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Business Setup and Support in the UAE (United Arab Emirates) OBTAIN A PERMANENT RESIDENCE PERMIT IN THE UAE

Fedortsov Oleksandr

Senior lawyer

E-mail

fedortsov@prikhodko.com.ua

Phone numbers

Lawyer practicing international migration. Specializes in issues of migration law - paperwork on the territory of Ukraine and the countries of the European Union (Romania, Hungary, Spain, Czech Republic).

OBTAIN A PERMANENT RESIDENCE PERMIT IN THE UAE

Modern realities force many Ukrainians to seek not just temporary refuge, but a stable, safe jurisdiction for permanent life, capital protection, and business project development.

And although the classic process of obtaining citizenship in another country in Europe or America is often accompanied by years of exhausting waiting, complex bureaucracy, and strict tax frameworks, the United Arab Emirates offer a fundamentally different, much more effective approach.

Obtaining a temporary residence permit in the UAE (residency visa) is your quick and completely legal step to resident status in one of the richest countries in the world.

As migration law experts, we provide comprehensive legal support and help process a residence permit in Dubai and other emirates “turnkey,” minimizing your time costs and guaranteeing a successful outcome at every stage.

Why is a UAE residency visa an ideal alternative to a second citizenship?

We understand your aspiration for maximum stability. However, we must be frank from a legal point of view: emigration to the UAE from Ukraine has its specifics. This country extremely rarely issues passports to foreigners.

But their official equivalent — a long-term Residence Visa and the national card (Emirates ID) — grants a foreigner practically all the basic rights of a citizen.

For Ukrainians considering citizenship of another country as a “safe haven,” a residence permit in the UAE becomes an ideal solution for Ukrainians due to the following factors:

Zero tax burden on personal income: There is no income tax in the Emirates. You legally earn and keep 100% of your personal funds.
Global banking system: Having obtained a residence permit in the UAE, you will be able to freely open accounts (both personal and corporate) in reliable banks (Emirates NBD, FAB), which is extremely important in the context of modern compliance.
Unprecedented safety: The Emirates consistently top the rankings of the safest countries in the world. Your assets, life, and personal information are under reliable legal protection.
Family sponsorship: Having legalized yourself, you get the right to act as a sponsor and arrange a residence permit in the UAE for your family members (wife, husband, children).

Main pathways: how to get a UAE residency visa in 2026

The migration legislation of the Emirates is flexible and offers several reliable tools for the legalization of foreigners. The cost and timeframe for processing directly depend on the basis you choose.

Company Formation (Business Immigration)

This is the most popular and rational way of legalization. By registering a company in one of the numerous Free Economic Zones (Free Zone) or in the local territory (Mainland), you gain the right to an investor visa.

Duration: Usually 2 years with the right to indefinite extension.
Advantages: No strict requirements for real operational activity at the start (the company can be “dormant”), 100% foreign ownership.
For whom: Entrepreneurs, IT specialists, crypto investors.

Real Estate Purchase (Residency Permit through Investment)

The Dubai real estate market attracts investors with its ability to generate stable income.

A residence permit in Dubai through real estate can be obtained by meeting the following government financial criteria:

2-Year Visa: Issued upon the purchase of ready-to-move-in housing for an amount of 750,000 AED (approximately 205,000 US dollars) or more.
Golden Visa (10 Years): Granted for investments in real estate of 2,000,000 AED (about 545,000 US dollars) or more. The purchase of off-plan properties from government-approved developers is also allowed.

Freelancer Visa (Freelance Visa)

The optimal choice for independent contractors (marketers, designers, business consultants). This special permit allows you to legally work for yourself in the UAE and is a direct basis for obtaining residency.

It will also be useful: Migration lawyer in the United Arab Emirates

Stages of obtaining a turnkey residence permit: how our lawyers work

Our migration law attorneys accompany you at every step, excluding the risks of refusal due to bureaucratic errors.

The procedure includes the following stages:

Profiled Legal Consultation: Detailed analysis of your situation, selection of the optimal path, and precise budget calculation. You immediately know the UAE residence permit price without hidden fees.
Document Preparation: Collection, translation, and legalization of passports, marriage/birth certificates (if family relocation is planned).
Obtaining Entry Permit: Processing of the entry permit. Simultaneously, your business registration or real estate purchase transaction takes place.
Medical Examination (Medical Fitness Test): Passing a mandatory medical examination (blood test, fluorography) in certified centers in the UAE.
Biometrics: Submission of fingerprints at the Federal Authority for Identity and Citizenship (ICA).
Issuance of Emirates ID: The final stage is obtaining the resident card, which becomes your main document in the country.

The entire process takes an average of 2 to 4 weeks with a professional approach.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) regarding migration to the Emirates

Is it necessary to constantly live in the UAE to maintain resident status?

No. For holders of a standard two-year visa, it is enough to visit the country at least once every 180 days.

Holders of the “Golden Visa” are completely exempt from this requirement and can stay outside the Emirates for an unlimited time.

How to structure taxes for a company?

Although there is no personal income tax, the UAE has a corporate tax (9% on profits over 375,000 AED).

Our lawyers will help properly structure your business in a Free Zone to legally maximize the available tax benefits.

Why should you order lawyer services from us?

Processing a residence permit in the UAE for Ukrainians is a quick process, but it requires a deep understanding of local legislation.

Specialization: We have a perfect knowledge of migration and corporate law in the UAE.
Turnkey Service: From the first consultation to the moment of handing you the Emirates ID and opening a bank account.
Absolute Confidentiality: Your data is protected by attorney-client privilege.

Do not postpone your safety and financial independence until the future.

While others spend years waiting for passports from other states, you can become a legal resident of Dubai in just a few weeks and enjoy new opportunities.

Fill out the feedback form on our website or call us to schedule a consultation. Get an individual strategy and find out the most profitable way to obtain a temporary residence permit in the UAE in your specific situation!

Calculate the cost of services

1 question

Are you currently in Ukraine?

Yes

2 question

Do you have grounds for obtaining a permanent residence permit in the UAE?

Yes

3 question

Do you need a consultation urgently?

Yes

Which is better: Mainland or Free Zone?

Mainland is generally suitable for businesses planning to operate directly in the UAE domestic market, maintain a physical location, premises or a local team. Free Zone is often chosen for international services, IT, e-commerce, consulting, trade and other models with specialised infrastructure. The choice depends on the activity, clients, office, visas, account and tax model.

Can a foreigner own 100% of a company in the UAE?

Yes, Free Zones allow 100% foreign ownership, and most Mainland activities are also available for full foreign ownership. Special restrictions, approvals or ownership structure requirements may apply to certain strategic impact activities.

Does a Free Zone company pay 0% Corporate Tax?

Not automatically. The 0% rate applies to Qualifying Income of a company that meets the requirements of a Qualifying Free Zone Person. Other taxable income may be subject to the 9% rate. The company must also register for Corporate Tax, maintain records and submit returns.

When does a company need VAT registration?

For resident businesses, mandatory registration generally arises when taxable supplies and imports exceed AED 375,000 during the previous 12 months or are expected to exceed this amount within the next 30 days. Voluntary registration is possible from AED 187,500. Different rules may apply to non-residents and certain cross-border transactions.

Is it mandatory to obtain a residence visa?

Not for every structure. A company may be registered without immediately obtaining an owner’s visa if the relevant jurisdiction allows it. At the same time, a residence visa and Emirates ID may be important for living in the UAE, banking KYC, leasing, connecting certain services and demonstrating local presence.

Successful cases on the topic: