How can I get Dubai residency?

03/20/2025
ِD R Content Team

How can I get Dubai residency?

Dubai is one of the most modern and attractive cities in the world for living and working. With a combination of advanced facilities, job opportunities, and a safe environment, this city has become one of the most popular destinations for those seeking to migrate to the United Arab Emirates. Dubai residency is one of the most important issues that many people are looking for when they want to enter this vibrant city.

Due to its high economic growth, advanced infrastructure, and modern, comfortable lifestyle, Dubai hosts thousands of migrants from all over the world each year. This city is particularly suitable for those seeking job opportunities in various industries, investment opportunities, or higher education abroad. Additionally, Dubai, as an international business hub and a tourist destination, provides numerous opportunities for those wishing to live in the city.

There are various methods and stages for obtaining residency in Dubai, depending on the individual’s purpose (work, investment, study, marriage, etc.). Here, we will explore the different types of residency options available in Dubai and the requirements for each. From work and student residencies to investment and entrepreneurship residencies, each of these options allows you to legally live in Dubai and take advantage of the economic, social, and cultural benefits the city offers.

In the following article, we will examine the conditions and process for obtaining Dubai residency and provide you with comprehensive information so that you can choose the best path for living in Dubai.

Residence conditions in Dubai for Iranians

In order to obtain residency in Dubai, you must fall into one of the following categories:

Migrate to the UAE to work in a government entity or private company.
Intend to study at one of the educational institutions in the UAE.
Be sponsored by a UAE citizen or a foreign resident in the UAE.
Have made an investment in the UAE.
Have purchased property in Dubai.
Retire in the UAE.

The cost of staying in Dubai

The cost of residency in Dubai is influenced by various factors. For example, the costs vary depending on the validity period of the visa. For a one-year visa, the cost is 100 AED.

In addition, you must pay the processing fee for your application, which varies depending on where you submit your application. If you submit your application in person, the fee starts at around 70 AED, and if you submit it online, you will need to pay about 40 AED.

Documents required for Dubai residency

To apply for a UAE visa, you need to prepare a set of documents, which may vary depending on the method you choose to obtain the visa. However, there are some general documents that must be provided for each method. The required documents for residency in Dubai include the following:

A visa application form, which must be obtained either online or through the relevant centers.
Original passport.
Two passport-sized photos that meet the requirements set by the UAE.
Entry visa to the UAE.
Documents showing the successful completion of medical tests.
Proof of one of the UAE health insurance plans.

Duration of Dubai residency

The processing time for obtaining residency in Dubai may vary depending on the method you choose to apply for UAE residency. However, the process of reviewing the entry permit application usually takes between 3 to 20 business days. This time frame depends on the duration required to review your records and documents.

Methods of obtaining Dubai residency

There are six different methods to obtain residency in the UAE, and applicants must choose one based on their budget and circumstances. Below are the methods for obtaining residency in Dubai:

Property purchase
Marriage
Study
Starting a startup
Company registration
Childbirth

Dubai residency through property purchase

If you are looking to obtain residency in Dubai through property purchase, you must invest at least 1 million AED in real estate that is approved by the UAE government. After purchasing the property, you can apply for a visa. This visa is valid for two years and is renewable, provided that you still own the property and travel to Dubai at least once every 180 days. If you stay outside the UAE for more than 180 days, your visa may be canceled.

Please note that with this visa, you will not be allowed to work in Dubai. After obtaining this visa, you can sponsor your family; your family members can apply for residency through a family visa associated with your residency visa. Men can only apply for residency for their children if their wife has passed away. This visa is not permanent and needs to be renewed every two years.

Conditions for Dubai residency through property purchase

A minimum monthly income of 10,000 AED.
Having valid health insurance.
The size of the purchased property should be suitable for the number of family members.
The property must be an apartment or villa.
The property must be located in a free zone, as these areas allow foreigners to purchase property.
The current value of the property must be at least 1 million AED.
If the property is purchased with a mortgage, at least 50% of its price must have been paid.

Documents required for Dubai residency through property purchase

Health insurance certificate
Property ownership documents or property registration certificate
Medical certificate
Original and copy of passport
Original certificate of good conduct
Income documents
Three passport-sized photos
Bank statement

Dubai residency through marriage

Obtaining residency in Dubai through marriage is subject to complex and strict conditions. This method is only applicable to foreign women who marry male residents of the UAE, and conversely, it is not possible for foreign men who marry UAE women to obtain residency.

Individuals who have obtained Dubai residency through a company registration or startup visa, as well as those who are employed in the UAE, can sponsor their families for Dubai residency. To do so, the minimum salary of employees must be between 3,000 to 4,000 AED, and they must also have suitable accommodation.

Conditions for Dubai residency through marriage

To act as a sponsor for your family, you must meet certain conditions. The conditions for residency in Dubai through marriage are as follows:

The person who wants to sponsor their spouse must have a valid residency permit.
The minimum monthly income should be between 3,000 to 4,000 AED.
The applicant must provide accommodation for their family.
Depending on the type of visa the applicant holds, family members will be issued visas valid for one, two, or three years.

Documents required for Dubai residency through marriage

Submit the application online or through one of the authorized offices
Copy of the spouse’s and children’s passports
Photographs of the spouse and children
Medical certificate for the spouse and children over 18 years old
Copy of the applicant’s employment or company contract
Documents related to the employee’s monthly salary
Legal marriage certificate
The latest water and electricity bill

Dubai residency through education

Individuals over 18 years old who wish to study in the UAE can obtain a one-year student visa. The process of obtaining residency in Dubai through study is done through the educational institution where the student has been accepted, and this visa is renewable every year. The usual processing time for obtaining this visa is around 2 weeks.

Dubai residency requirements through education

To obtain a student visa, the applicant must receive an official acceptance letter from the university they wish to study at. Other requirements for residency in Dubai through study include the following:

Passing medical tests
Having a financial sponsor; this sponsor can be the university or a relative of the student
Obtaining approval from the relevant General Directorate of Residency and Foreign Affairs (GDRFA)

Documents required for Dubai residency through education

Complete student visa application form
Student commitment form
Colored copy of passport
Scanned passport-sized colored photo
Copy of the receipt for 25% tuition payment and visa processing fee
Complete health insurance documents

Dubai residency through startup

In recent years, the UAE has significantly simplified the process of starting startups for entrepreneurs. Foreign entrepreneurs establishing startups in the country can benefit from advantages such as no taxes on companies and personal income, as well as 100% full ownership of their business. By obtaining Dubai residency through a startup, applicants will be able to live in Dubai long-term and even retire in the city.

Dubai residency requirements through startups

After determining the type of activity you intend to undertake, you must choose the appropriate legal form. Choosing a business name in the UAE is of great importance, and certain conditions must be considered; for example, your company name should not be offensive or resemble the names of well-known brands. After selecting the company name, it is necessary to obtain initial approval from the government. Once you have obtained the required licenses, you can submit your documents and pay the relevant fees.

Documents required for Dubai residency through a startup

Completed residency application form
Articles of association (if required)
Copy of the passport of all shareholders
A brief description of the intended business activities

Dubai residency through company registration

The government of the United Arab Emirates has made it possible to obtain Dubai residency through company registration. With this visa, you can acquire a three-year residency in Dubai. Additionally, company owners can apply for residency for their family members. Those who obtain Dubai residency using this type of visa will benefit from all the tax exemptions related to businesses.

Dubai residency requirements through company registration

Fortunately, the UAE has recently simplified the process of obtaining Dubai residency through company registration. Currently, foreign individuals can have 100% full ownership of their company. The company registration visa is issued for a period of three years, and applicants can renew this visa as many times as they wish. Additionally, there are no restrictions regarding the location of the company establishment.

Documents required for Dubai residency through company registration

Chosen company name
Copy of passport
A summary of the business activities you intend to carry out in the company
Water and electricity bills in your name with your address in your home country
A recommendation letter from the bank

Dubai residency through the birth of a child

Obtaining Dubai residency through the birth of a child is not possible for parents, and only under specific conditions can a child born in the UAE acquire residency in the country. If one of the child’s parents is Emirati or if the parents are unknown, the child may receive UAE citizenship.

Dubai residency requirements through the birth of a child

If your child meets the mentioned conditions, you must apply for a visa within 120 days of the child’s birth; otherwise, you will be required to pay a fine of 100 AED for each day of delay. Additionally, one of the conditions for obtaining Dubai residency through the birth of a child is that the parents must have a minimum salary between 3,500 to 4,000 AED and provide suitable accommodation.

Documents required for Dubai residency through the birth of a child

Original passport of the child’s sponsor
Original Emirates ID card of the child’s sponsor
Copy of the sponsor’s visa
Original birth certificate in Arabic
Clear photo of the child with a white background
Baby’s passport

Benefits of living in Dubai

The weather in Dubai is very favorable for eight months of the year. On most of the city’s hot days, the sky is clear and cloudless, allowing you to enjoy the warm waters of the sea.

Many large international companies have branches in Dubai, providing numerous job opportunities for individuals with various skills.

There is no income tax in Dubai, and residents of the UAE are not required to file tax returns or share their financial information with any third parties.

The quality of education in Dubai meets international standards, and the city has many reputable schools and universities.

With the Dubai International Airport, access to any part of the world is easily possible.

Although the official language of Dubai is Arabic, English is widely used in the city.

The only requirement you need to follow after obtaining Dubai residency is that if you leave the UAE, you must return to the country within 6 months.

With a Dubai residency visa, you can open personal and business bank accounts, and you will also have the option to hold multiple bank accounts in other countries.

After obtaining residency in the UAE, you can apply for visas for your family, spouse, and life partner.

final word

Dubai, a modern and attractive city, offers various paths to residency for individuals, including through work, education, property purchase, marriage, startups, and company registration. Recent changes have simplified the process, particularly for entrepreneurs, offering tax advantages and full company ownership.

Residency in Dubai allows individuals to apply for visas for their families and enjoy business and educational opportunities. With favorable tax policies, long-term visas, and easy access to global destinations via Dubai International Airport, it’s an appealing choice. However, maintaining residency requires compliance with specific conditions, such as staying within the UAE for the required duration and renewing visas.