Dubai Visa, Residency Permit, and Investor Identity

To obtain an investor identity in Dubai, individuals are required to establish a company operating within the country. It is essential to meet the minimum investment amount and other requirements set by the Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism. For detailed information about the process and assistance in completing your application, you can contact our Ortac Global team.

How to Obtain a Dubai Visa?

To travel to Dubai, you must first apply for one of the UAE visa types. The United Arab Emirates offers various visa categories based on the purpose of visit, duration of stay, and number of entries/exits. While business, tourist, and transit visas allow for short stays in the country, work and education visas enable longer residence. Dubai visa requirements vary depending on the chosen option.

The UAE visas are divided into short-term and long-term categories, and their application requirements also differ. Below are the steps to follow for a Dubai visa application and the main visa types:

Work Visa

Foreign nationals who wish to work in Dubai must obtain a work permit to legally operate in the United Arab Emirates. This permit grants foreign employees the right to work in the UAE for a specified period. The application process is managed by the employer.

Initially, the employer applies to the UAE Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation (MoHRE) to secure a work permit valid for two months on behalf of the foreign employee. During this period, the employee must enter Dubai and complete the remaining formalities. After arriving in Dubai, the employee undergoes a medical examination under the guidance of the employer. Official documents such as the Emirates ID and labor card are also arranged by the employer.

A work visa stamp is then placed on the employee’s passport, indicating that the employer sponsors the individual and that they have received a residency permit for employment purposes. Once all processes are complete, the employee can begin their job and, if desired, legally bring their family to Dubai.

It is important to note that the passport must be valid for at least six months before arriving in Dubai. Furthermore, working in Dubai with a tourist or visitor visa is not allowed, making it essential to secure the necessary legal permits and visas for employment. For visits aimed at job searching, a visa suitable for this purpose must be obtained.

Retirement Visa

The Dubai retirement visa offers a renewable 5-year Golden Residency Visa, allowing retirees to reside long-term in the United Arab Emirates without the need for a sponsor. To apply for this visa, candidates must be at least 55 years old or have worked for at least 15 years in their careers either domestically or internationally before retirement. Additionally, the total value of properties owned in Dubai must exceed AED 1 million, and this value must be verified by an official authority.

Retirees are also required to have financial deposits of at least AED 1 million within the UAE. Furthermore, the retiree’s annual fixed income must be proven through bank account statements from the past six months and must amount to at least AED 180,000.

Retired applicants currently working in Dubai can apply to the General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs (GDRFA) in Dubai. On the other hand, individuals residing abroad can apply for a retirement residency visa, which serves as a type of entry visa to the country.

Remote Work Visa

The Remote Work Visa can be obtained by individuals working in digital sectors. Applicants must have a minimum monthly income of $3,500 and provide legal documentation of their earnings. Individuals holding a Remote Work Visa are granted the right to reside in the UAE for one year, access the market, and rent property or vehicles. All applicants must hold a passport valid for at least six months.

Additionally, all applicants must have valid health insurance coverage within the UAE. For business owners, it is crucial to provide documents proving ownership of the company for more than one year. Applicants are also required to demonstrate an average monthly income of $5,000 and include bank statements from the past three months in their application file.

Applicants for the Remote Work Visa can apply from within the UAE or abroad. The application process can also be completed online.

How to Obtain a Dubai Residency Permit?

There are several ways to obtain a residency permit in Dubai, depending on the individual’s circumstances and purpose of stay. Below are the main methods and types of permits for residency in Dubai:

Residency Through Employment

Residency through employment is granted when an individual finds a job and works within Dubai. Once an employment agreement is established, the employer applies online to the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation (MoHRE). The ministry issues an entry permit allowing the employee to enter the UAE and stay for 30 days. During this period, the employee has 60 days to apply for a residency visa.

After arriving in Dubai, the employer initiates the application for a labor card (work permit). The employee must visit the Emirates Identity Authority to apply for an ID card using a valid passport and entry visa. Additionally, the employee is required to undergo a medical examination at a government hospital to confirm health fitness. Afterward, the employee can apply for a residency visa through the immigration center. All necessary documents are submitted to the Dubai Citizenship and Residency Department, and the residency permit is stamped on the employee’s passport.

Residency Through Company Formation

Setting up a company in Dubai grants investors the right to obtain a 2-year residency permit. Investors can choose from three types of businesses: Mainland Company, Free Zone Company, or Offshore Company. Each type offers distinct advantages and follows specific steps for establishment. Investors holding this type of residency permit must visit the UAE at least once a year to maintain validity.

Dubai Investor Identity

Entrepreneurs seeking an investor identity in Dubai must establish a company to apply. The process begins with selecting the type of company, followed by preparing the necessary documents and applying to the Dubai Department of Economic Development. This step is essential for the legal recognition of the company and obtaining the required permits.

The next step involves renting an office, which is mandatory for conducting legal business activities in Dubai. The office address is crucial for both the acceptance of the investor identity application and the official registration of the company. However, physical office rentals are not mandatory for Free Zone companies. Once the company is established, the investor must open a bank account in the UAE for business transactions, which is essential for all official activities in Dubai.

The Dubai Investor Identity provides various advantages, including long-term residency, the ability to sponsor family members, and the legal right to reside and operate a business in the UAE.