oriented assistance programs.
Saving on Taxes as a UAE Resident
Due to its very advantageous tax system, the UAE is a desirable location for investors and expatriates. Personal income from employment, stock purchases, real estate leases, and wages is not subject to taxation in the United Arab Emirates. Inheritances, priceless gifts, and property ownership are also exempt from taxes. Residents benefit monetarily from this in a big way. A substantial change in the UAE’s tax landscape was brought about in 2023 with the introduction of a federal corporate income tax.
In comparison to many other nations, the tax burden is still modest, which keeps drawing in firms and people looking for a tax-friendly atmosphere. Foreigners normally have to stay in the UAE for at least 183 days in a year in order to qualify as tax residents. Tax residency cannot be granted just by possessing a UAE resident visa; visa holders must continue to be physically present in the country. By ensuring that tax residence status and physical residency are in line, this criterion helps individuals take advantage of the attractive tax incentives offered by the UAE while still adhering to international tax standards.
Family Visas and Quality Education for Your Kids
The number of family members who may visit Dubai with a resident varies on the kind of visa. A 10-year Golden visa holder in the UAE is eligible to apply for an age-neutral residency permit for their spouse, parents, and kids. Additionally, they could be able to house their support service providers. A resident card for Dubai may be obtained by an expatriate with a five-year green visa for their parents, spouse, boys up to the age of 25, and unmarried girls of any age.
The primary applicant’s parents, husband, unmarried daughters of any age and boys up to the age of 18 or 21 who pursue further education are all eligible for other forms of residency. In Dubai, there are around 200 private schools offering instruction in line with international standards. Students may choose between a curriculum that satisfies the national requirements of Germany, France, Russia, or other nations, or they can choose an IGCSE IB (International Baccalaureate) that is recognized in the United Kingdom. The top English-speaking schools in Dubai provide instruction on par with that of European institutions.
Wrap It Up
The procedure for obtaining a resident visa in Dubai is the same as it is in any other UAE emirate. You will need a sponsor in Dubai if your goal is to reside there for employment, investment, or family reasons. This could come from a company or real estate investment, a family member, or a job. Via one of the authorized type facilities, your sponsor will submit the applications for your residency visa and entrance permission. After obtaining the necessary paperwork and following the rules, you may get a residency permit and begin taking advantage of everything that Dubai has to offer.
Please note that this post is for informational purposes only and should not be considered as professional advice. Individuals are encouraged to do their own research and consult with qualified professionals for their specific needs. It is also advisable to refer to official government statements and guidelines for the most accurate and up-to-date information. No guarantee is provided regarding the accuracy or completeness of the information.