Dubai has become one of the world’s most attractive destinations for expats, investors, and professionals. Many people ask: “Is it possible to get PR in Dubai?”
While the UAE does not directly offer traditional permanent residency (PR) or citizenship to expats, it provides several long-term residency options that work like PR. Through visas like the Golden Visa, Green Visa, Retirement Visa, and Investor Visa, foreigners can live, work, invest, and sponsor family members in Dubai without frequent renewals.
In this article, we’ll cover everything you need to know about PR in Dubai, including eligibility, visa types, benefits, and the step-by-step process.
What Does PR Mean in Dubai?
Unlike countries such as Canada or Australia, Dubai does not have a straightforward “PR” system. However, the UAE government introduced long-term residency visas that provide similar advantages to PR, including:
- Right to live and work in Dubai
- Freedom to sponsor family members
- Access to education, healthcare, and business opportunities
- Ability to stay outside the UAE without visa cancellation (Golden Visa)
- Tax-free income and financial security
Types of PR (Long-Term Residency) Options in Dubai
Dubai offers multiple pathways to secure long-term residency. Below are the main visa options available in 2025:
1. Golden Visa – 10-Year Residency
The Golden Visa is the most popular option for expats who want long-term residency.
Eligibility Criteria:
- Property investment of AED 2 million or more
- Entrepreneurs running a successful business
- Skilled professionals in sectors like science, technology, medicine, and arts
- Outstanding students, innovators, and researchers
Benefits:
- Valid for 10 years, renewable
- No local sponsor required
- Sponsor your family and domestic staff
- Freedom to travel and live abroad without visa cancellation
2. Green Visa – 5-Year Residency
The Green Visa is designed for professionals, freelancers, and investors who want independence.
Eligibility Criteria:
- Skilled professionals earning AED 15,000+ per month
- Freelancers and self-employed individuals with permits
- Investors and business partners with investments starting at AED 1 million
Benefits:
- Valid for 5 years, renewable
- No employer sponsorship required
- Allows family sponsorship
- Better flexibility for independent professionals
3. Retirement Visa – 5-Year Residency
Dubai also offers a Retirement Visa for individuals aged 55 and above.
Eligibility Criteria:
- Minimum age: 55 years
- Property investment worth AED 1 million OR
- Savings of AED 1 million OR
- Monthly income of AED 20,000
Benefits:
- Valid for 5 years, renewable
- Sponsor your spouse and dependent children
- Access to world-class healthcare and lifestyle facilities
4. Investor Visa – 2 to 10 Years
Dubai encourages foreign investments through Investor Visas.
Eligibility Criteria:
- Property investment of AED 750,000 or more (2-year visa)
- Business investment of AED 500,000 or more (3-year visa)
- For Golden Visa: investment of AED 2 million or above
Benefits:
- Live and work in Dubai
- Sponsor your family
- Full ownership of free-zone companies
5. Employment-Based Visa
For professionals working in Dubai, an employment visa offers a pathway to residency.
Eligibility Criteria:
- Valid job offer from a Dubai-based employer
- Employer-sponsored visa application
- Completion of medical tests and Emirates ID registration
Benefits:
- Residency tied to employment
- Renewable every 2-3 years
- Can later upgrade to Green Visa or Golden Visa
Family Sponsorship Under PR Options
Once you obtain a long-term residency visa, you can sponsor your family:
- Spouse and children – easily sponsored under Golden and Green Visas
- Parents – requires a minimum monthly salary of AED 10,000 or housing proof
- Domestic workers – allowed under Golden Visa eligibility
Benefits of Getting PR (Long-Term Residency) in Dubai
Securing a long-term residency visa in Dubai provides numerous benefits:
- Live, work, and study freely in the UAE
- Sponsor your family with ease
- 100% business ownership in free zones
- Access to world-class education and healthcare
- Tax-free income and financial stability
- Global lifestyle and travel flexibility
Can You Get UAE Citizenship?
Although Dubai offers long-term residency options, UAE citizenship is rare and granted only under exceptional circumstances:
- Awarded by royal decree
- Generally for highly skilled professionals, innovators, and investors
- Requires Arabic language proficiency and significant contributions to the UAE’s growth
- For most expats, the Golden Visa or Green Visa is the closest alternative to PR.
FAQs
Q1. Is it possible to get PR in Dubai?
Yes, but Dubai doesn’t offer traditional PR. You can obtain long-term residency through Golden Visa, Green Visa, Retirement Visa, or Investor Visa.
Q2. How much investment is required for PR in Dubai?
You need to invest at least AED 2 million to qualify for a 10-year Golden Visa.
Q3. Can I sponsor my family under a Dubai PR visa?
Yes, most long-term visas allow you to sponsor your spouse, children, and even parents.
Q4. Can freelancers apply for PR in Dubai?
Yes, freelancers can apply for a Green Visa if they meet income and licensing requirements.
Q5. Does Dubai offer citizenship to expats?
Generally, no. Citizenship is granted only in rare cases under special circumstances.
Conclusion
Is it possible to get PR in Dubai?
Yes — while Dubai doesn’t have a traditional PR system, the Golden Visa, Green Visa, Retirement Visa, and Investor Visa provide long-term residency with PR-like benefits. These options allow you to live, work, invest, and sponsor your family in Dubai, making it an excellent choice for expats seeking stability and financial security.
