The United Arab Emirates is home to Dubai, a very sought-after location and one of the world's wealthiest cities. The UAE also offers many choices of residency visas for you to live there and enjoy all the UAE has to offer. Whether you visit and tour the country, enjoy a luxurious stay in Dubai, or live there, you can pick and choose whatever Visa best suits you.
Moving to the United Arab Emirates (UAE) can be an exciting opportunity for expats seeking new adventures in a culturally diverse and vibrant country. Whether you're drawn to the luxury lifestyle, the thriving job market, or the captivating blend of ancient traditions and modernity, the UAE offers a wealth of possibilities. While Arabic is the official language of the UAE, English is widely spoken and understood, making communication relatively easy for expats.
UAE’s Golden visa is a 10-year residence visa that allows you to sponsor both your family and an unlimited number of maids to come with you. You are not required to have a sponsor or a work contract, and you have the freedom to spend as much time as you want outside of the UAE during your ten-year visa period. Many different classes can qualify for the Golden visa.
To qualify as an investor, you must purchase a property valued at AED 2,000,000 ($544,000 USD).
To qualify as an entrepreneur, you must be an owner or partner in a business with annual revenues of at least AED 1,000,000 ($272,000) or receive approval for your business idea from the Ministry of Economy.
To qualify under the exceptional talents provision for innovators, artists, athletes, and cultural figures, you must have a recommendation from a government official.
To qualify as a scientist or a researcher, you can be eligible with a recommendation from the Emirates Scientists Council. You will typically require an advanced degree in engineering, life sciences, or technology from a prestigious institution.
To qualify as a professional, you must have an employment contract, make a minimum of AED 30,000 a month ($8150), and hold a post-secondary degree.
The UAE offers a wide selection of international schools with high standards of education
There are several ways to acquire residency in the UAE. The Green Visa allows individuals to sponsor themselves during their stay in the UAE. Self-employed people, investors, or skilled employees may apply for this renewable residence permit, allowing them to stay in the UAE for five years. You can bring your family with you to live in the UAE with this visa.
To qualify as a freelancer or self-employed person, you must demonstrate an annual income of at least AED 360,000 ($98,000 USD) for the past two years or show that you have the means to support yourself (and any dependents) during your five-year stay. You are also required to possess a bachelor’s degree or specialized diploma, and you must also have a self-employment permit.
A skilled employee must have a monthly salary of at least AED 15,000 ($4000 USD), a post-secondary degree, and a valid employment contract. To qualify as an investor, you must have the approval of your investment from the proper authorities.
Related content: The Basics Of How To Get A Second Passport Or A Second Residency
Aside from the green and golden visas, there is the plain Jane residence visa. Foreigners can qualify for this visa as investors, workers (both private and public sector), property owners, dependents, university students, or retirees. Many of these visa categories require a sponsor. Residence visas are issued within the UAE.
In order to qualify for a residence visa, you must have a clean bill of health, pass a security check, and apply for an ID Card. Visas are valid for any period of time between 1, 2, 3, 5, or 10 years.
The UAE offers a range of housing options, from luxurious apartments and villas to more affordable accommodations in various cities.
UAE has also recently (March 2021) launched a remote work visa. To take advantage of this program, you must work remotely, earn at least $5,000 USD a month, and have valid health insurance. There is no sponsorship requirement, just pay the $81 USD fee and submit your application. Dubai offers many advantages to remote workers, including excellent infrastructure, no income tax if you become a tax resident and its strategic location as a travel hub.
In The UAE there is no personal income tax and no capital gains tax.
One significant advantage of being a tax resident of the UAE is that there is no personal income tax and no capital gains tax. Instead, government revenues come primarily from royalties on oil exports. They do impose a fairly stiff sin tax on carbonated/sweetened drinks, tobacco products, and energy drinks, and modest property taxes are charged as a small percentage of rents. The UAE also has a VAT of 5%.
As a resident of the UAE, you would be able to open a bank account and access credit from financial institutions. If you become a tax resident, you would not have to pay any income tax in the UAE, although other countries may tax you as a nonresident, for example, if you had rental income in Canada. Wages in the UAE tend to be relatively high (especially when you look at take-home pay). Crime is low.
The UAE has a strong emphasis on education, with a range of reputable universities and educational institutions. Expats can pursue further studies or professional development opportunities. If you have children, finding the right school that meets your educational preferences is crucial. The UAE offers a wide selection of international schools with high standards of education.
You will Embrace the rich Emirati culture by immersing yourself in local traditions, festivals, and customs. Engaging with the local community will provide a deeper understanding and appreciation of the UAE's heritage. Building a network of friends and connections in the UAE is essential for a fulfilling social life. Engage in social activities, join expat groups, and participate in community events to meet like-minded individuals.
You can work in the UAE or start a business as a resident. You can get a driver's license and access financial services. The UAE provides a diverse job market with opportunities in various sectors, including finance, hospitality, healthcare, technology, and more. Research and apply for positions that align with your skills and experience.
The place offers a culinary journey like no other, with a diverse range of cuisines from around the world. Explore traditional Emirati dishes, savor Middle Eastern delicacies, and indulge in international culinary delights.
The UAE is renowned for its luxurious lifestyle, with world-class shopping malls, extravagant hotels, and upscale experiences. Indulge in the opulent offerings the country has to offer, from fine dining to extravagant leisure activities.
In terms of climate, the UAE is arid and dry. After all, they live in the middle of a desert.
The United Arab Emirates is a desert country in the Persian Gulf. Ancient artifacts suggest human settlements in that region are at least 130,000 years old. Though oil revenues have played a substantial role in making the UAE one of the wealthiest countries in the world on a per capita basis, they have made significant efforts to diversify their economy. Tourism is a growing industry in the UAE, and Dubai is one of the main tourist attractions in the Middle East. You can immerse yourself in Emirati culture by engaging with local traditions, festivals, and customs, gaining a deeper understanding of the UAE's heritage.
In terms of climate, the UAE is arid and dry. After all, they live in the middle of a desert. Dubai is located on the coast of the Persian Gulf and has tons of amazing beaches. There is also lots of great sightseeing, like witnessing the Burj Khalifa skyscraper, the tallest building in the world, or checking out the Dubai Aquarium. You can even rent a dune buggy and cruise out into the desert.
The UAE is renowned for its luxurious lifestyle
Dubai has an active nightlife, with many clubs and party venues. In terms of the cost of living, it is a high cost of living area, similar to what you might find in the United States or another developed country.
The United Arab Emirates offers a unique experience with its bountiful wealth, tall skyscrapers and amazing places to explore. It has a warm climate and beaches to go for a walk and relax. It is an excellent place for those of us who are looking for a tax haven as well. I have even lived with my family there for a while, which was an excellent experience.
Moving to the UAE offers expats an opportunity to immerse themselves in a dynamic culture, experience a high standard of living, and enjoy a wide range of career prospects. By familiarizing yourself with the necessary procedures, embracing the local customs, and making connections, your transition to the UAE can be a seamless and enriching experience.
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Written by Mikkel Thorup
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