Can expats buy property in Dubai and Abu Dhabi?

Yes, expats can buy freehold property in designated areas. Dubai freehold areas include Dubai Marina, Downtown Dubai, Business Bay, JBR, Palm Jumeirah, Arabian Ranches, and Dubai Hills Estate. Abu Dhabi freehold areas include Al Reem Island, Yas Island, Saadiyat Island, and Al Raha Beach. Property ownership grants eligibility for long-term residence visa (renewable). No restrictions on nationality for most freehold areas.

How much does it cost to rent an apartment in Dubai?

Dubai rental prices vary by area. Studios: AED 25,000-60,000/year. 1-bedroom: AED 45,000-90,000/year. 2-bedroom: AED 70,000-140,000/year. 3-bedroom: AED 100,000-200,000/year. Premium areas (Dubai Marina, Downtown, JBR) are 30-50% more expensive than mid-range areas (Jumeirah Village Circle, Dubai Sports City). Budget areas (International City, Discovery Gardens) offer 40-50% savings.

What is EJARI and do I need it?

EJARI is Dubai's mandatory rental contract registration system managed by Dubai Land Department (DLD). All Dubai rental agreements must be registered on EJARI within 48 hours of signing. Cost: AED 220 for registration. Required for: DEWA connection, Emirates ID application, school enrollment, and visa processing. Your landlord or agent typically handles EJARI registration. Keep EJARI certificate for all official procedures.

How do I pay rent in UAE - monthly or annually?

UAE rent is typically paid annually or in multiple cheques (2-4 payments). Most common: 1 cheque (full year, 5% discount), 2 cheques (every 6 months), 4 cheques (quarterly). Monthly payments are rare and usually cost 10-15% premium. Post-dated cheques are standard practice. Keep sufficient funds as bounced cheques are illegal in UAE. New tenants may need to pay first year upfront plus 5% security deposit.

What are the best family-friendly areas in Dubai and Abu Dhabi?

Dubai: Arabian Ranches (villas, community feel, international schools nearby), Dubai Hills Estate (modern, parks, family amenities), Jumeirah Village Circle (affordable, family-friendly), The Springs/Meadows (established, good schools). Abu Dhabi: Yas Island (entertainment, schools, beaches), Al Reem Island (modern towers, sea views, schools), Khalifa City (spacious villas, family-oriented), Al Reef (affordable villas, community). Consider proximity to schools, supermarkets, parks, and your workplace.

UAE Visa & Immigration Services

Complete visa processing and immigration support for moving to the United Arab Emirates. From employment visas to the prestigious Golden Visa program, we handle all aspects of your UAE residency application.

Employment Visa

Work permits for professionals with job offers in the UAE. Includes dependent sponsorship options.

2-3 year validity
Family sponsorship eligible
Processing: 2-4 weeks

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Golden Visa

Long-term residency visa for investors, entrepreneurs, specialists, and outstanding students.

5-10 year validity
No sponsor required
Multiple entry

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Investor Visa

For business owners and investors establishing companies or investing in UAE real estate.

3 year renewable
Business ownership
Property investment

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Retirement Visa

5-year renewable visa for retirees aged 55+ with sufficient financial means.

5 year renewable
Age 55+ eligible
Financial requirements

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Family Sponsorship

Sponsor your spouse, children, and parents once you have UAE residency.

Spouse & children
Parent sponsorship
Income requirements

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Visit Visa

Tourist and business visit visas for short-term stays and initial relocation planning.

30-90 day options
Multiple entry available
Quick processing

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Required Documents

Personal Documents

Passport (6+ months validity)
Passport-size photographs (white background)
Educational certificates (attested)
Medical fitness certificate
Police clearance certificate
Marriage certificate (if applicable)

Professional Documents

Employment contract (if applicable)
Company trade license copy
Salary certificate
Professional qualifications
Work experience letters
Bank statements (for investors)

Document Attestation

All educational and personal documents must be attested by your home country's UAE embassy/consulate and then by the UAE Ministry of Foreign Affairs. We handle the entire attestation process for you.

Application Process

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Document Preparation

Complete document collection, attestation, and translation services.

Application Submission

Submit application through proper channels and track progress with regular updates.

Visa Issuance

Receive your UAE visa and guidance on entry procedures and next steps.

Processing Times & Government Fees

Visa Type	Processing Time	Government Fee	Validity
Employment Visa	2-4 weeks	AED 3,000-5,000	2-3 years
Golden Visa	4-8 weeks	AED 7,800-15,000	5-10 years
Investor Visa	3-6 weeks	AED 4,000-6,000	3 years
Family Sponsorship	2-3 weeks	AED 2,000-3,500	Same as sponsor
Visit Visa	2-5 days	AED 350-1,200	30-90 days

* Fees exclude typing, translation, attestation, and service charges. Fast-track processing available for urgent cases.

Official UAE Government Resources

ICP UAE

Federal Authority Portal

Official visa services and immigration information from UAE's Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs & Ports Security.

MOHRE

Ministry of Human Resources

Work permit applications, labor contracts, and employment-related visa services.

UAE.gov

Official UAE Portal

Comprehensive information on residence visas, Emirates ID, and government services.