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Residency Guide to the UAE

Establishing residency in the UAE can be challenging. Here are some helpful tips for expats, retirees, and nomads.
|-Residency Guide to the UAE

Obtaining a residency visa in the UAE is not always easy, but our Guide to Residency in the UAE gives newcomers an overview of the steps involved and advice from others who have already navigated the process.

  • Gather the necessary documents for residency status in the UAE. These documents include a valid passport, a valid visa, a valid Emirates ID, a valid health insurance policy, and a valid residence permit.
  • Apply for a Tax Number.
    • Visit the Federal Tax Authority website and create an account.
    • Fill out the application form and submit it.
    • Wait for the Tax Number to be issued.
  • Apply for a residence permit.
    • Visit the General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs website and create an account.
    • Fill out the application form and submit it.
    • Wait for the residence permit to be issued.
  • Register with the Ministry of Labour.
    • Visit the Ministry of Labour website and create an account.
    • Fill out the application form and submit it.
    • Wait for the registration to be approved.
  • Register with the Ministry of Health.
    • Visit the Ministry of Health website and create an account.
    • Fill out the application form and submit it.
    • Wait for the registration to be approved.
  • Register with the Ministry of Education.
    • Visit the Ministry of Education website and create an account.
    • Fill out the application form and submit it.
    • Wait for the registration to be approved.

What tips do expats have about residency and visas in UAE?

“If you plan to stay in the UAE for a while, you will need to apply for a residency visa. Depending on your nationality, you may also need to obtain an entry permit or a visit visa before you can apply for a residency visa. Additionally, you may need to provide documents such as a valid passport, a valid UAE residence permit, a valid UAE work permit, and proof of financial stability,” said one expat living in UAE.

“In order to get a residency visa, you need to be sponsored, either by an individual, or most commonly, by your employer. The employer will apply for the residency visa on your behalf. You will have to have a medical examination and police clearance etc..,” commented one expat living in Dubai, the UAE.

“Not if not all are on work visas but you can get a residency with property purchase. Also, you may register in the free zones as well. Looking at 5-20k for the right to live there,” mentioned one expat living in the UAE.

“You need to have a sponsor, typically your employer sorts this part out. A medical exam with tests for hiv, tb, etc… police record,,” said an expat in the UAE.

“In order to obtain a visa to the UAE, applicants must submit a valid passport, a completed visa application form, and a passport-sized photograph. Depending on the type of visa, additional documents may be required. Once the application is approved, the visa will be issued and sent to the applicant. In order to apply for residency in the UAE, applicants must first obtain a valid residence visa. This can be done by submitting a valid passport, a completed visa application form, and a passport-sized photograph. Depending on the type of visa, additional documents may be required. Once the application is approved, the residence visa will be issued and sent to the applicant. After receiving the residence visa, applicants must then register with the local immigration office and obtain a residence permit. This process requires applicants to submit additional documents such as proof of employment, proof of address, and proof of financial stability. Once the application is approved, the residence permit will be issued and sent to the applicant,” remarked one member living in the UAE.

Betsy Burlingame Betsy Burlingame is the Founder and President of Expat Exchange and is one of the Founders of Digital Nomad Exchange. She launched Expat Exchange in 1997 as her Master's thesis project at NYU. Prior to Expat Exchange, Betsy worked at AT&T in International and Mass Market Marketing. She graduated from Ohio Wesleyan University with a BA in International Business and German.

Some of Betsy's articles include 12 Best Places to Live in Portugal, 7 Best Places to Live in Panama and 12 Things to Know Before Moving to the Dominican Republic. Betsy loves to travel and spend time with her family. Connect with Betsy on LinkedIn.

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