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A Guide for Successful Immigration

Blick aus einem Fenster über Dubai im Sonnenuntergang.

The United Arab Emirates (UAE) attracts numerous emigrants due to its stable economy, attractive tax policy and high living standards. Whether you are coming to work, study, invest or start a business, there are various ways to obtain a residence permit. Here you will find an overview of the most important aspects of the immigration process in Dubai, which not only offers tax exemption on income, but also excellent infrastructure, high security standards and a multicultural society. This makes it easier for foreigners to integrate, especially since English is widely spoken.

Important: The right visa

Popular visa options include the work visa, the student visa, the freelancer visa, the investor visa for SMEs (small and medium-sized enterprises) and the long-term Golden Visas for highly qualified professionals and investors. A work visa is required if you want to work in the UAE. It is usually valid for two years and can be extended as long as the employment relationship continues.

The student visa allows you to study at an accredited educational institution. This visa is sponsored by the respective university or college and remains valid for the duration of your studies. After graduation, students who find employment can convert their visa into a work visa. Particularly talented students may qualify for a golden visa lasting five to ten years.

The freelancer visa is ideal for self-employed people who want to work on a project-by-project basis. It allows freelancers to pursue their activities in specific free zones. This visa is often linked to a specific freelancer licence and offers a flexible work option for creatives, IT professionals and other freelancers.

The Golden Visa is a long-term residence permit issued for ten years. It is aimed at investors, entrepreneurs, highly qualified professionals and particularly talented individuals. There are different minimum investment amounts for investors, such as the purchase of real estate or company shares. Highly qualified professionals must demonstrate certain professional qualifications or particular achievements.

The investor visa allows a residence permit through investment in real estate or companies. There are two main types: the investor visa for real estate investments and the investor visa for company founders (SMEs). Depending on the amount of the investment, the visa can be issued for three, five or ten years. For example, the purchase of a property worth at least AED 750,000 entitles the holder to a visa for two years, while investments of AED 2 million or more result in a visa for ten years. The majority of people obtain their visa by setting up a company in the mainland or in one of the country’s 46 free zones. It is possible to set up a company for as little as EUR 2,000 per year, depending on the objective – whether it is a real business or just a way for you and, if applicable, your family, to stay in the country. On average, the costs for most business licenses are around EUR 4,000 per year.

With an investor visa, it is possible to sponsor relatives, provided that the additional requirements are met. It is also crucial to register the company in the correct jurisdiction if you are planning a real business. Otherwise, trade restrictions or other hurdles may arise that could significantly impair business activities. A key point here is identifying the location of future customers: Are they located in the country, abroad, in one of the 46 free zones, in the same or another free zone or on the mainland? It also matters whether the customer is a company or an end consumer.

A family visa allows spouses, children and, under certain conditions, parents to join the principal applicant in the UAE. The requirement is sufficient income and an existing employment, freelancer or investor visa for the principal applicant.

Recognition of qualifications

Correct documentation is particularly important. Professional and academic qualifications must be authenticated, often through the DataFlow process. The DataFlow Group is a global leader specializing in the verification of degrees and professional qualifications. The DataFlow process is used to verify the authenticity of documents and prevent fraud. This is particularly relevant for healthcare professionals, engineers and teachers seeking to work in the UAE. Thanks to its extensive database and close cooperation with institutions worldwide, the DataFlow Group ensures that only authentic and verified documents are accepted. Our company ReSartus provides certified translations in all languages to support this process. Thanks to our close cooperation with sworn translators, we ensure that important documents such as birth certificates, marriage certificates or professional certificates meet the requirements of the UAE authorities.

Despite the modern lifestyle, emigrants should be aware of the cultural particularities of the UAE. Good planning and a willingness to adapt are key factors for successful integration. The UAE offers a wealth of opportunities for professional and personal growth. With the right steps and professional support with translations, nothing stands in the way of a successful new start.

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