UAE Residency
Your life in a place where financial freedom, modernity, and sophistication unite to create limitless opportunities.
UAE: A Safe, Prosperous, and Innovative Tax Haven
Have you ever imagined waking up every day in a tax haven of futuristic skyscrapers?
Believe it, it is possible, and you don't need to be a billionaire to live in a place where the sun shines all year round, leisure options are limitless, and the economy is stable enough to create the perfect environment for constant business opportunities.
The United Arab Emirates, with its modern cities like Dubai and Abu Dhabi, offers an environment conducive to personal and professional growth, as well as an exceptional quality of life with cutting-edge infrastructure, safety, and tax advantages sufficient for a life of greater freedom and comfort.
Advantages of UAE Residency
Tax Benefits
Turn your gross income into net with ZERO personal income tax and corporate tax up to AED 375,000 annually (approximately 102,000 USD). Above this threshold, there is a 9% tax on corporate profit. There is also no vehicle, inheritance, or wealth tax, and VAT is only 5% on purchases and imports.
Ease of Access
Immigration is simple and accessible: you can sponsor your own visa through a company, investment, or by registering as a freelancer.
You only need to be in the country at least once every 180 days to keep your residency active.
Global Business Hub
With flights to numerous destinations around the world, the United Arab Emirates is a global hub connecting the East to the West. You will be in an environment fully focused on growth opportunities, networking, and strategic partnerships. Where wealth is valued and talent is recognized.
Safety
Peaceful and with a solid political landscape, the UAE is home to cities like Dubai and Abu Dhabi, which rank among the safest in the world. The overall homicide rate is just 0.5 per 100,000 inhabitants, ensuring an ideal place to live and thrive with peace of mind.
Strong Economy
With a robust economy and a strong currency pegged to the US dollar, it offers a predictable environment for business and investment. This financial stability, combined with tax benefits, provides confidence, allowing entrepreneurs and investors to thrive with less risk.
Leisure and Modernity
Rest assured that boredom will not be an option. With year-round sunny weather, modern infrastructure, and a wide range of leisure options — from desert safaris to beaches, water parks, and luxury spas — the region offers a true playground for all ages. Dubai, for example, is recognized as a global entertainment hub.
Ways to Obtain UAE Residency
Although company incorporation is the best way to obtain residency in the UAE, there are other options available:
Freelancers
Self-Employed Professionals
Freelance registration is the most accessible option for living in the Emirates with a remote income source.
If you are a consultant, programmer, designer, lawyer, or work in another liberal profession, this is an ideal alternative. By paying a registration fee as a self-employed professional, you receive a residency permit.
Investments
Golden Visa
Real estate investors with collective property values starting at 2 million AED (approximately US$ 545,000) can secure the Golden Visa, granting residency and the right to work in the region for up to 10 years.
In addition to full permanent residency rights, you will receive a 6-month entry visa while the process is finalized.
Companies
FZCO and Mainland
Whether you choose Free Zone Companies, which are ideal for international business, or Mainland Companies, used to serve the domestic market, incorporating a company in the United Arab Emirates allows you to sponsor your own residency.
Visa and Residency Process
1. Application submission and initial payment
Start the process by submitting your application and making the required payment.
2. Employment contract (only for company-based residency)
If the visa is linked to a company, you must provide the corresponding employment contract.
3. Receipt of E-VISA and Entry Permit
Once approved, you will receive your E-VISA and entry permit for the country.
4. Medical Exam and Emirates ID Application
Upon arrival in the UAE, you will need to undergo a medical exam and apply for your Emirates ID (EID).
5. Issuance of Digital Residency Visa
After the procedures are completed, your digital residency visa will be issued, formalizing your stay in the UAE.
Visa and Residency Process
- Price List: United Arab Emirates
- Information Brochure: Company Formation and Visas in the UAE
- Why Dubai: Company Formation and Visas in the UAE
- How to Open Your Company in a Free Zone and Live in Dubai
- Ras al-Khaimah: How to Start a Business and Live in the UAE
- The UAE Investor Visa – Residency Through Property in Dubai
- Post-Tax Reform Dubai: New Taxes in the UAE in 2023
- 33 Irresistible Reasons to Make Dubai Your New Home
- Podcast: Dubai: Lifestyle and Business - with Juliana Fragato
Pricing and Options
Freelancer Registration + Visa
USD 6199
- VAT and Corporate Tax Registration: USD 1100 for the 1st year only
- Monthly accounting packages range from USD 650 to USD 1700, depending on transaction volume
- Includes 1 visa, migration card, status change, standard medical exams, and biometrics
Residency by Investment
$6,599
- For real estate investments starting at 2 million AED
- Valid for 10 years
- Requires presence of only 1 day per year
- Includes 1 visa, immigration card, and standard medical and biometric exams
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
The 60-day E-Visa/Entry Permit takes 3 to 5 business days to process. The issuance of the actual visa takes about 2 to 3 business days.
The documents vary depending on the type of visa, but in general, you will need:
- Copy of passport;
- Passport-sized photos;
- KYC form.
Once you are in the UAE, the following documents will be required:
- Entry permit;
- Medical test;
- Passport;
- Recent photos;
- Immigration Establishment Card;
- Documents related to the purpose of your trip.
Yes, for the medical exam, among other things. You will also find information about this in a PDF that you can download on this page.
No! Even if you have a visa, you don't need to live there; you only need to be in the country once every 6 months as a freelancer or entrepreneur, or just once every 12 months with the Golden Visa.
If you are living in the UAE on a residence permit and leave the country for more than 6 months, your permit will become invalid and you will not be able to re-enter the country without applying for a new permit.
The UAE Golden Visa package is extremely attractive. Recently, the visa requirements were reduced from a minimum investment of 5 million AED (US$ 1,362,000) to 2 million AED (US$ 545,000), and a 10-year option was added, so there has never been a better time to apply.
We can offer you holistic support in the United Arab Emirates:
- Mainland, FZCO, and Freelance companies
- Visas for investors, employees, spouses, and dependents
- Corporate Accounting
- Translations
- Real Estate Investments
Check out the detailed costs in our UAE Price List.
Discretion is very important to some, while others don't mind. Of course, Settee is always happy to receive inquiries from those who care about privacy and data protection. Our Protonmail is settee-privado@pm.me.