The authorities offer cosmopolitans different categories of resident visas equivalent to residence permits, which open access to the rights of residents of the country. Foreigners with Emirates ID cards can use banks, medical services and more. They are available to students, specialists, and investors who have decided to invest in real estate. The temporary status allows you to open businesses in the free economic zone and lead an active business life.
There are still categories for freelancers, family restoration, and mixed marriages in the country. According to the Migration Department, in 2024, about 89% of the population are solvent migrants. The authorities allow multiple renewals of permits and live in the country for years, but naturalization passports are issued only after 3 decades. This policy is explained by the desire of a small population to preserve their national identity.
Types of residence permit
The United Arab Emirates has aroused increased economic interest among Russians over the past 3 years. Wealthy citizens are attracted by profitable investments, the absence of taxes, obtaining loans at low rates, and the opportunity to leave the country for up to 6 months. The selected program determines the conditions and procedure for processing documents. In 2023, 5 million visas were issued to foreigners. This is 700,000 more than the year before last.
Residence permit for the purchase of real estate
This is one of the available ways to obtain a temporary status and a liquid asset. Regardless of the type of residential facility and the emirate, buyers receive long-term residences. More than 70% of cosmopolitans invest in real estate in freehold zones.
Necessary justifications
The Taskeen and Golden Visa programs are open in Dubai. They assume the issuance of resident cards for 5-10 years at once,provided:
- purchase of residential real estate in the amount of 750,000 AED or $205,000 with the possibility of using a mortgage loan;
- investing in the economy of 2 million AED ($544,500);
- payment of tax for the transfer of ownership within 4%;
- payment of an administrative fee and a fee for registration of the right.
For the first three years, owners are prohibited from selling or alienating property. The restrictions do not apply to the rental of housing. Rent with resale in the future allows you to return capital.
List of documents
The dossier is submitted to the Land Department or DLD. The authorities ask applicants to undergo fingerprinting in advance, with the help of lawyers to preparea package of papers:
- a power of attorney for the services of an immigration company;
- a copy of a foreign passport;
- a civil status document;
- a certificate of ownership;
- certificates of non-conviction (Polise clearance);
- a certificate of law-abiding;
- results of a medical commission (Medikal certificate).
Student residence permits
There are many prestigious universities and colleges in the country. Education is available to young people with knowledge of English. Accredited educational institutions grant long-term residencies to prospective students for 1 and 5 years. In the latter case, they are issued to expats who have scored 3.75 points out of 4 possible.
Necessary justifications
Admission to a university is the basis for issuing an Emirates ID card. Requirements for obtaining:
- a certificate with a high score;
- a certificate of admission to the course;
- a petition from the administration;
- confirmation of financial viability.
Education in UAE universities costs foreigners 5000-10,000 USD and 20,000 USD in branches of UK universities.
List of documents
The study Visa is issued 1-2 months before the start of classes after submitting the papers. Folder Contents:
- the standard form is an application;
- passport and birth certificate;
- biometric photos;
- letter of admission to the faculty;
- health results;
- bank statement of the deposit amount or sponsorship guarantee;
- payment of the state fee.
Residence permit for financially independent persons
To attract intellectual potential, at the initiative of the Cabinet of Ministers, programs have been opened for digital nomads, self-employed, sole proprietors seeking to remotely manage work processes. The category is also relevant for specialists whose activities do not depend on the location.
Necessary justifications
Freelancers in the UAE are equated to individual entrepreneurs. To obtain a Freelance Visa,they are required to:
- registration as an individual entrepreneur;
- Trade License in one of the Free Zones;
- certificate of profit from 360,000 AED for the last 2 years.
Digital nomads are required to confirm employment in a foreign company, monthly income of $3,500 and income in recent months. Self-employed and gifted professionals with licenses to work according to their profile can apply for a Green Visa for Work.
List of documents
Applications are accepted in the UAE and outside the country. The dossier:
- passport and photo of the first page;
- diploma of education;
- medical policy;
- proof of solvency;
- certificate of law-abiding.
Residence permit by marriage
Despite the mixing of cultures, the Middle Eastern country has preserved patriarchal Muslim traditions. While men are allowed to marry European women, Arab women are forbidden to form alliances with adherents of other religions.
Necessary justifications
Marriage does not serve as a pretext for obtaining citizenship. The spouses immediately receive temporary residence for 15 years. In case of divorce, it is annulled. Conditions:
- power of attorney of the bride's father;
- official registration document;
- joint household management;
- children born in marriage.
List of documents
The dossier includes:
- the spouse's documents in Arabic, certified by the Ministry of Justice;
- a medical report on health;
- a certificate from the police about the place of residence;
- a document on her husband's earnings;
- certificates from the bank with the amount of the deposit.
Family reunion
This visa is intended for moving relatives to the country for a long-term period. It provides foreigners with social benefits and gives them the opportunity to find a job if they wish.
Necessary justifications
They are issued on the basis of the fact of kinship:
- spouses;
- unmarried financially dependent heirs;
- minor siblings;
- elderly parents.
List of documents
The standard list:
- sponsor's passport;
- letter of financial obligations;
- personal questionnaires of relatives;
- copy of invitation;
- scan of entry visa;
- medical insurance;
- certificate of residence.
Work permit
Thousands of companies open in the free economic zone every year. To close vacancies, managers hire employees from different countries on a contractual basis. The visa involves moving with spouses and unmarried children. Talented specialists with outstanding achievements receive residencies for 2 years or 10 years at once.
Necessary justifications
Adult expats who meet the standards of the Ministry of Human Resources can apply for admission. Terms of registration:
- inviting the hiring party;
- applications from the employer;
- availability of a specialty;
- relevant experience and experience of at least 3 years;
- professional recommendations.
List of documents
The residence permit is issued by the employer at the Federal Agency (GDRFA) or the Office for Foreigners. List:
- online questionnaire with personal data;
- standard format photo;
- passport with a margin of time;
- diploma of qualification;
- bank statement and income statement on demand;
- medical insurance.
Residence permit for business and sole proprietor
A diversified economy, an active business environment, and investment protection make it possible to consider Dubai as a platform for entrepreneurial activity. It is not for nothing that he is in the 15th position in the "Ease of doing Business" rating. 80% of the Fortune 500 companies are present on the territory. Owners of large capitals after the opening of the company become holders of visas for 10 years.
Necessary justifications
An investment residence permit allows you to conduct business activities without attracting a sponsor. Conditionsfor obtaining an Emirates ID card:
- registration of a startup in one of the 50 free economic zones with the support of a business incubator;
- opening of a branch of the company;
- investment of 10 million AED in a fund or purchase of shares;
- participation in the project for 3 years.
List of documents
The list may vary depending on the type of activity and the requirements of the emirate authorities. The certificates must be translated and certified before submitting. Folder Contents:
- business plan;
- copy of the license of the operating company;
- color copies of the passport;
- samples of signatures of managers and shareholders;
- classifier of professions (NOC) for individuals;
- certificate of financial transactions;
- letter of obligations of the entrepreneur;
- original registration identification code of the founder;
- information about the authorized capital.
After 3 years, the owners of businesses/startups apply for a 5-year permanent residence.
Extension of a residence permit
After the end of the term, foreigners are given a grace period to extend or leave the country. To prolong the deadlines, foreigners register on the Smart Services website, download:
- copies of passports;
- specialists – updated work contracts;
- students – certificates from universities on the transition to the following courses;
- insurance and medical examination results;
- a receipt of the paid fee in the amount of 40 EUR.
Consideration of applications takes up to a month. Applicants receive responses by email. Expats pick up the cards at the office or receive them by mail.
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