Move to the UAE on one clear route.
Residence visa, company, bank account, home and school. We work out the right order for your situation, prepare the paperwork and stay with you at every step, in English, Turkish, Arabic or Russian.
Which route fits you?
What brings you to the UAE?
- I want to start a business
- I have a job offer
- I’m buying property
- I’m joining family here
- I’m 55+ and retiring
- I work remotely for a company abroad
Choose one and we’ll show the route we’d usually suggest.
- Residence
- Usually takes
Ways to live in the UAE
Most people qualify through one of these six routes. The right one depends on what you’ll do here, what you own and who comes with you.
- Company setup visa Start a free zone or mainland company and get a residence visa as its owner. Suits: Founders, freelancers and investors Residence: 2 years, renewable Usually takes: 3 to 6 weeks
- Golden Visa through property A 10-year residence visa for owners of UAE property worth at least AED 2 million. Suits: Property buyers and investors Residence: 10 years, renewable Usually takes: 2 to 4 weeks after the title deed
- Employment visa Your UAE employer sponsors your residence visa once you accept a job offer. Suits: Professionals with a job offer Residence: 2 years, renewable Usually takes: 2 to 4 weeks
- Family sponsorship A UAE resident sponsors their spouse, children and, in some cases, parents. Suits: Spouses, children and parents of residents Residence: Linked to the sponsor’s visa Usually takes: 2 to 3 weeks
- Retirement visa A 5-year visa for people aged 55 and over with property, savings or a pension. Suits: Retirees aged 55 and over Residence: 5 years, renewable Usually takes: 3 to 5 weeks
- Remote work visa A one-year visa for people employed by, or running, a company outside the UAE. Suits: Remote employees and owners of businesses abroad Residence: 1 year, renewable Usually takes: 1 to 3 weeks
Rules, thresholds and government fees change. We confirm the current requirements with the issuing authority before you pay anything.
How a move works with us
Four stages, one team. You always know what happens next and what it costs.
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1
First call
We listen to your plans, your family and your budget, then tell you which route fits and roughly what it costs. The call is free.
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2
Plan and documents
You get a written plan with every step in order, the government fees, our fee and the documents to prepare. We check and translate them.
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3
Licence and visa
We file the licence or visa application, book your medical test and Emirates ID biometrics, and follow up with each office.
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4
Settling in
Bank account, phone line, a home to rent or buy, school places and your driving licence. We stay with you until you’re settled.
Beyond the visa
A residence visa is only the start. These are the things people usually need in their first months.
- Bank account
- Personal and company accounts, with introductions to banks that work with your profile.
- A home
- Renting or buying in an area that suits your commute, schools and budget.
- Schools
- Shortlists by curriculum, whether British, American, IB or others, and help with applications.
- Health insurance
- Plans that meet visa requirements and cover the whole family.
- Driving licence
- Converting the licence you already have, or getting a UAE one.
- Property investment
- Buying off-plan or resale property, including homes that qualify for the Golden Visa.
Questions people ask first
Do I need to live in the UAE to set up a company?
No. Many free zone companies can be set up remotely. You’ll need to come in person for the medical test and Emirates ID biometrics when you apply for your residence visa.
How long does it take to get a residence visa?
It depends on the route. For a free zone company with an investor visa, the whole process usually takes three to six weeks once your documents are ready.
Can I bring my family?
Yes. Once you hold a residence visa and meet the income requirement, you can sponsor your spouse and children, and in some cases your parents.
Is there income tax in the UAE?
There’s no personal income tax. Companies pay 9% corporate tax on profit above AED 375,000, and some free zone income can qualify for 0%. We’ll explain what applies to you.
What does your service cost?
The first call is free. After it you get a written quote that separates government fees from our service fee, so you know exactly what you’re paying for.
Can we talk in Turkish, Arabic or Russian?
Yes. You can speak with us and have your documents explained in English, Turkish, Arabic or Russian.
Tell us about your move
Leave your details and we’ll reply within one working day. If you’d rather chat, message us on WhatsApp.
- Hotline and WhatsApp
- +971 54 722 6700 Message us on WhatsApp
- hello@moveto.ae
- Office
- Al Habtoor Business Tower, Level 21, Dubai Marina, Dubai, UAE, PO Box 29805
- Monday to Friday, 9:00 to 18:00 (UAE time)