UAE: 3 visas that allow expats to stay without a job or business

Expatriates residing in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) have the opportunity to purchase property, obtain an Emirates identity card, and sponsor their family members’ visas, regardless of whether they are employed or engaged in business activities within the country. This privilege is granted through the UAE’s residence visa program, which enables individuals to reside in the Emirates.

There are three distinct categories of self-sponsored residence visas available to expatriates seeking to establish residency in the Emirates.

1. Remote Work Visa

With the Remote Work Visa (well-known as a Digital Nomad Visa), expats can stay in the Emirates and work remotely.

The visa is valid for one year and also allows remote workers to sponsor their family members in the UAE.

Requirement for Work Visa

• The first and foremost requirement is that expats should be clear from criminal record

• You will have to provide proof of employment, such as a letter from your employer, a contract, or evidence of freelance work

• Your monthly income should be at least 12,853 Dirhams or its equivalent in a different currency.

• The intended duration of stay

• Passport with a minimum of six months’ validity.

• A valid health insurance covering your residency in the UAE.

2. Real estate investor visa

You can either obtain a self-sponsored residence visa for two years or apply for the Golden Visa, which is good for ten years, depending on how much money you have invested in UAE real estate.

Two-year residence visa for real estate investors:

You can apply for the Property Investor Visa through the Dubai Land Department’s (DLD) Cube Center if you or your spouse jointly own property worth at least Dh750,000 or equal amounts of property.

Golden Visa for real estate investors

You can be eligible for a Golden Visa if you own property worth Dh2 million or more.

Requirements for Golden Visa through real estate investment:

• Real estate investors who buy a home valued at least Dh2 million are eligible for a Golden Visa.

• Investors can also obtain a Golden Visa when purchasing a property with a loan from specific local banks.

• When buying one or more off-plan properties for at least Dh2 million from recognised local real estate companies investors can obtain Golden Visa.

3. UAE Retirement Visa

There is a Visa offer for retirees who are above the age of 55 years.

Senior citizens with the required age can apply for a long-term visa of five years.

Requirements to get a retirement Visa:

• The visitor must be 55 years old or more at the time of retirement

• He/she should have worked for not less than 15 years inside or outside the UAE,

• Visitors who own a property or properties of no less than Dh1 million,

• Have financial savings of no less than Dh1 million or have a monthly income of Dh20,000 (Dh15,000 a month for Dubai),

• The visitor needs to provide bank statements for the last six months.