Relocate to Dubai

Let’s assist you with various VISA options.

VISA options avaliable

Relocating to Dubai is now easier than ever. No matter what your requirement is, we are here to help you make your move a pleasant one.

VISA Options for relocating to Dubai can be explored through the following options below.

Employment Visa

When working for a company in Dubai, expatriates must be sponsored by the hiring company who is legally required to apply for the employee’s entry visa and work permit, in addition to sponsoring their residency. The residence permit would be valid for either one or two years depending on the employment contract.

Employer-sponsored expats may also sponsor their immediate family members, subject to conditions which include a minimum salary of AED 4,000 or AED 3,000 plus accommodation.

Student Visa

Expats who are at least 18 years of age and decide to enroll in a college or university in Dubai are eligible for a residence visa that is sponsored either by the parents (male students only) or by one of the accredited universities and colleges in Dubai.

The student visa is generally valid for one year and renewable for a similar period upon submitting official proof of continuation of educations, issued by the relevant higher educational institute. A 5-year Golden Visa is granted to university students within and outside the country having a distinction GPA of at least 3.75 upon graduation.

Remote Work Visa

The remote work visa is eligible for employees who are based outside the UAE and wish to relocate to Dubai. The one-year renewable visa falls under the virtual working program that is tailored for individuals, start-ups and entrepreneurs who meet specific eligibility criteria.

If the application to live in Dubai is approved by the UAE’s authorities, the holder of a remote work visa may also sponsor immediate family members.

If you are an employee, you need to:

  • Provide proof of employment with a contract valid for one year from your current employer.
  • Earn a minimum salary of USD 5,000 per month.
  • Provide a salary slip for the last month and bank statements for the preceding three months.

If you are a company owner, you need to:

  • Provide proof of ownership of the company for one year or more.
  • Have an average monthly income of at least USD 5,000 per month.
  • Provide bank statements of the company’s account for the preceding three months.

Cultural and Special Talents Visa

A 10-year Cultural Visa is granted to creative talents in the fields of literature and culture, arts, heritage, history, and cognitive studies as well as creative industries.

Only existing UAE residents may apply for this visa should they meet at least five mandatory conditions set by The Dubai Culture and Arts Authority (Dubai Culture) in coordination with the General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs – Dubai (GDRFA). A 10-year visa is also granted to specialized talents and researchers in the fields of science and knowledge such as doctors, specialists, scientists, and inventors.

Real Estate Visa

Purchasing real estate in Dubai may grant the buyer a residence permit. According to the UAE investor visa program, the property must be completed upon the purchase and its value must be of AED 1 million or more. Holders of residence visas through real estate purchase may also sponsor their dependents.

Investor Visa

Foreigners who start a business or invest in an existing company in Dubai’s mainland or the free zones are eligible for a residence visa. This visa is granted to investors who own shares in an existing company worth AED 72,000 or more, or are establishing a company with a capital investment worth the same amount.

The investor visa falls under the Golden Visa scheme which grants investors a long-term visa for themselves and their dependents, subject to additional conditions related to investment size and capital.

Retirement Visa

Dubai introduced a retirement programme for resident expatriates and foreigners over the age of 55. Eligible applicants will be provided a retirement visa, renewable every five years. Banking options have been introduced to enable retirees to own a property that fits their lifestyle. These options will be available only to holders of a retirement visa.

Retirees can choose between one of three financial requirements for eligibility:

  • Earning a monthly income of AED20,000 ($5,500) or more;
  • Having savings of AED1m ($275,000) or more;
  • Owning a property in Dubai worth AED2m ($550,000).

Make your move. Moving to Dubai is now easier than ever.