How to live in Dubai?

What are the requirements to live in Dubai

Moving to Dubai is a process that requires careful preparation and several important conditions. Here are the most important issues to pay attention to:

1. Visa
The basic requirement is to have a proper visa. Its type depends on the purpose of your stay. The most popular options are:

• Resident visa, which allows long-term residence and use of local services, such as opening a bank account or renting an apartment.
• Tourist visa, designed for those planning a short-term stay. Such a visa allows you to stay in Dubai for a maximum of 90 days, but does not entitle you to take up employment or permanent residence.

2. Sponsor
In order to obtain a resident visa or work permit, a sponsor is needed. A sponsor can be an employer who offers you employment, a family member such as a spouse, or your own company if you plan to be self-employed. The sponsor plays a key role in the process of legalizing your residency, as they are formally responsible for your livelihood in Dubai.

3. Financial stability
Another important aspect is having adequate financial resources. At the beginning of your life in Dubai, before you have a steady income, you need to be able to cover your housing, food and other expenses.

Living in Dubai, although full of luxury and comforts, can be expensive, especially for those just starting out in the city. That's why it's a good idea to plan your finances in advance to avoid unpleasant surprises.

How to get a resident visa in Dubai?

A resident visa is one of the most important documents for legal and long-term residence in Dubai. Its possession opens many doors, such as access to public services, the ability to open a bank account, rent an apartment or access healthcare. Obtaining a resident visa requires meeting certain conditions, and there are several avenues available such as:

• Working in Dubai - the most popular way to obtain a resident visa is through employment with a company registered in the United Arab Emirates. In this case, the employer takes responsibility for all the paperwork involved in obtaining a visa and work permit. This is a convenient solution for those planning to develop a career in the international environment that Dubai offers.
   
• Setting up a business - for entrepreneurs, the ideal solution is to set up your own business in one of Dubai's many free zones. These zones offer numerous benefits, such as no income tax or full foreign ownership of the company. Registering a business gives you the right to apply for a resident visa for both the owner and his employees.
   
• Family sponsorship - if your spouse or other family member has a resident visa, they can sponsor you as a family member. This method is particularly popular for those moving to Dubai to join their relatives.
   
• Real estate investment - buying a property worth at least AED 750,000 (about 204,190 USD) also entitles you to apply for a resident visa. This is an option for those who want not only to live in Dubai, but also to invest in the local real estate market, which enjoys stability and a high rate of return.

The process of applying for a resident visa
Once you have chosen the right path, you need to go through several key steps:

• Filing an application with the immigration office - this is the first step that formally begins the procedure.
• Medical examination - a standard procedure that includes basic health tests.
• Obtaining an Emirates ID - an identity card that is necessary for functioning in Dubai, including opening a bank account or renting an apartment.
• Registering with Dubai's housing system - necessary to legally live in the emirate.
   

Photo: apartments in Dubai Marina, Unsplash

How to find an apartment in Dubai?

Renting a property in Dubai is one of the key steps to take once the city arrives. Choosing the right accommodation not only affects your living comfort, but also your daily life, so it is worth approaching the process with care and preparing well. We encourage you to read the article: “How to rent an apartment in Dubai”. On the Two Continents website you will find a lot of useful information related to moving to Dubai.

Type of property
Dubai offers a wide range of properties to suit different needs and budgets. You can opt for:

• Apartments, which are most often chosen by singles, couples and smaller families. Both compact studios and spacious apartments in luxury high-rise buildings are available.
• Villas, ideal for those seeking more space and privacy. Villas are often located in quieter, more prestigious neighborhoods.
• Terraced houses, which combine convenience and functionality, being the perfect solution for families.

Where to look for an apartment?

• Real estate portals: there are many professional sites in Dubai, such as Dubizzle, Property Finder and Bayut. There you will find a wide range of apartments with a variety of filter options, making your search easy.
• Real estate agencies: working with local agencies is a convenient option, especially if you don't know the market well. Agents can help you find the perfect place, negotiate prices and complete the paperwork.

Formalities and procedures
Renting property in Dubai involves certain procedures that are worth knowing:

• Rental contract: it is standard to sign a contract for a year, although there are offers for shorter rentals. Among other things, the contract specifies the amount of rent, the terms of payment, and the rights and obligations of the tenant and landlord.
• Deposit: the landlord requires a deposit, which is usually 5% of the annual rent for unfurnished properties and 10% for furnished apartments. This deposit is returned at the end of the lease, provided the property remains in good condition.
• Registration with Ejari: Every rental agreement must be registered with the Ejari system, which is maintained by the Dubai government. Among other things, this registration is necessary to set up an account for utilities such as water and electricity.

Rental costs
Rental prices in Dubai vary and depend on the location, the standard of the property and its size. For example, an apartment in the prestigious Downtown Dubai district or at Dubai Marina will be much more expensive than an apartment in a suburb such as Al Nahda or International City. It's also a good idea to factor in additional costs, such as utility bills, internet and service charges.

How to set up a business in Dubai and live there?

Dubai is one of the friendliest places in the world for entrepreneurs. Thanks to favorable tax conditions, modern infrastructure and strategic location, the city attracts investors from all over the globe. Setting up a business in Dubai is not only an opportunity for professional development, but also a way to gain the right to live in the emirate on a long-term basis. If you are planning to open your own business, here are the key steps to take:

1. Choosing a business zone
Dubai offers business zones that provide different benefits depending on the type of business:

• Free zones: this is ideal for those who want full control over their business. In tax-free zones, foreigners can own 100% of the company, plus they are exempt from income tax. These zones are particularly popular with companies involved in international trade, logistics or technology.
• Mainland (general zone): if you plan to do business without restrictions throughout the United Arab Emirates, mainland is a better choice. However, this type of business requires working with a local partner who will own 51% of the company, unless your business is in specific sectors where this restriction has been lifted.

2. Company registration
The process of setting up a company in Dubai is relatively straightforward, but requires the completion of several formalities:

• Choosing a legal form: for example, a limited liability company (LLC) is one of the most popular legal forms in mainland, while in free zones it is common to choose a sole proprietorship or a subsidiary of an international company.
• Obtaining a license : depending on the type of business, you will need the appropriate license. You can choose a commercial license (for companies engaged in trade), a service license (for providing services) or an industrial license (for manufacturing).
• Office rental: every business in Dubai must have a physical office. Flexible options such as virtual offices or shared coworking spaces are often available in free zones.

3. Resident visa for business owner
Once your business is established, you can apply for a resident visa. This document not only allows you to legally reside in Dubai, but also allows you to sponsor visas for family members and employees. Having a resident visa comes with additional benefits, such as opening a bank account, renting property or accessing local medical services.

Photo View of the Burj Khalifa

Life in the United Arab Emirates

1. Cost of living
Dubai is famous for its high standard of living, but this also comes with higher expenses.

• Housing: rental prices vary depending on location and standard. Luxury apartments in the center, such as in Downtown Dubai or Dubai Marina, are much more expensive than properties on the outskirts of the city.
• Education: Dubai's education system relies mainly on private international institutions that offer quality educational programs, but tuition can be very expensive.
• Healthcare: Dubai has a modern healthcare system with access to world-class specialists. However, most medical services are private, which means it is worth investing in adequate health insurance.

2. Cultural principles
Dubai is one of the most cosmopolitan cities in the world, where cultural diversity is the order of the day. Nevertheless, the city remains part of the United Arab Emirates, which operates under the principles of Sharia law.

• Dress: although many places have a relaxed atmosphere, it is advisable to dress with respect for local customs, especially in public places.
• Behavior: public displays of affection, such as kissing or hugging, can be frowned upon or even punished.
• Laws: Dubai has strict rules regarding alcohol, drugs and public behavior. It is important to know and follow these rules to avoid legal problems.

3. Professional opportunities
Dubai is a city full of opportunities for those who are ambitious and ready for professional development.

• Dynamic job market: the city is particularly attractive to professionals in industries such as IT, finance, construction, logistics or tourism. In recent years, Dubai has also become a center for technology development and innovation.
• International environment: working in Dubai allows you to gain experience in an international environment, which can be extremely valuable for your career.
• Financial benefits: working in Dubai often comes with attractive salaries and additional packages, such as housing, health care or children's education costs.

Questions and answers

1. What visas are needed to live in Dubai?
In order to live in Dubai, it is necessary to obtain the right visa to suit your purpose of stay. You can apply for a resident visa, work visa, tourist visa or business visa, which will allow you to take up long-term residence, work, stay in the city for a short period of time or conduct business.

2. Can I live in Dubai without a job?

Residing in Dubai without a job can be difficult, as most visas require employment or the establishment of a business. It is possible to obtain a tourist visa, which allows for a short-term stay, but for longer-term residence you will need to secure financial support on your own.

3. How to get a resident visa in Dubai?

In order to obtain a resident visa in Dubai, you must first meet certain requirements, such as having a valid passport, proof of employment or investment, and proof of renting or buying a property. The application process is done online through the government's UAE Smart Services platform, where you must fill out the form, attach the required documents and pay the appropriate fees.

4. Does Dubai offer programs for permanent movers?

Yes, Dubai offers various programs for those planning a long-term move, such as the Dubai Golden Visa, which allows you to stay in the UAE for an extended period (10 years). This program allows investors, entrepreneurs, highly skilled workers and families to apply for residency.