How to Get Permanent Residency in the UAE
The United Arab Emirates is one of the most attractive countries in the world to set up your business and family. Not only does the nation promise tax-efficient jurisdictions on both the Mainland and in the Free Zones, exceptional corporate infrastructure, economic and political stability, and a competitive business climate, it also offers an unbeatable lifestyle with a penchant for luxury with world-class shopping, some of the best bars and restaurants on the planet, and a vibrant cultural scene. It seems wise, therefore, to take relocation seriously. But before you start reaping the many benefits of living in the UAE, you need to get informed about a number of different topics, including UAE residency.
UAE permanent residence
The United Arab Emirates Government provides an extensive selection of visas to meet the various needs of foreign nationals wanting to live, work and study in the UAE. Of the options available, the long-term or permanent visa provides holders with the most stability. Known as the Golden Visa, this UAE residence visa gives foreign talents the opportunity to relocate to the UAE while enjoying a long list of exclusive benefits:
- An entry visa for six months with multiple entries
- A long-term, renewable residence visa valid for 5 or 10 years
- No need for a sponsor
- The ability to exit the UAE for longer than 6 months (the usual period required to keep the residence visa valid)
- The ability to sponsor their family members, including spouses and children no matter their age
- The ability to sponsor unlimited number of domestic helpers
- Permission for family members to remain in the UAE until the end of their permit duration, if the primary holder of the Golden Visa passes away.
The requirements to obtain permanent residency depend on the holder’s individual circumstances. To qualify for a ten-year residency in the UAE, you must meet one of four sets of criteria: investors in public investments, outstanding specialised talents, outstanding university students, and pioneers of humanitarian work. Each category has its own list of requirements, ranging from capital minimums to accredited academic records, and awards in the humanitarian field, depending on the application in question.
There are also five-year residency visas available for real estate investors, entrepreneurs, and outstanding high school students. As with the ten-year residence visas, the application criteria vary depending on the case in point.
Other residence visas in the UAE
If you do not meet the criteria for permanent UAE residency, there are other options available to you. Standard residence visas can be valid for 1, 2 or 3 years with a sponsor and can be renewed an unlimited number of times. Visas can be obtained for immediate family members and children under the age of 18. A condition to maintaining a valid residence visa is that you enter the UAE at least once every six months: failure to do so may risk in your visa being revoked.
- Here are some of the main criteria to acquire of a standard residence visa:
- Purchasing real estate
- Entering into an employment contract
- Incorporating your own company in the UAE
- Studying in the UAE
- As a family member of a UAE resident or national
Acquire your UAE residence visa
Now you have greater insight into how to get permanent residency in the UAE, your next step is to set about obtaining it. If you choose Europe Emirates Group as your provider you have two clear benefits: first, our Citizenship, Residency and Relocation team will be on hand to assist you every step of the way; and second, you can claim residency free, for life, via our promotion. Contact us today so you can forget about the paperwork and start enjoying living and working in the UAE.
Written by
Adrian Oton
CEO, Europe Emirates Group