The UAE attracts foreigners with its high standard of living, diversity, and advantages for running their own business. We tell you about the conditions of entry for Ukrainians, long-term visas and developing your own business

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The United Arab Emirates is very popular among expats. About 140 thousand foreigners move to the country every year. Out of 10 million people in the country, only 1.5 million are indigenous. 

The Emirates ranked 4th in the world in terms of the attractiveness of moving to permanent residence. The main reasons for this popularity are the high standard of living, stable economy and security in the country. Other advantages include a simplified taxation system: there is no tax on personal income, capital gains and inheritance in the UAE, and some companies may not pay income tax. Starting from June 2023, the corporate tax will be 9%. 

How can a Ukrainian move to the UAE, and what are the peculiarities of living and doing business in the country? Read more below. 

Conditions of entry for Ukrainians to the UAE in 2023

 Ukrainians do not need to apply for a visa to enter the UAE. The permitted period of stay in the country without a visa is 30 days, with the possibility to extend the period in migration institutions up to 90 days. 

Documents for crossing the border are a regular or biometric passport with a validity period of at least 6 months from the date of crossing the border, as well as health insurance. 

A COVID-19 vaccination certificate or PCR testing is not required. 

If you plan to stay in the UAE for a longer period of time or intend to work, earn income in the country or study, then a Ukrainian needs to apply for a permanent residence permit (long-term visa).

Long-term visas to the UAE

Investors, real estate owners, entrepreneurs and officially employed citizens can apply for a resident visa in the country. It is issued for a period of up to 10 years and can be extended an unlimited number of times. The validity of a residence permit depends on the grounds for issuing the visa. It is also possible to obtain a 1-year refugee visa at a reduced price for Ukrainians.

Together with the main applicant, the spouse and children can obtain a residency visa in the UAE. An investor or entrepreneur can add up to three directors of his/her companies with their families to his/her application. 

A work visa to the UAE is issued for the period of validity of the employment contract. This is usually 2-3 years. 

The country has also developed procedures for issuing long-term visas for pensioners, freelancers and university students. 

Features of life in the UAE

The United Arab Emirates is a traditional Islamic country and at the same time a multinational state. 

Living standards and cost of living 

The UAE's economy is growing faster than in many countries around the world. The country ranks 7th in the world in terms of GDP per capita. Inflation is almost zero. 

The cost of living in the UAE is higher than in Europe. A family of 2 will need about $3500 per month. The main part of the expenses is rent and utilities. However, such costs are offset by high salaries, the average salary in the UAE is about $7000 per month. 

Real estate

The purchase of a medium-sized apartment (140 square meters) in the UAE will cost an investor $450,000. The average price per square meter is $3,200. 

Renting a one-bedroom apartment will cost from $970 per month. 

You can also buy hotel apartments for permanent residence in Dubai. 

Currency

The national currency of the UAE is the dirham. The dirham exchange rate is tied to the dollar and is stable - 3.67 dirham for 1$. 

Language

The official language is Arabic, but residents actively communicate in English. National mobile applications, documents, signs, road signs, etc. are also duplicated in English. 

Medicine

The development of medicine in the country is at a high level, with the world's largest number of hospitals with international certificates. The UAE is also actively investing in medical tourism. 

Education

Education is paid for foreigners. Kindergarten and school cost about $650 per month. 

The list of the best universities in the world includes 11 universities in the UAE. Education is based on the Bologna system. The language of instruction is English. The UAE diploma is recognized in many countries around the world.

Transportation

The UAE has a unified public transportation system that combines buses, trams, water transport and subways.  The cost of the trip is from $0.8. 

Roads in Dubai are recognized as the best in the world. 

Climate

Temperatures are quite high throughout the year, with an average winter temperature of +20 and summer temperatures of up to +50.  Rains are extremely rare, and most of the country's territory is covered by desert. 

Entertainment in the UAE

The most popular activities in the UAE are beach vacations, shopping, spas, and restaurants. 

However, there are several local ways of recreation worth highlighting:

- jeep and ATV riding in the desert;

- sandboarding - snowboarding on the dunes;

- desert camel safari.

You can get unforgettable impressions from a walk on a yacht. Those who miss winter vacation should visit Ski Dubai ski resort.

Doing business in the UAE

The UAE has created very favorable conditions for starting your own business: the VAT rate is only 5%, most companies are exempt from income tax, and you can register a company remotely. Entrepreneurs can also obtain a resident visa for a period of 5 to 10 years. The starting investment is from $136,000. 

More interesting information about life, work, doing business and entertainment in the UAE at the link.

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