Residence

How do I get residency in Dubai? Visitors and tourists to Dubai are only given a “visit visa” upon entry, similar to visiting the United States.

It was previously possible to gain residence in the UAE through the purchase of local property in one of the designated areas, this has now ceased since mid 2008.

Normal process of getting Residence in the UAE is through your employer.

If you are not about to be employed here, then many individuals choose to set up their own Freezone companies, which require no local "sponsorship", and will give you a residency permit (and of course a Trade Licence to allow your company to operate).