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Resident Visa Dubai
Are you wanting to relocate your business from the UK to Dubai? Getting the correct resident visas is a vital step before you make the move. At Dubai Pivot, we guide UK business owners through the entire Dubai residence visa process. Our experts will take the time to understand which visa type is right for you to ensure your application is dealt with correctly and compliantly.
To live and work legally in Dubai, you must have a valid UAE resident visa. For UK nationals wanting to relocate their business, the type of visa type that is right for you will depend on personal circumstances, business structure and your intended role within it. Our UK representatives are available to support you through this process.
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Residency Visa Dubai
Getting a resident visa in Dubai is not always a straightforward process, especially when you are managing the process from the UK while running a business. The process to obtain a resident visa in the UAE has multiple stages. The most suitable process for your visa depends on business structure, license type and if you are bringing family members with you.
The visa types that are most relevant to UK business owners are:
- Investor Visa – This is the most common route for UK business owners relocating to Dubai. UAE investor visas are issued to people who are establishing or investing in a UAE-registered business. They tend to be valid for 2-3 years and can be renewed as long as your business and investment continue.
- Employment Visa – Suitable for UK nationals who have a position within a UAE-registered business. This visa must be sponsored by the employer and is usually valid for 2-3 years. As long as employment continues as you pass the medical and security checks, you can renew it.
- Property Owner Visa – If you own qualifying property in the UAE, you may be eligible for residency. The criteria does vary, but if you own property above the value of AED 2 million, you may be eligible for the UAE Golden Visa, this offers a longer-term residency.
- Family Visa – If you have a valid UAE resident visa, you may be able to sponsor your spouse, children and other dependents to join you in Dubai. To qualify, you will need to meet relevant salary and housing requirements. They are typically valid for 2-3 years and linked to your residency status.
- Student Visa – This visa doesn’t usually apply to a business owner, if you’re relocating your whole family to Dubai your children may need a student visa to enrol in UAE school. These visas are typically issued annually and can be renewed with proof of continued study.
When navigating the Dubai residence visa process, you usually need a valid UK passport, a completed application, supporting documentation relevant to your visa type and a medical examination. Our team will inform you on what’s required based on your individual circumstances.
It is important to remember that UAE visas are tied to sponsorship, usually your business. So if your situation changes, you will need a new Dubai resident permit. Visas also have an expiry date so you must be on time for renewals to ensure that you maintain your legal status in the UAE.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Yes. UK nationals can live and work in the UAE providing they obtain the necessary UAE visa. At Dubai Pivot, we specialise exclusively in supporting UK nationals through this process, our UK representatives understand your position.
No. You don’t have to live in Dubai full-time but you must enter the UAE at least once every six months to ensure your visa remains active. If you remain outside the UAE for more than six months this can lead to your visa being automatically cancelled.
The cost of a Dubai residence visa varies depending on your circumstance but usually range from AED 3,000 to AED 7,000. At Dubai Pivot, we ensure you have a full understanding of costs before beginning the process.
Dubai residence visa timelines depend on visa type and government processing times but initial entry permits usually take 3-5 working days and final visa stamping takes around another week.