The Complete Guide to Getting Residency in Dubai 2023
Dubai, in the United Arab Emirates (UAE), has emerged as a popular destination for short vacations, business deals, and global economic opportunities due to recent economic reforms. The UAE's business-friendly policies and streamlined taxation regulations have attracted high net worth individuals (HNIs) and profitable businesses to establish residency in Dubai and leverage its access to international markets.
With its simple and efficient taxation structure, Dubai offers a quick and hassle-free process for obtaining residency and setting up successful businesses. The absence of government bottlenecks and fast processing times make Dubai an attractive location for entrepreneurs and investors looking to capitalize on its favorable business environment in 2023.
How to Get Residency in Dubai 2023
In 2023, there are straightforward methods to obtain residency in Dubai. Both options entail obtaining a residency permit within 1 to 2 months after purchasing property or registering a company. However, it's important to note that acquiring citizenship is not possible through these avenues. Rest assured, these processes allow for a timely and efficient path to residency in Dubai.
Invest in Real Estate and become the owner of a Property
By investing 1 million dirhams or more in a lucrative property in Dubai, you can obtain a residency visa that requires renewal every 2 years. However, it's important to note that this residency visa does not grant the right to work in the UAE. This option allows for ownership of a valuable property in Dubai and the opportunity to maintain residency in the country, but it does not provide work authorization. Rest assured, this process allows for ownership of a property and residency in Dubai, but it does not grant the right to work in the UAE.
Become a resident by registering a Company
Setting up a company in the UAE allows all company partners and employees to be eligible for residency status, making it a popular option due to favorable investment and taxation policies. Residency status must be renewed every 2 years. This opportunity has attracted interest from small and medium businesses, as well as large corporations, to establish branch offices in the UAE. However, visa complexities have been simplified with the assistance of residency visa by investment experts, making the process faster and less complex. With the right guidance, obtaining residency in the UAE has become more streamlined and efficient.
Which are the Different Types of Residency Visas Available in the UAE?
There are several types of residency visas available in the UAE, including:
Investor Visa
Individuals who have made a substantial investment in a business in the UAE can obtain an investor visa, which is sponsored by the Department of Economic Development. To determine the specific requirements for obtaining this visa, feel free to contact us for assistance.
Employment Visa
An employment visa is granted to individuals who have received a job offer in the UAE and is supported by their employer, being directly associated with their employment status.
Student Visa
A student visa is granted to individuals who are enrolled in a full-time educational program in the UAE, and it is endorsed by the educational institution where the student is registered.
Family Visa
A family visa is provided to individuals who are the partners, offspring, or dependents of a current resident in the UAE. This type of visa is supported by the family member who is already a resident in the UAE, and serves as sponsorship for the visa applicant.
Retirement Visa
A retirement visa is granted to individuals who have reached the age of 55 and have the desire to retire in the UAE. This type of visa is supported by the Department of Naturalization and Residency, serving as the sponsor for the visa applicant.
Mission Visa
A mission visa is provided to individuals who are visiting the UAE for a particular purpose, such as diplomatic missions, trade delegations, or media assignments. This type of visa is endorsed by the relevant government authority, which serves as the sponsor for the visa applicant.
Golden Visa
The Golden Visa, as the name implies, offers significant privileges to its holders, providing a streamlined and convenient residency status in the UAE. This type of visa is designed for exceptionally talented individuals, allowing them to enjoy residency in the UAE without unnecessary hassles.
The Golden Visa is a type of long-term residence visa, usually valid for ten years, that allows foreign talents to reside, work, or study in the UAE, while gaining access to exclusive benefits and privileges, which includes:
- An entry visa with a six-month duration that allows for multiple entries, enabling the issuance of a long-term residence visa.
- A renewable residence visa that is valid for 5 or 10 years, providing the privilege of not requiring a sponsor.
- The flexibility to stay outside the UAE for an extended period beyond the standard 6 months while keeping the Golden Visa valid.
- The ability to sponsor family members, including spouses and children of all ages, as well as an unlimited number of domestic helpers.
- Family members sponsored under the Golden Visa are permitted to stay in the UAE until the end of their permit duration even if the primary visa holder passes away.
Who is eligible for the Golden Visa?
The eligibility and qualification requirements for obtaining the Golden Visa may differ depending on the individual's unique strengths and purpose for applying. However, individuals who meet the criteria for the Golden Visa may be eligible, although the specific documentation and recommendations needed may vary for each case.
- Highly skilled professionals
- Scientists, scholars, and researchers.
- Senior scholars and religious clerics.
- Elite specialists in industries and the fourth industrial revolution.
- Elite specialists in health-related fields.
- Elite specialists in the field of education.
Green Visa
The UAE has positioned itself as a growing economy in this decade, and to achieve this goal, it has implemented various new regulations to attract and retain skilled talent from around the world. One such initiative is the 5-year Green Residence Visa, which aims to simplify immigration processes for qualified individuals and further enhance the job market.
Exceptionally talented individuals, skilled professionals, freelancers, investors, and entrepreneurs can now apply for the Green Visa without the requirement of a sponsor or employer, as long as they meet the specified criteria.
Moreover, Green Residence Visa holders will also have the privilege of sponsoring the residency of their family members, providing additional benefits and opportunities for their loved ones to live in the UAE.
Who is eligible for the UAE Green Visa?
The Green Visa in the UAE is open to foreign investors or partners who have made significant investments in the country, such as purchasing property or investing in local businesses. Entrepreneurs who have successfully established and grown businesses in the UAE are also eligible for the Green Visa, provided they have a strong track record of innovation and growth.
Highly skilled professionals in fields such as medicine, engineering, science, and technology may also qualify for the Green Visa if they can demonstrate a proven track record of excellence in their respective fields, or if they meet the minimum salary requirement of AED 15000 in case of employment.
Freelancers or self-employed individuals with specialized diplomas and evidence of a minimum annual income of AED 360,000 for two years are also eligible for the Green Visa.
Furthermore, family members including spouses and children of Green Visa holders are also eligible to benefit from the program.
What is the Length of Residency Criteria for Obtaining Residency in the UAE?
The duration of residency visas in the UAE may vary depending on the Free Zone or Emirate of residence, as well as the type of visa. Typically, residency visas have a validity period of 2 years. However, individuals holding the Golden Visa or Green Visa may enjoy longer durations of up to 10 years and 5 years, respectively.
It's crucial to note that residency criteria and requirements in the UAE are subject to change, and it's advisable to seek professional guidance and stay updated with the latest information to ensure compliance with the current regulations.
Would it be a Hassle to Renew my UAE Residence Visa?
The process of obtaining residency in the UAE is well-organized and supported by regulations that are designed to facilitate the settlement of investors and employees in the country, ultimately contributing to the growth of the economy.
The basic procedure to renew a UAE residence visa before its expiry typically involves the following steps
- The renewal process for your visa in the UAE must be initiated by your sponsor or an authorized typing center in a timely manner.
- You will need to submit a valid passport, recent passport-sized photographs, and proof of health insurance as part of the documentation requirements for renewal.
- In addition, you will be required to provide bank statements and salary certificates as evidence of your financial capacity and capability during the renewal process.
- A no-objection letter from your sponsor must be obtained as part of the renewal process.
- Additionally, the renewal fees must be paid along with the submission of the application.
- The processing of the renewal application typically takes around two weeks, so it is important to patiently await notification of the outcome.
- Once the processing is completed, you have the option to collect the renewed visa in person or have it delivered to a preferred address of your choice.
Indeed, the process may seem straightforward, but it requires careful consideration of various factors such as determining the most suitable type of visa for your individual situation, identifying the optimal investment opportunities, understanding the employee on-boarding process if you plan to establish a business, and meeting the sponsor requirements based on your unique circumstances.