There are several legal ways to obtain resident status in the United Arab Emirates. Within the framework of this article, options for obtaining residency as an employed worker or student are not considered, as the primary focus of our website is solutions for entrepreneurs, investors, and their family members.
For this category of applicants, in practice, two of the most reliable and well-established methods of obtaining UAE residency status are used.
Obtaining UAE residency through property ownership
The first option for obtaining a residence permit in the UAE is applying for a residence visa based on ownership of residential real estate. For submission of documents, the property must be fully completed and commissioned. In Dubai, the indicative property value for standard investor residency starts at AED 750,000, and the combined value of multiple properties owned by the same individual may be considered.
Advantages of this option
- no requirement to register a company;
- the ability to combine property ownership with resident status.
Disadvantages
- a property-based residence visa is generally issued for a limited period (usually up to 2 years);
- such a visa does not grant the right to work in the UAE;
- it requires relatively high investment in property acquisition.
More detailed information can be found in a separate section dedicated to the Dubai property visa.
Obtaining UAE residency through registration of a personal company
The second and most popular way to become a UAE resident is registering a personal company, typically in one of the free economic zones. The owner or co-owner of the company is entitled to apply for a residence visa as an investor or partner.
Such a company also allows the issuance of residence visas for employees and their family members, subject to the license conditions. At the same time, the company's existence does not obligate the applicant to engage in active commercial activities if it is used solely as a basis for obtaining residency. However, the company may be fully utilized for business purposes in accordance with applicable legislation.
Disadvantages of this option
- the need to incur expenses for company registration and annual renewal.
Advantages
- no requirement to invest large sums in real estate;
- the possibility of obtaining a residence visa for a longer period (often 1–3 years, depending on the jurisdiction);
- the right to conduct entrepreneurial activities within the UAE.
Taking all factors into account, the majority of entrepreneurs and investors choose this residency option in the UAE.
On average, the entire process – from company registration to obtaining the residence visa – takes from several weeks to one to two months, depending on the selected structure and emirate. Visa applications for family members are possible after the main applicant has obtained their residence visa.
UAE residency through a freelancer visa
Freelancing as a form of employment is actively developing worldwide, and the UAE has adapted its immigration legislation to modern work models. Foreign nationals can obtain UAE residency as registered freelancers.
To do so, it is necessary to obtain a freelance license in one of the free zones that offer such programs. The procedure for registering as a freelancer and obtaining a residence visa is largely similar to that for company registration, but usually involves lower costs and a simpler document package. Conditions and permitted activities vary by free zone.
UAE Golden Visa (long-term residence visa)
The UAE has implemented the Golden Visa program, which provides long-term residency to certain categories of foreign nationals, including investors, entrepreneurs, scientists, specialists, and talented professionals. Contrary to initial announcements, the Golden Visa is not lifetime residency but is generally issued for 5 or 10 years, with the possibility of renewal subject to compliance with established conditions.
The program is aimed at attracting highly qualified professionals and investors who make a significant contribution to the economic and social development of the UAE and provides extended residence rights for the applicant and their family members.
Assistance with obtaining UAE residency
Our company provides comprehensive support for obtaining UAE resident status on various grounds, including:
- residency through property ownership;
- registration of a personal company;
- freelancer visas;
- long-term visas (including the Golden Visa).
We support clients at all stages of the process – from selecting the optimal structure to interacting with government authorities and arranging visas for family members.
To receive an initial consultation and select the optimal solution, you may contact us using the provided contact details.
