How to Move to Dubai and Get Residency in 2025: Complete Guide

Dubai has evolved to be one of the most developed and investor-friendly cities in the world and has transformed from a desert landscape into an advanced city. With its luxury lifestyle, zero income tax policy, and vast business opportunities, it attracts foreigners who are seeking to relocate to Dubai and get a Dubai permanent residence visa.

If you want to start a company, invest in real estate, or be an employee of a leading company in the UAE, this blog will clarify it all, including visa choices and expenditures, to the procedure of how to get permanent residency in Dubai.

Why Choose Dubai?

Dubai has a secure, cosmopolitan living lifestyle that is tax-free, a contemporary infrastructure, and unlimited business potential. It has been a global hub for development and luxurious living to the expats of India, the UK, Europe, and the US.

Top Advantages of Residing in Dubai

●    Zero personal income tax - Keep 100% of your pay.

●    Top-quality education and medical facilities - Global schools and hospitals.

●    Secure economy and governance - politically safe and economically progressive.

●    International business centre - Bridge between Europe, Asia, and Africa.

●    Family friendly visas - Dependents can easily be sponsored.

Read More: Why UAE is the World’s Safest Place to Live and Do Business?

Types of Residency Visas in Dubai

A residence visa to Dubai can be availed in several ways, depending on the reason why you are staying.

1.    Employment Visa (Work Visa)

In case you have been hired by a company based in the UAE, you are sponsored by your employer to have your employment residence visa, which is usually valid for 2 years. Includes:

●    Medical test, Emirates ID, and labor card.

●    Renewable after 2 years

●    Family sponsorship is only possible after approval.

Dubai 2-Year Visa Price:

Typically, it costs between AED 3,000 and AED 6,000, depending on the type of company and type of medical test.

2.    Investor Visa / Business Setup Visa.

The investor Visa provides long-term residency to entrepreneurs intending to start or invest in a business in Dubai.

Benefits:

●    100% foreign ownership (in the majority of free zones)

●    Valid for 2 to 10 years based on the worth of the investment.

●    Eligible for a Golden Visa when the investment is above AED 2 million.

Dubai Residence Visa Cost:

Starting up a business will cost between AED 15,000 and AED 50,000, and above, depending on the kind of license and nature of the business.

3.    Real Estate Investor Visa

If you buy property of AED 1 million or above, you can apply to receive a Real Estate Residence Visa.

Key Details:

●    The house must be complete (no-off plan).

●    It has to be in your name.

●    Valid for 2 to 5 years, renewable

Estimates Cost: It costs around AED 10,000 and AED 15,000 (in documentation and processing costs).

4.    Dubai Golden Visa (Long-term Residence).

Dubai Golden Visa, which targets investors, outstanding talents, entrepreneurs and professionals. It provides a 10-years period of residency in the country to live in, and an individual in the country does not require a local sponsor to live, work, or study in the country.

Categories:

●    Investors (a minimum of 2 million AED investment)

●    Professionals earning AED 30,000 and above

●    High school students and scholars

Dubai Golden Visa: The Dubai Golden Visa cost will fall between AED 2,800-4,800, depending on the nature of the application.

5.    Remote Work Visa(One-year renewable)

The Remote Work Visa Program will allow you to live in Dubai, provided that you are a remote worker in a foreign company.

Benefits:

●    Work for your foreign employer while residing in Dubai.

●    Local access to such services as school and banking.

●    Renewable every year

Visa Fee: Approximately AED 1,200-2,000, the medical insurance, and the processing fee.

Read More: UAE Visa Guide 2025: New Rules, Costs & Application Process

How to Get Permanent Residence in Dubai

The question most expats ask is: “Can I get permanent residency in Dubai?”

 Although the UAE does not have permanent residence in the traditional sense (like a green card), there are long-term visas like the 10-year Golden Visa or Investor Visa that offer the same degree of stability.

You can become a permanent resident in Dubai by:

●    Purchase real estate of AED 2 million and above.

●    Start a business or invest in a UAE-based company.

●    Apply to the Golden Visa as an investor, professional, or as a talent in the field.

●    Keep a constant residence through renewal of your visa prior to its expiry.

Residence visa of Dubai Requirements

●    Valid Passport (at least 6 months of validity)

●    Passport-size photographs (on white ground)

●    Copy of the entry permit or visit visa

●    Medical fitness test report

●    Emirates ID application form

●    Tenancy contract or a proof of accommodation

●    Valid health insurance

●    Bank statement (investor visa) or real estate visa

How to Apply for a Dubai Residency Visa

1.    Select the type of visa (business, employment, property, etc.)

2.    Get all of the necessary documents.

3.    File an entry permit application.

4.    Pass a health fitness examination.

5.    Apply for the Emirates ID and health insurance.

6.    Stamp your residence visa in your passport.

You can apply through:

●    GDRFA (General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs)

●    Dubai Now application or ICP smart services.

●    Outsource business setups to firms such as Catnyx Consultants.

How Catnyx Consultants Can Help

The tricky ways of immigration can be very difficult in the UAE - this is where Catnyx Consultants can help you.

We offer:

●    Visa and Immigration Services

●    Company Formation Services (Free Zone and Mainland)

●    Golden Visa and Investor Visa Advice

●    Family Sponsorship Support

●    Real Estate Investment Consultancy

In case you feel concerned about the procedure of applying to obtain a Dubai 2 years residence visa or long-term Golden visa, contact Catnyx Consultants, who will make it easy, efficient, and hassle-free.

Conclusion

The decision to go to Dubai is not just a matter of changing the location, but also unlocking a world full of opportunities.

Your path to permanent residence in Dubai would be an easy and fulfilling process with strategic investment, documentation, and professional guidance.

Begin your quest today, visit Catnyx Consultants and have them fully assist you in the visa, Dubai business setup, and relocation services in the UAE.