Frequently Asked Questions

1. Employment Visa: for job contracts with Dubai companies.
2. Business Golden Visa: 5-10 yrs residency for entrepreneurs and dependents.
3. Investor Visa: AED 72k investment, 3-yr validity.
4. Student Visa: 5 yrs for top students, 1 yr usually.
5. Dependent Visa: for family of residents, salary criteria.
6. Freelance Visa: for independent workers in specific sectors.
7. Green Visa: 5-yr work visa without employer sponsorship.

1. Learn basic Arabic phrases.
2. Hot climate; AC indoors.
3. Follow dress code.
4. Diverse city.
5. Zero-tolerance for drugs.
6. Check moving guide for more.

In the UAE, you’ll find leading job platforms like LinkedIn, Bayt, Laimoon, and NaukriGulf, which are valuable for Dubai job searches. Additionally, consider connecting with Dubai’s recruitment firms to align your career goals with suitable opportunities.

There are several modes of public transportation in Dubai such as Dubai Metro, bus, Dubai Tram, taxis and marine taxis. Ride-hailing apps such as Uber and Careem are also used by residents. Additionally, there is an option to apply for a driving licence in Dubai or convert your licence if you already have one

The United Arab Emirates is a tax-less country so there are no taxes on property or on any income generated off it. However, the property owner is responsible for the annual maintenance fee and service charge payments, which need to be made to the management company hired by the owner’s association. Payments are made from between one to four times a year at an average price of AED10-AED30 per sq.ft, depending on the project and services included.

In most instances, the transaction process goes as follows:

• Buyer chooses the property.
• Buyer and seller sign the sales and purchase agreement, where all the terms and conditions of the deal are mentioned: the purchase price, additional expenses (agency fee, transfer fee at the DLD, developer’s fee, service charge refund, etc), the transfer date of the deal at the DLD, terms of payment and clearly-defined responsibilities and penalties for both parties in case they fail to uphold the conditions set out in the agreement.
• On signing the agreement, the buyer pays the deposit. This is usually 10% of the purchase price.
• The seller applies for a no-objection certificate (NOC) from the developer in order to sell the property. The NOC is required for the transfer process at the DLD.
• Once the NOC is ready, the buyer and seller can transfer the property and register it on the buyer’s name. Usually, payments need to be made at the time of registration.

The regulations, governing the relationship between the landlord and the tenant, are defined in Law No. 26 of 2007. As per the law, any property owner in Dubai can rent out their unit. Usually, the rental period is one year (extensions are possible).

A property owner can appoint a licensed management company to manage his/her property, in which case the firm bears all responsibility of communicating with the tenant.

The average net income (after paying the service charge) is 5%-10% per year, depending on the type of property, geographical location or service charge price. The more exclusive and expensive properties usually bring in less rental income in percentage even though the rent is higher.

Earlier, ownership of property in Dubai was restricted to citizens of the UAE. However, in 2006, the government passed Regulation No. 3, determining designated areas where non-citizens can own property. In these areas, foreigners are permitted to buy property on freehold ownership. Major freehold properties are available in most parts of ‘new Dubai,’ such as in Dubai Marina, Palm Jumeirah, Jumeirah Lakes Towers and Emirates Hills.