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Ras Al Khaimah, Abu Dhabi, and Dubai are among the top 20 cities that make up the
InterNations Expat City Ranking 2023 in the United Arab Emirates. That alone ensures that the
UAE cannot be ignored in the expat-attracting process. With over 9 million expats currently
living in this most critical economic powerhouse in the Middle East, it is quite astonishing that
people are truly quite eager to secure permanent residency in the UAE, particularly in
cosmopolitan Dubai, for a good quality of life.
So, how do you get permanent residency in Dubai? Here is your step-by-step guide on how to
make it happen.
Key Takeaways
- Visa Options: Golden Visa, Green Visa, Employment Visa, Virtual Work Visa, Property Owner Visa, Student Visa, Retirement Visa.
- Eligibility: Based on investment, employment, or academic credentials.
- Steps: Get sponsor, entry permit, medical exam, Emirates ID, health insurance, visa stamping.
- New Requirements: Good conduct certificate and email mandatory.
- Permanent Residency: Achievable through long-term visas.
What is Permanent Residence in Dubai, UAE?
In broad terms, permanent residency in Dubai awards one the permanent right of residence and
also gives the privilege to work within the UAE without a time constraint. Historically, it has not
been possible for the UAE to provide permanent residency for expatriates, but certain changes
lately have made it easier for foreign nationals who now have a good chance to attain long-term
residency. The permanent residency visa granted by the UAE lets expatriates live in and work there, study, and live in the country for a relatively long time. This can last for 5 up to 10 years. This is an
extended permission a good deal longer than that from a typical visa and does not require the
expatriate to have a local sponsor.
Residency by Investment Vs Citizenship by Investment: What’s The
Difference?
Understanding the key differences between Residency by Investment and Citizenship by
Investment is critical before you decide to permanently reside in Dubai.
A residency program awards the investor privileges to reside in, work in, and learn in the host
country; still, it does not encompass all the benefits of citizenship. Just like this person carries no
voting rights or passport of the country.
In opposition, the Citizenship by Investment proposal presents the total benefits of residency,
together with the complete rights of citizenship, including voting rights as well as the ability to
travel using the host country’s passport.
Requirements For Obtaining A Permanent Residency In Dubai
Dubai permanent residency qualification will always differ from one person to another. You can
be eligible for a ten-year residency visa for any of the following categories:
- Investor in public investments
- Exceptional talent
- University student
- For humanitarian work.
But every category has its special conditions, which can be invested in a minimum amount of
capital, academic qualifications obtained and recognized as accredited, or humanitarian
contribution.
The other kind of visas to be used in the UAE is the five-year residency visa for real estate
investors, entrepreneurs, and distinguished high school students. Similar to the ten-year visa, it
also has an eligibility criterion based on the situation of the applicant.
One can obtain a residence permit from Dubai to enter the country if they want, depending on the
nationality of the applicant. The following are the requirements for moving to Dubai
- Non-GCC resident is supposed to apply for a residence visa in Dubai after making the country.
- If your residence visa is through employment, then your employer will have to obtain the visa on your behalf.
- Necessary to open bank accounts, purchasing an asset, like a vehicle, and making various other things possible in Dubai will be the residence visa.
- At least six months legitimate passport will be in need while processing the residence visa.
Few New Requirements
A set of requirements relating to residence visas for international guests has been enhanced by
the UAE government. Under new regulations, foreign people who seek a residence permit based
on employment must attach a certificate of good conduct from their country of residence to their
application. Here’s an exemption: Should you decide to make a career switch in Dubai, this
certificate is not needed.
Another new requirement is of a valid email address. Foreigners, while applying for a residence
visa for Dubai, would be eligible for an automatic alert for visa status through email.
The process of application can prove to be cumbersome but can be made relatively easier with
the aid of local experts. Immigration to Dubai and residency is generally hassle-free with
professionals in the business, such as Emifast, who are fully aware of the legal formalities and
paperwork.
Residency Visa Options in Dubai
Dubai has developed several visa types for people wanting to live in the global business hub.
Let’s break down the most frequent ones.
- Golden Visa: A 10-year renewable visa for investors, entrepreneurs, and skilled
professionals who provide stable residency to those applying. - Green Visa: Applicable to eligible employees, freelancers, and investors, with 5 years of
residency without any sponsor or guarantor. - Employment Visa: The visa shall be sponsored by the employers who have direct
connection with employment, and it is relevant for foreign workforces in UAE. - Virtual Work Visa: This visa option falls for remote workers and digital nomads, which
gives the opportunity of residency while working for companies outside UAE. - Property Owner Visa: Foreign nationals who make investments in UAE real estate can
earn this alternative for a visa associated with status as a property owner. - Student Visa: Designed for international students getting their education at recognized
institutions, this residency status is granted to them during their academic programs. - Retirement Visa: The individuals who are eligible to retire in the UAE can receive this
long-range visa to enjoy their retirement peacefully in the country.
How to Apply for Permanent Residency in Dubai
Ready to start your permanent residency in Dubai? You have the choice to submit your
application through the GDRFA website, the ICP (Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship,
Customs, and Port Security) website, or in person at any of the typing centers situated throughout
the Emirates.
Right here, we’ve got an uncomplicated walkthrough to help you with everything.
Step 1: Get a Sponsor
- For Employment: Your company will be the sponsor for you.
- Family Residency: You have the opportunity to be backed by anyone from your family
- that lives in the UAE.
- Investors/Business Owners: If you compliantly adhere to the stipulations and
- requirements of the UAE government, you can act as your own sponsor.
Step 2: Entry Permit
When you have a sponsor, the latter is to issue an entry permit for you to be admitted in UAE in
a legitimate manner. In this case, an entry permit is issued by ICP and GDRFA of the emirate.
Step 3: Enter the UAE
After obtaining your entry permit, you should enter the UAE prior to the expiration date of the
permit.
Step 4: Medical Examination
You are allowed to conduct your medical examination at any government-approved health
center, either upon arrival or here in the UAE. That usually involves a blood test and chest X-ray,
as well as detection of infectious diseases.
Apply for an Emirates ID, which is the identification card everyone, other than tourists and
visitors, must carry in the UAE. This involves collection of biometric data, and afterward, one
has to apply at one of the accredited centers.
Step 5: Health Insurance
Health insurance with a registered company in the UAE should be arranged prior to the
residency visa.
Step 6: Visa Stamping
Once you have acquired the medical report, applied for your Emirates ID, and health insurance,
your sponsor will submit your application for the stamping of your residency visa on your
passport, which usually goes through the GDRFA.
Step 7: Collect Your Documents
After your application has been approved, you can now collect your passport with a stamp of
your residency visa, your Emirates ID, and your health insurance policy.
Can I Get Permanent Residency in Dubai?
Yes, of course. Dubai offers many great opportunities: high-class healthcare and an explosive job
market without personal income tax. And with so many residency visas, applying for permanent
residence should be pretty easy if requirements are met with some expert help.
With Emifast, we help make things easier for you during the application process. Contact us for a
free consultation and start your pathway to permanent residency in Dubai today!