Residence Visa for Dubai
Over the years, the United Arab Emirates has established itself as a symbol of stability, security and continuous development, ranking at the top of the rankings for its standard of living and the provision of optimal conditions for business and investment. The attractiveness of this country is enhanced by its warm climate, picturesque coastline, high level of cleanliness and service, the presence of several international airports, and the government's interest in attracting foreign investment.
These factors are helping the Emirates establish itself as a desirable place to live, work and do business. However, foreigners wishing to stay in the emirate for more than 90 days must obtain a residence permit in Dubai (RP).
A residence permit in the UAE is a permit that allows foreign citizens to legally live and work in the country for a period of up to 10 years, depending on the basis for obtaining this status.
Benefits of a residence permit in the UAE for foreigners
- Possibility of moving with a family if you have sufficient income - 4,000 AED (1,100 USD). and obtaining residency for each family member.
- Exemption from taxes in the country where the person usually resides is possible by obtaining a Tax Residence Certificate issued by the UAE Ministry of Economy.
- UAE residents have the same rights as Emirati citizens, which gives them the opportunity to seek support from government agencies, rent housing, connect to telephone and internet, open bank accounts and perform other legal actions.
- The UAE is considered one of the safest countries in the world with low levels of crime and corruption.
- Ease of registering your own business.
- Unlimited mobility in other GCC countries.
Methods for obtaining a residence permit in Dubai (UAE)
The choice of method for obtaining a residence permit in Dubai and other regions of the UAE depends on the capabilities and personal circumstances of the foreign citizen. The most basic methods of obtaining a residence permit in the UAE are:
- opening a business
- employment
- education at a local university
- buying a property
- Retire in Dubai program for retirees
- contribution to the medical, scientific and research fields.
Let's look at the most popular ways to obtain a residence permit in the Emirates.
Starting a business
The United Arab Emirates (UAE) is an attractive place to do business and invest. The country's legislation is focused on attracting foreign investors, which simplifies the registration of companies and business activities.
Foreigners who have invested in the UAE economy can obtain a residence permit. To do this, you need to create a new enterprise or invest in an existing one. A business can be created on the mainland of the country in one of more than 50 free economic zones (Free Zone).
The cost of opening a company starts from $6,000 and provides the right to obtain a visa for a period of 1 to 3 years. Establishing a business with a capital of at least 10 million dirhams (about 2.7 million US dollars) or participating in a partnership with a similar financial contribution to an existing company provides the opportunity to obtain long-term residence for a period of 10 years.
To obtain a residence permit in the UAE through investment, you must meet the following requirements:
- Be an adult;
- Have good health;
- Have no criminal record;
- Not be a member of terrorist or extremist organizations;
- Do not pose a threat to the national security of the UAE.
After investing, the entrepreneur has the right to stay in the country, subject to maintaining the company's activities.
Purchase of real estate
The opportunity to obtain a residence permit in the UAE through the purchase of real estate is often chosen by wealthy foreigners. The minimum investment threshold is 1 million dirhams (about 270 thousand US dollars). When purchasing an apartment or other object for this amount, a foreigner has the right to a residence permit for a period of 3 years.
Increasing the investment amount to 5 million dirhams (about 1.3 million US dollars) gives the property owner a five-year residency. Purchasing a property for an amount of 10 million dirhams (about 2.7 million US dollars) allows you to obtain a resident visa with a validity of 10 years.
Owners of apartments or houses can live in them with their family or rent them out without restrictions on use. Rents in the UAE, especially Dubai, are high. For example, a one-room apartment can be rented for between 10 and 12 thousand US dollars per year. By obtaining a residence permit through the purchase of real estate, you can ensure a stable income. There is no tax charged when renting out housing in the UAE.
To obtain a residence permit through the purchase of real estate, you must confirm the presence of legal income in the amount of 10 thousand dirhams per month (about 2,700 US dollars).
Getting an education at a local university
When entering a university in the UAE, a student from another country has the right to obtain a residence permit. The following options for immigration through education are available:
- Student visa for up to 1 year: Provided to foreign students over 18 years of age for a period of up to 12 months. It can be extended after official confirmation of continuing studies at a UAE university.
- 5-year visa for excellent students: Excellent students who have achieved a grade of at least 95% in high school or a GPA of at least 3.75 in UAE universities are granted a long-term permit for a period of 5 years. These benefits also apply to applicants' families.
To obtain a student residence permit in the Emirates, knowledge of Arabic is not required, but the level of English must be confirmed by an IELTS or TOEFL certificate. The cost of training depends on the chosen university and program and can vary from 12 to 60 thousand USD. You must also provide proof of funds to live in the country. After receiving a student residence permit in Dubai, students have the right to part-time employment, and upon completion of their studies they can request a work permit with a different type of residence permit.
Employment
A resident visa in the UAE is issued to foreign citizens who are employed in the country. The validity of the visa is from 1 to 2 years and depends on the duration of the employment contract. The company that invites the employee must be registered and operate in the UAE.
Outstanding doctors, engineers and other highly qualified specialists can obtain a residence permit valid for up to 10 years. To do this, you must meet the following requirements:
- Have a higher education in the relevant industry.
- Have at least 5 years of work experience.
- Proficient in English at a level not lower than Intermediate.
- Have recommendations from an employer or professional community.
The employer is obliged to cover all costs associated with obtaining a visa, relocation and medical examination of the future employee. In addition to the residence permit, the resident receives an identity card (Emirates ID) and a labor card.
Retiree in Dubai program for retirees
The United Arab Emirates (UAE) offers attractive conditions for retirees wishing to obtain a residence permit. The Retire in Dubai program allows you to obtain residency for a period of 5 years with the possibility of extension for persons who have reached 55 years of age and meet one of the following criteria:
- Stable monthly income of 22,000 dirhams (about 6,000 US dollars). The pensioner must confirm the availability of a source of income that will support him and his spouse in the UAE. Income can come from a variety of sources, including pensions, wages, investment income or rental property.
- Having financial savings in the amount of 1,000,000 dirhams (about 270,000 US dollars). Savings can be placed in bank accounts, investment funds or other financial institutions.
- Investment in UAE real estate worth at least 2,000,000 dirhams (about 540,000 US dollars). The property can be used for living, renting or selling.
Under this program, the applicant has the opportunity to sponsor and obtain a retirement visa for his or her spouse.
Process of applying for a residence permit
Obtaining a residence permit in the United Arab Emirates can be completed in several stages:
Determining the basis for a residence permit: Select the reason for a long-term stay in the UAE. This could be an investment in business or real estate, studying at an educational institution in the UAE, or having a job.
Documentation of the basis
Obtain the necessary documents that confirm your right to a residence permit (ownership document, company registration, proof of investment or marriage certificate).
Submitting an application to the migration authorities
Apply for a residence permit online or in person at the relevant migration authorities. The review process usually takes several days. Documents for a residence permit are submitted to the Federal Agency for Identity and Citizenship (GDRFA) or through online platforms such as eChannels or GDRFA app. Depending on your location and type of application, the process may vary slightly.
Passing a medical examination
Obtaining a residence permit
After approval of the application for residency, an Emirates ID is issued - a plastic card with your personal data and photograph.
Required documents
You will need a valid foreign passport, a completed online application, photographs, as well as additional documents depending on your basis for a residence permit, such as marriage certificates, birth certificates of children, financial evidence, an employment contract, a certified diploma of education, etc.
Reasons for refusal of a residence permit for Russians and residents of other CIS countries
Representatives of the migration service have the right to reject an application for a residence permit for various reasons. Currently, Russian citizens and other CIS residents may face refusal if:
“Their financial resources do not allow them to ensure their stay in the country.
- They do not meet the criteria of the selected program.
- Filled out the application incorrectly or did not provide a complete package of documents.
- Have legal problems, including criminal liability both at home and in the UAE.
- Do not meet the conditions and purposes of the residence permit.
- Women who are unmarried and under 30 years old, unaccompanied by a male relative.
- Violation of the conditions of previous visa periods.
- Refusals to Russian civil servants such as military and police officers.
It should be noted that the requirements for programs for obtaining a residence permit may change over time. But receiving a refusal to issue a visa if the documents are correctly executed is practically impossible. You can determine the best option for obtaining residency through consultation with experts from Major Real Estate.
