Services in Dubai
Visa, Residency & Investment Services in Dubai
Dubai is the UAE's most international city, with freehold property, a large free-zone network and a settled expatriate community. This page explains how the local authorities work and how DXB.IST supports your move.
Short answer
Dubai residence is processed by GDRFA Dubai, property is registered with the Dubai Land Department and businesses are licensed by Dubai Economy and Tourism or a free zone. DXB.IST coordinates visas, Golden Visa files, company setup and relocation in the city.
At a glance
- Residence authority
- GDRFA Dubai
- Property registry
- Dubai Land Department
- Business licensing
- Dubai Economy and Tourism or a free zone
- Well-known free zones
- DMCC, IFZA, Meydan, DIFC
- School regulator
- KHDA
Services in Dubai
InvestmentUAE Golden Visa 2026: Requirements, Cost & Steps
In Dubai the Golden Visa file is lodged through GDRFA Dubai, and property cases rest on a title deed issued by the Dubai Land Department.
Property investors, entrepreneurs, executives, doctors, creatives and outstanding students
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InvestmentDubai 2-Year Property Investor Visa (AED 750k)
The Dubai property investor visa is tied to a Dubai Land Department title deed and processed by GDRFA Dubai, and we confirm the current value threshold before you buy.
Property buyers who want residence at a lower entry level than the Golden Visa
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BusinessDubai Company Formation: Mainland vs Free Zone Guide
Dubai offers mainland licences through Dubai Economy and Tourism and free zones such as DMCC, IFZA, Meydan and DIFC, each with its own rules on activities and visas.
Entrepreneurs, consultants, traders and investors who want a UAE company and residence
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StudyUAE Student Visa: University Sponsorship & Documents
Students in Dubai are sponsored by licensed institutions, many of them in Dubai International Academic City, and schools are regulated by KHDA.
International students and parents choosing a university or school in the UAE
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WorkUAE Employment Visa: Process, Documents & Timeline
For Dubai mainland jobs the employer arranges the work permit with MOHRE, then residence, medical test and Emirates ID follow through GDRFA Dubai.
Professionals with a UAE job offer and employers hiring from abroad
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WorkUAE Freelance Permit & 5-Year Green Visa Guide
Dubai freelancers can work under a free-zone freelance permit or a MOHRE permit, and Green Visa files are lodged through GDRFA Dubai.
Freelancers, consultants, self-employed professionals and skilled employees who want independent residence
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FamilyUAE Family Sponsorship Visa: Spouse, Children, Parents
Dubai residents sponsor family through GDRFA Dubai, usually with proof of salary, housing and a registered tenancy contract (Ejari) or title deed.
UAE residents who want their spouse, children or parents to live with them
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ResidencyUAE Retirement Visa: Age 55+ Requirements & Steps
Retirees in Dubai apply through GDRFA Dubai and can meet the criteria through property, savings or pension income, with figures confirmed before filing.
Retirees aged 55 and over who want to live in the UAE
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ResidencyDubai Remote Work Visa: Income, Documents & How to Apply
The Dubai remote work visa is issued through GDRFA Dubai and suits professionals employed abroad who want to live in the city for a year.
Employees and business owners working for companies abroad who want to live in the UAE
View serviceStudyStudy in Dubai: University Admission in the UAE
Dubai's universities include federal and private institutions and international branch campuses in Dubai International Academic City and Dubai Knowledge Park, and we check each programme's KHDA permit before you apply.
School leavers, international students and their families
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Why do people relocate to or invest in Dubai?
People choose Dubai for the absence of personal income tax, safety, direct flights to most regions, English-language business and a property market open to foreign freehold buyers in designated areas. Entrepreneurs value the speed of company setup and families value the choice of international schools.
Which districts and free zones matter?
Popular residential and investment districts include Downtown Dubai, Dubai Marina, Palm Jumeirah, Business Bay and Jumeirah Village Circle, each with a different price level and lifestyle. For companies, DMCC, IFZA, Meydan and DIFC are among the best-known free zones, and mainland licensing is available through Dubai Economy and Tourism. Each zone has its own rules on activities, office requirements and visas.
What does it cost to live in Dubai?
Housing is usually the largest cost, followed by school fees for families. Groceries, transport and dining range from moderate to expensive depending on lifestyle, and there is no personal income tax on salaries. We help you compare areas and budgets before you commit to a lease or purchase.
What about schools and universities?
Private schools in Dubai follow many curricula and are regulated by the Knowledge and Human Development Authority (KHDA). Higher education is spread across Dubai International Academic City, Dubai Knowledge Park and Dubai Silicon Oasis, with institutions such as the American University in Dubai, the University of Wollongong in Dubai and Heriot-Watt University Dubai.
Which authorities and service centres will you deal with?
- GDRFA Dubai (General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs): residence visas, Golden Visa and Green Visa files.
- Amer centres and approved typing centres: visa and residence transactions on behalf of applicants.
- Dubai Land Department: title deeds, property registration and transfer.
- Dubai Economy and Tourism: mainland trade licences.
- MOHRE: employment contracts and work permits.
- Free-zone authorities: licences and visas for free-zone companies.
DXB.IST coordinates these offices for you, from eligibility check and translations to appointments, medical tests and Emirates ID, and our travel desk arranges airport transfers and hotels for your first visit.
Frequently asked questions
GDRFA Dubai issues residence visas for the emirate, while ICP handles federal identity and some files.