Moving from the UK to Dubai is an exciting opportunity, whether for work, lifestyle, or business. But before you pack your bags, it’s important to understand which visas are available, and which one suits your plans best.
At MAR Legal, we help individuals and families across the UK make a smooth, legally secure move to the UAE. In this guide, we outline the main types of visas available for British nationals moving to Dubai, what each allows you to do, and how to apply.
Dubai Visas: Do UK Citizens Need a Visa to Enter Dubai?
British passport holders can enter the UAE as tourists without applying in advance. Upon arrival, you’ll receive a 30-day free visit visa, with the option to extend it once for an additional 30 days.
However, if you’re planning to live, work, or set up a business in Dubai, you’ll need a proper long-term residence visa and potentially a work permit, investor license, or freelance approval, depending on your situation.
Main Types of UAE Dubai Residence Visas for British Expats
Here are the most common visa options available to UK nationals planning to live in Dubai:
1. Employment Visa (Work Visa)
Best for: British expats relocating to work for a company in Dubai.
If you’ve secured a job in Dubai, your employer will typically sponsor your employment visa. This visa includes:
- Entry permit
- Emirates ID
- Medical screening
- Labour card
- Residency visa stamped in your passport
Valid for: 2 years (renewable)
Sponsorship: Employer
Requirements:
- Job offer
- Passport (valid for 6+ months)
- Educational certificates (attested)
- Medical fitness test
Note: You cannot legally work in Dubai on a tourist visa.
2. Investor Visa / Partner Visa
Best for: British citizens starting or investing in a business in Dubai.
This visa is available if you own a company or hold shares in a UAE business. It is common in free zones such as Dubai Multi Commodities Centre (DMCC), Dubai South, or Dubai Internet City.
Valid for: 2–3 years (depending on zone)
Sponsorship: Your own company
Requirements:
- Business licence
- Shareholder certificate
- Office space rental agreement
- Passport copy
MAR Legal can assist with setting up your company and guiding you through the visa application process.
3. Freelance Visa
Best for: Self-employed professionals, creatives, consultants, tech specialists
Dubai offers freelance visas through various free zones such as:
- Dubai Media City
- Dubai Design District
- TECOM
- Dubai Internet City
Valid for: 1–2 years
Sponsorship: Self-sponsored (through the free zone)
You’ll need:
- Portfolio or CV
- Freelance permit (trade licence)
- Proof of funds
- Health insurance
- Local UAE address
Freelancers can legally work with multiple clients, issue invoices, and operate independently.
4. Golden Visa (10-Year Visa)
Best for: High-net-worth individuals, entrepreneurs, scientists, skilled professionals
The UAE Golden Visa is a long-term residency option for eligible individuals making significant contributions in business, investment, science, or talent.
Available to:
- Property investors (owning assets worth AED 2M+)
- Entrepreneurs
- PhD holders
- Skilled professionals earning over AED 30,000/month
- Outstanding students
Benefits:
- Valid for 10 years
- No local sponsor needed
- Can sponsor family and domestic staff
- Can live and work anywhere in the UAE
Example: A British entrepreneur with a Dubai business generating revenue over AED 1M per year may be eligible for the Golden Visa.
5. Remote Work Visa (Virtual Working Programme)
Best for: Digital nomads and remote workers employed by UK or overseas companies.
This visa allows you to live in Dubai while working remotely for a company abroad.
Valid for: 1 year
Requirements:
- Proof of remote employment
- Salary of at least $3,500/month
- Health insurance
- Valid passport
- Evidence of work contract or company ownership (if self-employed)
This visa is growing in popularity among UK professionals looking for sunshine and fast Wi-Fi without changing jobs.
6. Family Visa (Dependent Visa)
Best for: Spouses, children, and parents of primary visa holders.
Once you have your UAE residence visa, you can sponsor your dependents, including:
- Your spouse
- Children (sons under 25, daughters of any age if unmarried)
- Parents (under specific conditions)
Valid for: Same duration as sponsor’s visa
You must show:
- Adequate income (usually AED 4,000+/month)
- Tenancy agreement (Ejari)
- Health insurance for family
- Attested marriage or birth certificates
Case example: A British teacher working in Dubai sponsors her husband and two children on a family visa after securing a two-year employment contract.
Important Documents Needed for UAE Visa Applications
Most visas will require:
- Passport (valid for 6 months+)
- Passport-sized photographs
- Emirates ID application
- Entry permit (if applying from outside UAE)
- Medical test results
- Proof of accommodation (e.g. tenancy contract)
- Valid health insurance
- Attested UK documents (e.g. degree certificates, marriage/birth certificates)
At MAR Legal, we help clients attest UK documents for UAE use and coordinate with trusted immigration partners in Dubai.
Additional Tips for UK Nationals
- Health insurance is mandatory for all visa types in Dubai.
- Bank accounts and tenancy contracts require a valid Emirates ID.
- Wills: British citizens with assets in Dubai should draft a DIFC-compliant Will to avoid Sharia-based asset distribution.
We specialise in cross-border estate planning to help protect your property, pensions, and inheritance rights across the UK and UAE.
How MAR Legal Can Help
Based in Manchester with strong ties to Dubai, MAR Legal offers clear and affordable legal support to make your move smooth and secure.
We can assist you with:
✅ Attesting and translating UK legal documents for UAE use
✅ Drafting DIFC Wills and UK-UAE estate planning
✅ Business setup and investor visa referrals
✅ Reviewing and explaining UAE tenancy agreements
✅ Referring you to trusted visa processing agents in Dubai
Frequently Asked Questions About Dubai Visas for UK Citizens
Ready to Make the Move?
Moving to Dubai offers exciting possibilities, but it’s important to choose the right visa for your situation and ensure you stay compliant with local regulations.
📞 Call us on: +44 (0)161 491 3933
📩 Email: info@marlegal.co.uk
🌍 Visit: www.marlegal.co.uk
From Manchester to Dubai, MAR Legal is your trusted legal partner at every step.
Disclaimer: This article is for general information only and does not constitute legal advice. For personalised guidance, please speak to one of our legal advisors.