UAE RESIDENCY OPTIONS

SERVICES

Citizenship & Residency

The UAE offers some of the world’s most flexible and attractive residency pathways. Whether you relocate for work, establish a business, invest in property, or retire, you can obtain a renewable residency visa and benefit from the UAE’s tax-free environment, world-class infrastructure, and exceptional quality of life.

Residence visas are typically issued for 2 or 3 years and can be renewed indefinitely.
The UAE does not offer permanent residency, but long-term stability is achieved through renewable visas or the UAE Golden Visa (covered in the next section).

Important: Standard UAE residence visas are cancelled if the holder remains outside the UAE for more than 180 consecutive days. Golden Visa holders benefit from exceptions to this rule.

The most flexible and widely used route

Setting up a company — either in the Mainland or in a Free Zone — is the simplest and most common way to obtain UAE residency.

Who qualifies?

• Shareholders
• Employees of the company

What you get

• 2-year renewable residency
• Ability to live, work, and operate a business in the UAE
• Eligibility to sponsor spouse and children (subject to income requirements)
• Access to banking, leasing, healthcare, telecom, and education
• 0% income tax, 0% capital gains tax, 0% inheritance tax

This route is ideal for entrepreneurs, remote workers, digital nomads, and international businesses expanding into the region.

Professionals employed by a UAE-based company obtain residency through an Employment Visa.

Key points

• Typically valid for 2 years (Mainland and most Free Zones)
• Requires a formal UAE employment contract
• Family sponsorship permitted when minimum income requirements are met
• Full access to UAE services, banking, and infrastructure

This route is well suited to skilled professionals relocating for work.

(Non-Golden Visa category)

Property owners can obtain a standard UAE residency visa by purchasing qualifying real estate.

Typical requirements

• Property valued at AED 750,000+ (varies by Emirate)
• 2-year renewable residency
• Eligibility to sponsor dependents

A straightforward option for investors who do not meet the Golden Visa’s higher thresholds.

The UAE offers a renewable 5-year Retirement Visa for individuals aged 55+.

Eligibility requires one of the following:

• Property worth AED 1 million+
• Savings of AED 1 million
• Monthly income of AED 20,000 (AED 15,000 in Dubai), supported by 6-month bank statements

This route appeals to retirees seeking the UAE’s safe, modern, and tax-free lifestyle.

Why Choose the UAE for Residency?

• 0% income, capital gains, and inheritance tax
• One of the world’s safest and most stable environments
• World-class healthcare, education, and infrastructure
• Global hub connecting East and West
• Highly attractive business and banking environment
• Year-round sunshine and exceptional quality of life

Start Your UAE Residency Journey With Confidence

UAE residency rules and procedures evolve regularly — making expert guidance essential.

Freemont’s Dubai team provides comprehensive support:

• Eligibility assessment
• Company formation
• Residency processing and family sponsorship
• Banking and compliance support
• Relocation and integration guidance

Contact us today for personalised UAE residency advice.

SERVICES

Citizenship & Residency