How to get a residence permit in Dubai, UAE

How to get a residence permit in Dubai, UAE - Makebiz

The United Arab Emirates has long been synonymous with luxury, comfort and stability. The country attracts with its security, high standard of living, innovative development and favourable conditions for doing business. And recently the UAE has also become one of the easiest places for legalisation of Russian citizens. 

 Why is it so attractive to apply for a residence permit in Dubai?

1. The right to a safe and comfortable life. 

  • The Emirates are on the list of the most developed countries in the world in the field of finance, technology and others. Strict laws and high level of security make the region one of the most peaceful in the world. 
  • Residents can freely leave and enter the region depending on the type of visa. 
  • Developed infrastructure, highly qualified medical specialists, quality education, rich cultural life, diverse cuisine and wide opportunities for leisure provide a high quality of life.

2. A wide range of rights and benefits.

  • Economic security: residents have most of the rights inherent in citizenship. 
  • Access to financial services: opening a bank account with a minimum package of documents and the opportunity to use the services of financial institutions in the region. 
  • Residents can obtain an internationally recognised driving licence.
  • Free choice of accommodation depending on your preferences. 
  • Residents can expect full public services.
  • Exemption from most taxes.

3. Excellent business opportunities: 

  • Starting your own business or freelancing: the Emirates provides an ideal business environment with simple registration procedures and favourable tax regimes.
  • Free zones are special economic zones that offer investment advantages and simplified working conditions for businesses.
  • Developed infrastructure: The UAE has modern infrastructure, extensive transport routes, a huge range of activities and all the necessary conditions for successful business development.
  • High-quality and high-speed access to communication services: Internet and mobile phone connections are unlimited.

Grounds for legalisation 

Getting a resident visa is not as difficult as it may seem. There are several ways of its registration, so it is important to consult with specialists and choose the most suitable option depending on your plans and goals. 

1. Buying a property.

It is considered a simple and common way to obtain a residence permit for 2 years or 10 years is to buy a property in the Emirates. 

What you need to know:

  • The purchase amount must be AED 750,000 or more to qualify for a 2 year visa.
  • Golden Visa: If you buy a property worth AED 2 million or more, you can get a golden visa for 10 years with the right to work and entrepreneurial activity, as well as the possibility of obtaining citizenship.

2. Opening your own business will allow you to get a visa for 2 years.

Emirates is a country with a favourable climate for business. Registration of residence permit for entrepreneurs is a real chance for those who are ready to take risks and develop their own business. Registration of a company consists of several stages, the most expensive part of which is usually obtaining a licence to operate. You should also be prepared to go through several stages and in some cases to obtain additional permits from agencies. 

3. University studies.

Studying at one of the Arab universities is a great opportunity for young people to get a quality education, build a career and get a residence permit from 1 year. However, it is worth remembering that you will need a good knowledge of English in order to study at a local educational institution. Upon admission, the administration may request a school certificate and TOEFL or IELTS test results. The student visa is renewable annually as long as the conditions for obtaining it are met.

The result is a quality education and a diploma that is accepted by any international organisation. 

4. Employment:

The region needs qualified specialists, so employment is one of the most accessible ways of legalisation for Russians. The search for a job can be started either on online job sites or by coming to the country as a tourist. After a successful interview, an employment contract is concluded. The employer undertakes the relocation of the new employee, registration of his documents for legal residence and work in the Emirates. In this case the visa is issued for 2 years.

5. Working for yourself or remotely.

UAE is a great place for freelancers, digital nomads and talented professionals. To obtain a digital nomad visa, you need to provide an employment contract and proof of salary level.

A freelancer, on the other hand, can engage in the chosen FEZ in a habitual activity by obtaining a licence for it. 

6. Marriage.

Marriage to a citizen of one of the Emirates is the basis for the legalisation of women. Muslim laws allow a man to marry a woman of another faith. However, a woman of that faith cannot marry a non-Muslim. 

7. Retirement age from 55 years. 

The region offers the possibility of obtaining a residence permit for pensioners who meet certain requirements, including a stable income and proof of health insurance.

Requirements for different types of legalisation may vary, so before applying, it is necessary to check the current conditions with government agencies or legal experts. 

Stages of obtaining a residence permit

1. Collecting a package of documents.

The list of basic documents includes a foreign passport (original and a copy), valid health insurance, certificate of medical examination, colour photographs. The rest of the documents will depend on the basis on which you plan to get a visa. For example, for a golden visa — documents for purchased real estate, for a working visa — employment contract, diploma of education, for students — confirmation from the university about enrolment. In some cases, you need to provide a certificate of non-objection.

If you are moving with your family, you will also need birth certificates for children and marriage certificates. All documents must be legalised in the Emirates, i.e. notarised and stamped.

 2. Submission of the application. 

Makebiz specialists will help you with the collection of documents, their legalisation and submission to the state authorities. In most cases, a personal visit will not be required.

 3. Entry for medical examination and biometrics 

After submitting your application, you will be invited to the UAE and provided with an entry permit to undergo a medical examination and biometrics. The medical examination is conducted at approved clinics. 

 4. Obtaining residency and identity card 

Upon successful completion of all steps, including the medical examination and biometrics, you will be issued a UAE Resident Identity Card (Emirates ID) and a visa on the basis of your choice. 

Do not forget to renew your visa on time, otherwise penalties will be charged for each day overdue.

Reasons for refusal of residence permit

About 90% of foreigners live in the UAE, which means that refusals of legalisation do not happen very often. However, there are certain reasons why entry may be refused. 

Examples of such reasons include:

  • A visa of another type that has not been cancelled.
  • Deficiencies in documents: the presence of errors, corrections and illegible copies.
  • Breaches of the law and providing false information. 
  • Health conditions: if a medical examination reveals such diseases that are dangerous to society.

Moving to the UAE is not just a dream, but a very real opportunity for those who are ready to invest in their future. By following all the necessary requirements and preparing for the process of obtaining a residence permit, you will be able to achieve your goal and start a new chapter in your life in this dynamic and prosperous country.

Applying for a UAE residence permit is not an easy process, but with proper preparation, choosing the right basis and working with professionals, it will take less time and effort.  Make an appointment for a free consultation with a Makebiz lawyer and find out how to get a residence permit in Dubai.

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