Which visa should you choose
to live and work in Dubai?
Dubai, a city of endless possibilities, attracts thousands of French nationals and expatriates from around the world every year. Its professional opportunities, quality of life, and tax advantages make it a destination of choice. But before you can live and work in Dubai, it is essential to understand the United Arab Emirates visa system and choose the one that best suits your life plans.
Why choose to work in Dubai?
Working in Dubai is much more than just moving abroad; it is a lifestyle choice that offers many advantages and unique opportunities.
The city has transformed itself into a global hub for trade, finance, technology, and tourism, making it an ideal location for professionals in all sectors.
A growing job market
Dubai's economy is dynamic and constantly expanding. Large-scale construction projects, technological developments, and economic diversification are creating a multitude of job opportunities. Whether you are looking for a job in tourism, finance, real estate, or IT, you will find opportunities that match your ambitions.
An exceptional quality of life
Dubai is known for its high quality of life. The city is modern, safe, and clean, with first-class infrastructure. Expatriates enjoy high-quality services, an efficient healthcare system, and a multicultural environment where it is easy to integrate. In addition, children can attend excellent schools, including French institutions.
The advantages of working and living in Dubai
One of the main attractions of working in Dubai is the quality of professional and personal life that the city offers.
Here are some of the most significant advantages.
Attractive salaries and favorable tax rates
One of the best-known advantages of living in Dubai is the absence of personal income tax. Salaries are not taxed, which means you can keep all of your earnings. Although the cost of living can be high, the absence of income tax more than compensates for these expenses. The value of the AED (United Arab Emirates Dirham) is stable compared to other currencies such as the euro, which makes it easier to manage your budget.
Career and professional development opportunities
The working environment in Dubai is very international and competitive. Working for a company in the UAE gives you the opportunity to collaborate with people from all over the world, expand your professional network, and develop new skills. There are many opportunities for advancement, and it is not uncommon to see expatriates quickly climb the corporate ladder.
A pleasant living environment and climate
Dubai's year-round sunny climate is an undeniable advantage. The city offers a multitude of leisure activities: beaches, amusement parks, gigantic shopping malls, and renowned restaurants. It is a place where work and pleasure can be perfectly balanced. Residential neighborhoods are modern and well-maintained, and public transportation makes it easy to get around.
The main types of visas for living and working in Dubai
The United Arab Emirates offers a wide range of residence visas for professionals, investors, retirees, and families.
Each type of visa meets specific needs and has its own eligibility requirements.
The “classic” work visa
This is the most common visa for people who want to work in Dubai. It is sponsored by your employer, which greatly simplifies the process.
How does it work?
Once you have accepted a job offer from a company in Dubai, they will take care of most of the formalities. Your employer will submit the necessary documents to the local authorities to obtain your work permit and residence visa.
Duration and renewal
It is generally valid for one to three years and can be renewed as long as you are under contract.
Conditions
You must have a valid employment contract and pass a mandatory medical examination. If you spend more than 183 consecutive days outside the United Arab Emirates, your visa may be canceled.
This visa is an excellent option for those who already have a secure job in Dubai.
The Golden Visa
The Golden Visa is a long-term visa that offers many advantages to high-level professionals and investors.
How does it work?
Unlike a traditional visa, it allows you to live and work in Dubai without the need for a local sponsor. It is ideal for entrepreneurs, business creators, or investors. It also gives you the right to include your family (spouse and children) and domestic employees.
Duration and renewal
It is valid for a period of 5 or 10 years and is renewable.
Conditions
Eligibility criteria are strict and include significant investments (real estate or financial), scientific qualifications, or recognized talents in specific sectors.
The Golden Visa is recommended for those who want great flexibility and long-term opportunities.
Green Visa /Freelance Visa
Dubai is a hub for entrepreneurs and freelancers. The government has therefore introduced specific visas such as the Green Visa and Freelance Visa.
How does it work?
These visas allow freelancers and remote workers to settle and work in Dubai without being sponsored by a local employer. They offer great flexibility and the possibility of setting up your own company without the constraints of a free zone.
Duration and renewal
They are generally valid for one year and are renewable subject to meeting income requirements.
Conditions
You will need to prove that you have sufficient income from abroad (for remote workers) or professional qualifications for the Freelance Visa.
These visas are ideal if you want to start out as a freelancer or if you are already a remote worker.
Procedures, costs, and other practical considerations
Once you have chosen the visa that suits you, it is time to prepare for the practical steps involved in moving abroad.
Documents and medical examinations
Regardless of which visa you choose, there are certain steps that are mandatory for all expatriates:
Passport
Make sure your passport is valid for at least six months. This is the first thing the authorities will check.
Employment contract and proof of income
Prepare the necessary documents to prove your professional and financial situation.
Medical examination
You will need to go to a state-approved medical center for a blood test and a chest X-ray.
Cost and money management
The cost of visa procedures varies depending on the type of visa and the services provided by a consulting firm. The price can range from a few thousand to tens of thousands of AED (United Arab Emirates Dirhams). It is also important to consider the cost of living in Dubai, particularly for housing, schooling for children, and healthcare costs.
Salaries and euros
Salaries in Dubai are often high, but it is essential to understand the conversion between euros and AED in order to manage your budget.
Health insurance
Health insurance is mandatory in Dubai. The employer covers the cost for the resident and their family.
Housing, neighborhoods, and daily life
Choosing your housing and neighborhood is a key step in your expatriation. Dubai offers a wide variety of options, from high-rise apartments in the city center to villas on the outskirts.
ACCOMMODATION
Housing costs are high, but the quality of infrastructure is excellent. This “all-inclusive” quality of life compensates for the high costs and makes it much easier for expatriates to adapt.
Neighborhoods
Each neighborhood has its own charm. Downtown is at the heart of the action, while neighborhoods such as Jumeirah and Marina offer a more relaxing setting. There are also French schools for expatriate children.
CONCLUSION
Choosing the right visa is the first crucial step in moving to Dubai. Whether you are a professional looking for a job, an investor, or a freelancer, there is an option that suits you. The work visa offers security, the Green Visa offers flexibility, and the Golden Visa offers autonomy.
Once you have your visa, all that's left to do is enjoy life in Dubai, with all its advantages and opportunities. Don't forget to find out all you need to know about the procedures, costs, and documents required to ensure that your move abroad goes smoothly. The success of your project depends on good preparation.
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