Permanent Residency in UAE for Indians

The UAE residence visa permits foreign individuals to live and work in this country for an extended duration. Earlier, the United Arab Emirates did not have a UAE permanent residency visa system. Instead, foreign nationals could live in Dubai by obtaining residence visas.

These visas are usually sponsored by the employer or through the family and are typically valid for 2 to 3 years, which can be later renewed. Expats and families living in the Emirates for generations or even recent settlers needed to renew their visas to maintain their residency continuously.

Recently, the UAE changed its regulations to offer longer-tenure residence visas. The country introduced the 'Golden Visa' and the 'Green Visa' to serve this purpose for residence permits of 5 to 10 years. In a true sense, residing legally in the UAE requires you to have a valid visa stamp throughout your stay.

Hence, unlike some other countries, the concept of "Dubai permanent residency" may not be valid or fit in the context of the UAE. However, holding a valid residence visa confers the same benefit.

According to a research report by the Global Media Insight (GMI), the total expat population in UAE is 9 million as of November 2023. The expat population is around 88.52% of the total population, thus reinforcing the idea that the country offers immense opportunities and benefits to foreign nationals. Although foreign nationals can choose from various visas as per their needs, a Dubai permanent visa or long-term visa is the most stable with maximum benefits.

It is a long-term, renewable residence visa valid for 5 or 10 years.

You can exit the UAE for longer than 6 months. For other visa holders, you cannot stay outside the country for more than 6 months to keep the residence visa valid.

You can sponsor your family members regardless of their age. Moreover, the family members can live in the country until the end of their permit duration, even if the Golden Visa holder passes away.

Considering high healthcare costs, you and your family can have access to reduced healthcare costs through government services.

You can sponsor an unlimited number of domestic helpers.

You can purchase a property or start your own business.

You can open a bank account, apply for a loan and get access to other financial services easily.

There is no personal tax, that is, no tax on income, property, capital gains, etc.

You can travel visa-free or visa-on-arrival to around 170 nations. You can also conduct business without restrictions under the purview of the regulations.

UAE permanent residency or Dubai PR visa is issued to individuals who have already entered the country on an entry or tourist visa. Typically, a residence visa can last up to 3 years, depending on the sponsor; however, long-term residency can be up to 5 to 10 years. Dubai permanent visa, commonly known as a long-term residency visa, can be classified into the following types:

Golden Visa

The Golden Visa in the UAE is a long-term residency visa specially designed for foreign individuals to live, work and study in the country for a prolonged period. The Golden Visa, available for top talents worldwide, offers long-term residency to investors and innovators. This visa mainly attracts talented professionals such as doctors, scientists, inventors, real estate investors, entrepreneurs, athletes and creatives.

Categories of Golden Visas and their requirements are as follows:

Public investment investors: Foreign investors who invest in investment funds may be granted a Golden Visa for 10 years (renewable) without a sponsor.

Requirements:

You must submit a letter from an investment fund accredited in the UAE stating the deposit of AED 2 million or submit a valid commercial or industrial licence and a memorandum of association that states the capital invested is not less than AED 2 million.

You must also submit a letter from the Federal Tax Authority mentioning that you pay the government at least AED 250,000 annually.

Moreover, there must be no loan involved, and the capital invested must be your own

You must provide proof of medical insurance for yourself and your family.

Real estate investors: Individuals owning a property or group of properties in the UAE can be granted a 5-year renewable Dubai permanent visa, that is, a Golden Visa.

Requirements:

You must submit a letter from the land department of the respective emirate mentioning that you own one or more properties whose valuation is not less than AED 2 million.

You can purchase a property with a loan from local banks, and the local entity must approve it.

Entrepreneurs: Individuals who own an economic project based on risk and innovation can be granted a 5-year Golden Visa on fulfilling the below requirements.

Requirements:

You must submit a letter from an auditor stating the project value is not less than AED 5,00,000

Submit a letter from the UAE authority stating the project qualifies under economic or future nature-based projects.

Submit a letter from the authority to establish the proposed activity in the country.

Outstanding specialised talents: Some of the individuals that qualify under this category are:

Doctors

Scientists

Creative people of culture and art

Inventors

Executives

Specialists in scientific fields

Athletes

Doctoral degree holders

Engineering and science specialists

The requirements for a Dubai permanent residency Golden Visa for the above categories differ. Click here to know the category-specific requirements.

High school students: High school students with a minimum of 95 per cent in public or private secondary school may be granted a Golden visa for 5 years.

Requirements:

Students must submit a recommendation letter from the Ministry of Education.

University students: Outstanding students may get a 10-year Golden visa on fulfilment of the following conditions.

Requirements:

The university must be rated A or B by the Ministry of Education

A recommendation letter from the university stating that the student's cumulative GPA is at least 3.5 for A-class universities and 3.8 for B-class universities.

The student must have graduated within the past 2 years.

Students of foreign universities are also granted this visa if the university ranks among the top 100 universities globally, as per the Ministry of Education. The GPA for students of these universities should not be less than 3.5, and the Ministry of Education must accredit the graduation certificate.

Pioneers of humanitarian work: Individuals under the following categories are considered pioneers of humanitarian work and may be granted a Dubai PR visa or Golden Visa.

Individuals who have worked for regional or international organisations or who have worked for civil associations and public interest institutions for at least 5 years

Individuals who have received appreciation letters from organisations for their contributions to humanitarian causes

Humanitarian work funders who have funded at least AED 2 million or equivalent to support a cause(s).

Frontline heroes: These categories of individuals include nurses, medical assistants, pharmacists, etc., who have shown extraordinary efforts in times of crisis. These individuals may get a 10-year UAE permanent residency or Golden Visa.

Green Visa

The Green Visa allows foreign resident individuals to live in the UAE for 5 years without a guarantor. Individuals who can get a green visa are:

Skilled employees: These individuals must work at the first, second or third level by the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation. They must hold a valid employment contract with a monthly salary of at least AED 15,000.

Freelancers: Individuals must obtain a freelance work permit from the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation (MOHRE) to get a green visa. You must show an annual income of at least AED 360,000 in the past 2 years or provide proof of financial solvency.

Investors or partners: Investors who have gained approval from the ICP and shared proof of investment not less than AED 270,000 may get a 5-year renewable green visa.

You can apply for a UAE permanent residency visa through the Dubai Government's official website.

Follow the below steps to apply for Dubai PR for Indian and other nationals.

Step 1: Register and log in to the UAE smart services system.

Step 2: Select the 'Services' tab and then go to the 'Residency Services' option to follow the prompts based on the type of visa you wish to apply.

Step 3: Fill in the application form

Step 4: Make payment

Some of the essential documentation includes:

Two passport-size photos

Your original passport

Duly filled application form

Entry visa

Valid health insurance policy

For individuals entering on family visa, relationship proof

A copy of the work contract and other details are required for individuals entering on a work visa.

A travel insurance plan is vital for entering the UAE on a travel visa. Travel insurance acts as a safety net that protects you against any unforeseen adverse events during your travels. Purchasing a travel insurance policy is advisable for any domestic and international trip. However, choosing a travel insurance policy that fits your needs and budget is extremely important. Hence, trust only the experts and one of the country's most reliable travel insurance providers - Tata AIG.

Our vast range of travel insurance plans offer comprehensive coverage and quality service at affordable prices. You can use our travel insurance premium calculator to calculate your expected premium and then compare travel insurance to make an informed decision.

Opting for the United Arab Emirates permanent residency offers a host of benefits ranging from excellent healthcare services to tax benefits, financial perks and ample job opportunities. With various types of Dubai PR for Indians and other nationals available, the UAE welcomes you to a vibrant, secure and fulfilling lifestyle.