UAE

UAE Investment Immigration Programs Overview

The United Arab Emirates is an oil-rich country and a vibrant economic hub in the Middle East. One benefit of investing in the UAE is the country’s free trade zones with 100 percent ownership, zero taxes, and highly  infrastructure. The country comprises seven emirates, Dubai being the most prominent for its luxurious lifestyle and as a top tourist destination in the region.

Residency can be obtained through investment with the UAE golden visa. Residents have an exemption from income, wealth, gift, and inheritance tax. Options for investors include opening a company in the UAE or investing in an existing company based in the country. Another option is investing in real estate, which requires a minimum amount of AED 2 million ($544,000). A golden visa allows investors and their families to stay in the UAE as residents and is valid for renewable five to ten years. Residents must visit the country every 180 days with no minimum stay requirements.

In July 2021, the UAE decided to expand its list of eligible foreigners who can apply for its golden visa long-term residency program, which now includes foreign doctors and their families; managers, CEOs, specialists in the fields of science and technology, health, education, and business management are also eligible.

Dubai Residency Options

Dubai offers several residency options for foreigners who wish to live and work in the city. Here are some of the most common residency options in Dubai:

Dubai Investor Visa:

Investor Visa: If you are willing to invest in Dubai, you can obtain a residency visa for three to five years. 

The exact investment requirements may vary but generally involve a substantial investment in a property, business, or government bonds.

For real estate investment, the minimum property value has to be AED 750,000 or above – with the mortgage ceiling set to a maximum of 50% of the total property value. 

Dubai Employment Visa:

Employment Visa: Many expatriates in Dubai obtain residency through employment. You need a job offer from a Dubai-based company, and your employer will typically handle the visa application process on your behalf.

To qualify, applicants must earn AED 4,000 ($1,090) monthly or AED 3,000 ($817) plus accommodation.

Dubai Retirement Visa:

Retirement Visa: Dubai does not have a specific retirement visa, but many retirees choose to live in Dubai through other means, such as property investment or family sponsorship.

The UAE-wide retirement visa, also available in Dubai, is open to those aged 55 or older  with at least 15 years of professional experience.

Applicants must own property worth at least AED 1 million ($272,257), have savings amounting to the same figure, or prove monthly earnings of at least AED 15,000 ($4,084) in Dubai (AED 5,445 in other emirates).

The visa is issued for a renewable five years. 

Dubai Family Sponsorship:

Family Sponsorship: If you have a family member who is a resident in Dubai (such as a spouse, parent, or child), they can sponsor your residency. This is a common way for family members to live together in Dubai.

Sponsors must earn AED 4,000 ($1,090) monthly or AED 3,000 ($817) plus accommodation. The sponsorship is renewed on an annual basis.

Dubai Golden Visa:

Golden Visa: Dubai introduced the Golden Visa program to attract high-net-worth individuals and investors. It grants long-term residency to investors, entrepreneurs, talented individuals, and retirees, provided they meet specific criteria.

The visa is issued for five or ten years, doesn’t require a local sponsor as with other visa types, and its holders can stay outside the UAE for more than half the years without jeopardizing their visa status. 

Golden visa investor can sponsor their families, regardless of age, and an unlimited number of domestic helpers.

Dubai Freelancer Visa:

Freelancer Visa: Dubai has introduced a freelancer permit for individuals who want to work as freelancers in certain fields, such as media, technology, and education. This allows them to live and work in Dubai.

Applicants must prove total earnings in each of the preceding two years to be at or above AED 360,000 ($98,012) and must have earned at least a bachelor's degree.

Dubai Student Visa:

Student Visa: If accepted into a recognized educational institution in Dubai, you can obtain a student visa. This allows you to study in Dubai while residing in the city.

Expat residents can sponsor their offspring's student visas up to the age of 25. The visa is renewed on an annual basis.

Dubai Self-Employed Visa (Green Visa):

Self-Employed Visa: Dubai offers a visa for self-employed individuals who want to establish their businesses in the Emirate. You will need to fulfill specific requirements and demonstrate a viable business plan.

UAE Citizenship By Investment

Usually, citizenship in the UAE can only be attained through birth, descent, or marriage to a UAE citizen. In February 2021, the UAE amended its citizenship law, allowing foreigners who have been nominated by the country's cabinet, royal courts, and government councils to gain Emirati citizenship.

A UAE passport offers visa-free travel to 176 countries.

How To Apply for UAE Residency

Apply through the UAE immigration department. It typically takes one month to get the visa.

Mobility

UAE citizens get visa-free travel to 176 countries.

Country

UAE is considered a very safe and politically stable country that is home to over 150 nationalities. It boasts a high-quality lifestyle, standard of living, and world-class healthcare and education. It is a tax-free city with no income or capital gain tax. The UAE was named the 13th Most Promising Home Economy for Investment in 2017-19, according to a survey by the United Nations Council for Trade and Development and Investment Promotion Agency.

Powered by Froala Editor