Immigration Laws for UK Residents Looking to Live in Dubai
Dubai, is by anybody’s standards, a “new age” city, where spectacular skylines are the backdrop for amazing architecture and where a Bedouin heritage sits in harmonious contrast with a thriving modern business community. Not only that, Dubai has beautiful beaches, state-of-the-art shopping malls and a glamorous nightlife. No surprise then that increasing numbers of people from all over the world are looking to live and work there. With this in mind, we take a look at the current immigration laws for UK residents looking to live in Dubai.
Try Before You Buy
Anyone who is serious about going to live in Dubai and who has not already been to visit, should do so. Like any other major city, Dubai has some fantastic characteristics, but also others, that for some, could prove challenging – it can, for example get really hot.
Visiting Dubai, in addition to giving you a feel for the city, will also give you some of the insights you need if you are considering moving there. Entering the United Arab Emirates (UAE), for instance, is not as simple as it is in many other countries.
Entering the UAE
To enter the UAE, you need a passport that is valid for at least 6 months after the date when you arrive. If you have recently married or changed your name for any other reason, you will also need your marriage certificate and the change of name documents, plus prearranged health insurance is also a prerequisite.
You will also need a visa and so take along passport photographs. If you are looking to stay longer than 3 months and to work there, then you will need around 24 passport photographs for the various permits and visas required.
Visas and Work Permits
If you are moving to Dubai with work or have already secured a job there, then it is likely that your employer with have expert legal assistance who can help you with the administrative process. If you are moving there under your own steam and as a single person, then having been admitted to the country with the visa issued at the airport, you will then have to apply for a probationary work permit and later a residency visa.
To apply for a probationary work permit, which will allow you to work for 3 months, you will need to visit the Ministry of Labour. If you plan to say and work in Dubai longer than that then a residency visa will be needed and to get one of these, you must supply a blood sample.
The immigration laws and procedures that allow you to live in Dubai are by no means straightforward, but once the initial process is overcome you’ll find that it has been well worth the effort.
