How to move to Dubai in 2026: residence visa routes for founders, freelancers and remote workers
Your own company, a Golden Visa, a Green Visa or a remote work visa: the main ways to live in Dubai, and what to sort out in your first month.
Moving to Dubai starts with a residence visa. Which one you choose depends on whether you are starting a company, freelancing, investing or keeping a job abroad.
The main residence routes
- Company or investor visa: set up your own company and be sponsored by it
- Employment visa: a UAE employer sponsors you
- Golden Visa (10 years): for investors, including property worth at least AED 2 million, entrepreneurs and specialised talent
- Green Visa (5 years): for freelancers and the self-employed with a bachelor's degree or equivalent and at least AED 360,000 a year from freelancing in each of the past two years, and for skilled employees earning at least AED 15,000 a month
- Remote work visa (1 year): for people employed outside the UAE earning at least USD 3,500 a month
Your first month
- Medical test and Emirates ID
- Rent a home with a registered tenancy contract
- Open a personal bank account
- Get a local phone number and set up UAE Pass
- Convert or apply for a driving licence
- If you are starting a business: licence, corporate bank account and website
Making the move work for your business
Many founders move first and look for customers second. Do it the other way round: test demand from abroad with a UAE landing page, WhatsApp number and a small ad budget, then move with conversations already open.
Common questions
Can I move to Dubai without a job?
Yes. You can set up your own company, use a Green Visa as a qualifying freelancer, invest for a Golden Visa or, if you work for a company abroad, apply for a remote work visa.
How long does a UAE residence visa last?
It depends on the route: company and employment visas are usually renewable, the Green Visa lasts 5 years and the Golden Visa 10 years.
Rules, fees and processes change. Confirm the details with the relevant authority or a licensed adviser before you commit.
