Features for expats in the United Arab Emirates
Formalities
Does moving overseas allow you to escape taxation in your home country forever? That's what many expatriates thought when they moved to low-tax or no-tax countries. The United Arab Emirates is a favorite expat hotspot thanks to its Golden Visa program, specifically tailored to attract a range of profiles, from the wealthiest to the most talented. However, according to experts, there are some risks they might not have considered. When it comes to property taxes, moving overseas is not enough to break the link. So, what are the limitations of Golden Visas?
Visas
While the European Commission is fighting to put an end to the Golden Visa within the European Union, other states are keen on pursuing the Golden passport adventure. As a means of attracting foreign investors while boosting the economy, the Golden Visa continues to appeal to a range of expatriates, not just the wealthiest. So how do you qualify for a Golden Visa if you're not an investor?
Everyday life
Moving to the Middle East has become a prominent trend, with the United Arab Emirates and Cyprus leading the way. A wide array of individuals, including foreign investors, executives, young graduates, and students, are now exploring opportunities in cities like Dubai or Nicosia, making it an increasingly diverse community. Some other countries in the region, like Saudi Arabia, are also making modest reforms to attract more foreign professionals.
Visas
While most Middle East countries are facing an expat exodus, the UAE is looking to attract more of them. Dubai has just announced its new strategy to attract and retain expat retirees: a retiree visa that will be renewable every five years. Here's what you need to know if you've always dreamed of retiring to one of the world's most developed and prosperous cities.
Visas
As from June 1st, holders of valid resident visas who are stranded abroad due to current travel restrictions will be allowed to return to the United Arab Emirates. This news comes as a relief for many of them who have been waiting to reunite with their families.
Work
Until now, only women could benefit from a work permit sponsored by a family member. Husbands could sponsor their wives for a work permit but not the other way round. But, things are changing. As of this month, women will also be able to sponsor their husbands, fathers and adult children for a work permit. This will allow more women to find and accept jobs in the UAE and will increase the pool of workers within the UAE.
Formalities
It's official. Starting this month, according to the Government Portal of the country, the United Arab Emirates are accepting applications for 10-year and 5- year residence visas. The decision was validated by the UAE Cabinet in November 2018, and honorary visas have already been assigned 20 academics who are already living and working in the UAE. The two new visa categories were set up in an attempt to attract and retain highly skilled individuals to the UAE. Entrepreneurs, investors, highly specialised talents and even outstanding students will be eligible for these 10-year and 5-year visas. But what, exactly, does it take to be able to bag yourself a long-term residency permit in the UAE? For the next five years there will need to be:
Work
Thanks to their constantly growing economy, the United Arab Emirates attract many foreign professionals looking forward to benefit from opportunities it provides. Discover the new United Arab Emirates expat guide if you are also looking forward to more there.
Other Types
Work
The United Arab Emirates is still facing significant labor shortages despite its multiple strategies to fill in the gaps. In Dubai, the impacted public sector is opening its doors to international talent. But the Emirate doesn't want to limit itself to simply recruiting foreign workers. Behind this vast recruitment campaign is a broader project to attract more investors and foreign talent.
Everyday life
The United Arab Emirates looks like they are quickly achieving its goals! In the early months of the Covid pandemic, the country soon became an ideal destination for expatriates. But today, the communication campaign is coupled with long-term and ambitious changes to attract more foreigners. There are the new visas, the extension of the categories of eligible applicants for the Golden Visa, along with the relaxation of some rules regarding the consumption of alcohol, etc. The new measures confirm the trend.
Everyday life
The number one city in the United Arab Emirates (UAE), Dubai stands out in terms of immigration. Its economic prosperity has left everyone speechless. After a sudden demographic drop in the early days of the pandemic, Dubai started welcoming new immigrants in the fall of 2020. So how has this city become a favorite expat destination within the past two years?
Everyday life
There is a huge presence of expats in the United Arab Emirates. Of a total headcount of 9.9 million Dubai inhabitants, only 1.15 million are Emiratis, according to the Global Media Insight 2021. Most expats in the UAE are from India (27%) and Pakistan (13%), but the country has a big British community as well.
Formalities
Ruth from London landed in Dubai in February 2015 following her husband to his new post. They will be staying for another year before moving back to the United Kingdom. A freelance writer, Ruth shares with Expat.com her everyday life in the United Arab Emirates.
Everyday life
To follow her husband, Christine decided to leave the dynamic city of New York, and head to Abu Dhabi, UAE. It's been two years since she has been living in the Middle-East, and she definitely doesn't regret her choice. She shares with Expat.com her expatriation experience in this eminent emirate.
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