Common questions about lifestyle, real estate, residence permits and UAE citizenship

United Arab Emirates aims to attract citizens from other countries. It is no accident that the population of Dubai, one of the largest cities in the country, is made up of two-thirds of foreigners. People who are thinking of moving to the Dubai have a lot of questions regarding real estate purchases, the visa regime and life in UAE. We would like to offer some answers to the most common questions.

Content:

• How do you emigrate to UAE?
• How do you get citizenship in UAE?
• Where is the best place to live in UAE?
• Where is the best place to live in UAE in your retirement?
• How to buy real estate in UAE?
• What does the purchase procedure look like?
• Is it possible to buy real estate on credit?
• How much does real estate in UAE cost?
• Is it easy to rent property in UAE?
• Is it possible to find a job in United Arab Emirates?
• Is it possible to run my own business?
• Is it difficult to live in a Muslim country?
• Is it possible to drink alcohol in UAE?
• Are there Orthodox churches in UAE?
• Summary

How do you emigrate to UAE?

If you would like to move there you will need to be issued with a residence permit. This can be obtained by applying for one of the visa types:

• The marriage visitor visa.
• The student visa.
• The work visa.

You can also apply for a business visa by registering your own business in the state territory. Another way to obtain a residence permit is to purchase real estate valued at over 1,000,000 dirhams. This visa is issued for a period of three to five years. In 2020, the authorities adopted a law on the option of issuing golden visas for 10 years. These golden visas are available to representatives of certain professions that are important for the state's development.

How do you get citizenship in UAE?

It's almost impossible. Women are able to marry local citizens. Men do not have this option, as they are prohibited from marrying people of other faiths. Upon entering into a marital union, a foreigner is not granted citizenship, but a residence permit. In extraordinary circumstances, citizenship can be obtained for special services to the country after a long stay.

Where is the best place to live in UAE?

The largest cities in the country are Abu Dhabi and Dubai. There are usually a high number of tourists. The business and cultural life are very rich. However, Abu Dhabi is considered a more peaceful city compared to Dubai. In addition, the state capital has an architectural plan, this means that construction sites often do not have a say in the infrastructure. In Dubai, the situation is different. When choosing a house, you should pay attention to the view from the windows. It might not be pleasant to have a view of a construction site for several years.

In addition to large cities, there are smaller areas, but not less popular locations. Ajman or Sharjah may be suitable for families with children or pensioners. There is a calmer pace of life here. They have all the necessary social institutions, as well as their own beaches. These areas also have more comfortable pricing that the more touristy areas.

Where is the best place to live in UAE in your retirement?

While choosing the largest cities that provide infrastructure access, we can distinguish the following areas in Abu Dhabi:

• Hidd Al Saadiyat is one of the most prestigious areas with an outlet to the sea. Villas are in demand here. The distance to the sea does not exceed 300 m. Apart from neighborhood to the sea, there are large shopping centers, restaurants, hospitals and schools.
• Al Rim Island is an area, where you can buy both apartments in a residential complex and a detached cottage.

In Dubai, prestigious real estate is represented in the community:

• Emirate Hills is closely located to a prestigious golf club. There are premium-class villas, which are equipped with swimming pools. There are many green, walking and sports areas.
• Arabian Ranches is a community of three neighborhoods with villas.

These are just a few examples of the emirates, where you can buy comfortable property.

How to buy real estate in UAE?

The real estate market offers a fairly wide variety of hosing units, among which you can choose a flat, apartment or villa for moving to permanent residence, depending on the available budget and the number of family members. You can find your own option without leaving your country. Having a clear idea of what location, you plan to live in and what kind of property you want to buy, you can go on a study tour, and only then start the purchase registration.

What does the purchase procedure look like?

Remote transactions are not prohibited by law. So, if you want, you can buy an apartment online, but most of those, who are planning to move for permanent residence, prefer to get acquainted with the place where they are going to live. During the study tour, you can not only see the chosen housing, but also reveal the mentality of the state.

Real estate in freehold areas is available for expats. There are quite a lot of such regions, so you have the variants to choose. The transaction is completed in several steps:

• First, a preliminary contract is signed.
• Then the sales agreement is completed and a deposit is paid.
• Within a month, an application is submitted for the issue of No Objection Certificate from the real estate developer. The document confirms that the previous property owner has no debt obligations to them.
• The final transfer of property rights is carried out at the Land Department simultaneously with the purchase payment.

Is it possible to buy real estate on credit?

The mortgage lending system is actively involved in the conclusion of transactions. In 2022, more than half of it were carried out with the funds raised:

• The average interest rate is from 5 to 8%, depending on the structural environment and residence permit.
• Life insurance and down payment are required for the mortgage registration.

Besides, the buyer pays a registration fee, which is 0.25% of the total amount of on-lending funds.

How much does real estate in UAE cost?

Real estate prices depend on the city. The most expensive real estate is in Abu Dhabi and Dubai.

• The cost of studio apartments starts from 600,000 dirhams.
• One-bedroom apartments can cost 900,000 dirhams under construction-in-progress.
• Two-bedroom apartments starts from 1,200,000 dirhams.

Luxury apartments with 5 bedrooms cost from 5,000,000 dirhams and up. The average price of villas goes up to 15,000,000 dirhams.

Is it easy to rent property in UAE?

If you use a reliable real estate agency, then there will be no difficulties. Usually, rent payments are made a year in advance. Their utility bills are not included and paid separately. There are compulsory fees, such as connection to a water supply source or housing maintenance, the amount of which depends on the region and the specific structural environment. It is advisable to find out the amount of utility bills before the conclusion of the contract.

Is it possible to find a job in United Arab Emirates?

It should be borne in mind that a residence visa does not give the right to employment. It requires a work visa. Usually, foreign citizens are employed in the service sector. Medical workers are in high demand. They have a high salary and a variety of benefits for family members, ranging from medical insurance to free education for children. Knowledge of English is enough for employment.

Is it possible to run my own business?

Yes. The most comfortable conditions have been created for this. There are simplified schemes for registering a company in free trade zones. For retirees, this is the only opportunity to work in the country, since holding public positions after reaching retirement age is prohibited.

Is it difficult to live in a Muslim country?

However, there are some difficult points:

• Climatic adaptation.
• Language barrier.

The latter is easily overcome while speaking English, since it is considered to be the second state language. As for the climate, it is recommended to plan the move for the winter months. In the heat, the air conditioning system becomes a salvation. It is provided not only in all houses and shopping centers, but even at public transport stops.

It is also necessary to take into account the rather strict norms of behavior in a Muslim country. It is forbidden to show feelings in public. It is advisable to choose a discreet dress-code in clothing.

Is it possible to drink alcohol in UAE?

There are no problems with this for tourists, since it is sold in bars on the territory of hotels. Expats can buy it in stores if they have a special license. On the street and in public places, drinking alcohol and smoking is strictly prohibited. Moreover, it is punishable by law.

Are there Orthodox churches in UAE?

Despite the fact that the Muslim population dominates, there are also places for the Orthodox to upkeep a religious cult. Other religions are not infringed upon in the state. St. Philip the Apostle Church has been opened in Sharjah. There is also St. George’s Church, which belongs to the Armenian Apostolic Church.

Summary

• There are no restrictions on citizenship for buying real estate in the Emirates. However, real estate can be owned only in freehold areas.
• Citizenship is not required for purchase and subsequent residence.
• You can get a visa both for work and temporary residence. You can extend it after the expiration of the validity period.
• There are no problems with employment in the region. Only professions and salary can differ.
• The living conditions for Europeans are quite comfortable. Local laws do not have pronounced restrictions for those who are used to leading a quiet lifestyle.
• UAE has everything you need for a comfortable stay: from social facilities and shopping centers to hospitals and churches.
• There are no difficulties with the choice of real estate. In the region, both budget apartments and penthouses, as well as luxury villas are in demand.

In the company's catalog, you can find resale properties and new buildings from different areas of the country. All the proposals we have are directly from real estate developers or verified local real estate agencies. Do not delay the choice, so as not to miss the most profitable property.