A lot of people who live outside of Dubai want to make it their permanent home. The city’s high-end lifestyle, safety, and endless business opportunities make it one of the best places to visit in the world. But a lot of people want to know, “Can I get PR in Dubai?”
The answer is that Dubai doesn’t have a traditional “Permanent Residency” system like Canada or Australia. However, the UAE government has set up a number of long-term residence visa programs that let foreigners live, work, and invest in the country for long periods of time. These visas are a useful alternative to PR in Dubai.
- What PR means in Dubai
- Different kinds of long-term residency visas in Dubai
- Advantages of Living in Dubai for a Long Time
- How to Get a PR or Long-Term Visa in Dubai Step by Step
- How to Boost Your Chances of Getting PR in Dubai
- How much it costs to get PR in Dubai
- Questions and Answers About Getting PR in Dubai
- Final Thoughts
This article will tell you everything you need to know about getting PR in Dubai, such as the different types of visas, who can get them, how to invest, and the step-by-step process for getting long-term residency in the UAE.
What PR means in Dubai
Before you look into how to get PR in Dubai, you should know that the UAE does not give out permanent residency for life. Instead, the government gives out renewable long-term residency visas that are usually good for 5 or 10 years and offer similar benefits to PR.
These visas let people who live abroad:
- You don’t need a sponsor to live and work in Dubai.
- Start a business and own property.
- Pay for family members and domestic workers.
- You can use schools, hospitals, and banks.
So, even though there isn’t really any “real” PR in Dubai, the Golden Visa and Investor Visa programs are seen as the UAE’s version of permanent residence.
Different kinds of long-term residency visas in Dubai
1. The Golden Visa for the UAE (10-Year Residency)
The UAE Golden Visa is one of the most sought-after residency programs in Dubai. It lets people from other countries live in the UAE for up to ten years without needing a local sponsor.
Requirements for eligibility include:
- People who own property worth at least AED 2 million.
- Business owners who have had success.
- Very skilled people in the fields of medicine, science, IT, and engineering.
- Great students and people who are good at a lot of different things.
- You can renew the Golden Visa, and it gives you almost the same benefits as having PR in Dubai.
2. The Investor Visa for 5 Years
The 5-Year Investor Visa is another great way to get a visa for people who can’t meet the high requirements of the Golden Visa.
You can get in if you:
- Buy a home worth at least AED 1 million and pay cash for it.
- Keep the property for at least three years.
- Show that the money isn’t borrowed.
With this visa, property investors can live in Dubai and enjoy many of the same benefits as permanent residents.
The Retirement Visa is good for five years.
The best way to find out if you can get PR in Dubai after retirement is to apply for the Retirement Visa if you are over 55.
You are eligible if:
- At least AED 1 million in savings.
- Owning property worth AED 2 million.
- Or a monthly pay of AED 20,000.
Retirees can live in Dubai for a long time and have a stable life with this visa, which can be renewed every five years.
4. The Residence Visa for Employment
This isn’t a permanent option, but professionals who work in Dubai can renew their work visas as long as they keep working. A lot of expats use this as a way to get a short-term visa before applying for long-term residency through investment or the Golden Visa program.
Advantages of Living in Dubai for a Long Time
There are a lot of benefits to getting a long-term visa or PR-like status in Dubai:
- No taxes on personal income
- Rights of business owners
- Ability to help family members
- Good living conditions and safety
- Getting access to top-notch education and health care
The right to come and go from the UAE without having to renew your visa often
Investors, professionals, and business owners really want to live in Dubai for a long time because of these benefits.
How to Get a PR or Long-Term Visa in Dubai Step by Step
Step 1: Pick the Right Type of Visa
Depending on your eligibility and how much money you can invest, choose between a Golden Visa, an Investor Visa, or a Retirement Visa.
Step 2: Get the papers you need ready
You will usually need:
- A passport that is valid
- Proof that you own property or have invested money
- Statements from the bank
- Certificate of medical fitness
- Certificate of good behavior
- Pictures the size of a passport
Step 3: Send in your application
- You can send in your applications through:
- The UAE Government eChannels website
- The General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs (GDRFA)
- Typing centers in Dubai that are allowed
Step 4: Pay the Visa Fees
The fees depend on the type of visa and how long it lasts. Processing a Golden Visa, for instance, can cost between AED 2,800 and AED 4,000, not including medical and Emirates ID fees.
Step 5: Get a medical and background check
You have to pass a standard health screening and a background check to be able to live in the area.
Step 6: Get Your Residence Permit
Once your application is approved, you will get an Emirates ID and a residence stamp. This will let you live in Dubai legally for 5 or 10 years.
How to Boost Your Chances of Getting PR in Dubai
- Keep your financial and legal records clear.
- Put your money into real estate that is stable and approved by the government.
- Don’t invest with money you borrowed.
- Follow the rules of the UAE and the deadlines for renewing your visa.
- Get professional advice by networking with registered immigration consultants.
How much it costs to get PR in Dubai
Depending on the program you choose, the total cost of getting long-term residency in Dubai can change.
In general:
- Golden Visa: AED 2,800 to AED 4,000
- Visa for Investors: AED 1,000 to AED 2,500
- Retirement Visa: AED 1,200 to AED 2,000
- Depending on service fees, paperwork, and processing time, these prices may change.
Questions and Answers About Getting PR in Dubai
1. Can you get permanent PR in Dubai?
Dubai doesn’t give out permanent residency, but the UAE does give out 5- and 10-year residence visas that can be renewed.
2. How can I get permanent residency in Dubai by investing?
To get long-term residency, you can buy a property worth AED 1 million (5-year visa) or AED 2 million (Golden Visa).
3. Can I get a Golden Visa if I don’t own any property?
Yes, professionals, scientists, and people with special skills can apply even if they don’t own property.
4. Can retirees get UAE PR?
Yes, retirees over 55 years old can apply for a 5-year Retirement Visa if they meet the income or investment requirements.
5. What is the difference between a Golden Visa and PR in Dubai?
A Golden Visa is a long-term residence program that can be renewed and gives you similar rights to a PR.
6. After I get PR or a long-term visa, can I sponsor my family?
Yes, people with visas can sponsor their spouse, children, and sometimes even their parents or domestic workers.
7. How long does it take to get a visa to live in Dubai for a long time?
It usually takes 2 to 4 weeks, depending on how long it takes to check the documents and the background.
8. Is it possible for me to lose my PR or long-term residency in Dubai?
Yes, your residency could be taken away if you stay outside the UAE for more than six months or break the rules of your visa.
9. Do people with PR in Dubai get any tax breaks?
Yes, Dubai has a zero personal income tax policy, which is one of the best things about living there.
10. Can people with a PR or long-term visa get UAE citizenship?
In some cases, citizenship is rare but possible. Royal decree may grant citizenship to exceptional investors or individuals who make significant contributions to the UAE.
Final Thoughts
So, can you get PR in Dubai? The UAE doesn’t technically give out lifetime permanent residency, but its Golden Visa, Investor Visa, and Retirement Visa programs let people live there for a long time and give them almost all the same rights.
Dubai is one of the most exciting cities in the world, and it has many ways for entrepreneurs, investors, professionals, and retirees to build a stable and luxurious future there.