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Dubai is a city and one of the seven emirates that make up the United Arab Emirates (UAE). It’s known for its modern architecture, luxury shopping, and bustling nightlife, and is a popular tourist destination. Dubai is also a major global hub for business, finance, and tourism.
Burj Khalifa, Burj Al Arab, Global Village, Dubai Mall, Ski Dubai, Desert Safari, Dubai Garden Glow, Palm Jumeirah, Dubai Miracle Garden, There are plenty of Dubai tourist places to choose from. You need to just pick a category and you will have an entire list of options rolled out in front of you. Dubai is generally considered a good place to both work and settle, particularly for expats. It offers a high standard of living, a low crime rate, and a thriving economy. However, it’s also important to consider the cost of living, which can be higher than in many other places. Dubai welcomed 18.72 million international visitors, marking a 9% increase compared to the previous year. This number surpasses the previous record of 17.15 million visitors in 2023. The surge in tourism is attributed to strategic destination growth and a focus on becoming a global hub for business and leisure.
In the UAE, “Permanent Residency” is commonly understood as a long-term residency visa, often referred to as the Golden Visa. This visa allows foreign nationals to live, work, and study in the country for an extended period, typically 5 or 10 years, and is renewable. Unlike standard visas, it doesn’t require a sponsor and offers benefits like exiting and re-entering the UAE without strict time constraints, sponsoring family members, and accessing essential services.
While the UAE doesn’t offer traditional permanent residency, it does offer long-term residency visas, including the Golden Visa, through various pathways like investment, exceptional talent, or outstanding achievements, allowing for extended stays and potential pathways to citizenship.
the UAE, a 10-year permanent residence visa, often referred to as a Golden Visa, can be obtained through several avenues, including real estate investment, significant capital investment, outstanding talent, or humanitarian contributions.
Investment (Golden Visa)
The UAE offers a Golden Visa, a 10-year long-term residence visa, for individuals with specialized talents, including scientists, doctors, artists, and inventors, as well as executives and athletes. This visa allows individuals to live, work, and study in the UAE with exclusive benefits.
The UAE offers a five-year residence permit, including the Green Visa, for certain individuals, particularly those with specific qualifications or who are retirees. This permit allows the holder to act as their own sponsor and enjoy benefits such as freedom from needing a sponsor, flexibility in exiting and re-entering the country, and potentially reduced healthcare costs. To qualify, individuals may need to meet financial criteria, have significant investments, or have worked in the UAE for a certain period.
1. Minimum property value: The property or group of properties must be valued at a minimum of AED 2 million.
2. Property Ownership: Applicants must submit a letter from the relevant land department confirming ownership of the property.
3. Investment Duration: The property must be retained for a minimum of three years for some Golden Visa categories.
4. Financial Stability: Applicants may need to demonstrate a stable financial background, including a certificate of health status and no outstanding debts.
5. Family Members: Some Golden Visa categories allow investors to sponsor family members, including spouses and children.
To obtain a 5-year UAE residence visa as an entrepreneur, you need to own an economic project focused on technical excellence and innovation. You also need to provide an auditor’s letter certifying the project’s value is at least AED 500,000 and an approval letter from relevant UAE authorities. Additionally, you’ll need a valid passport, health insurance, and proof of housing in the UAE.
Purchasing real estate: If you buy a residential property in Dubai or any other Emirate worth at least one million Dirhams, you can obtain a UAE residence visa valid for two years.
Entering an employment contract: If you are planning on gaining official employment in the UAE from a UAE-based company or the Emirati government, you will need a work visa. Your employer must perform all the formalities of the visa sponsoring process and will take you an average of two-three weeks to receive your initial work entry permit that has a two-month validity. Then, you would convert the entry permit into a residence visa valid for either two or three years depending on the issuing zone.
Incorporating your own company in the UAE: This route is the most efficient and convenient way of acquiring a residence visa in the UAE as an investor or shareholder. The process only takes a few weeks, and the costs are relatively low. The business structure can be purely formal, as long as it meets the necessary Economic Substance Regulations. Visas for investors or shareholders are valid for three years.
Studying in the UAE: You can gain a student visa for pursuing a course of study in the Emirates.
As a family member of a UAE resident or national: You can also gain residency in the UAE through this pathway.
UAE citizenship can be obtained through descent (if born to an Emirati father), naturalization (after 30 years of residency), marriage to an Emirati citizen, or by exceptional merit, such as through significant investments or contributions to the country’s development.
Naturalization in the UAE is a path to citizenship for foreigners who have resided in the country for a significant period, typically 30 years.
Eligibility and Requirements for Naturalization:
1. Long-Term Residency
2. Arabic Language Proficiency
3. Legal Income Source
4. Academic Qualifications
5. Good Reputation and Criminal Record
6. Oath of Allegiance
7. Background Checks
In Dubai, the most in-demand careers in 2025 are in technology-related fields, including:
data science,
1. AI, and ML,
2. cybersecurity,
3. software development.
4. Healthcare,
5. e-commerce,
6. digital marketing are also experiencing high demand.
7. roles in finance,
8. banking,
9. construction,
10. hospitality are also sought after.
1. Black toppers
2. Engineers for agricultural machinery
4. Technicians with a higher level of training (engineers) for power engineering technology
5. Graduates in power engineering
6. Pavers
7. Special(ist) power engineers
8. Concrete fitters
9. Technicians with a higher level of training (engineers) for data processing
10. Carpenters
11. Special fitters
12. Graduate engineers for data processing
13. Technicians with a higher level of training (engineers) for mechanical engineering
14. Construction joiners
15. Physicians
16. Floor and wall tilers
17. Building plumbers
18. Graduate nurses
19. Pipe installers, pipe fitters
20. Graduates in weak-current and telecommunications engineering
21. Electrical installers, electrical fitters
22. Welders, cutting torch operators
23. Cost accountants
24. Metal turners
25. Graduate mechanical engineers
26. Milling machinists
27. Ophthalmic opticians
28. Special graduate engineers
29. Technicians with a higher education (engineer) for civil engineering
30. Special floor layers
31. Construction and furniture joiners
32. Special fitters
33. Bricklayers
34. Other civil engineering specialists
35. Specialist technicians for mechanical engineering
36. Payroll accountants
37. Wood machine workers
38. Graduate engineers – special professions
39. Varnishers
40. Motor vehicle mechanic
41. Glaziers
42. Train conductors, stokers
43. Building fitters, sheet metal fitters, construction fitters
44. Engineers/technicians for rough mechanicals
45. Special technicians for low voltage engineering and communication engineering
46. Other technicians for fuel and gas technology
47. Restaurant chefs
48. Painters, house painters
49. Stove fitters, potters, stove makers
50. Technicians with a higher level of training (engineer) for technical chemistry, chemical engineers
A Dubai Residence Visa allows foreigners to live in Dubai and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) for extended periods. It’s not a permanent residency but a long-term stay permit, often for 1 to 10 years, depending on the specific visa type and circumstances.
1. Valid Passport
2. UAE Visa Application Form
3. Passport-sized photos
4. Entry Visa
5. Proof of Sponsor’s Residency
6. Medical Fitness Test
7. Health Insurance
8. Work Visa
9. Family Visa
10. Freelance Visa
Relocating to a Dubai Free Zone means establishing a business within a designated area offering specific benefits, including tax exemptions, 100% foreign ownership, and simplified procedures. These zones are designed to attract international investment and foster specific industries with dedicated infrastructure and support.
Obtaining residency in Dubai through employment typically involves your employer sponsoring your residency visa. The employer handles the visa application process, and the visa is usually linked to the employment contract, offering residency for 2-3 years, renewable as long as you remain employed.
Obtaining Dubai residency through company registration involves setting up a business, either in a Free Zone or on the mainland, and then applying for a residency visa as the company owner or shareholder. This process includes registering your company, obtaining the necessary licenses, completing medical and biometric checks, and acquiring an Emirates ID.
To obtain a Dubai residence visa for family members, an expatriate resident can sponsor immediate family members, such as spouses and children, if they meet certain eligibility criteria. This allows them to live and work in Dubai legally and access essential services like healthcare and education.
General Requirements:
1. Original passport valid for at least six months.
2. Colored passport copy.
3. Digital passport-sized photo on a white background.
4. UAE Visa Application Form.
5. Proof of entry visa.
6. Proof of medical fitness test.
7. Proof of UAE health insurance plan.
8. Original Emirates ID of the sponsor.
Work Visa Requirements:
1. Copy of work contract.
2. Employer’s valid trade license and firm card.
3. Salary certificate (for government, semi-government, and free zone employees).
4. Attested labor contract (for private sector employees).
Family Visa Requirements:
1. Proof of family relationship (birth/marriage certificates).
2. Attested birth and/or marriage certificates.
3. Parents require an affidavit letter from the sponsor’s consulate.
1. Tax-Free Income: Dubai does not impose personal income tax, meaning you can keep a larger portion of your earnings.
2. Sponsorship for Family: A work permit allows you to sponsor your spouse and children for residency, enabling them to live and work in Dubai as well.
3. Access to Healthcare: You will have access to Dubai’s excellent healthcare system, including medical insurance and access to various healthcare facilities.
4. Permanent Residency for Dependents: If you are on a work permit, you can also sponsor your dependents for permanent residency.
5. Travel Visa-Free: As a work permit holder, you may be able to travel visa-free to some destinations.
6. Global Business Exposure: Dubai is a major hub for international business, offering opportunities to network and work with people from around the world.
7. Diverse Work Environment: Dubai has a multicultural workforce, creating a dynamic and interesting work environment.
8. Career Growth: The city’s vibrant economy and numerous industries offer plenty of opportunities for career advancement and development.
9. High Quality of Life: Dubai boasts excellent infrastructure, a wide range of recreational activities, and a luxurious lifestyle.
10. Access to Banking and Finance: A work permit facilitates access to financial institutions and services, allowing you to manage your finances easily.
Many people find life in Dubai to be good, particularly for expats. Dubai offers a high standard of living, with world-class infrastructure, excellent healthcare, and a vibrant cultural scene. The city is also known for its safety and security, which are major attractions for families and individuals. .
1. Safety and Security: Dubai has a very low crime rate, thanks to strict laws and effective enforcement, making it a safe environment for residents.
2. Diverse Culture and Community: Dubai is a melting pot of cultures, with people from all over the world, creating a vibrant and multicultural atmosphere.
3. Economic Opportunities: Dubai has a thriving job market, particularly in sectors like finance, technology, and tourism.
4. No Income Tax: This allows residents to keep more of what they earn, which can be a significant advantage.
5. World-Class Infrastructure: Dubai has excellent transportation, including a modern metro system, and state-of-the-art facilities.
salaries in Dubai are generally considered to be good, particularly compared to other Middle Eastern countries. While they may not be as high as in the US or UK, Dubai offers a comfortable standard of living and opportunities for wealth building.
In Dubai, the average salary ranges from AED 4,810 to AED 99,000 per month, with a median salary of AED 13,800. A salary between AED 10,000 and 15,000 is considered decent, allowing for good savings after expenses.
Coraledu’s mission is to empower internationals to thrive in their lives abroad. We offer tailored work and settlement solutions designed to facilitate success for individuals and their employers worldwide, with a particular focus on Dubai. Contact us to discover how we can support you or your employees in achieving both professional and personal fulfillment abroad.
