The UAE offers numerous residence visa options, valid for up to 10 years. Foreigners can legalise their status through employment, proving monthly income that meets specific requirements, enrolling in an accredited university, family reunification, or investments starting from AED 500,000 ($136,000). Property buyers investing AED 2 million ($544,500) can obtain a 5-year Golden Visa with renewal options. In contrast, an investment of AED 750,000 ($204,000) in property in Dubai, one of the best cities for living in the UAE, qualifies for a 2-year residency.
Foreigners who have legally resided in the Emirates for 30 years may apply for citizenship. The naturalisation period for those of Arab origin is reduced to 3-7 years. Individuals who have become citizens through purchasing high-value properties have invested a minimum of AED 10 million ($2.72 million). However, this method is not automatic and requires individual consideration by the authorities.
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5 Reasons to move to UAE for permanent residence
- Advantageous tax system: The country has no personal income tax, allowing highly skilled professionals and freelancers to keep most of their salary or profit. There are also no taxes on inheritance, property, gifts, interest, dividends, royalties, wealth, or capital gains. This attracts investors and entrepreneurs.
- High standard of living: The standard of living in the UAE reaches the world's largest metropolises. The state offers numerous modern residential complexes, luxury hotels, global brand shops, and modern infrastructure. Local authorities invest in technology, healthcare, education, and transport systems. The country attracts the best specialists in various fields, and its safety level is one of the highest, ranked 2nd in the Numbeo Safety Index for 2025. Streets, districts, and public places are clean and well-maintained, a major advantage for families with children.
- Business opportunities: Dubai and Abu Dhabi are among the world's leading business centres. They host the headquarters of major global companies, including Google and Amazon, as well as free economic zones such as JAFZA, DIFC, and DHCC, where entrepreneurs can do business without incurring taxes. Another advantage of the emirate is its more flexible living conditions, namely bars and nightclubs operate in its territory, and large-scale festivals and concerts featuring world stars are organised. The country serves as a convenient bridge between East and West, offering investors and entrepreneurs excellent opportunities for international activities.
- Quality healthcare: The Emirates' healthcare system is considered one of the best in the world. The government actively invests in developing medical technologies and training highly qualified specialists. Modern treatment methods and high-quality service make the country a popular destination for medical tourism. In 2023 alone, Dubai welcomed over 691,000 medical tourists from around the world. A pleasant bonus is that services in local clinics are often more affordable than in Western countries.
- Cultural diversity and international environment: One of the main advantages of living in the UAE is the diversity of nationalities and cultures. In Dubai, where expatriates make up more than 85% of the population, as well as in Abu Dhabi and other major cities, you can meet people from all over the world, which promotes the exchange of ideas and broadens horizons. Various cultural events are actively supported. The state creates conditions for integrating and cooperating with different ethnic and religious groups. This enables individuals to find common ground with people from other cultures and expand their personal and professional connections.
Popular ways of relocation to UAE
| Visa category for moving to the UAE | Validity period |
|---|---|
| Golden | 5 or 10 years |
| Green | 5 years |
| For buyers of houses and apartments in Dubai | 2 years |
| Employment | Up to 2 years |
| Virtual working resident | 1 year |
| Student | 1 year |
| Retirement | 5 years |
| Family | Depends on the sponsor's visa |
Golden visa for investments
The Golden Visa is a residence permit issued to foreigners for 5 or 10 years with the possibility of extension. It grants the right to live, work, study in the Emirates, and stay abroad for more than 6 months without status cancellation. Applicants do not need a sponsor, such as an employer or family member. They can also sponsor spouses, children of any age, and domestic workers.
| Asset | Minimum investment threshold | Validity period | Conditions |
|---|---|---|---|
| Real estate | AED 2 million ($544,500) | 5 years | Buyers of one or more properties in the UAE valued at $544,500 or more can be legalised for 5 years. The transaction must be concluded using a loan from a specific local bank approved by the competent authority. |
| Innovative projects | AED 500,000 ($136,000) | 5 years | A 5-year residence permit is also available to entrepreneurs who invest in technical innovation and risk-related economic projects. They are required to submit letters of approval from an accredited business incubator, an auditor’s confirmation that the investment is at least $136,000, and a statement from the Emirate government affirming that the project has a technical focus or is related to innovative technologies. |
| Investment fund | AED 2 million ($544,500) | 10 years | An applicant for a 10-year gold visa must provide a letter from a nationally accredited foundation or a valid commercial or industrial license, along with a memorandum of association stating that they have a deposit or capital of $544,500 or more. The applicant must also provide a letter from the Federal Tax Office stating that they pay the country at least AED 250,000 ($68,000) annually. |
Property purchase
A golden visa can be issued based on investments in real estate located in any of the emirates. Buyers of apartments and villas in Dubai can participate in a separate programme. An investment of AED 750,000 ($204,000) enables them to obtain a 2-year residence permit, with the option to extend their status. The investor can relocate to the UAE with their family, including a spouse, unmarried daughters of any age, and sons under the age of 25.
Green Visa
The Green Visa does not require sponsorship from citizens or residents. It is valid for 5 years. It can be obtained through an investment of AED 1 million ($272,500) or more in creating a new business or supporting an existing one in the country. This residency visa in the UAE can be issued to the investor's spouse, unmarried daughters of any age, and sons under the age of 25. The status can be extended an unlimited number of times.
Employment
Foreign employees of UAE companies can obtain a work residence permit. The employer submits the application to the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation or the free economic zone, depending on the type of legal entity. Once approved, the foreigner will be issued an entry permit.
Upon arrival in the country, the employee receives an arrival stamp. Information about them is sent to the Immigration Service. Next, they must undergo a medical examination and submit biometric data. If the expat meets all requirements, they will be issued a residence permit within a few weeks.
Specialists who meet the following conditions can access a Green Visa:
- having a valid employment contract with a local company;
- a level of professional qualification that meets the requirements of the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation;
- a bachelor's degree or equivalent;
- a salary of at least AED 15,000 ($4,100) per month.
Freelance and self-employment
A Green Visa is issued to freelancers and self-employed individuals who provide:
- a freelance/self-employment licence from the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation;
- a bachelor's or specialist degree;
- proof of income from individual labour activity for the previous 2 years of at least AED 360,000 ($98,000) per year or financial solvency throughout the stay in the UAE.
Foreigners can also obtain a virtual work permit valid for 1 year. It is designed for specialists in web design, information and media technologies, education, etc., who work abroad. To legalise, they must confirm remote employment and an income of at least $5,000 per month for Dubai or $3,500 for another emirate.
Enrolment in an accredited university
Foreigners can legalise for the period of their education at a local educational institution. Applicants must have sponsorship from a resident parent or an accredited university or college to which they have been admitted. A student residence permit is valid for 1 year. It can be extended for a similar period after proof of continued education.
A 5-year Golden Visa is available to high achievers who have completed secondary school with a grade of 95% or higher or university with a GPA of at least 3.75. They do not require sponsorship; instead, they only need a letter of recommendation from the Ministry of Education.
Residents are allowed to sponsor only sons under the age of 25. Male students who provide proof of attending a university for at least 1 year can continue to receive sponsorship even if they are older than this age. There are no age restrictions for unmarried daughters.
The list of documents includes:
- a certificate issued by the university or college indicating the duration of study;
- an IELTS or TOEFL certificate confirming the level of English;
- proof of financial solvency for living in the United Arab Emirates.
After legalisation, students can work, but with restrictions on working hours.
Retirement visa
A retiree’s permanent residency in the UAE is issued to foreigners who have worked for at least 15 years or were at least 55 years old at the time of retirement. It is valid for 5 years. The status can be extended upon confirmation that the necessary criteria have been met.
Applicants must meet one of the following conditions:
- ownership of one or more properties worth at least AED 1 million ($272,500);
- financial savings of at least AED 1 million ($272,500);
- income of at least AED 15,000 ($4,100) per month for living in Dubai or AED 20,000 ($5,500) for another emirate.
Family reunification
Residents can sponsor their family members if their monthly salary is at least AED 4,000 ($1,100) or AED 3,000 ($820) if they own a housing unit. Each adult foreigner applying must undergo a medical examination.
Key information about the family reunification programme:
- a mother can sponsor her children only in exceptional cases approved by the Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs and Port Security;
- a resident sponsor can apply for a residence permit for dependents within 60 days of their entry into the country;
- a resident can arrange a residence permit for their parents, which will be issued on an annual basis regardless of the sponsor's status validity period;
- the type of profession is no longer a condition for a work visa holder to determine the possibility of sponsoring their family members.
Outstanding talents
Foreigners with outstanding talents can obtain a 10-year Golden Visa if they meet certain conditions. This option is designed for:
- doctors;
- scientists;
- cultural and art figures;
- inventors;
- executives;
- athletes.
Holders of doctoral degrees and specialists in the following fields can also apply:
- epidemiology and viruses;
- artificial intelligence;
- big data;
- computer engineering;
- electronic engineering;
- software engineering;
- electrical engineering;
- genetics and biotechnology.
Documents for UAE visa
The required documents depend on the category of residence permit being applied for. For example, when obtaining a Golden Visa for purchasing real estate, a foreigner needs:
- a power of attorney (if an authorised person applies);
- copies of passports of all applicants for residence permits;
- a valid visa;
- original marriage and children's birth certificates;
- certificates of no marriage for adult children;
- certificates of no criminal record for each adult applicant from their country of citizenship and the Emirates;
- a copy of the medical insurance policy;
- a certificate of medical examination;
- a copy of the property ownership certificate.
4 Steps for moving to UAE on a residence visa
- Preparing documents and obtaining a short-term entry permit. To legalise property ownership through purchase, a foreigner must obtain a six-month entry permit to inspect the property and complete the formal procedures. At this stage, they must collect, translate, and legalise the required documentation.
- Fulfilling investment conditions. Before concluding a purchase and sale transaction, the buyer must inspect the property and review all relevant documents. The investor can do this personally or authorise specialists to take on these tasks and register the property rights.
- Undergoing a medical examination. All adult applicants must obtain a medical examination certificate at an accredited clinic. The procedure includes a chest X-ray and tests for dangerous infectious diseases.
- Passing a background check and obtaining a residence permit. The investor submits documents and biometric data to the General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs. If the application is approved, they and their family members receive a residence permit.
Cases when UAE residence permit may be cancelled
- Prolonged absence – if a resident is absent from the country for more than 6 consecutive months (excluding Golden Visa holders).
- Termination of employment contract – if the residence permit is issued based on work and the contract is terminated.
- Visa regime violation – illegal stay, working without appropriate permission, or using forged documents.
- Crimes and offences – serious criminal offences, fraud, terrorism, or drug distribution.
- Bankruptcy or financial debts – if a resident fails to repay loans or engages in financial fraud.
- Public order violation – participation in political protests, extremist activities, or dissemination of information contrary to local legislation.
- Sponsor withdrawal – if the sponsor (employer, spouse, parent) withdraws support.
- Changes in migration legislation – if the country's laws change and the resident no longer meets the new requirements.
- Violation of moral norms – immoral behaviour, public displays of affection, or violation of Islamic norms.
- Failure to update data – if a resident fails to update their personal data with the relevant authorities.
- Non-compliance with visa conditions – if a foreign national received a residence permit as an investor but failed to fulfil investment obligations.
Cost of living in UAE
As of March 2025, the average monthly living expenses in the UAE (excluding rent) are AED 3,687 ($1,004) for one person and AED 12,834 ($3,493) for a family of 4. Renting a 1-bedroom property in city centres costs an average of AED 6,083 ($1,656) and AED 4,289 ($1,167) outside the centre. The average cost per m² when buying a property in city centres is AED 22,387 ($6,094) and AED 12,823 ($3,490) outside the centre.
| Expenses | Average cost |
|---|---|
| Lunch for 2 persons in a mid-range restaurant | AED 250 ($68) |
| 1 litre of milk | AED 6.75 ($1.78) |
| A loaf of fresh bread | AED 5.17 ($1.41) |
| 1 kg chicken fillet | AED 30.82 ($8.39) |
| 1 kg of apples | AED 8.45 ($2.3) |
| 1 litre of petrol | AED 2.87 ($0.78) |
| Gym membership for a month | AED 261.45 ($71.17) |
| Cinema ticket | AED 50 ($13.61) |
| International school for 1 year | AED 41,443 ($11,281) |
| Utilities for an 85 m² housing | AED 662.87 ($180.43) |
| Internet (60 Mbps or more) | AED 371.5 ($101.12) |
Best cities to live in UAE
Dubai is the most popular emirate for living and working in the UAE. In 2024, the local population reached 3.8 million, with more than 85% of them being expats. Everything here is created for the comfortable life of foreigners. English is widely spoken, the infrastructure meets world standards, and the laws are more flexible than in neighbouring emirates.
Dubai actively attracts private business specialists. It houses the headquarters of major global companies, including Google and Amazon, as well as free economic zones such as JAFZA, DIFC, and DHCC, where entrepreneurs can do business without incurring taxes. Another advantage of the emirate is more flexible living conditions. Bars and nightclubs operate in its territory, and large-scale festivals and concerts featuring world stars are organised.
The local infrastructure offers high-speed internet, an advanced transportation network, and modern residential complexes equipped with swimming pools, gyms, and restaurants. Unlike other emirates, where life flows more slowly and is more oriented towards traditional ways, Dubai offers constant movement, career prospects, and a rich social life.
Most popular areas in the UAE for relocation
- Dubai Marina is one of the most prestigious areas, featuring high-rise complexes, panoramic views of the Persian Gulf, and well-developed infrastructure. It houses the Dubai Marina Mall and the Marina Walk promenade with restaurants and shops. Thanks to its proximity to the metro and convenient access to the highway, the location is popular among expats, young professionals, and investors.
- Downtown Dubai. The central district, where the Burj Khalifa and The Dubai Mall, one of the world's largest shopping centres, are located. It is a prestigious place to live, with luxury apartments, offices, and restaurants. The area suits businesspeople and those who value dynamic city life. Local housing is among the most expensive properties in Dubai's real estate market, but it always maintains liquidity. In 2024, the value of premium apartments in the cluster increased by 19.8%.
- Palm Jumeirah is an artificial island in the shape of a palm, known for its elite villas, 5-star hotels, and private beaches. It houses the luxury resort Atlantis The Palm and the popular Nakheel Mall. The area attracts wealthy expats, families, and investors seeking for premium beachfront properties.
- Business Bay is a business centre with skyscrapers, office buildings, and elite apartment complexes. The area features the Bay Avenue Mall, which is home to shops and restaurants, as well as the picturesque Dubai Water Canal promenade. The location is popular among young professionals and entrepreneurs due to its proximity to the centre and developed infrastructure.
- Jumeirah Village Circle is a quiet community with villas, townhouses, and apartment buildings, making it an ideal choice for families. It has a large Circle Mall and many green parks. The community offers more affordable housing compared to central areas, as well as good transport accessibility.
Rights and obligations of residents in the UAE
Residents can reside legally, work, conduct business (with the appropriate permission), open bank accounts, rent and purchase property in designated zones, and pursue education. They can also sponsor visas for relatives.
Obligations include compliance with the country's laws, payment of taxes (if applicable), timely renewal of residence permits, and respect for local traditions and behavioural norms. Violation of laws can lead to deportation.
Key points about immigration to UAE
- A 5-year Golden Visa can be obtained by purchasing a property worth $544,500 or investing in an innovative project from $136,000, while an investment of $544,500 in an investment fund provides a 10-year residency.
- Buyers of Dubai property can participate in a separate programme allowing legalisation for 2 years with investments from $204,000.
- The main requirements for investors include being at least 18 years old and having no criminal record or dangerous diseases, such as HIV, hepatitis, and tuberculosis.
- Along with the investor, their spouse, children, and, in some cases, domestic workers can apply for resident status.
- Reasons for cancellation of a residence permit may include prolonged absence, violation of public order, and non-compliance with visa conditions.
- An applicant can purchase property and apply remotely; however, personal presence is required for the medical examination and submission of biometric data.