The Ultimate Guide To Obtaining A Permanent Residence Visa In Dubai: Everything You Need To Know

If you’re considering obtaining permanent residence in the UAE, particularly in Dubai, it’s important to understand the different ways to achieve this goal. Permanent residence, also known as a residency visa, allows individuals to live and work in the UAE on a permanent basis. You need to consult professionals for the best decisions.

In this guide, we’ll explore the various options available for obtaining permanent residence in the UAE, including investment in business or real estate, the Golden Visa program, work visas, study visas, and other avenues. By the end of this guide, you’ll have a better understanding of the requirements and benefits of each option, helping you make an informed decision about which one is right for you to obtain permanent residence UAE.

Investment in Business or Real Estate

One way to obtain permanent residency in the UAE is through investment in business or real estate. This option requires investing a minimum amount of money in the UAE.

Requirements

To obtain a residency visa through investment, you must meet the following requirements:

• For real estate investment, invest at least AED 1 million ($272,000) in property.
• For business investment, invest at least AED 1 million in a UAE-based company, or AED 10 million ($2.7 million) in any other investment fund, deposit, or company.
• The investment must be made in cash.
• Provide evidence of the investment, such as bank statements or property deeds.

Investment Options

Investment options for obtaining a residency visa include:

• Real Estate: Purchase residential or commercial property in the UAE and hold for a minimum of three years.
• Business: Invest in a UAE-based company or set up your own company in the UAE.
• Investment Fund: Invest in a UAE-approved investment fund, with a minimum of AED 10 million.

Benefits

The benefits of obtaining a residency visa through investment include:

• Live and work in the UAE permanently.
• Sponsor family members for residency visas.
• Conduct business in the UAE and access its economy.
• Access healthcare, education, and public services in the UAE.

Golden Visa Program

The Golden Visa program is a special type of residency visa offered by the UAE government. The program was launched in 2019 and aims to attract wealthy and talented individuals to live and work in the UAE.

Eligibility Criteria

To be eligible for the Golden Visa program, you must meet one or more of the following criteria:

• Invest at least AED 10 million ($2.7 million) in a business in the UAE.
• Invest at least AED 5 million ($1.36 million) in property in the UAE.
• Have a PhD degree from a recognized university.
• Have specialized talents in science, medicine, or research.
• Have exceptional skills in art, culture, or sports.
• Be an entrepreneur or founder of a successful company.

Application Process

To apply for a Golden Visa, you must provide the following documents:

• Passport copy and visa page.
• UAE entry stamp.
• Proof of investment, if applicable.
• Educational certificates, if applicable.
• CV or resume.
• Personal photo.
• Health insurance.

After submitting your application, it will be reviewed by the relevant authorities. If approved, you will receive a residence permit valid for 5 or 10 years.

Benefits

Benefits of obtaining a Golden Visa include:

• Live and work in the UAE for up to 10 years.
• Sponsor family members for residency visas.
• Travel in and out of the UAE without a separate visa.
• Access to public services such as education and healthcare.

Work Visa

Another way to obtain permanent residence in the UAE is through a work visa. This is a popular option for individuals who have been offered a job in the UAE or who are looking to start a career there.

Requirements

To be eligible for a work visa in the UAE, you must:

• Have a valid passport.
• Be at least 18 years old.
• Have a job offer from a company registered in the UAE.
• Pass a medical examination.
• Obtain a residency permit.

Application Process

To apply for a work visa, you will need to provide the following documents:

• Passport and visa application form.
• Job offer letter.
• Medical fitness certificate.
• Proof of health insurance.
• Residency permit application form.
• Emirates ID application form.

Once your application is approved, you will receive a residency visa valid for three years, which can be renewed.

Benefits

Benefits of obtaining a work visa in the UAE include:

• Ability to live and work in the UAE for up to three years.
• Opportunity to start or advance your career.
• Sponsor family members for residency visas.
• Access to public services such as education and healthcare.

Study Visa

If you are interested in pursuing higher education in the UAE, obtaining a study visa can be a great option for obtaining permanent residence in the UAE.

Requirements

To be eligible for a study visa in the UAE, you must:

• Be accepted into a university or college in the UAE.
• Provide proof of financial support.
• Obtain a residency permit.
• Pass a medical examination.

Application Process

To apply for a study visa in the UAE, you will need to provide the following documents:

• Passport and visa application form.
• Acceptance letter from a UAE university or college.
• Proof of financial support, such as bank statements or a scholarship.
• Medical fitness certificate.
• Residency permit application form.
• Emirates ID application form.

Once your application is approved, you will receive a residency visa valid for the duration of your academic program, which can be renewed if necessary.

Benefits

Benefits of obtaining a study visa in the UAE include:

• Ability to live in the UAE for the duration of your academic program.
• Opportunity to pursue higher education in a diverse and dynamic country.
• Access to public services such as education and healthcare.

Other Ways to Obtain Permanent Residency

In addition to the investment, Golden Visa, work, and study visa options, there are other ways to obtain permanent residency in the UAE.

Family Sponsorship

If you have a family member who is a UAE citizen or permanent resident, they can sponsor you for a residency visa. This is a common option for spouses, children, and parents of UAE citizens or permanent residents.

To be eligible for family sponsorship, you will need to provide proof of your relationship to the sponsor, along with other required documents.

Retirement Visa

The UAE also offers a retirement visa for individuals over the age of 55 who meet certain financial criteria. To be eligible for a retirement visa, you must have savings of at least AED 1 million, or receive a monthly income of at least AED 20,000.

Freelance Visa

If you work as a freelancer or run your own business, you may be eligible for a freelance visa in the UAE. This allows you to live and work in the UAE as a self-employed individual.

To be eligible for a freelance visa, you will need to provide proof of your income, along with other required documents.

Conclusion

Obtaining permanent residency in the UAE can be complex, but there are several options available, such as investment, the Golden Visa program, work, study, family sponsorship, retirement, and freelance visas. Before applying, review the eligibility criteria, costs, and obligations.

Permanent residency in the UAE offers access to world-class amenities, the opportunity to live and work in a vibrant country, and the chance to be part of a diverse community. If considering permanent residency in the UAE, research and consult professionals for the best decisions.

This article was published by Mia Bailey