How to choose the right type of visa when moving to Dubai

Relocating to Dubai is a tempting option for many ambitious content creators in the UK. If so, you'll need a UAE residency visa if you plan to live and work there for an extended period. But which visa is right for you?

There are different UAE residence visa types, including:

Business visas: freelancer, investor, employment, Golden Visa
Visitor and tourist visas
Student visa
Retirement visa
Family visa

Read on for Capture's guide to what type of visa you need to live and work in Dubai. For more helpful information on relocating to the UAE as a digital entrepreneur, please see our blog UK Company Formation in Dubai.

How long can a UK citizen stay in the UAE?

UK citizens can enjoy a 30-day visa-free stay in the UAE, with an option to extend for another 30 days. This is perfect for initial visits to get a feel of Dubai. However, for longer stays or relocation, you’ll need a more permanent visa.

UAE residency visas allow you to stay in the UAE for a permitted length of time, which is normally 2-3 years in the case of a business visa. Visas can be both single or multiple-entry.

Planning ahead and understanding the requirements can save you from any last-minute hassles and ensure your stay is enjoyable and stress-free.

What visas are available to UK citizens moving to Dubai?

UK citizens have the option of various UAE residence visas, including business, tourist visa, student, retirement, and family.

Business Visas

Several types of business visas allow you to open a local bank account and either work for an employer, start a business or invest in the UAE.

Type of business visa	How it works
Investor	This visa is for those with significant financial resources, and the minimum investment in the UAE economy is AED 1,000,000 (at the time of writing). Investment options include property purchases, business setups, and fund investments. In return, investors get long-term residency, visa-free travel, and potentially long-term citizenship.
Golden Visa	The UAE Golden Visa offers long-term residency to highly skilled professionals, investors, entrepreneurs, and outstanding students. It’s renewable and based on a 5 or 10-year residency. This visa provides security and stability and allows holders to live, work, and study in the UAE without a sponsor. Applicants must show exceptional skills or significant investments.
Freelance	This visa is for independent professionals. It allows UK citizens to set up their own businesses in the UAE without the need for a local sponsor. It's perfect for those offering specialised services like IT consulting, design, marketing, and social media influencing. The application process is straightforward and can be done online, making it a hassle-free way to start your journey in Dubai and tap into new opportunities and audiences.
Employment	This is the most common type of business visa issued to foreign workers employed by a UAE-based company. The visa is sponsored by the employer and has a duration tied to the employment contract. While it offers a pathway to live and work in the country, it’s dependent on the employment relationship.

Tourist visas

A tourist or visit visa is perfect for short-term stays and exploration. UK citizens can get a tourist visa for 30 or 90 days, which can be extended.

This visa is not intended for long-term residency or work but is ideal for initial visits to explore the city, attend short-term events, or take a holiday. Your passport must have a minimum of six months left on it.

Type of tourist visa	How it works
UAE family visa	If you plan on moving your family out to Dubai, you'll need a UAE family visa. A family visa allows UAE residents to sponsor their spouse, children, and dependent parents to live in the UAE. A residency visa is typically required for the primary applicant, who could be an employee, investor, or freelancer. Once the primary applicant secures residency, they can sponsor family members (spouse, children, and in some cases, parents) for family visas.
Student visa	If you are planning to study at a UAE educational institution, this is the visa for you. It allows international students to live in Dubai for the duration of their studies. The application requires proof of admission, a valid passport, and financial stability. This visa also allows part-time work under certain conditions.
Retirement	The retirement visa is for those over 55 who want to retire in Dubai. Applicants must meet the financial criteria, either by owning a property in Dubai or having substantial savings. This visa is renewable every five years and allows retirees to enjoy the high standard of living and healthcare facilities in the UAE. The application requires proof of age, income, or investments.

Which visa is best for content creators to apply for?

For UK content creators relocating to a Dubai Free Zone, the freelancer visa is most likely the best option. It allows you to register a business and take up residency for 2-3 years. There are options for extending or renewing the visa after the initial period.

To determine whether it's the right option for you, it's important to undertake careful research into visa requirements and robust financial planning.

Capture Accounting has first-hand experience opening a Dubai office and can help you make the transition smoothly. We can also provide professional accounting support to ensure you comply with UAE tax regulations.

To get a freelancer visa, you must fulfil the requirements and eligibility criteria. You must:

Get a business license in your chosen free zone
Have proof of accommodation in Dubai
Get comprehensive health insurance coverage
Undergo a medical examination
Have a clean criminal record

How do you apply for a UAE residence visa?

Once you've determined which visa category is right for you and confirmed you meet the criteria, it's on to the application process.

First, gather your supporting documents:

Passport: Valid for at least six months.
Passport photos: Passport-sized photographs that meet UAE visa standards.
Sponsor documents: Depending on the visa type, documents from the sponsor (employment contract, trade license, etc.).
Proof of relationship: For family visas, documents proving the relationship (marriage or birth certificate).
Proof of investment: For investor visas, documentation of the investment.

Here's a brief overview of the application process:

Get a UAE entry permit: Submit your application through the General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs (GDRFA) or relevant free zone authority, pay the fees, and receive your entry permit.
Medical fitness test: Book and undergo a medical test at an approved centre, then get a copy of the fitness certificate.
Emirates ID: Apply for an Emirates ID at an ICA centre or online, submit the necessary documents, and complete biometric data collection.
Visa stamping: Submit your passport for visa stamping at the GDRFA, pay the fees, and collect your passport with the residency visa.

The process typically takes a few weeks.

How much is a UAE visa?

UAE visa fees vary according to type, from around £10 for a transit visa to around £1,500 for a 2-year work visa. Fees are payable to the UAE authorities upon application.

Make your move to Dubai with advice from Capture Accounting

At Capture Accounting, we can help simplify your move to Dubai and provide specialist accounting support. Whether you're a YouTuber, TikTok star, or an influencer soaking up the Dubai sun, we're here to support you every step of the way.

With offices in both Dubai and the UK, we're uniquely positioned to provide expert guidance on Dubai company formation, tax planning, and compliance.

Contact us today to start your Dubai journey!

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Meet Reza

Reza is the Founder of Capture Accounting and also a content creator himself. He spends most of his time coaching and mentoring other accounting firm owners to build more profitable firms and do better for clients. You'll find him very active on LinkedIn.

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