HomeImmigration Lawyers in Dubai
Looking for reliable support for relocating to one of the world’s most dynamically developing metropolises? Our international law firm offers professional immigration legal services in Dubai. We assist in selecting the appropriate visa program, processing documents, and liaising with UAE government authorities. Regardless of your goals—starting a business, employment, or family reunification— Our immigration lawyers in Dubai guarantee legal security, confidentiality, and an individual approach to each case.
Reasons Why People Immigrate to Dubai
Dubai attracts migrants from all over the world with its unique combination of economic prosperity, high standards of living, and favorable investment climate. Despite initially developing as a small trading settlement, today it has become one of the most attractive destinations for work, business, and family life.
Thanks to the rapidly growing economy and the constant influx of international companies, Dubai offers competitive salaries as well as a variety of bonuses. The UAE’s favorable tax system allows one to retain a significant portion of earnings, which is especially important for high-income professionals and entrepreneurs. The city provides all the conditions for effective work: modern office centers, advanced technologies, high-speed internet, and a developed transport system.
The UAE government offers various visa categories and “Golden Visa” programs, simplifying the process of obtaining long-term residency for qualified professionals. Government authorities aim to streamline bureaucratic procedures for investors and entrepreneurs.
Free economic zones offer preferential tax conditions and flexible legislation for companies oriented towards international trade. The government actively promotes initiatives for the development of small and medium-sized businesses, as well as stimulates innovations in the fields of IT, finance, and logistics.
The construction industry and real estate market are growing rapidly. Purchasing property in Dubai can not only be a profitable investment but also a way to obtain a residency visa.
Dubai is famous for its skyscrapers, shopping centers, a network of schools and universities of international level, as well as advanced medicine. The emirate traditionally ranks high in the ratings of cities with the lowest crime rates, making it one of the safest places to live.
The city offers a wide range of entertainment and leisure facilities: luxurious beaches, theme parks, desert safaris, golf clubs, upscale restaurants, and boutiques. For those who prefer warmth and sunshine, Dubai provides a favorable climate, allowing one to enjoy the sea and beaches almost any time of the year.
Types of Visas Available for Immigration to Dubai
Each potential resident of the UAE can choose the most suitable visa arrangement for themselves. Let us consider the most popular types of visas based on the United Arab Emirates immigration law:
1. Student Visa
A student visa is issued to foreign nationals who plan to study at accredited universities or educational centers in the UAE. The main requirements: are confirmation of enrolment in an educational institution, and proof of sufficient financial means to cover tuition and living expenses.
Usually issued for 1 year with the possibility of extension until the end of the study period. Students are allowed to work part-time with the agreement of the educational institution, provided they obtain the appropriate permission.
It is necessary to provide the following documents:
- Letter of admission from the university;
- A copy of the contract for tuition payment;
- Financial guarantees (confirmation of sufficient funds for accommodation and tuition);
- Sponsorship letter;
- Medical insurance.
2. Family Visa
A family reunification visa is intended for those who wish to bring close relatives (spouse, children, parents) to Dubai. The primary applicant must hold a valid work, investor, or other long-term residency visa. They must meet the minimum salary threshold (or have sufficient income/savings) set by immigration authorities. The validity of the family visa usually corresponds to the duration of the primary sponsor’s residency visa.
The following documents must be submitted:
- Confirmation of kinship (marriage, birth certificates);
- Sponsor’s documents (of the one who already holds a resident visa in the UAE);
- Lease agreement or property ownership for housing;
- Proof of financial solvency (the sponsor must have an income of 4,000 AED per month or higher).
3. Employment Visa
A work visa is the most common way of legally residing in the UAE. A mandatory requirement is having an employment contract or a job offer from a local company registered in the UAE, as well as undergoing a medical examination.
The following documents must be submitted when seeking an employment visa according to Dubai’s immigration law:
- Official invitation or contract from the employer;
- A copy of the company’s license (confirmation that the company is registered in the UAE);
- Documents of education (diplomas, certificates, confirming qualification);
- Work permit from the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation (MOHRE) (issued by the employer);
- Medical certificate of undergoing examination in the UAE;
- A work visa is usually issued for 2-3 years and can be extended.
Most often, the visa is issued for 2 years with the possibility of further extension. The employer acts as a sponsor, taking on the main formalities for obtaining and extending the visa. When changing jobs, it is possible to arrange a new work visa.
4. Investor Visa
The Investor Visa (sometimes referred to as the “Partner Visa”) is intended for entrepreneurs and investors who plan to open or purchase a business in Dubai. Key requirements: company registration or purchase of a share in an existing business for a certain minimum amount, proof of sufficient capital and/or assets, and compliance with corporate requirements of the zone (if it concerns a free economic zone).
The following documents must be submitted during the immigration process:
- Constitutive documents of the company (if you are starting a business in the UAE);
- Certificate of ownership of real estate (if applying for an investor visa through the purchase of real estate);
- Bank statement (confirmation of funds available for investments);
- Confirmation of state duty payment;
- Medical certificate.
An investor visa is issued for 2-3 years with the possibility of extension.
5. Golden Visa
The UAE government has introduced long-term visas (up to 10 years) for foreign nationals who meet certain criteria and make a significant contribution to the economy or public life of the country.
Possible options – purchasing a property from 2,000,000 dirhams, significant capital investments in a local company, or creating a government-approved startup. In some cases, scientists, talented specialists, and researchers may also qualify for long-term visas.
The following documents must be submitted:
- Confirmation of investments (documents of ownership of real estate or business amounting to 2 million dirhams or more);
- Recommendation letters from government organizations (if the visa is issued for exceptional specialists);
- Confirmation of professional experience and qualifications (e.g., a doctor’s diploma, scientist, entrepreneur);
- Medical certificate and insurance.
6. Freelance Visa
Suitable for: remote specialists, IT specialists, designers, and media experts. Sponsor – self-employed individual. Validity period: 1–2 years with the possibility of extension.
The following documents must be submitted according to Dubai’s immigration law:
- Freelancer license (issued in one of the free zones);
- Contracts or portfolios of work (confirming professional activity);
- Income confirmation;
- Medical certificate and insurance.
7. Retirement Visa
This visa can be used by foreigners over the age of 55. The sponsor is the applicant themselves. It is issued for 5 years with the possibility of extension.
The following paperwork must be submitted:
- A document confirming age;
- Proof of financial solvency (real estate from 1 million AED or savings from 1 million AED);
- Confirmation of a stable income (from 20,000 AED per month in the absence of savings);
- Medical insurance and certificate.
Choosing a Visa for Dubai
The first legal requirement when choosing a visa is to clearly articulate why you want to move to Dubai. This will help determine which visa is right for you. Depending on your situation, you need to choose one of the categories of visas described by immigration law.
The choice of visa also depends on your financial resources. A work visa is usually arranged at the employer’s expense, whereas investor and Golden Visas require significant investments. If you need flexibility, a family or freelance visa will allow you to stay in the country for an extended period.
To avoid refusals and delays, it is better to turn to professionals. Our immigration attorneys will help you choose the most advantageous visa, gather the necessary documents, and submit the application without risks. We work with clients worldwide and help avoid typical mistakes related to migration to the UAE.
What Documents Are Required for Immigration to Dubai?
Immigration to Dubai is a process that requires thorough preparation and compliance with all legal formalities. Depending on the type of visa you are applying for, the list of legal requirements may vary. However, there are basic requirements outlined in the UAE’s immigration law mandatory for all categories of applicants:
- A valid international passport (valid for at least 6 months at the time of document submission);
- Passport-sized photographs (usually 3.5×4.5 cm, on a white background);
- A completed visa application form (processed through a sponsor or company);
- Medical insurance (mandatory for all UAE residents);
- Certificate of undergoing a medical examination (tests for HIV, tuberculosis, and other infections required for UAE residents);
- A copy of the airline ticket or confirmation of entry into the country (for certain visa categories);
- Proof of financial solvency (bank statements, income, or investment certificates).
This basic list is suitable for most types of visas, but depending on the purpose of your move to Dubai, additional documents may be required.
Errors in documentation may lead to delays or visa refusal. To avoid complications and speed up the process, we recommend consulting the best immigration lawyers in Dubai. Our legal team will help you choose the most suitable type of visa, collect and prepare all the necessary documents.
UAE Citizenship
Citizenship in Dubai, Abu Dhabi, and other parts of the United Arab Emirates is traditionally considered one of the most difficult to obtain for foreigners. The country has historically sought to preserve national identity and protect social benefits for its citizens.
Let us consider the possible grounds for obtaining UAE citizenship:
- Birth from a UAE citizen. A child born in wedlock to an Emirati father automatically acquires citizenship. If the mother is a UAE citizen and the father is a foreigner, the child can also apply for citizenship; however, the process of obtaining it is more complicated.
- Marriage to a citizen of the UAE. Under certain conditions, a foreign woman who marries a citizen of the UAE can apply for citizenship. This can be done after 7 years of living together in marriage if the couple has children. If there are no children, the period increases to 10 years. Marrying a female citizen of the UAE, a foreign man often does not receive citizenship;
- Special merits. Scientists, doctors, inventors, artists, and other highly qualified specialists who have contributed to the development of the UAE and have official recommendations may be invited to obtain citizenship by decision of the country’s leadership. Investors who have made a significant contribution to the UAE’s economy or are involved in projects of national importance can also be nominated for citizenship; however, this happens very rarely and on an individual basis.
The procedure for obtaining UAE citizenship does not have a unified algorithm for all categories, as much depends on the grounds for naturalization.
If you believe that you fall under one of the aforementioned categories or wish to learn about the possibility of simplifying the legalization procedure in the UAE, it is important to thoroughly analyze your situation and comply with all legal nuances. Our team of immigration lawyers is ready to provide comprehensive support on matters of migration and citizenship in the UAE: we will conduct an initial consultation, assist in preparing documents, translations, and certifications, and organize the correct strategy for interaction with local authorities and authorized bodies.
Can a Foreigner Acquire UAE Citizenship?
Purely theoretically, it is possible, however, there are many restrictions. Unlike many other states, the UAE does not have an open naturalization program for foreigners, and automatic acquisition of citizenship by birthright on the territory (ius soli) is also not applied. Most foreigners residing in the country only have residency (long-term residence permit), but not citizenship.
Choose our law firm for assistance with Immigration to the UAE
Our law firm specializes in immigration matters in the UAE, offering clients professional support at all stages of the process. We help avoid complications, simplify bureaucratic procedures, and ensure the fast and secure processing of all necessary documents.
Depending on your goals, our immigration lawyers will select the optimal migration strategy for you. Our lawyers will help determine which visa suits you and provide a step-by-step plan for its application.
Proper completion and submission of documents is a key stage of migration. Errors in the application can lead to a refusal or delay in visa processing. We take care of all legal matters and ensure the correct preparation of each document. Our immigration lawyers will also help you prepare and submit a passport with the required validity period, visa application form, financial documents, diplomas, certificates and marriage certificates, medical documents, and insurance, as well as all additional references and certificates that may be required in your specific case.
If difficulties arise during the visa application process, delays, or the need to file an appeal – we are ready to represent your interests before the government authorities of the UAE. We work with immigration services, the Ministry of Internal Affairs, and other government structures. We assist in cases of visa refusal. We provide consultations on visa status review issues.
Every client is important to us. We develop personalized strategies and offer the most convenient solutions, taking into account your circumstances, budget, and future plans.
Do not waste time on complex bureaucratic procedures – entrust the process to professionals! We will make immigration to the UAE as simple and safe as possible. Contact us right now for an initial consultation. Our immigration lawyers in Dubai lawyers are ready to assist you at any time!
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