A business or residency in the United Arab Emirates can be very lucrative. Why is it so appealing to live in the UAE? One of its primary advantages is its tax-free status, excellent quality of life, and dozens of Free Zones along with economic and political stability.
Can I Stay In The UAE Permanently With A Residence Visa?
In order to understand permanent residency in the UAE, it is essential that we review standard residency options in UAE first. As opposed to tourist visas, standard residency visas grant you unlimited renewals of your two-year residency permit. Children under 18 and immediate family members can also obtain visas. If you do not enter the UAE at least once every six months, you could risk having your UAE visa status revoked. Maintaining a valid resident visa in UAE is a condition you must meet.
Standard resident visas in the UAE are available in the following cases:
- UAE residency visas are valid for two years if you purchase real estate worth at least one million dirhams in Dubai or any other Emirate.
- In order to gain employment in the UAE through an Emirati government or UAE-based company, you will need a UAE work visa. A two-month work entry permit is issued after your employer completes all the formalities of the UAE visa sponsorship process, which typically takes two to three weeks. The entry permit would then be converted into a residence visa in UAE which is valid for two or three years, depending on the zone of issuance.
- An investor or shareholder can obtain a UAE residence visa by incorporating their own company in the UAE. In addition to taking only a few weeks, the process is relatively inexpensive. If the business structure meets the necessary Economic Substance Regulations, it can be strictly formal. The validity of an investor or shareholder visa in the UAE is three years.
- UAE student visas are available for those wishing to study there.
- This pathway allows you to gain residency in the UAE if you are a family member of a UAE resident or national.
After a certain period, all UAE visas must be renewed and can be revoked. Would you still want to live in the Emirates if you did not wish to be tied to an employer’s visa, or if you wanted longer-term ties?
UAE Permanent Residency: How To Get It
In order to become a permanent resident in the UAE, you need the UAE entry permit of your sponsor. Through GDRFA’s online services, Federal Authority for Identity and Citizenship mobile apps, or in person at GDRFA, they can do this in two ways. Following are the remaining steps:
- A UAE resident visa must first be applied for by your sponsor at the GDRFA, which stands for General Directorate of Residency and Foreign Affairs.
- They have to pay a certain amount as part of the UAE residence fee when they submit the form. Your visa validity will determine the amount.
- Once your application is approved, you receive an affix on your passport indicating that you have been granted a residence visa in UAE. Moreover, you are provided with a UAE Emirate ID that corresponds to your visa’s validity.
Houzon agents would be happy to speak with you if you have additional questions regarding UAE residency status or other issues related to company formation.