Many people wish to immigrate to Dubai because of its favorable environment, low crime rate, tax exemption, high-quality life, business opportunities, educational benefits, visa-free access to many countries, and many other benefits that are hard to find elsewhere. Although many wish to relocate to Dubai, few know the details of the immigration process and various ways to move there.
In this article, we will explain a number of ways that foreigners have used for immigration to Dubai. It’s not just you who wants to move to Dubai, as 85% of the population consists of expats.
How to Immigrate to Dubai?
There are a number of ways that you can choose for yourself for immigration to Dubai.
Ø Work Visa
One of the common ways for immigration is a work visa, also known as a professional visa and employment visa. It allows you to stay in Dubai after securing a job in any company in Dubai. Keep in mind that an employment visa is provided to individuals who are capable, skilled and experienced in their profession according to the requirements set by the UAE government and relevant authorities.
Ø Investor Visa
Another way is to get an investor visa in Dubai. An investor visa is an authorization letter issued by the UAE government for foreigners, allowing them to start a company or engage in any type of business through investment. The purpose of a visa is to attract all businessmen to the UAE for the growth of the economy.
Ø Golden Visa
A golden visa is a permit from the UAE authority for qualified candidates to stay in the UAE for a longer period. The ten-year period is during which GV holders can earn, start a business, and live a dream life. There are multiple reasons for preferring it over other ways as it only allows individuals to stay there but provides a promising environment and many other advantages. Golden visa benefits are not limited to golden visa holder only, but their family can also enjoy the benefits of residency.
Ø Student Visa
You can also immigrate to Dubai with the help of a student visa. You need to qualify for a student visa by being admitted to a university or school.
Ø Freelance Visa
Freelancer visa is considered more suitable and ideal than other visas for Dubai immigration, as it provides greater flexibility. Writers, designers, consultants, and other skilled professionals can obtain it and work without supervision.
However, the authorities have decided on a minimum income, and meeting that criterion is crucial to getting a freelancer license.
Ø Retirement Visa
A retirement visa is offered by Dubai authorities to retirees or people over 55 years old. The residency visa can be for 2 years or 10 years. You can choose in any way that suits your preferences and needs. A retirement visa requires to have a sufficient amount in the bank so they can support themselves in Dubai.
Steps to Immigrate to Dubai – How to Immigrate to Dubai?
Immigration is not an easy task and involves several steps that should be followed for smooth processing. It includes
Ø Select Visa Type – Immigrate to Dubai
The first step is to select the right type of visa for yourself after proper research. The reason is that there are multiple visas offered, and each has different specifications and requirements. It can be a freelance visa, marriage visa, professional visa, retirement visa, or investment visa.
Ø Secure Required Documents – Immigrate to Dubai
As mentioned above, each visa has different requirements, and the same applies in the case of documents. However, the following documents are commonly required
- Valid passport
- Passport sized photographs
- Certificates
- Medical test reports
- Proof of salary (not required in all visas)
- Job offer (In case of a work visa)
- Detailed business plan
- Professional Degree
Ø Submit an Application for a Visa – Immigrate to Dubai
After securing the above documents, submit these documents to the Dubai immigration department or visa processing agency along with the application form. Attach the required medical test results and pay the application fee.
Ø Approval – Immigrate to Dubai
For approval, you have to show patience as it is a time-consuming process and might take months. There is no timeline for approval as it depends on the visa type and workload of the visa processing authorities.
Ø Receive Visa – Immigrate to Dubai
You will get your visa stamped on your passport if the application is complete and provided information is correct. Don’t forget to collect your Emirate ID upon arrival in Dubai.
Why immigrate to Dubai?
There are multiple reasons that attract people and compel them to immigrate to Dubai. Here are the main advantages of immigration to Dubai through an investor visa or professional visa.
Ø Health Packages
UAE not only provides financial stability but also improves the quality of life as it offers health packages to residents. The health packages were recently introduced in it and have three levels based on cost.
Ø Family Sponsorship
UAE provides freedom for family sponsorship; it can be for children and spouses, irrespective of age. The UAE partner visa benefits allow the visa holder’s partner to stay in UAE if the visa holder passes away before the completion of 10 years. Moreover, GV holders have the freedom to hire unlimited domestic workers and support staff.
Ø Property Ownership
Another advantage of immigration to Dubai is that you can own property in different emirates. This is highly beneficial for the businessman who has a keen interest in the real estate business. It also eliminates the need for a local sponsor of your business, and you can work by yourself in your own way.
Ø Finest Educational Institutes
Education is a key to success, and a good education institute plays a major role in it. In Dubai, you can get a quality education at the finest institutes. It will also bring endless opportunities for your professional and personal growth. You can also get exceptional opportunities, including scholarships, research projects, and networking with industry experts.
Ø Shopping Facilities
There are several shopping malls in the UAE, especially in Dubai. These malls provide many options for entertainment, dining, shopping, and other activities under one roof. Families can take advantage of malls and entertain themselves for hours with different meals, accessories, household items, and other activities.
Immigration Fee for Dubai
The immigration fee for Dubai is not fixed as it depends on multiple factors such as visa type, duration of visa, and services provided.
Ø Employment visa
If you get a job in any company in Dubai, most of the costs are covered by the sponsor. However, it is not true for each company, as each has different criteria. Generally, a work visa costs AED 1000 to AED 3000. The cost can vary depending on the job type and company.
Ø Investor Visa
In investor visas, additional documents and approvals are required by the authorities, making it costly. Usually, an investor visa costs AED 4000 to AED 15000.
Ø Freelance Visa
Generally, the cost of a freelance visa depends on the free zones and other authorities that offer freelance visas. Typically, it costs around AED 7500.
Ø Golden Visa
The cost of the golden visa is higher because of its extended residency or prolonged stay in UAE without any requirement of visa renewal and fear of expiration. However, in another visa, it is mandatory to renew them in two to three years. The price of a golden visa starts from AED 5000.
Conclusion
At the end of this article, we hope it has provided you with detailed information on how to immigrate to Dubai. Out of the several pathways available, you can choose the one that best suits your preference. If you hold a professional degree, a professional license is the most suitable option for you. In the case of business, it’s better to opt for an investment visa. Immigration to Dubai is a wise move as the benefits and lifestyle offered are hard to find elsewhere.
Understanding the immigration process is essential to avoid challenges and delays. For further guidance, don’t hesitate to reach out to Al Riyady. Our team is always ready to help you and provide the business services you might need in the future. We can help you with corporate tax, pro services Dubai, bookkeeping and more.