TL;DR
- You can live in the UAE without working or a local sponsor.
- The UAE offers several visa options for retirees, remote workers, freelancers, and investors.
- Each visa has different income, age, or investment requirements, some are easier to get than others.
The UAE has built its name as a hub for global talent. While many expats come to work, not everyone who wants to live here is looking for a job. And the good news is, you don’t need a work visa or local sponsor to stay in the country legally.The government has rolled out several visa options that let you live in the UAE without being tied to an employer. Whether you’re working remotely, planning to retire, running a freelance business, or investing in property, there’s a pathway designed for people like you.So if you’re wondering how to move to the UAE without a job offer, this guide is for you. Let’s break down the most realistic options available now, what they cost, who’s eligible, and what you need to apply.
What Is a Non-Working Visa in the UAE?
The Non-Working Visa is designed for people who want to live in the UAE but do not plan to work during their stay. Unlike typical employment visas, this visa doesn’t require you to have a job or a sponsor. It’s ideal for retirees, investors, or anyone who wants to live here while supporting themselves through other means.This visa usually comes with financial requirements. You may need to prove you have a certain level of income or savings to cover your living expenses. In some cases, owning property in the UAE can also support your application.The non-working visa is typically valid for one to five years, depending on the specific category and your eligibility. It offers flexibility and allows you to legally reside in the UAE without engaging in local employment. It’s also renewable if you continue to meet the conditions.Keep in mind, while the non-working visa lets you live in the UAE, it doesn’t grant work rights. So if you want to take on local employment, you’d need a different type of visa.
1. Remote Work Visa (Virtual Working Programme)
If you have a remote job or run a business outside the UAE, this visa lets you live in the Emirates for a year while working remotely. You’ll need to show proof of your employment or business, like contracts, payslips, and bank statements. Your income should be at least $3,500 a month, and you must have health insurance covering you in the UAE. Also, your passport needs at least six months’ validity.A key point is that you must enter the UAE at least once every six months to keep this visa active. The cost is roughly USD 287 plus health insurance, and the visa is renewable yearly if you continue to meet the requirements.
2. Retirement Visa
For those 55 and older, or with 15 or more years of work experience, the retirement visa allows you to live in the UAE without working. You must meet financial conditions such as having a monthly income of about AED 20,000 (or AED 15,000 if living in Dubai), or holding AED 1 million (about $272,000 USD) in savings or property, or a combination of both totaling AED 1 million.This visa lasts five years and can be renewed as long as you keep meeting the criteria. It also lets you sponsor your spouse and dependents. Processing usually takes one to two weeks, with fees covering the visa, medical tests, and Emirates ID.
3. Golden Visa (Long-Term Residency)
This is for investors, entrepreneurs, talented professionals, creatives, and exceptional students. The Golden Visa grants long-term residency, typically five or ten years, and lets you sponsor your family without a local sponsor. To qualify, you need to meet specific criteria, such as investing at least AED 2 million in property or business or proving recognized expertise in your field.Costs vary widely depending on your category, sometimes up to AED 100,000 ($27,200 USD), and simply paying fees doesn’t guarantee approval. But the benefits include flexible stay requirements, the ability to open bank accounts, get a UAE driver’s license, and lease property.
4. Freelance Visa Through a Free Zone
If you want to live in the UAE and work independently, the freelance visa is a popular option. You register as a freelancer through a free zone like Dubai Media City or Fujairah Creative City, and then get your residency visa as part of the process. This allows you to legally work for clients inside and outside the UAE without needing an employer.The visa usually lasts between one and three years, depending on the free zone, and costs between AED 7,500($2,040 USD) and AED 18,000 ($4,860 USD). You can also sponsor family members on this visa.
Which One Fits You?
- Retiree (aged 55+): choose the Retirement Visa.
- Remote worker (with foreign employer): apply for the Virtual Work Visa.
- Freelancer without a UAE employer: go for the Freelance Visa through a free‑zone license.
- Investor or recognized expert/creative/talent: aim for the Golden Visa, especially if looking for long-term settlement and family sponsorship.
FAQs
1. Can I get UAE residency without a job?Yes. Several visa options, like the retirement visa, golden visa, or freelance visa, let you live in the UAE without employment.2. Do I need a local sponsor for these visas?No. All the options listed above are sponsor-free. You apply directly through UAE government channels or designated free zones.3. Can I bring my family on these visas?Yes. Most of these visas allow you to sponsor your spouse and children, as long as you meet income or savings requirements.
