Obtaining a Residence Visa in Dubai (A Guide to Making the City Your Home)
How to get a residence visa in Dubai – It’s amazing how even the most well-written paragraph can become dull without the addition of visuals or narration.
In this article, we’ll delve into the process of obtaining a residence visa in Dubai, and instead of relying on a dry list of instructions; we’ll explore the topic through the engaging lens of storytelling.
Let us explore some exciting stories of people and how they have unlocked Dubai’s door to obtain a residence visa in the UAE.
Ahmed’s Life in Dubai, UAE
The first story in this article features Ahmed, who aspired to live and work in Dubai. He was captivated by the city’s luxurious lifestyle, vibrant business opportunities, and hospitable people. Ahmed conducted thorough research to explore his options for obtaining a residence visa in Dubai.
While there are several avenues to securing a residence visa in Dubai, including family sponsorship, student status, property ownership, investment, retirement, and freelance work, Ahmed decided that employment would be his best route to establishing his own career and independence.
Ahmed applied for a job in Dubai that aligned with his skills and experience and was elated to receive an employment offer. His new employer agreed to sponsor his residence visa and furnished him with a list of required documents to be submitted to the Dubai government.
Ahmed meticulously compiled all the necessary documents, including his passport copy, educational certificates, and medical fitness certificate, and underwent a background check while also obtaining a clearance certificate from his home country.
His employer then submitted Ahmed’s application for a residence visa on his behalf, and after a few weeks of anxious waiting, Ahmed received the gratifying news that his visa had been approved.
Upon arrival in Dubai, Ahmed was struck by the city’s modern infrastructure, diverse culture, and friendly ambiance. He immersed himself in his new job and made a concerted effort to explore the city’s landmarks, cuisine, and entertainment.
Over time, Ahmed became a prominent professional in his field and formed lasting friendships in Dubai. He relished the unique blend of tradition and modernity that Dubai provided and felt that his decision to obtain a residence visa in Dubai was one of the best he had ever made.
Ahmed’s story demonstrates that securing a residence visa in Dubai may appear to be a daunting task, but with perseverance, patience, and the proper guidance, it is attainable.
Read: How to get a General Trading License in Dubai, UAE (2023 Guide)
To conclude, acquiring a residence visa in Dubai may appear intimidating, but with persistence, resilience, and appropriate guidance, it is indeed feasible. Ahmed’s experience is a testament to the fact that with diligence and determination, anyone can transform their dream of living and working in Dubai into a reality.
Samir’s Business Setup & Investor Visa in Dubai
The second story, “Samir’s Journey: How to Get an Investor Visa and Set Up a Business in Dubai“, narrates Sameer’s experience in acquiring an Investor Visa in Dubai as a young Indian entrepreneur. Dubai is renowned for its investor and entrepreneur-friendly environment, strategic location, and tax-free economy, making it a dynamic city with endless opportunities.
The Investor Visa program is an ideal option for foreign investors looking to establish their businesses in Dubai while obtaining a residency visa. Through Sameer’s story, the advantages of the program are highlighted, showing how it can help foreign investors achieve their goals.
Sameer, an ambitious businessman, desired to expand his business globally and learned about Dubai’s reputation as a center for investment and business.
After conducting extensive research on Dubai’s business environment, Sameer became acquainted with the Investor Visa program, which the Dubai government launched to attract foreign investors. Sameer enlisted the help of a local business consultant who offered invaluable advice and expertise throughout the process.
The first step in acquiring an Investor Visa is to determine the type of business entity to establish in Dubai. There are several options, including ReCorporate, which allows for complete company control while paying a reasonable fee for the Dubai business license.
After consultation with his legal advisor, Sameer decided that ReCorporate would be the best option for him. It provided a two-year trade permit in Dubai and professional advice on all steps of the business formation process.
After determining the investment amount, which requires a minimum of AED 10 million (approximately USD 2.7 million) for setting up a new company or investing in an existing one, Sameer arranged for the necessary funds while getting his documents attested by the UAE embassy in India.
The business consultant prepared all the requisite documents, including the application form, investment agreement, and Sameer’s personal and professional documents, for submission to the consultant was responsible for approving all Investor Visa applications.
Sameer’s application was approved after several weeks of review, and he applied for a residence visa with the assistance of ReCorporate consultants. Sameer submitted all the necessary documents, including his passport, photographs, and a mandatory medical fitness certificate, to obtain a residence visa in Dubai.
ReCorporate assists the government in processing for residence visa of Sameer’s application and issued him a three-year residency visa, enabling him to live, work, and establish his new company in Dubai.
To sum up, obtaining an Investor Visa in Dubai requires meticulous planning, research, and implementation. A reputable business consultant who can provide guidance and ensure that all requirements are met is crucial.
The Investor Visa program provides an excellent opportunity for foreign investors to invest in Dubai, establish their businesses in the city, and enjoy benefits such as a residency visa, full foreign ownership of the company, and no corporate or income taxes.
Read: How much does it cost to start a company in UAE?
Getting a Residence Visa in Dubai
Story three: “Behind the Scenes: The Journey to Getting a Residence Visa in Dubai” (Property Visa)
Dubai, a bustling metropolis in the United Arab Emirates, has always been an attractive destination for real estate investment. With its rapidly growing economy and stable political environment, Dubai is a favorite among investors seeking to purchase the property.
One such investor was Sarah, a successful businesswoman from the United States. She had always been fascinated by Dubai’s luxurious lifestyle and wanted to purchase a property in the city.
Sarah researched Dubai’s property market extensively and learned that purchasing a property in Dubai entitled her to a property visa. A property visa would allow her to stay in Dubai for an extended period, giving her ample time to manage her investment and enjoy the city’s vibrant culture.
Sarah was excited about this prospect and decided to pursue it further. She consulted with a reputable real estate agent to help her navigate the process.
The first step in obtaining a property visa was to purchase a property in Dubai. Sarah, with the help of her agent, identified a suitable property and negotiated a fair price with the seller. Once they agreed on the price, Sarah paid the seller and completed the necessary paperwork.
The second step was to apply for a residence visa. Sarah’s real estate agent helped her prepare all the necessary documents, including the property ownership certificate, the title deed, and a no-objection certificate from the developer.
The no-objection certificate is an important document that certifies that the developer has no objection to the owner applying for a property visa.
Sarah then submitted her application to the Dubai Land Department, which is responsible for issuing property visas. The department reviewed her application and issued her a property visa, which was valid for three years.
Read: Document Clearing Services Dubai
With her property visa in hand, Sarah was thrilled to finally be able to spend extended periods in Dubai and oversee her investment. She also planned to explore the city and immerse herself in its vibrant culture.
The process that Sarah went through to obtain a property visa in Dubai highlights the city’s dedication to luring foreign investors. Dubai’s real estate market is recognized for its transparency, efficiency, and favorable conditions for investors, making it a desirable location for real estate investment.
To sum up, getting a property visa in Dubai is a simple process that requires careful planning and execution. Working with a reliable real estate agent who can walk you through the procedure and ensure that all requirements are met is essential. For investors looking to purchase real estate in the city and establish a strong footing there, Dubai’s property visa scheme offers a fantastic opportunity.
Having learned about several methods to obtain a residence visa in the UAE, let’s further expand our knowledge on the subject by exploring additional methods that I am familiar with, including the following:
Employment Visa
The employment visa is among the most prevalent methods to obtain a residency visa in Dubai. If a company in Dubai extends a job offer to you, they can sponsor your visa.
Your employer will initiate the visa application and supply the requisite documents, which include a copy of your passport, passport-sized photos, educational certificates, and a medical fitness certificate. Following the visa’s endorsement, you may enter Dubai and begin working.
Foreign professionals who have been in the UAE for two months must seek medical attention and obtain health insurance. The cost of insurance starts at AED 500, which is roughly $136. Generally, it is possible for the employer to agree to cover this cost.
In addition, foreign personnel must verify their academic credentials. This can be done with the help of a ReCorporate consultant. AED 100, or $27, is required for the confirmation of a bachelor’s degree, and for a Ph.D., it’s AED 200, or $55.
If the main applicant is a male, his immediate family members can also apply for residence visas. This includes the spouse and unmarried daughters, as well as sons aged 18 to 21 who are enrolled in universities.
To add family members to their application, the primary candidate must have a minimum monthly income of AED 4,000 or $1,090. If the candidate earns over AED 20,000 or $4,500 per month, they can also apply for visas for their parents.
Read: Opening a Business Bank Account in The UAE For Entrepreneurs
Female candidates who wish to add family members to their residence visas through employment face certain restrictions. While they can add their spouses and children, their parents are not eligible to live there.
In order for a female employee to add their spouse and children to their residence visa in Dubai, there are certain requirements that must be met. These include earning a minimum monthly salary of AED 10,000 ($2,750), working in the healthcare, education, or science sectors, or obtaining special approval from the Department of Naturalization and Residence Dubai (DNRD).
Property visa
The Dubai property visa is available to individuals who own real estate in the city, and it is valid for three years with the option to renew.
To qualify, the property must have a minimum value of AED 1 million and a valid title deed. In addition to providing proof of ownership, applicants must submit supporting documents, including a copy of the title deed, a passport copy, photographs, and a medical fitness certificate.
To renew their resident visa, the investor must once again gather all the necessary documents, undergo a medical checkup, and based on the requirements, ReCorporate will provide a comprehensive solution, including obtaining necessary permits, licenses, and approvals from relevant government agencies to establish your business in Dubai.
Family members can also apply for residency permits as applicants, including the investor’s spouse and children. Children under 18 years old can be included in a two-year visa application, while unmarried sons under 25 years old and married daughters of any age can be added to a 10-year visa application.
Student Visa
If you’re an international student dreaming of studying in the United Arab Emirates (UAE), you may have questions about the student visa process. Let’s go over some key points:
To start, if you’re a foreigner aged 18 or older and planning to enroll in a state-approved college in the UAE, you’re eligible to apply for a student visa. Keep in mind that this type of visa is valid for only one year, though exceptional academic achievement can lead to a long-term resident visa that lasts five to 10 years.
You don’t need to know Arabic to enroll in a UAE university, but some schools do require language exams. For example, the American University of Sharjah sets a minimum score of 5.5 on the TOEFL iBT or a score of 70, plus a score of 1250 on the EmSAT.
Read: How Much Does It Cost To Set Up a Company In Dubai?
As for the necessary documents for your university application, check the specific school’s website for requirements.
In general, you’ll need to submit an application form, a notarized and translated copy of your high school diploma in Arabic, a copy of your passport, a copy of your birth certificate, a 3×4 cm color photo on a white background, a letter from the UAE Ministry of Education verifying the equivalence of your foreign diploma, and a language certificate that proves your proficiency in English.
Lastly, if you’re wondering about renewing your student visa, you can do so annually as long as you’re still enrolled in university coursework.
Family visa
If you have a spouse or parent who is a resident of Dubai, they can sponsor your visa. The sponsor will need to provide a copy of their residency visa, a copy of their passport, and proof of relationship. The family visa is valid for a period of three years and is renewable.
Retirement visa
For those who are 55 years of age or older and want to retire in the city, Dubai offers a retirement visa. This visa has a five-year validity period and is renewable.
A medical fitness certificate and evidence of retirement income, such as a pension statement, are required in order to apply for this visa. Their spouse and minor children may also apply for residence visas with them.
Those who receive pensions from outside the UAE are eligible to participate in the retire Dubai program by applying for a residency visa. The visa is extendable and has five-year validity duration. The following conditions must be satisfied in order to qualify for the visa:
- The applicant must have deposited at least AED 1,000,000 or $275,000 in a bank account for at least three years.
- The applicant must get a pension of at least AED 15,000 ($4,100) every month.
- The applicant’s investment in one or more properties must have been at least AED 1,000,000 ($275,000).
Freelance visa
To work in Dubai as a freelancer or self-employed person, you can apply for a freelance visa, which does not require a sponsor. In order to be eligible, you must provide evidence of income, such as bank statements, and a copy of your passport.
Freelancers in various industries, such as technology, marketing, art, media, education, culture, and consultancy, can live and work in Dubai with a freelance visa.
Applying for the visa through the Dubai Talent Pass costs AED 9,500, and it can be renewed annually. ReCorporate will assist in receiving the freelance visa and work permits, Emirates ID, and set up of a bank account in no time.
Golden visa
Dubai has recently launched a new visa category called the Golden Visa, which is a long-term visa that remains valid for up to 10 years. The visa is available to investors, entrepreneurs, and highly skilled professionals who meet specific criteria, such as holding a degree in a high-demand sector, owning a business in Dubai, or making a significant investment in Dubai.
Read: Why Hiring a Company Formation Consultant In Dubai Is Important For Your Business Setup?
The process of applying for a residence visa in Dubai can be intricate, and it is advisable to seek the guidance of a visa agent or legal representative. Some of the necessary documents may need to be attested by your home country’s embassy or consulate in Dubai. Besides, there are specific fees related to obtaining a residence visa in Dubai that can vary depending on the type of visa.
Conclusion:
Are you planning to move to Dubai but worried about the complicated process of obtaining a residence visa? Fret not, because ReCorporate, a Dubai-based corporate services provider, can help make the process much more manageable.
ReCorporate offers a variety of services to assist individuals and businesses in obtaining a residence visa in Dubai. Their experienced team of professionals can help with everything from documentation to legal compliance. The first step is to schedule a consultation, where ReCorporate will assess your requirements and provide guidance on the most suitable visa option for you.
Once you’ve chosen a visa option, ReCorporate will guide you through the process of preparing all necessary documentation, such as medical and fitness certificates, a no-objection certificate from the sponsor, and a tenancy agreement for accommodation.
We also offer a visa processing service, which is particularly helpful for clients who are unfamiliar with the process or do not have the time to handle it themselves.
Aside from visa services, ReCorporate also provides a range of other corporate services, including company formation, bank account opening, and accounting services. These services are especially beneficial for individuals or businesses looking to establish a presence in Dubai.
Obtaining a residence visa in Dubai can be a daunting task, especially for foreigners. However, by partnering with ReCorporate, you can navigate the complexities of the process with confidence and ease.
Our experienced team of professionals will guide you through every step of the process, ensuring that all necessary documentation is prepared and submitted correctly. So, if you’re planning to move to Dubai, ReCorporate is your go-to partner for a hassle-free residence visa application process.
FAQs
How can I get residency visa in Dubai?
In 2023, now that you can easily get a residency visa in Dubai. You can start any business online or offline – just need to register a company name and get a license in Dubai and you’ll ultimately get the Residency visa in Dubai. One needs to renew Dubai residence visa after every 3 years. Apart from this, you can also get a residence visa in Dubai if you buy / purchase / invest in Real Estate.
How much does it cost to get residence visa in Dubai?
The approximate cost of residence visa in Dubai in 2023 is AED 3500 which is without insurance and you’ll have renew the residence visa after every 3 years. The cost of the same residence visa with insurance will go upto AED 5200 approx. You can easily establish a company / setup a business in Dubai and get a residence visa for yourself.
How long does it take to get residence visa in Dubai?
The Process of Residency Visa: Once you get your security clearance approval, thereafter you can apply for your residency visa. The process approximately takes about 2-3 weeks at the max.
Herein, we’ve included all the information on How to get a residence visa in Dubai. If you would like to get a free consultation, please feel free to contact ReCorporate Business Experts. We have been helping entrepreneurs from their companies in the UAE for the last few years. Call / WhatsApp us on +971- 58-586-5477. You may also email us at info@recorporate.net. At ReCorporate, we make starting up a company in UAE easy and effortless for you.