In order to stay in the Emirates for a long time, it is necessary to get a resident visa. This permit is the local equivalent of a residence permit.
With a residency visa, a foreigner receives:

The right to free residence in the UAE for a period of six months to 10 years. The duration of stay is determined by the purpose of entry.
Economic rights. A foreigner can open and develop his own business, get a job, get medical care, buy real estate and many other things. A foreign citizen acquires economic security with the status of a resident.
Freedom of movement. The only condition that is important to comply with when crossing the UAE border is a short (not more than 6 months) absence in the Emirates.
Ability to issue a resident visa for all family members (spouse and minor children).
Duration of the permit may vary, depending on the purpose of entry and social status of the migrant.
Residence permit for 10 years is issued to highly skilled professionals and foreigners who have invested in the economy of the UAE 3 million dollars or more. You can make a contribution by establishing your own company or forming an alliance with an existing company.
Resident visa valid for 5 years is issued to foreign nationals who have invested at least $ 1.5 million in real estate. If part of the funds for the purchase of the property was taken on credit or a mortgage, it is not possible to obtain a residency visa.
Residency up to 3 years may be granted to investors who purchased real estate worth from $205 thousand. To get a resident status, a foreigner must prove the availability of income of 10 thousand each month. Registration of residence permit on the program involves buying real estate in Dubai, but acquired property can not be mortgaged in the future.
Visa for 3 years will cost between 7 and 8.5 thousand dollars. In the future, this permit can be extended.
A residence permit for six months allows for multiple entries into the UAE. To get residency status, you will need to invest in real estate worth $205 thousand in any locality of the country.
In addition to investors, for long-term residence in the Emirates can count on highly qualified professionals who have received a residence permit for intellectual achievements. The rights of residence receive outstanding programmers, developers in the field of IT, doctors in the field of virology and epidemiology. Spouses of highly qualified specialists, as well as minor children can also be granted long-term residency.

The category of residency permit in the UAE depends on the way in which the foreign national obtained the right of long-term residency. This can be done through the purchase of real estate property, the establishment of a private company, through enrollment in an institution of higher education or through employment with a local organization.

Investments in real estate

• The main condition is the amount invested: it must be at least $205,000. Permission for a long stay is granted for a period of 6 months to 3 years. In this case it is possible to take a mortgage loan if the down payment on the loan exceeds 50% of property value. If you buy an expensive object, a resident visa is issued subject to making a contribution of 205 thousand dollars.

Starting your own business

• By opening a company in the FEZ (free economic zone), a foreigner not only gets tax exemptions and conditions of business close to ideal, but also a resident status. To get a visa through business, you must invest at least 19 thousand dollars in your company, and a resident is only allowed to work in their own organization.
• If investing in real estate or your own business does not work for you as a way to obtain a residency visa, it is possible to obtain status through university studies or employment with a local organization.

• Students attending universities in the Emirates may qualify for residency. In order to enter a university, a foreigner must have sufficient knowledge of English (the level of proficiency is tested by IELTS or TOEFL certificates). Most of the UAE universities allow students to take classes only after the full repayment of the course fee for the year (about 5-10 thousand dollars). A foreigner residing in the UAE on a study visa is not allowed to work.
• Visa for employment in the UAE is issued to individuals at the request of a local employer. The company inviting the foreign specialist must be officially registered in the country. Under the work permit a foreigner can work only in the organization that issued the invitation. Only qualified specialists who have confirmed the level of their professional skills can obtain a work permit.