How to Get Residency in Dubai: Visa Options for Employees, Freelancers, Entrepreneurs and Investors

Dubai’s residency programme is designed to cater to a diverse range of individuals, offering opportunities for professionals, freelancers, entrepreneurs, and investors to call the city home. With a dynamic economy, a tax-free environment, and a cosmopolitan lifestyle, Dubai presents an ideal setting for people seeking long-term growth, business opportunities, or a high standard of living.

The city provides a variety of residency options, each with specific requirements tailored to the needs of different residents. These options are crafted to ensure that people from all walks of life can find the right fit, whether they are moving to Dubai for work, business, or investment. Dubai’s flexibility with residency status makes it possible for individuals to settle in the city while pursuing their career, entrepreneurial goals, or investment ambitions.

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Key Residency Options:

Dubai’s booming sectors, such as technology, finance, and hospitality, offer numerous opportunities for skilled professionals. If you’re employed by a company based in Dubai, you’ll need an employment visa, commonly known as the work visa.

Types of Employment Visas:

• Regular Work Visa: Sponsored by an employer, this visa requires a signed contract and proof of employment.
• Free Zone Work Visa: For individuals working in Dubai’s free zones, such as Dubai Silicon Oasis or Dubai Media City.

Key Requirements:

• Proof of employment with a Dubai-based company
• Valid passport
• Health insurance
• Labour contract

Benefits:

• Full access to healthcare and social services
• Stability with salary protection
• Ability to bring family members under sponsorship

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Freelancers can apply for a visa through the free zones, which provide simplified processes and flexible regulations.

Key Benefits:

• No need for a local sponsor
• Access to Dubai’s business networks
• Ability to work with global clients

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Dubai has become a haven for entrepreneurs, offering numerous incentives for those looking to start or scale a business. If you have a viable business idea and the resources to back it, you can apply for an entrepreneur visa.

Key Entrepreneur Visa Options:

• Free Zone Startup Visa: These visas are designed for individuals planning to set up a business in one of Dubai’s many free zones, where registration is easier and regulations are more flexible.
• Golden Visa for Entrepreneurs: For those with exceptional business ideas or recognised achievements, this long-term residency visa is available.

Steps to Apply:

1. Choose a free zone or mainland company setup option
2. Provide proof of a viable business plan and capital investment
3. Register your business with the relevant authorities
4. Submit your residency visa application

Benefits:

• Access to world-class infrastructure
• Tax exemptions for up to 50 years
• Long-term residency options

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Residency for Investors

Investors looking to capitalise on Dubai’s rapidly growing economy can apply for residency through various investment channels. This includes investments in property, stocks, or businesses.

Investment Visa Options:

• Property Investment Visa: Invest in real estate to obtain residency, with a minimum property value requirement of AED 1 million.
• Golden Visa for Investors: For those investing large sums in Dubai’s economy (e.g., in a business or property), the Golden Visa provides long-term residency for up to 10 years.

Key Benefits:

• Permanent residency options for major investors
• Stable economy with high returns on investments
• Access to the UAE’s tax-free environment

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Other Residency Options

Dubai also offers various other residency options for specialised individuals. The Golden Visa is one of the most popular for highly skilled professionals, scientists, and entrepreneurs, while family visas are available for individuals who wish to sponsor their spouse and children.

Golden Visa:

• Offered to exceptional individuals in fields such as science, health, engineering, and education.
• Provides long-term residency and a wide range of privileges.

Family Sponsorship:

• Residents can sponsor their families (spouse, children) for long-term residency.

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With its variety of residency options, Dubai offers something for everyone – from employees and freelancers to entrepreneurs and investors. Whether you’re looking to advance your career, start a business, or secure a better quality of life, Dubai provides the right environment for growth and success.

Now is the time to take the first step towards making Dubai your base. With the right visa, you’ll be able to unlock all the opportunities this city has to offer.

Start Your Dubai Journey Today! 

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How Tech Nomads Can Help

If you’re eager to join the dynamic UAE hub but unsure how to navigate the visa process, Tech Nomads can help. We provide personalised guidance to help you secure the UAE Golden Visa, offering a seamless path to living, working, and thriving in one of the world’s most vibrant and innovative business environments.

Tech Nomads is a global mobility platform that provides services for international relocation. Established in 2018, Tech Nomads has a track record of successfully relocating talents and teams. Our expertise in adapting to regulatory changes ensures our clients’ satisfaction and success.

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To explore your UAE relocation options, you may:

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• Assess your chance with a Tech Nomads Global Mobility Expert
• Read guides and articles on the Tech Nomads website

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