Residence Permit in Dubai

How to Get a Residence Permit in Dubai: Key Information

In the UAE, instead of “residence permit,” the term “residence visa” is used. This permit is issued for a specific period, which may vary depending on the grounds for relocation to the Emirates. Permanent residency is not provided in this country, so migrants must regularly renew their existing permit. Note that if you have repeatedly renewed your visa, you may later apply for UAE citizenship.

There are many ways to obtain residency in the Emirates. For example, you can invest in the economy, purchase real estate in the UAE, study long-term, or work in the country.

If you have obtained a residence permit in the Emirates, you cannot leave the country for more than 6 consecutive months; otherwise, your visa will become invalid.

How to Obtain a Residence Permit in Dubai: Step-by-Step

A migrant planning to work, study, or live in the UAE can apply for a residence visa. To do this, you need to:

• Choose a suitable way to obtain residency.
• Obtain an entry permit.
• Prepare the required documents for the residence visa.
• Submit the application to the UAE government authorities.

There are additional mandatory procedures for those applying for a residence permit in the UAE. Let’s look at some of them in detail.

Entry Permit to the UAE

Regardless of the type of residence visa you want to obtain, you must first enter the country. To do this, you need an entry permit issued by the authorities. This requires submitting an application along with supporting documents.

You will also need to provide color copies of all passport pages (valid for at least 6 more months) and a photograph that meets passport standards.

In certain cases, additional documents are required. For example, doctors and teachers coming for employment must provide a legalized copy of their professional diploma.

Status Change

After receiving an entry permit, a migrant must go through the process called “status change,” which activates the entry permit (valid for only 2 months). This procedure is mandatory to obtain a residence permit in Dubai.

There are two ways to change status:

• Inside the UAE – the simplest option. You send your entry permit to the UAE immigration office, where it is stamped within 3–5 business days.
• Outside the UAE – you enter the country directly, and immigration officers at the airport provide your residency visa.

Medical Examination and Emirates ID

A residence permit in the UAE requires medical screening: chest X-ray and blood tests to detect infectious diseases. If a migrant has tuberculosis or similar conditions, residency cannot be granted.

Before issuing the residence permit, the UAE also provides an Emirates ID – the national identification card. It is used to open bank accounts, sign rental agreements, and access government services.

To obtain an Emirates ID, migrants must apply to the appropriate authority and provide biometric data.

Issuance of a Residence Visa

To complete the process, the migrant submits their passport to the immigration office. The residency visa stamp is placed inside, usually within 15 days.

The visa must be regularly renewed. With a residence permit in Dubai, foreigners can legally stay, work, and conduct business in the UAE.

Ways to Obtain a Residence Permit in the UAE

You can apply for a residence visa in the UAE based on:

• Employment – if a company hires you as a full-time employee. The visa is issued for 2–3 years and allows you to work anywhere in the UAE, even if you change jobs.
• Education – for those accepted into a UAE university. The visa is valid for 1 year and can be renewed throughout the study period, provided proof of enrollment is shown.
• Business setup – entrepreneurs who establish a company in the UAE are eligible for residency. The visa is valid for 3 years and can be renewed.
• Real estate purchase – a residency visa can be obtained only for ready-to-move-in properties. If the property is under construction, the visa will be issued only after completion. In all cases, the permit is valid for 3 years.

How to Obtain Residency in the UAE with Incluence

Our experts will handle document preparation, applications to immigration authorities, and all other procedures required for obtaining residency in the UAE.

Contact Incluence for a personal consultation if you have further questions.