With its enticing tax-free income, exceptional educational institutions, and a plethora of dining options, Dubai has emerged as a prime destination for expatriates. The city offers an array of family-friendly attractions and activities, making it a highly desirable place to live. Most individuals relocating to Dubai do so with a job offer, which conveniently covers their visa and healthcare needs. However, there are also those who aspire to move to this vibrant city without seeking employment—if that’s you, don’t fret! There are several self-sponsored visa options available in the UAE. Curious about the details? Read on, as we’ve got all the information you need.

Two-Year Real-Estate Investor Visa

If you own property valued at a minimum of Dhs750,000 in Dubai, you can apply for the Property Investor Visa through the Dubai Land Department, and employment is not a prerequisite. In cases where the property is mortgaged, you will need to obtain a No Objection Certificate (NOC) along with a mortgage statement from your bank. For properties that are completed and not under construction, you must provide proof of having paid at least 50% of the total property value.

The required documents include:

• The property’s title deed
• A copy of the initial sale certificate
• A No Objection Certificate (NOC) from the bank (if the property is mortgaged)
• A marriage certificate (if co-owning the property with a partner)
• A copy of your current UAE visa
• Your Emirates ID
• A recent passport photo

UAE Golden Visa

The UAE Golden Visa is a well-known option that grants long-term residency. Holders of this visa can live, work, and study in the UAE for the duration of their visa without the necessity of local employment. This visa allows individuals to work for themselves or for any company, both local and international, without needing individual sponsorship. Unlike standard residency visas, the Golden Visa facilitates long-term residency without employment obligations.

Various individuals are eligible to apply, including:

• Entrepreneurs who operate a business in the UAE with an annual revenue exceeding Dhs1 million.
• Property owners with real estate valued at over Dhs2 million in the UAE.
• Outstanding students from UAE secondary schools or graduates from UAE universities or any of the top 100 universities worldwide; these students can also sponsor their families.
• Humanitarian pioneers, including volunteers who have dedicated at least 500 hours to charitable activities.

Golden Visa holders can also sponsor their family members for up to 10 years, along with multiple domestic workers, with no limit on the number of sponsored individuals.

UAE Retirement Visa

If you are over 55 and wish to enjoy your retirement years basking in the Dubai sun, you can apply for a retirement visa. To qualify, you must be at least 55 years old and possess valid health insurance that covers the UAE. Additionally, you must own a mortgageless property valued at no less than Dhs2 million or have a bank deposit in the UAE of at least Dhs1 million. Proof of a monthly income of no less than Dhs15,000 if residing in Dubai or Dhs20,000 if living elsewhere in the UAE is also required.

The necessary documents include:

• A copy of your passport
• A copy of your marriage certificate (if sponsoring your spouse)
• A copy of your visa (if you are a UAE resident)
• A copy of Emirates IDs (if you are currently a resident of the UAE)
• Evidence of eligibility
• A valid health insurance policy that covers the UAE

You can renew this visa as long as you continue to meet the financial requirements. The five-year renewable retirement residency visa covers you, your spouse, and your children.

Want to Move to the UAE but Keep Your Current Job?

1-Year Remote Working Visa

This option is perfect for those who cherish their current job and have the flexibility to work remotely. To obtain a remote working visa in Dubai, you must apply through the Visit Dubai Visa portal. Requirements for this visa include a passport that is valid for at least six months, valid health insurance, and proof of a minimum monthly income of USD 3,500. If you are an employee, you must provide a contract valid for one year from your current employer, a salary of at least USD 5,000 per month, a salary slip from the last month, and bank statements from the previous three months. If you are a company owner, you will need to show proof of ownership for at least one year, along with an average monthly income of USD 5,000 and the same three months of bank statements.

Once you secure a remote working visa, you can apply for dependents to join you in Dubai.

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