UAE Residency and Visa Options
Andy Wood • November 14, 2024
UAE Residency and Visa Options - Introduction
UAE residency options provide individuals with opportunities to work, study and live in its various emirates.
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The paths for obtaining residency visas can be tailored specifically to an individual's needs while reflecting the country's desire to draw talent, investments and expertise to its shores.
Mosaic Chambers can assist with an overview of available routes so you can make an informed decision when considering residency in Dubai or any other emirate.
Pathways for UAE Residency
#1 Real Estate
Real estate investors seeking to participate in the UAE's vibrant real estate market can get their residency permits by making substantial purchases of real estate.
This option offers great potential to investors looking for both market exposure and residency security at once; professional advice should always be sought as legal requirements can differ between emirates.
If you would like to explore residency by means of real estate investment, then Mosaic Chambers can assist with this.
#2 Establishing a Business
The United Arab Emirates is an ideal environment for international business, actively encouraging entrepreneurs.
Foreign nationals establishing free zones or businesses here can take advantage of its favourable economic climate by gaining residency.
If you would like to explore residency by establishing a business in the UAE, then Mosaic Chambers can assist..
#3 Work at an UAE Company
Professionals can secure residency by signing employment contracts with UAE registered companies.
This is an ideal method for those possessing particular expertise or skillsets and requiring employer sponsorship for residency in the UAE.
If you would like to explore residency in the UAE through your employment, then Mosaic Chambers can assist with this process
#4 Retirement
Retirees who meet certain financial criteria may qualify for residency in the UAE under its retirement visa program.
This facility which offers various facilities and services tailored specifically towards retirees.
If you would like to consider a UAE retirement visa, then Mosaic Chambers can assist with this process
#5 Education
Students accepted into UAE universities can apply for a student visa that allows them to study and live in the UAE.
If you would like to consider residency in the UAE through education, then Mosaic Chambers can assist.
#6 Freelancers
Visas that recognise flexible working arrangements are increasing. ly popular.
The UAE provides freelance visas to professionals in media, technology and education fields.
This visa enables independent freelancers access to its professional ecosystem without needing a traditional employer as their client.
If you would like to consider residency as a freelancer, then Mosaic Chambers can assist with this process.
#7 Long-term
Long term visas may be made available to individuals possessing special skills in arts, science and technology.
This category, commonly referred to as the "Talent Visa," seeks to attract high-calibre professionals that will contribute positively to UAE's development.
Again, Mosaic Chambers can assist with this process.
#8 Family
It is also possible to sponsor immediate relatives of UAE residents and citizens.
This provides immediate family members with the ability to remain together as one family unit in the UAE.
Residency sponsorship covers spouses, children and sometimes parents.
If you would like to explore sponsorship of family members, then Mosaic Chambers can assist.
UAE Residency and Visa Options - Conclusion
As is true of most processes, acquiring an UAE residency visa requires careful management.
Each path comes with specific legal and time constraints as well as potential financial requirements.
Final thoughts
If you have any queries on this guide, or would like to discuss your position with one of our advisers, then please get in touch.
If you’ve been hearing more about private banks, investment advisers, and wealth managers setting up shop in Dubai, you're not imagining it. Dubai has become one of the fastest-growing wealth hubs in the world, especially for British and European advisers. In the last year alone, over 60 new wealth management firms have opened offices in Dubai’s International Financial Centre (DIFC). But why is this happening, and what does it mean if you're a high net worth individual , entrepreneur, or investor living in the UAE? Why Dubai? Dubai offers something many wealth managers are now struggling to find elsewhere: a stable, tax-efficient , and business-friendly environment. While the UK has tightened its tax rules , especially for non-doms and those using trusts or complex structures, the UAE has continued to attract wealth with: 0% personal income tax No capital gains tax A strong legal framework under English common law (via DIFC) High quality of life and global connectivity For clients, this makes Dubai an appealing base. For wealth managers, it’s an opportunity they can’t ignore. What Wealth Managers Are Offering in Dubai With this surge in presence comes increased service availability for clients. If you're living in the UAE or spending part of the year here, you can now access: Discretionary investment management Estate and succession planning Family office services Tax-efficient structures and cross-border advice Advice on UK IHT (Inheritance Tax) and pensions These services used to be hard to find locally, but not anymore. Who's Coming to Dubai? The influx includes private banks and traditional discretionary fund managers, but also: Boutique investment firms Wealth tech platforms (offering digital tools for investing) Global tax advisers The DIFC now hosts more than 410 wealth and asset management firms, up from 350 the previous year. New entrants include British firms reacting to UK tax changes and seeking to serve their clients abroad. Why It Matters to UAE Residents If you’re based in the UAE, especially as a British expat or someone with international assets, this is a golden opportunity to get high-quality wealth advice locally. Key reasons to take action now: UK tax changes are affecting British expats Inheritance planning is more important than ever The local market now has more competition, which often leads to better client service You no longer need to fly to London or rely on Zoom calls to manage your finances; top-tier advice is available here in Dubai. Questions You Should Be Asking Is my current investment portfolio set up for UAE tax rules? How will UK inheritance tax apply to my estate? Should I structure assets through an offshore trust or foundation? Is my UK pension protected and efficient? Could I benefit from working with a local adviser who understands both the UAE and UK systems? Final Thoughts Dubai is no longer just a luxury destination or business stopover; it’s now a full-fledged global wealth centre. With top international firms setting up operations here, clients in the UAE now have access to world-class advice right on their doorstep. Whether you’re planning for retirement, protecting family wealth, or exploring new investment opportunities, this is a perfect time to act. At Mosaic Chambers Group, we specialise in helping UAE-based clients structure, grow, and protect their wealth. From inheritance planning to UK tax exposure, our team of dual-qualified advisers can offer practical advice with no jargon. Contact us today to book a confidential conversation with one of our experienced UAE wealth advisers.
We all think about the future, but how many of us feel confident about our retirement savings? In the UAE, that question is becoming more urgent. A new report shows that more people in the UAE, especially experienced employees and professionals, are asking for better, more personalised retirement planning. They don’t just want end-of-service benefits. They want flexibility, investment choices, and long-term financial security. This shift is important. It’s not just about pensions . It’s about how people feel about their jobs, their financial freedom, and their lives after work. What the Report Found The research, carried out by recruitment experts in the UAE, found that: Many mid-to-senior-level professionals now want a tailored approach to retirement savings. People are asking employers for more investment options, not just a lump sum at the end. There is a growing interest in structured retirement accounts, including schemes where employers contribute monthly, like pensions in the UK or US. It’s a signal that the typical end-of-service benefit (gratuity) may no longer be enough for the modern workforce. The Current Retirement Model in the UAE Right now, most private sector workers in the UAE receive an End-of-Service Benefit (EOSB). This is a lump sum based on how long you've worked for your employer and your final salary. But: It’s not invested, so the value doesn’t grow with time. You only receive it when you leave the company. If a company closes down or faces financial trouble, you may lose out. While the UAE has made improvements, such as introducing savings-style EOSB schemes, many companies still use the traditional model. Why Employees Are Asking for More Here are just a few reasons UAE professionals want better retirement planning: 1. Job Security Is Less Certain People change jobs more often than they used to. Relying on a lump sum after years of service isn’t practical for mobile careers. 2. Higher Earnings = Higher Expectations Professionals in sectors like tech, finance, and consulting are earning more, and they want retirement planning to match their income and ambitions. 3. Inflation and Cost of Living Even in a tax-free environment, the long-term cost of living matters. A static lump sum at the end of your career doesn’t keep up with real-world inflation. 4. More Global Workers Many people in the UAE have worked in multiple countries. They’re familiar with international pension schemes, and they want similar options here. What Are the Alternatives? Several companies and free zones in the UAE are already offering new models for retirement planning: Monthly savings schemes with employer contributions Access to regulated investment funds tailored to retirement Portable savings accounts that follow you between jobs Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC) launched the DIFC Employee Workplace Savings (DEWS) Plan, which has been a model for reform. Other areas may follow suit. What You Can Do Whether your employer offers advanced schemes or not, you can still take control of your retirement plan: Start a private pension or regular investment plan with expert advice Set up a monthly savings goal, even if it’s small to start Ask your employer if they’re willing to make monthly contributions Consider tax and currency implications if you plan to retire abroad Final Thoughts The way people think about retirement in the UAE is changing, and fast. It’s no longer about waiting for a lump sum and hoping it’s enough. UAE residents want to invest, plan ahead, and build financial independence while they’re still working. If you're living and working in the UAE, the best time to plan for retirement isn't when you're 60. It’s now! We help people across the UAE, UK and other jurisdictions set up private pension plans, understand retirement investments, and structure savings that work whether you retire in Dubai, UK or move abroad. Speak to one of our advisers today for clear, practical help with your long-term planning.