Moving to UAE

Living in the United Arab Emirates attracts expats with its high security, pleasant climate and high quality of life. Another important advantage is the country's openness to foreigners. The government supports foreign investment and simplifies the residency visa process, which makes the question of how to move to the UAE relevant for many foreigners from all over the world.

Dubai is a global business and luxury center attracted by its modern infrastructure and diverse work, shopping and entertainment opportunities. Tall skyscrapers, innovative projects and luxurious shopping malls make it one of the most dynamic and exciting cities.

Abu Dhabi is a capital city rich in cultural treasures and historical sites such as the Sheikh Zayed Mosque and the Emirates Palace. It is also home to modern architectural masterpieces and high-tech facilities, while the hospitality of the locals adds to the unique character of this financial and cultural center.

Sharjah is a cultural capital where traditions are carefully preserved. Here you will find numerous museums, art galleries and attractive parks as well as a family atmosphere and high-quality educational institutions.

Ajman is a cozy city with affordable prices, beautiful beaches and close proximity to Dubai. Here, tranquillity reigns and a visit to the National Museum, a stroll along the Corniche promenade and a visit to the traditional markets are a unique experience.

Ras Al Khaimah is an oasis city with natural beauties such as the Hajar Mountains, desert dunes and picturesque beaches. This city offers the opportunity to enjoy privacy and outdoor activities.

Fujairah is a cozy city on the coast of the Indian Ocean. Here you can enjoy beautiful beaches, water sports and appreciate the preservation of cultural heritage and traditions.

Moving to Dubai requires careful planning, which starts with choosing the legal basis for obtaining a residence permit. The immigrant must apply at the nearest UAE embassy and submit the required documents. This procedure differs depending on the purpose of the move.

Residence permit by invitation:

• The applicant obtains a visa in their home country.
• The residence permit is issued upon arrival in the Emirates and can be extended indefinitely.
• An official invitation from an employer or university is required for immigration for work or training purposes.

Permanent residence:

• A permanent residence visa is issued for a period of 5 to 10 years.
• Skilled workers, students, investors and property owners can obtain long-term status immediately.
• Other categories of applicants can apply for status after 3 years of legal residence.
• After 30 years of residence, it is possible to apply for citizenship.

Obligations and restrictions:

• Anyone who is away for longer than six months without a valid reason risks having their residence permit canceled.
• The procedures for applying for a permanent residence permit also include the right of residence for family members and company employees.

Immigration procedures in the UAE are extensive and vary depending on the purpose and category of applicant, so there are a variety of options for long-term residence in this unique country.

Before you move to Dubai with your whole family, there are a few important criteria you should consider:

Real estate prices: The cost of real estate in the UAE's popular city, Dubai, is high: the average cost per square meter is 3,600 US dollars. Renting a small apartment costs on average between 10,000 and 14,000 US dollars per year. Renting a car costs around 400 US dollars per month, and a tank of gas costs 14 US dollars.

Food and alcohol: The local agricultural market cannot always meet all needs and many products have to be imported. The cost of a basic food basket for one person per week starts at 75 US dollars.

Compliance with laws: When immigrating to the UAE, local legal norms must be strictly adhered to. It is forbidden to throw garbage on the street and to show feelings in public places without an official ceremony. During Ramadan, you should refrain from eating, drinking and smoking in public places until sunset.

Income level: Average salaries in the UAE's business sector are high, ranging from AED 13,500 to AED 20,000 (USD 3,750 to USD 5,440) depending on the emirate. Dubai and Abu Dhabi lead the way in terms of salaries and also offer the conditions for quickly setting up your own business. English is the language of business, which facilitates interaction with foreign investors.

The UAE attracts many foreign professionals with its employment and earning opportunities.

• Programmers, cyber security specialists, web developers and mobile application developers are in high demand in the IT sector.
• Medical professionals are also highly valued in the UAE - doctors, nurses, dentists, pharmacists.
• Accountants, financial analysts and risk managers are needed in the financial sector.
• Technical specialists are in demand in construction, mechanics and electrical engineering.
• In education, teachers and university professors are valued.
• In marketing and sales, sales managers and marketing specialists are sought after.
• The hospitality industry needs hotel managers, chefs and waiters.
• The UAE also has a need for professionals in logistics, human resource management and customer service.

To be successful in the UAE, a foreigner must have solid experience and adapt to the local work culture. Competition in the market is fierce.

Pros

• Economic growth: The country is actively developing and offers a high level of economic growth and prosperity.
• Low taxes: One of the attractions for expats is the lack of income tax, which allows them to keep most of what they earn.
• Cultural diversity: Many people from different countries live in the UAE, which creates a unique cultural environment and provides the opportunity to interact with people of different nationalities.
• Modern living conditions: Infrastructure, modern technology and comfortable living conditions make the UAE an attractive place to live.
• Security: The country is known for its high level of security, which is an important aspect for many expats and locals.

Cons

• High housing prices: Housing costs in some emirates, particularly Dubai and Abu Dhabi, can be very high, making it difficult for certain groups of people to afford a home.
• High summer temperatures: The UAE is very hot in summer, with temperatures exceeding 40 degrees Celsius, which can be a challenge for those used to colder climates.
• Dependence on oil revenues: The UAE economy is highly dependent on oil revenues, which can make the country vulnerable to fluctuations in global oil prices.