Dubai, in the United Arab Emirates, is a significant corporate hub and the Middle East’s economic powerhouse. As a result, many international businesses and corporations have flocked to the area to establish a presence. The wealthy follow the corporations wherever they go. Tourism booms in places where the wealthy congregate. Annual overnight visitation to Dubai climbed substantially from 8.41 million to 14.87 million between 2010 and 2016.
If you’re one of the many people around the world who thinks Dubai might be on their radar in the near future (for employment, investment, retirement, or vacation), it’s crucial to understand how to get there legally based on your situation. Let’s take a look at the most common visa options for moving to Dubai.
Tourism:
Citizens of certain countries will not need to apply for a visa in advance to visit Dubai, instead receiving one when they arrive at the airport. While people will not be able to work in the country, they will be eligible to stay in Dubai for 30 or 90 days in a 365-day period for touristic purposes.
Tourist visas for 30 days were issued upon arrival in some countries: Andorra, Australia, Brunei, Canada, China, Hong Kong, Ireland, Japan, Malaysia, Monaco, New Zealand, San Marino, Singapore, South Korea, The Vatican, United States, United Kingdom, and Russia are among the countries represented.
Tourist visas for 90 days were issued upon arrival in some countries: Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Croatia, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Holland, Hungary, Iceland, Italy, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Slovenia, Slovakia, Spain, Sweden, and Switzerland are among the countries represented.
Anyone planning to live in Dubai for an extended period of time, whether for business or pleasure, will require a residency visa. If you’re applying for a work permit, also known as a Labor Card, the process is similar to applying for a resident visa and is done through your company.
Work Permit:
There are a few alternatives available to you if you want to extend your stay in Dubai beyond the 30-day and 90-day visas.
If you want to visit Dubai in pursuit of a potential employer, you can do so on a tourist visa. You will not be allowed to legally work until you have a work permit, even if you have received a job offer and employment contract (Labor Card). While a tourist visa can be changed to a work visa while in Dubai (provided the hire and work permit application/processing fit within the tourist visa timetable), most persons will need to depart the country to apply for a work permit.
Similarly, if your employer relocates to Dubai, you are transferred to Dubai, or you are offered employment in Dubai while you are on vacation, you must first apply for a work visa in your home country.
Visa for Investment:
There is no actual Golden Visa because there is no means for foreigners to get permanent residency or citizenship in the UAE. Expats can obtain 3-year, renewable temporary residency in Dubai by investing in the country, allowing them to remain abroad long-term without having to look for work.
