The UAE — particularly Dubai — has positioned itself as the world's leading destination for high-net-worth expats and remote workers. Zero income tax, world-class infrastructure, modern healthcare and a cosmopolitan lifestyle make it uniquely attractive.
Última atualização : March 2026 — Equipe editorial, eVisa-Card.com
| Capital | Abu Dhabi (Dubai most popular for expats) |
| Currency | UAE Dirham (AED) |
| Language | Arabic, English |
| Monthly cost | ~$2,500–5,000/month |
| Visa Type | Details |
|---|---|
| Golden Visa (10 years) | For investors, entrepreneurs, specialised talents and outstanding students. Property investment ≥AED 2,000,000. No employer sponsorship needed. Renewable. Includes family members. |
| Green Visa (5 years) | For skilled workers, freelancers and investors. Self-sponsored. Income ≥AED 15,000/month for skilled employees. No employer sponsorship needed. |
| Employment Visa (2–3 years) | Sponsored by employer. Most common route. Employer handles the application. Includes Emirates ID and health card. |
| Freelance/Remote Work Visa | 1-year renewable remote work visa. Income ≥$3,500/month. Allows residing in the UAE while working for a foreign company. |
| Retirement Visa (5 years) | For retirees 55+. Must meet one of: real estate worth AED 2M+, financial savings AED 1M+, or AED 20,000/month income. |
Government hospitals (Dubai Health Authority, Abu Dhabi DOH) are available to UAE residents. Emiratis get free care; expats pay reduced rates. However, most expats prefer private hospitals due to better English service and shorter waiting times.
The UAE has world-class private healthcare. Dubai: Mediclinic, Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi, American Hospital Dubai. Abu Dhabi: Cleveland Clinic, Burjeel, Aster Hospitals. English is the working language in all major facilities.
| Service | Estimated Cost |
|---|---|
| Private GP consultation | AED 300–600 (~$82–163) |
| Specialist consultation | AED 500–1,500 (~$136–408) |
| Emergency room | AED 500–2,000 (~$136–545) |
| Hospitalisation (per night) | AED 2,000–8,000 (~$545–2,178) |
| Dental cleaning | AED 300–600 (~$82–163) |
| Dental (major work) | AED 1,500–8,000 (~$408–2,178) |
Health insurance is legally mandatory for all residents in Dubai and Abu Dhabi. In Dubai, employers with 100+ employees must provide Essential Benefits Plan (EBP) or above. Self-employed residents must purchase their own. The minimum plan (Essential Benefits Plan) costs ~AED 600–750/year.
A UAE bank account is essential for receiving salary, paying rent (often via post-dated cheques in Dubai), utility bills and daily transactions. The process requires Emirates ID.
Foreigners can buy property in the UAE in designated freehold zones (Dubai has over 60 freehold areas). Abu Dhabi has more restricted zones. Property purchase can qualify for a Golden Visa (≥AED 2,000,000).
| Item | Cost |
|---|---|
| Dubai Land Department (DLD) transfer fee | 4% of purchase price |
| Agent commission | 2% (buyer) + 2% (seller) = 4% total |
| NOC fee | AED 500–5,000 |
| Registration fee | AED 2,000–4,000 |
| Annual service charges | AED 10–30/sq ft depending on development |
| No annual property tax in the UAE | — |
This guide is researched and maintained by the editorial team at eVisa-Card.com. Última atualização : March 2026. We strive to keep all information current but visa rules, healthcare costs and property regulations change frequently. Always verify current requirements with official government sources and consult a licensed professional before making major decisions.
Editorial Team — eVisa-Card.com
Expat guides written by travel experts, immigration specialists and expats with first-hand experience in UAE.
✔ Verified information ✔ Updated March 2026 ✔ Official sources cited