The United Arab Emirates offers one of the world's most attractive expat packages: zero income tax, world-class infrastructure, multicultural society and a strategic location between East and West. Dubai and Abu Dhabi attract professionals, entrepreneurs and retirees with multiple residency pathways introduced in recent years.
Last updated: March 2026 — Editorial Team, eVisa-Card.com
Key options: UAE Golden Visa (10-year renewable, for investors/professionals/outstanding talents); Green Visa (5-year self-sponsored for skilled workers and freelancers); Remote Work Visa (1 year, for employed abroad); Employment Visa (employer-sponsored). Most expats come on employer-sponsored visas; Golden and Green Visas offer self-sponsorship.
Most expats arrive via employer sponsorship. For Golden Visa: investment ≥ AED 2M real estate, or proof of exceptional talent. Green Visa: salary ≥ AED 15,000/month or freelance income proof.
Your employer or visa service issues an entry permit. Upon arrival, undergo a medical test and apply for Emirates ID at GDRFA/ICP.
Open with Emirates NBD, ADCB, FAB, or HSBC UAE. Required: passport, Emirates ID (or application receipt), residence visa. Online: Wio Bank, Liv Bank.
Exchange your home licence (most Western countries: direct exchange). Others need UAE driving test. Applies within 3-6 months of residency.
Health insurance is mandatory in Dubai and Abu Dhabi. Employer usually provides. Self-employed: AXA, Daman, Cigna. Budget AED 1,500-AED 5,000/year.
Register your rental contract online via Dubai Land Department (Ejari system) or ADREC in Abu Dhabi. Required for utilities and government services.
UAE has 0% personal income tax. Register for VAT if annual turnover > AED 375,000. Corporate tax (9%) applies to businesses from 2023.
Dubai Marina 1-bed: AED 80,000-120,000/year. Downtown Dubai: AED 100,000-160,000/year. Sharjah 1-bed: AED 30,000-55,000/year. Abu Dhabi 1-bed: AED 60,000-100,000/year. Paid annually or in 4-12 post-dated cheques.
Emirates NBD, ADCB, FAB, Mashreq. Open with Emirates ID + passport. Salary accounts opened by employer. Wise for international transfers. Western Union popular for remittances.
Mandatory health insurance (employer-provided or self-funded). World-class private hospitals: Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi, Dubai Healthcare City. Costs high but insurance covers most.
Dubai (comfortable): AED 12,000-25,000/month ($3,300-$6,800). Abu Dhabi: AED 10,000-22,000/month. Sharjah (commuting to Dubai): AED 8,000-15,000/month. Zero tax makes net income very attractive.
No personal income tax. 0% on salaries, freelance income, dividends, and capital gains. Corporate tax of 9% applies to business profits above AED 375,000 from 2023.
A 10-year renewable residency visa for: investors (AED 2M+ in UAE property or business), outstanding professionals/academics, PhD holders, elite athletes, and outstanding students. Self-sponsored, no employer required.
Yes. UAE residents can sponsor spouses, children (under 18, or up to 25 if studying), and parents. Golden Visa holders can sponsor unlimited dependents.
Yes, in designated freehold areas (Dubai Marina, Downtown, Palm Jumeirah, etc.). Full freehold ownership with no expiry.
Extremely safe — one of the world's safest countries. Very low crime, strict law enforcement, stable political environment.