Dubai has become the go-to destination for British buyers seeking sun, low taxes and long-term residency. Around 250,000 UK citizens now live in the emirate, and that number continues to climb. But moving to Dubai requires more than finding the right property – you need to secure the right visa.
The good news is that Dubai offers a range of visa routes, whether you plan to invest, work remotely, retire or take up employment. Some require property ownership, others do not. Understanding which pathway suits your circumstances is the first step towards making a successful move.
This guide explains the main Dubai visa options available in 2026, their requirements and how property investment fits into the picture.
Dubai visa options at a glance
Dubai offers multiple visa routes including the golden visa, green visa, retirement visa and remote work visa. The golden visa requires property investment of at least AED 2m (£430,000) and grants 10-year residency. Retirement visas are available to over-55s with AED 1m (£215,000) in property, savings or income. Most visas allow you to sponsor family members.
For other nationalities, 30-day or 60-day visas may need to be arranged in advance of arrival. Citizens of Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries do not need a visa to enter the UAE. Find out more on Dubai’s Department of Economy and Tourism website.
Short visits and tourist visas
Before committing to a visa application, many buyers visit Dubai on a viewing trip. British, American and EU citizens receive a 90-day multi-entry tourist visa on arrival, valid for six months from first entry. This gives you time to explore neighbourhoods, view properties and meet local agents without paperwork in advance.
Citizens of Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries do not require a visa. Other nationalities may need to arrange a 30-day or 60-day visa before travelling. Check the latest entry requirements on the Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism website before booking flights.
The golden visa through property investment
Dubai’s golden visa is one of the most accessible residency-by-investment programmes in the world. It grants a 10-year renewable residence permit, allows you to sponsor family members and requires no local employer or sponsor.
To qualify through property, you must own real estate in Dubai with a purchase value of at least AED 2m (£430,000). Both ready properties and approved off-plan developments are accepted, provided they are registered with the Dubai Land Department (DLD) and built by RERA-approved developers.
Key requirements for the property route:
- Minimum property value of AED 2m at time of purchase
- Property must be freehold and registered in your name with DLD
- Mortgaged properties are accepted – you must provide a bank letter confirming AED 2m has been paid
- Joint ownership between spouses is permitted if the combined value reaches AED 2m
- The applicant must be inside the UAE when applying
The total application fees come to approximately AED 9,885 (£2,130), covering medical examination, Emirates ID, residence permit and DLD administration costs.
Once approved, golden visa holders can live, work and study in Dubai. There is no requirement to spend a minimum number of days in the emirate each year, and holders can remain outside the UAE for extended periods without losing their status.
For a full breakdown of the buying process, download our free Dubai property guide.
A lower threshold – the two-year investor visa
If the AED 2m threshold feels out of reach, Dubai offers a two-year renewable investor visa for property owners with assets worth at least AED 750,000 (£160,000). This visa allows you to reside in Dubai and sponsor immediate family members, though it does not carry the same long-term security as the golden visa.
This route suits buyers who want to test life in Dubai before committing to a larger investment or those purchasing a holiday home they plan to use regularly.
The retirement visa for over-55s
Dubai’s five-year retirement visa is designed for those who have finished their working life and want to settle in the emirate. To qualify, applicants must be aged 55 or over and meet one of the following criteria:
- Own property in Dubai worth at least AED 1m (£215,000)
- Hold savings of AED 1m in a UAE bank account
- Demonstrate a monthly income of at least AED 20,000 (£4,300)
The visa is renewable and allows holders to sponsor a spouse and dependants. It provides a straightforward route for retirees who do not need to work but want the benefits of UAE residency, including access to healthcare and banking services.
If you are considering retirement overseas, our property consultants can help you plan your next steps.
Remote work and freelance visas
Dubai has positioned itself as a global hub for remote workers. The emirate’s virtual work visa (also known as the digital nomad visa) allows professionals to live in Dubai while working for employers or clients based outside the UAE.
Virtual work visa requirements:
- Proof of employment with a non-UAE company or self-employment with overseas clients
- Minimum monthly income of USD 3,500 (£2,800)
- Health insurance valid in the UAE
- Employment contract or business registration valid for at least one year
The visa is valid for 12 months and can be renewed. Holders can sponsor family members and access local services including banking, schools and healthcare.
For those who want to freelance within the UAE and invoice local clients, a freelance permit is required. These are issued through Dubai’s free zones or the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation (MoHRE). Costs range from AED 7,500 to AED 15,000 (£1,600–£3,200) per year depending on the free zone and services included.
The green visa for skilled professionals
The green visa is a five-year self-sponsored residence permit for skilled workers, freelancers and investors who do not want to rely on an employer. It was introduced in late 2022 to attract high-level professionals to the emirate.
Eligibility criteria:
- Skilled employees with a valid contract and a minimum salary of AED 15,000 (£3,200) per month
- Freelancers and self-employed professionals with proof of income of at least AED 360,000 (£77,000) over the previous two years
- Investors or partners in UAE-registered businesses
A university degree or equivalent qualification is required. Green visa holders can change employers without reapplying and can sponsor family members. There is a 180-day grace period after expiry, giving holders time to renew or transition to a different visa type.
Employment visas
The most common route for working professionals remains the standard employment visa, where a Dubai-based employer sponsors the applicant. The sponsoring company handles the application and must hold the relevant permits from the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation (MoHRE).
The process typically begins with a job offer while the applicant is still overseas. Once the contract is signed, the employer arranges a work entry visa valid for 60 days. During this period, the employee completes medical checks and the employer organises a residence visa tied to the job.
Employment visas are valid for two or three years and are renewable. They are specific to the employer – if you change jobs, you will need a new visa application unless you hold a green visa.
For an overview of working and living in Dubai, see our guide to buying property in Dubai.
What should I do next?
If you are serious about moving to Dubai, start by deciding which visa route matches your situation. Property investors should focus on the golden visa or investor visa. Retirees with savings or property should explore the retirement visa. Remote workers and freelancers have the virtual work visa and green visa as options.
Your next steps:
- Speak to a visa specialist – Your Overseas Home can connect you with trusted partners who handle Dubai residency applications
- Explore properties – browse Dubai properties for sale to understand what your budget can achieve
- Plan a viewing trip – use the 90-day tourist visa to visit neighbourhoods and meet local experts
- Get currency advice – use a specialist currency provider to transfer funds at competitive rates
Summary
Dubai offers a range of visa routes suited to investors, retirees, remote workers and employed professionals. The golden visa remains the flagship option for property buyers, granting 10-year residency with a minimum investment of AED 2m (£430,000).
Those with smaller budgets can access the two-year investor visa from AED 750,000 (£160,000), while over-55s may qualify for the retirement visa with AED 1m in property, savings or income.
Remote workers benefit from the virtual work visa, and skilled professionals can sponsor themselves through the green visa. Whichever route you choose, professional support makes the process smoother.
FAQs
Yes, absolutely. There are professional agencies and firms that help people make successful visa applications, find work and obtain residency in Dubai. This includes assisting with residency by investment schemes. Your Overseas Homes can refer you to a partner that does just this.
Being sponsored by a local employer who has offered you a contract is one way of moving to Dubai. Although using an employment visa is the most common route for working professionals, it is not the only way to obtain residency in Dubai. Many visas allow you to sponsor yourself, work remotely or find work once in Dubai.
Yes, you can so long as your visa allows this. Dubai’s golden visa, investor visa and green visa are examples that allow the main holder to sponsor family members to reside in Dubai with them.
Yes. Dubai has an advanced banking system with local and mainstream international banks. Once you have an account there, use Your Overseas Home’s specialist currency partner, Smart Currency Exchange, to exchange currency and transfer funds between the UK and Dubai. There are lots of benefits, which you can read here.