Your Questions About Moving
to the UAE, Answered

The UAE offers several attractive options. The Golden Visa provides 10-year residency for eligible investors (real estate, funds), entrepreneurs, and individuals with exceptional talents. The Green Visa offers 5-year residency for skilled employees, freelancers, and investors. Residency can also be obtained through setting up a business (Mainland or Free Zone) or via standard employment contracts. We help identify the best fit.

For real estate investors, it typically requires owning property worth AED 2 million or more (approx. $545k USD), potentially mortgage-free depending on the specific track. For investment funds, it usually involves a deposit or investment of AED 2 million in an accredited fund. Entrepreneur and Talent categories have different criteria based on business valuation, innovation, or professional achievements. Requirements are specific and subject to change; we provide current guidance.

Mainland: Allows trading directly within the UAE market and potentially wider range of activities. Often requires a Local Service Agent (for professional licenses) or can now have 100% foreign ownership for many activities (previously required an Emirati partner). Subject to federal laws and Emirate-specific DED regulations.
Free Zone: Offers 100% foreign ownership, often 0% corporate tax (though subject to new CT rules), simplified setup, and specific industry clusters. Generally restricted to operating within the Free Zone or internationally; specific rules apply for trading with the Mainland. There are over 40 Free Zones across the UAE, each with unique benefits.

Yes, non-GCC nationals can own freehold property (both land and building) in designated “freehold areas” across various Emirates, particularly Dubai and Abu Dhabi. Ownership rules outside these zones can be more restrictive (e.g., long-term leases). We guide clients on eligible areas and the purchase process.

The UAE boasts a very high standard of private education with numerous international schools offering various curricula (IB, British, US, etc.). Private healthcare facilities are world-class. Mandatory health insurance is required by law for all residents in Dubai and Abu Dhabi (and increasingly common/required in other Emirates) to obtain or renew residency visas.

Correct, there is no personal income tax in the UAE. However, a Value Added Tax (VAT) of 5% applies to most goods and services. A federal Corporate Tax (CT) was introduced recently, typically at 9% on taxable profits exceeding AED 375,000 per year, with specific rules for Free Zone entities and exemptions. Understanding your obligations under VAT and CT is crucial for businesses.

Holders of driving licenses from certain countries (including the UK, many EU nations, US, Canada, Australia, etc.) can typically transfer their license to a UAE one relatively easily after obtaining residency. Others may need to take lessons and pass a local driving test. Rules can vary slightly by Emirate.

Dubai is known for its fast pace, global connectivity, luxury lifestyle, and extensive entertainment. Abu Dhabi, the capital, offers a slightly calmer pace, strong cultural focus, green spaces, and high quality of family life. Sharjah is more conservative and family-oriented with a focus on arts and culture. RAK and the Northern Emirates offer a more relaxed, outdoors-focused lifestyle, often at a lower cost.

Generally, yes, it’s easier than some other countries like Mauritius but requires adherence to specific import regulations. This includes microchipping, up-to-date vaccinations, import permits, and health certificates. Using a specialist pet relocation service is recommended for a smooth process. Quarantine is not typically required for pets coming from rabies-controlled countries like the UK if all paperwork is correct.

Simply reach out via our Contact Us page to request a confidential consultation. We’ll schedule an initial discussion to understand your needs, outline potential options, and explain our services and process in detail.

We select partners based on their proven expertise, track record, professionalism, understanding of client needs, and adherence to high ethical standards. We maintain ongoing relationships to ensure quality service delivery.

Client confidentiality is paramount at FinEng. We adhere to strict data protection policies and ensure all information shared with us is handled securely and discreetly. Our agreements include confidentiality clauses.

Initially, we’ll discuss your goals and circumstances. For formal engagement and applications, we are required by regulation to perform Know Your Customer (KYC) checks. This typically involves providing identification (passport), proof of address, and information regarding the source of funds, especially for investment-based routes.

We manage the overall strategy and process. For specialized licensed services like legal advice, tax structuring, auditing, or specific logistics (like international removals), we work with a network of carefully vetted, independent professional partners known for their expertise and reliability. We coordinate these partners seamlessly for you.

FinEng offers a blend of strategic expertise, deep local knowledge in UAE, a focus on personalized service, end-to-end support including concierge options, and a commitment to confidentiality, making us an ideal partner for navigating the complexities of international relocation.

Government application fees (like EDB permit fees), notary fees, translation costs, etc., are considered disbursements. Our agreement will specify whether these are included in our fee, billed separately at cost, or if you need to pay them directly to the relevant authority/provider.

Our Service Agreement clearly outlines the agreed scope of services (what’s included and excluded), our fees and payment schedule, client responsibilities, confidentiality terms, and other standard contractual clauses. We ensure full transparency before engagement.