Moving with an employer — employment visa
This covers the majority of people relocating to Dubai. If you have a job offer, your employer handles everything — the entry permit, medical, biometrics, and Emirates ID. You won't need to choose a visa type or navigate government portals. Your HR or PRO team manages the process and tells you what to sign and when.
The employment visa is tied to your employer. If you leave the company, you typically have 30 days to find a new sponsor or exit the country. The visa is valid for 2–3 years and renewable. Your employer covers the cost of processing.
If this is your situation, the visa process is one less thing to worry about. Focus your energy on finding accommodation, getting your Emirates ID activated, and settling in.
Moving independently — remote working visa
If you work remotely for a company outside the UAE, the UAE Virtual Working Programme lets you live in Dubai while continuing your existing employment. You'll need to earn at least USD 5,000 per month and provide proof of employment and health insurance.
This route is more involved than an employer visa — you manage the process yourself rather than having an HR team handle it. It is very doable, but requires more time and organisation. The Amer Centre in Al Quoz handles this type of application and is a practical one-stop option for independent applicants.
The remote working visa is valid for one year and renewable annually. It does not allow you to work for UAE-based companies.
Freelancer and self-employed visa
If you're a freelancer or independent consultant, you can obtain residency through a Dubai free zone. You register a freelance permit with the free zone, which then sponsors your visa. Popular options include Dubai Media City, Dubai Internet City, and Dubai South.
Costs vary by free zone but typically range from AED 7,500–15,000 per year for the permit, on top of visa processing fees. Some free zones offer bundled packages covering the permit, visa, and Emirates ID together which simplifies the process.
Golden visa — for property investors
The golden visa is a long-term residency option (5–10 years) designed for investors, high earners, and specialists. For most people relocating to Dubai for work or lifestyle reasons it won't be relevant initially. However, if you're purchasing property in Dubai — a common goal for longer-term residents — the golden visa becomes worth exploring.
The property route requires a minimum investment of AED 2 million. If you're buying at this level, your real estate broker will be familiar with the golden visa process and will typically guide you through it — it's in their interest to help you complete the purchase and establish residency.
The main advantages are stability — you can spend extended time outside the UAE without losing residency — and the fact that your family's visas remain valid independently.
Green visa — skilled workers
The green visa is aimed at skilled professionals who want to live in the UAE without being tied to a single employer. It offers a five-year residency and a six-month grace period if your situation changes. To qualify as an employee, you typically need a minimum salary of AED 15,000/month and a qualifying profession. It's a good option if you're moving to Dubai with strong professional credentials and want more flexibility than a standard employment visa offers.
Which one is right for you?
You have a job offer: your employer handles it. No decision required.
You work remotely: the Virtual Working Programme is your most straightforward route.
You're a freelancer or consultant: a free zone permit is the standard approach. Shop around on free zone packages as prices and inclusions vary.
You're buying property: speak to your real estate broker about the golden visa alongside your purchase.
You're a high-earning skilled professional: the green visa offers flexibility worth exploring.
Note: Visa requirements and fees change regularly. Always verify current requirements with the official ICP website or an Amer centre before starting your application.