Moving to Dubai for permanent residence
Relocating to Dubai on a permanent basis takes careful preparation. The UAE has no classic "permanent residency" in the Western sense — foreign nationals live on a residency visa instead, which is renewed every 2 to 10 years depending on the category.
Main Steps to Relocate
Start by defining your reason for moving: employment, business, investment, remote work, study, or a specialised talent visa.
Choose the right visa:
Student Visa — issued on enrolment at an accredited educational institution. Requirements include an admission letter, health insurance, and proof of financial means.
Application Process
To maintain resident status, you must continue to meet the underlying conditions: hold a valid basis for residency, observe permitted stay limits, and comply with UAE immigration regulations.
Main Steps to Relocate
Start by defining your reason for moving: employment, business, investment, remote work, study, or a specialised talent visa.
Choose the right visa:
- Employment Visa — sponsored by an employer. You'll first need a Work Permit, followed by an Entry Permit. On arrival, you complete a medical examination and biometrics, then receive your Emirates ID. Validity is typically 2 years, and up to 3 years in some Free Zones.
- Investor / Partner Visa — requires company registration, a Trade Licence, a shareholding in the company, and a leased office. Validity is typically 2 years, occasionally up to 3 years in Free Zones.
- Property Investor Visa — buying property worth AED 750,000 or more qualifies you for a 2-year visa. Property worth AED 2,000,000 or more qualifies you for a 10-year Golden Visa.
- Golden Visa (5 or 10 years) — issued to investors, entrepreneurs, IT specialists, doctors, scientists and other qualified professionals. It allows extended periods outside the country and lets holders sponsor family members.
Student Visa — issued on enrolment at an accredited educational institution. Requirements include an admission letter, health insurance, and proof of financial means.
Application Process
- Gather your documents: passport, photo, Entry Permit, supporting documents for your visa category, health insurance, and proof of address.
- Complete a medical examination and biometrics.
- Submit your residency visa application to the immigration authorities.
- Arrange accommodation (apartment, townhouse, villa, etc.).
- Open a bank account once you've received your Emirates ID.
To maintain resident status, you must continue to meet the underlying conditions: hold a valid basis for residency, observe permitted stay limits, and comply with UAE immigration regulations.
