There are several ways through which a person can immigrate to the UAE from South Africa. One of the most important aspects to consider is that depending on the chosen pathway, different relocation procedures need to be respected.
Citizens of South Africa interested in immigration to the UAE can rely on our lawyers in Dubai who can help them apply for the types of visas that suit their interests.
| Quick Facts | |
|---|---|
| Entry visa requirement (YES/NO) | Yes, South Africans need entry visas for the UAE. |
|
Main ways to immigrate to the UAE from South Africa |
– work, – business, family reunion, – studentship, – investment |
|
Employment immigration requirements |
South African citizens can immigrate to the UAE based on a valid employment contract. |
| Business immigration requirements | Setting up a company in Dubai or another Emirate is also an option for relocating to the UAE from South Africa. |
| Investment options |
– business setup, – real estate purchase, – capital injection in investment funds |
| Requirements for family reunion |
Family reunion is available only for foreigners who have a relative who is a UAE resident. |
| Other programs enabling immigration from South Africa to Dubai |
– the Dubai freelance visa, – the startup visa |
| Validity of a temporary residence permit |
Between 1 and 3 years, depending on the type of permit issued |
| Time frame to obtain a residence permit in Dubai (approx.) |
Residence permits are issued in approximately 3 weeks from filing the papers. |
| Permanent residence in Dubai | Permanent residence is available after 5 years based on investment and 10 years for regular immigration. |
| Documents required to obtain residency |
– valid passport, – proof of legal address, – valid health insurance, – proof of sponsorship (where required), – proof of self-sustenance |
| Access to UAE citizenship |
It is difficult to obtain citizenship, which is why residency by investment is preferred by most foreigners. |
| Easiest ways to move to Dubai |
Employment and investment |
| Why move to Dubai |
– great living conditions, – no personal income tax, – access to high-paying jobs, – numerous investment options |
| Support in moving to Dubai from South Africa (YES/NO) | Yes, our lawyers in Dubai can help you move to the UAE from South Africa. |
Table of Contents
Types of UAE visas for South African citizens
The UAE has modern immigration regulations due to the fact that it has evolved a lot from an economic point of view and it now needs to complete its workforce. One of the best ways to do that is to hire foreign citizens. However, this is not the only way one can immigrate to the UAE from South Africa, as there are several other options available in terms of visas that can lead to UAE residency. These are:
- student visas which are suitable for those seeking to study and then work in UAE companies,
- business visas are also available for South African citizens seeking to set up enterprises in the UAE,
- dependent visas for those who have close relatives who legally live in the UAE,
- investor and retirement visas which are a suitable option for those willing to contribute to the UAE economy.
Out of all Emirates, Dubai is one of the most appreciated by foreign citizens no matter if these come from Western countries like the USA or Canada, or from European ones.
If you are interested in moving to this Emirate, our Dubai lawyers will be glad to assist. We are at your service if you want to move to Dubai from South Africa.
Below, we also have an infographic on this topic:
Obtaining temporary residency in UAE as a South African
When seeking to relocate to UAE from South Africa for more than 90 days, a residence permit will be issued based on the reason for entering the country. When it comes to Dubai, employment visas are usually associated with residence permits that can be solicited by the employer, thus making the entire immigration procedure easier.
With the help of our immigration lawyers in Dubai, the new requirements associated with moving to the UAE can be fully understood. You can also rely on us if you want to relocate here from the United Kingdom, for example.
How to move to the UAE from South Africa as an employee
Obtaining an employment visa is one of the most common ways to relocate to the UAE from South Africa. The main advantage in this case is that the employer must complete a large part of the immigration procedure. Moreover, the company will also act as a sponsor for the future worker.
The average duration of employment contracts is 2 years, and they can be renewed. However, people who obtain a residence permit this way must renew it several times before being eligible for permanent residency. One must live here for at least 10 years to become a permanent resident.
If you want to immigrate to the UAE from South Africa in a faster manner, we recommend applying for an investment visa in Dubai. The residence permit obtained this way makes you eligible for permanent residency after 5 years.
Relocate to the UAE from Dubai as an entrepreneur
If you have a business idea that you want to transform into reality, you can open a company in Dubai. The procedure is fairly simple and can be completed with the help of our law firm in Dubai. If you grant one of our lawyers a power of attorney, we can start or complete the entire procedure before you arrive. Please note that you will need a visa to enter the UAE, however, as a South African citizen you can also apply for an eVisa.
The retirement visa in the UAE
One of the most recent visas created by the UAE Government for foreign nationals aged above 55 is the retirement visa. The scheme has the following requirements for those who want to relocate to Dubai from South Africa:
- in exchange for a 5-year visa, the applicant must contribute to the local economy,
- an investment of 2 million AED in real estate is one of the options,
- another option is to have savings of at least 1 million AED deposited in a bank account,
- a minimum monthly income of 200,000 AED that can be proven can also be used to obtain this visa.
You can obtain more information on this type of visa from our lawyers in Dubai.
Other immigration options you have as a South African citizen
Most UAE Emirates have specific programs that enable foreign citizens to move one way or another. Our lawyers operate in Dubai, so if you want to immigrate there, we can present the following options:
- the Dubai freelance visa, which is available both in mainland Dubai, as well as in several free zones and can be a great option if you want to explore the opportunities the UAE offers before making a final decision;
- the family reunion visa, on the other hand, can be a better option if you have at least one relative who lives in Dubai and can act as your sponsor;
- the residency by investment program, which is open to various categories of specialists.
Each type of residence permit or program has its requirements, and if you want to ensure a correct immigration procedure, you may need help. Our immigration lawyers in Dubai have dedicated packages that enable you to immigrate to the UAE from South Africa in accordance with your plans.
What is the simplest way to move to UAE from South Africa?
It cannot be said that one type of visa is harder to obtain compared to another, as it all depends on the reason for immigration. While South African students will be able to join the education institutions they were enrolled in based on the invitation or acceptance letters, workers will enter the country based on their employment contracts.
Recent changes in the Employment Law have made it safer for citizens of all over the world who want to work in Dubai, as a concrete employment offer must be made before starting the immigration procedures.
When it comes to African businesspersons, they can first apply for short-term visas in order to come and start the procedures for opening their companies and then apply for residence permits and come and manage their UAE-based enterprises.
Our law firm in Dubai is at your service if you are a South African investor who wants to start a company here. We can also handle the business registration procedure on your behalf.
Here is also a video on this topic:
FAQ on relocating from South Africa to UAE
- Is the UAE visa application procedure hard?
No, the procedure is not complicated and can be completed online, however, our lawyers are at your service if you want to make sure it goes smoothly.
- How long does it take to obtain a residence permit for the UAE?
The procedure of obtaining a residence visa can range between 2 or 3 weeks, as it depends on the preparation of all the documents.
- What is the validity of a work visa in Dubai?
A Dubai work visa has a 3-year validity period.
- Can I relocate to UAE from South Africa if I start a small business?
Yes, you can relocate here from South Africa even if you set up a small-scale business.
For guidance in immigrating to UAE from South Africa, please contact our Dubai law firm.