The migration rules of the UAE imply the issuance of resident visas, which in practice are analogous to a residence permit.
Investor Visa
An investor visa can be obtained by persons who are ready to invest in the country's economy. It is issued for a period of two to ten years (depends on the size of the invested funds).
Investment options:
· Investment funds
· Establishment of a company in the UAE
· Purchase of real estate
· Partnership in a company with a share value of at least 10 million dirhams UAE
For the purchase of real estate from $ 205,000 (750,000 dirhams UAE), you can get a visa for a period of two years (Investor Visa).
Persons over 55 years of age can apply for a Golden Retirement Visa for a period of 5 years when buying a property worth from 1 000 000 AED.
Family members of investors can obtain visas (Family visa, Parent visa) based on the conditions of family reunification (spouses, unmarried daughters of any age and sons under 25). The validity period of the visa is two years.
Work visa
A work visa can be issued by concluding an employment contract with a company registered in the UAE.
Each company is entitled to a certain number of resident visas.
A company with a Flexi Desk type office is eligible for 3 visas. A company with a real office is entitled to at least 5 resident visas in the case of a minimum office space and will have an additional visa for every additional 10 sq. m
The number of resident visas depends on the business package selected during the registration of the company.
To apply for a work visa, you must have a job offer from the company and a work contract. The validity period of the visa is 2 years.
The freelancer's resident visa
"Freelance visa" is suitable for foreigners who want to conduct legal freelance activities in the Emirates. Such a visa can be obtained by people working in the field of design, information technology, education, media, music, acting, translation. The application is submitted to the governing body of the emirate in which the applicant plans to work.
The cost of a Freelance visa depends on the emirate or the free zone in which the application is submitted. The visa is issued for 2 years and is extended upon application.
In addition to a visa, you must obtain a Permit for a freelance license that allows you to work as an independent contractor / specialist, which must be renewed every year.
If the applicant already works in the Emirates, a No Objection Certificate will be required – confirmation from the current employer that he does not object to the applicant's freelance activities. Depending on the field of work, the applicant may be asked for a portfolio and documents that confirm the qualification. The holder of a visa for remote work can act as a sponsor when obtaining visas for close relatives.
There is also a "Green Visa", which is issued for 5 years and offers recipients a number of advantages (for example, after the expiration of the visa, you can stay in the country for another six months, previously this period was one month). This type of visa is available to well-off and educated professionals with a bachelor's degree and a confirmed income of 360,000 AED (98,000 USD), as well as qualified professionals, investors and business partners.
Advantages of a freelancer visa:
(1) The opportunity to work in several companies
(2) There is no need to equip a special workplace, the opportunity to save on office rent
(3) Lack of regular inspections and reporting requirements
(4) Independence
(5) Access to FEZ business centers
(6) The opportunity to become a visa sponsor for family members
Nomad Visa (Visa for employees working for a company outside the UAE remotely)
The validity period is 1 year. This visa category allows you to live in the UAE while continuing to work for your current employer located outside the UAE. The salary of employees should be at least $5,000 per month. The payroll and bank statements for the last three months are provided. For business owners – proof of ownership of the company for one year or more, with an average monthly income of $ 5,000 per month.
Student visa
The UAE student visa is issued to students over the age of 18 for 1 year, then annually extended as long as the applicant is in the status of a student. To receive it, you need to provide a document of enrollment from an accredited university or college. The applicant may be the student himself, his parents or a sponsor in the form of an educational institution. Under the condition of high academic performance, the UAE visa for study can be extended for 5 years at once. A five-year ("Golden") visa is issued:
• Students who have graduated from public or private secondary schools with a score of at least 95 points.
Golden Visa
This is a long-term residence permit for a period of 5-10 years. The following categories can obtain it:
1. Investors contributing to public investments and real estate (personal funds in the amount of at least 2 million dirhams (544,500 USD) must be presented in the form of an investment fund when buying real estate or in the form of investments in a local bank in the form of a deposit with a fixed period of 3 years at 2.5%. Real estate should not be issued in a mortgage, it should be completed, title documents are received. Spouses may be joint owners of property)
2. Owners of registered successful startups
3. Scientists and professionals with outstanding achievements in the fields of culture and art, sports, digital and information technologies, engineering, healthcare, education, law, business and administration, social sphere and culture
4. The best students and graduates of schools and universities in the UAE, as well as graduates of one hundred best universities in the world
5. Outstanding members of international and regional humanitarian organizations; outstanding members of associations engaged in the protection of public interests, laureates of awards for achievements in the humanitarian field, outstanding volunteers and sponsors of humanitarian activities
6. Workers who made outstanding efforts during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Holders of golden visas can reside outside the UAE indefinitely. They can sponsor their family members and maintenance staff. And in case of their death, their family members can stay in the country until the visa expires.
IMPORTANT: Permanent residence in the UAE is not required, but a resident visa will be canceled if you are absent from the UAE for more than 6 months.