UAE residence permit for families in 2026: golden visa, freelance, startup — a comparison for those relocating with children

The UAE has become one of the top relocation destinations for Russian-speaking families since 2022. The reasons are clear: zero personal income tax, visa-free entry for Russians (up to 90 days), a well-developed Russian-speaking community, international schools offering Russian curricula, and several clear, functional residency pathways. The dirham has been pegged to the US dollar since 1997 — providing financial predictability rarely seen in many European countries.

At the same time, the UAE is not Europe. It is a different legal, cultural, and financial environment. Before making a decision, it’s crucial to understand which route fits your family — and what each option means in practice.

This article compares three main UAE residency pathways for families with children: Golden Visa, Freelance Visa, and Startup/Entrepreneur Visa — focusing on entry thresholds, sponsorship rules, timelines, and real-life costs.

Families relocating to the UAE typically highlight:

• No personal income tax — for individuals and most businesses.
• Visa-free entry (90 days for Russian, Ukrainian, Belarusian citizens).
• High safety standards — consistently ranked among the safest countries globally.
• International schools — over 200 private schools in Dubai alone (British, American, IB, and Russian curriculum).
• Large Russian-speaking community — 25,000–40,000 residents.
• Stable currency — AED pegged at 3.67 to USD.

Now let’s examine the residency routes.

The Golden Visa provides 5- or 10-year residency. For families, it is the strongest option available.

Who Can Qualify?
Most relevant categories:

• Real estate investor: property worth at least AED 2 million (~$545,000). Must be completed property. 10-year visa.
• Investment fund investor: AED 2 million in an accredited UAE fund. 10-year visa.
• Business owner: UAE company with capital of at least AED 2 million.
• Top manager: bachelor’s degree + 5 years experience + salary ≥ AED 50,000/month (~$13,600).
• Innovative startup founder: project worth ≥ AED 500,000 (~$136,000), approved by incubator and authorities. 5-year visa.

Family Sponsorship Under Golden Visa
Sponsor spouse and children.

• Sons up to 25 years (if financially dependent).
• Unmarried daughters — no age limit.
• Unlimited domestic staff.
• Family keeps visa validity even if the main holder dies.
• No restriction on time spent outside UAE.
• All family members may work.

Costs
Estimated processing expenses for a family of four:

• Government fees: approx. AED 15,000–25,000 total.
• Medical exams.
• Emirates ID.
• Health insurance (AED 1,000–40,000 per person annually).

Golden Visa has the highest entry threshold but provides the most stable family status.

One of the most accessible entry routes.

Structure
Requires:

1. Freelance permit (license).
2. Residency visa linked to the permit.

Options
Standard 1–2 year visa: total starting cost AED 16,000–18,000.

• 5-year Green Visa: requires bachelor’s degree + income ≥ AED 360,000/year (~$98,000) or proof of financial stability.

Family Sponsorship
Minimum monthly income: AED 4,000 (AED 3,000 with own housing).

• Sons up to 25 years.
• Daughters unlimited if unmarried.
• Family visa validity depends on sponsor’s visa duration.
• Cannot stay outside UAE > 6 months (Green Visa restriction).

Risks
If freelance permit is cancelled or not renewed, family visas are cancelled as well.

Free Zone Business Visa (2–3 years)

• Company registration from AED 10,000 (~$2,700).
• Includes trade license + one visa.
• Limited number of visas depending on package.
• Renewal required to maintain residency.

If business license is cancelled — visas are cancelled.

Startup Golden Visa (5 years)

• Project value ≥ AED 500,000.
• Approval from auditor + incubator + authorities.
• More complex but offers Golden Visa benefits.

Private Schools

• British, American, IB, Indian, French systems.
• Annual cost: $5,000–25,000 per child.
• Mid-range schools: AED 40,000–80,000/year.
• Russian schools available in Dubai and Abu Dhabi.

Applications should be submitted 6–12 months in advance.

Kindergartens

• Mostly private.
• AED 5,500–55,000/year.

Housing

• 2-bedroom apartment in Dubai: from AED 80,000/year.
• 3–4 bedroom villa in family areas: AED 150,000–200,000/year.
• Paid in 1–4 cheques annually.

Monthly Budget (Family of 4)

• Without school: AED 8,000–20,000.
• With school: AED 15,000–25,000 ($4,100–6,800).

UAE is cheaper than New York (~40%) and London (~20%), but more expensive than most EU countries.

Golden Visa
Best for high-income families or investors. Most secure long-term option.

Freelance Visa
Best for remote professionals. Lower entry threshold but more dependent on license validity.

Startup Visa
Best for entrepreneurs launching businesses in UAE. Requires careful structuring.

The UAE is ideal for families with strong income streams or investment capacity. Zero tax, safety, strong education infrastructure, and business-friendly policies make it highly competitive.
However, it is not a low-budget relocation. Families earning $5,000–7,000 monthly may not experience financial benefit compared to Europe due to housing and school costs.
If your family budget allows $4,000–7,000+ monthly and you prioritize tax efficiency and business flexibility, the UAE is one of the most competitive options globally.

Visa Dan specialists can help you evaluate the best residency route and guide you through the entire process — from free zone selection to Emirates ID issuance for your entire family.

Visa Dan is an international company with a strong legal team and experience in assisting more than 1,000 clients. We offer:

• Individual selection of solutions and strategies for obtaining a residence permit.
• Complete transparency and support at every stage.
• A strong team in Europe: lawyers, translators, operators, notaries.
• Support until you receive your ID card, as well as assistance with renewal and integration in the country.

The Visa Dan team will help you navigate this journey from start to finish. Get personalized advice and start your new life in 2025!