Steps to Settle in Dubai: From Residency Visa to Long-Term Plans

Relocating to Dubai can be an exciting adventure, offering a blend of luxury, opportunity, and cultural diversity. However, settling into a new country can be a complex process. This blog will discuss how to get settled in Dubai, along with approving your residency visa and offers basic long-term planning in order to make the adaptation process of living in Dubai as seamless and stress-free as possible.

Getting a Residency Visa

The first step to living in Dubai is securing a residency visa. This visa allows you to stay legally, whether you are working, starting a business, or joining family members already residing there. Here are the common ways to get a residency visa:

1. Employment Visa

If you get secure employment in Dubai, your employer will sponsor your visa, and the process will be handled by your employer.

2. Dubai Free Zone Visa

A free zone visa in Dubai allows a person to work inside one of the numerous free zones situated in Dubai. Free zones are extremely popular with freelancers and entrepreneurs due to tax benefits, 100% ownership, and very quick processing of visas.

3. Investor Visa

You are entitled to an investor’s visa if you set up your own business or even finance an already functioning business and can manage your own stay in the country.

4. Family Visa

If you are already an existing holder of a valid residence visa, you may sponsor your spouse and children, even your parents, subject to certain financial requirements.

The visas are usually for 2-3 years and are renewable, giving you the stability needed to build your life in Dubai.

Choosing the Dubai Free Zone Visa

For entrepreneurs and self-employed individuals, the Dubai free zone visa is an attractive option. Here’s why:

• Who Qualifies: Anyone establishing a business or working in a free zone is eligible. Some zones focus on industries like healthcare, finance, or media, so choosing one aligned with your field can be helpful.
• Application Process: Free zone visas generally require fewer documents. You’ll need a passport, some photos, and potentially a business plan.
• Advantages: The advantages of a free zone visa include having 100% ownership of the business, zero taxes, and an easy setup with no local sponsor.

This visa is ideal for those of you who wish to work individually while benefiting from Dubai's business incentives.

Must Read: Dubai Freelance Visa And Permit in 2024-25

Getting a Residence Visa Without an Employer

If you're figuring out how to get a residence visa in Dubai without an employer, you’re in luck. There are several options:

• Investor Visa: This is ideal for individuals starting or investing in businesses. It offers freedom over your residency status without depending on an employer.
• Retirement Visa: For those over 55, Dubai provides a retirement visa option. You’ll need to meet certain income or savings criteria.
• Real Estate Investor Visa: Purchasing property worth AED 1 million or more (approx. INR 2 crore) qualifies you for this visa.

Each route has specific requirements, so choose one that best aligns with your plans in Dubai.

How to Get PR in Dubai?

One of the most common questions remains how to get permanent residency in Dubai. In reality, there is no traditional permanent residency in the UAE. However, there is a system known as the Golden Visa which promotes long-term stay.

The Golden Visa will be available for those who fall into the category of investors, exceptional achievers or qualified specialists such as in the case of medical practitioners or even engineering professionals in some fields. Nonetheless, the said residence permit might not be assured, though there is a chance of five to ten years of residence.

The Golden Visa is renewed as long as you continue meeting the requirements. Its experience is almost like permanent residency with the minimum frequency in renewal.

The Golden Visa allows long-term residency and is ideal for those looking to build a stable future in Dubai.

Arranging Accommodation: Renting vs Buying

Once your residency visa is sorted, the next step is securing a place to live. Dubai offers numerous rental and buying options:

• Renting: Renting in Dubai is flexible and widely available. Areas like Jumeirah, Downtown Dubai, and Dubai Marina offer high-end options, while Discovery Gardens and Al Nahda cater to more budget-friendly choices. Rent can range from INR 1.5 lakh to INR 4 lakh per month.
• Buying Property: For long-term stayers, buying a property is possible. Foreigners are allowed to buy freehold properties in specific areas, and an investment of AED 1 million or more qualifies you for a property investment visa.

Health and Travel Insurance Coverage

Health and travel insurance is an important must-have for a safe stay. Everyone present in the UAE must have health insurance. So, if your employer doesn't have any sort of policy for you, you must get yourself:

• Health Insurance: Dubai’s healthcare is excellent but can be costly without insurance, so arrange your policy as soon as you get your visa.
• Travel Insurance: Although it is good to have a health plan, it is wise to get travel insurance from Bajaj Allianz General Insurance Company, more so if you will be travelling out of Dubai often. Travel insurance safeguards one from medical emergencies, trip interrupting scenarios as well as cases of loss of baggage, which are some of the common travel worries.

Opening a Bank Account in Dubai

With a residency visa, you can open a local bank account. Here’s a quick guide:

• Documents Required: Banks usually ask for a passport copy, Emirates ID, and sometimes a “no objection” letter from your employer.
• Popular Banks: Emirates NBD, ADCB, and Dubai Islamic Bank are popular options. Some banks have minimum balance requirements, so choose accordingly.

A local account is necessary for receiving your salary, paying bills, and handling daily expenses.

Must Read: Best Places to Visit and Fun Things to Do in Dubai

Driving and Transportation Options

Many residents find a car essential in Dubai due to the city’s layout and distances. Here’s what to know:

• Driver’s Licence: If you hold an Indian licence, you may need to go through a local driving school and pass tests.
• Public Transport: Dubai’s metro, buses, and taxis are reliable, but owning a car offers convenience for those planning to stay long-term.

Long-Term Financial Planning to Secure Your Future

If your stay in Dubai is intended to be long-term, it is very important to consider the financial planning:

• Saving Schemes: Most banks have saving and investment packages for foreigners.
• Retirement Planning: However, due to the absence of a retirement fund for those in UAE who are not citizens, other options, such as personal savings and investments in property or real estate funds can be adopted.
• Life Insurance and Estate Planning: In case you have dependents, you may consider buying life insurance. Even estate planning could be sensible in Dubai since inheritance law is pretty complicated over there.

Connecting with Social and Cultural Communities

Engaging with Dubai’s cultural and social communities can make settling in more enjoyable for you:

• Community Groups: Dubai has communities for almost every interest, from Indian cultural societies to sports and recreational clubs.
• Festivals and Events: Dubai’s event calendar includes food, cultural, and music festivals. Attending these events enriches your experience and helps you feel part of the community.

FAQs

How can I apply for a Dubai Free Zone Visa?

Choose your free zone with a copy of your passport, plus a business plan, and go to the free zone authority. Approvals come through generally quite quickly.

Can I get permanent residency in Dubai?

Traditional permanent residency is not a feature of Dubai. This is substituted by the offering of long-term residency, which the state provides to a foreigner for a certain period of 5 years to 10 years; this is specifically offered to high-skilled professionals and an investor.

How long is a residence visa in Dubai valid?

A residence visa is valid for 2-3 years and can be renewed as long as you remain eligible.

Do I need travel insurance when moving to Dubai?

Yes, travel insurance is highly recommended to cover initial risks. Health insurance is mandatory for residents.

Can I sponsor my family with a residence visa?

Yes, with a valid residence visa, one can sponsor his spouse and children and even parents on meeting specific financial criteria.

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