Legal Requirements for Expats Living in Dubai
All Dubai expats must have a valid visa, health insurance that meets Dubai Health Authority standards, a medical certificate, housing registration, a passport that is valid for at least six months from their entry date, and an Emirates ID. Other legal mandates depend on visa type.
This article covers the requirements expats must meet to legally live in Dubai and explains how to meet those requirements, including picking adequate health insurance.
What are the Legal Requirements for Expats in Dubai in 2026?
Expats moving to Dubai must apply for their visa before their move or get an entry permit, which allows them to enter the country for 60 days and secure their long-term visa there. Dubai employers cover the application for employees.
While each visa type has specific legal requirements, all Dubai expats are required to get the appropriate visa, sufficient health insurance, housing registration, an official medical test, and an Emirates ID. Passports must also have at least six months of validity.
| Legal Requirements for Dubai Expats | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Timeline | Cost | Sponsorship | |
| Residence Visa (e.g., Retirement Visa, Family Visa) | Initial application approval within two to three days | USD $27.23 (AED 100) | Not required for Golden Visa; required for dependents |
| Work Visa (e.g., Standard Work Visa, Green Visa) | Initial application approval within two to five days | Covered by employer | Employer covers sponsorship |
| Health Insurance | One to five days | EBP coverage for USD $149.76–176.99 (AED 550– 650) per year; private medical insurance for USD $817–$1,905 (AED 3000.43–6996.11) per year; international health insurance for about USD $490 (AED 1,800) per month* | N/A |
| Medical Certificate | 24–48 hours for standard processing; four to six hours for expedited processing | USD $68.07(AED 250) | N/A |
| Passport | Four to six weeks for standard processing; two to three weeks for expedited processing | USD $130 plus a $35 acceptance fee for U.S. passport | N/A |
| Proof of Address | One to three days | Registered tenancy contract through Ejari for USD $59.90 (About AED 220) | N/A |
| Emirates ID | Five to ten days | USD $27.23 (AED 100) for those under 21, valid for five years; USD $54.46 (AED 200) for those over 21, valid for 10 years | N/A |
*This proprietary data comes from real Pacific Prime clients. Individual Pacific Prime clients paid an average of USD $5,895.98 (AED 21,653) for international health insurance in Dubai in 2024. Families paid an average of USD $17,669.98 (AED 64,893).
For more information, read our Cost of Health Insurance guide.
What Visa Do I Need to Move to Dubai?
Expats moving to Dubai need the appropriate visa to legally live there long term. To get the right visa, follow the guidelines below.
- Golden Visa: For those who can prove significant financial investment or excellence as an entrepreneur, scientist, student, humanitarian, or frontline worker.
- Residence Visa for Working in the UAE: For those who have a job contract from a Dubai employer.
- Blue Visa: For distinguished environmentalists, including members of international organisations and companies, global activists, and researchers.
- Retirement Visa: For those wanting to retire in Dubai who own one or more properties in the country valued at USD $272,294.08 (AED 1,000,000) or more, who have a financial deposit of USD $272,294.08 (AED 1,000,000) or more, and who have an annual income of USD $49,012.93 (AED 180,000) or more.
- Green Visa: For skilled workers, freelancers, self-employed workers, investors, and business leaders.
- Residence Visa for Family Members: For family members of employers and employees in Dubai. The sponsor must have a minimum monthly salary of USD $1,089.18 (AED 4,000) or USD $816.88 (AED 3,000) plus accommodation.
- Qualifying individuals include a sponsor’s spouse, unmarried daughters, sons under 25 years old, and children with special needs.
Read more about visa requirements in “A Complete Guide to Dubai’s Mandatory Visa Insurance Rules.”
What Health Insurance Do I Need as an Expat in Dubai?
All Dubai residents must have health insurance accepted by the Dubai Health Insurance Corporation and Dubai Health Authority (DHA). These plans must cover at least emergency, inpatient, outpatient, maternity, and surgical costs.
Dubai employers must provide insurance for their employees, but not for their employees’ dependents. Uncovered dependents must purchase private coverage or an Essential Benefits Plan (EBP).
Expats who do not maintain health insurance in Dubai will be charged USD $136.15 (AED 500) monthly and will face visa renewal issues.
| Essential Benefits Plan for Dubai Expats | |
|---|---|
| Cost | USD $149.76–176.99 (AED 550–650) per year |
| Who Can Get It | Residents who earn less than USD $1,089.18 (AED 4,000) per month |
| Coverage | An annual claim limit of AED 150,000; emergency care in the UAE; basic healthcare services in Dubai; treatment for chronic and pre-existing conditions after six months; 20% coinsurance capped at AED 500 per visit and 1,000 yearly; 30% coinsurance for prescriptions with a yearly cap of AED 1,500 |
Read more about expat health insurance plans in Dubai in “How Much Does Health Insurance Cost in Dubai?”
How to Get a Medical Certificate in Dubai
Dubai requires expats who are 18 and older to get a medical test at government-approved medical centers in the UAE, where expats are checked for communicable diseases. Schedule your medical test on the DHA app or the EHS website.
What is an Emirates ID?
An Emirates ID is a mandatory government-issued identity card for UAE citizens and residents that is essential for services like opening a bank account or accessing healthcare. To apply for an Emirates ID, use the ICP website or visit an accredited center.
Conclusion
Expats moving to Dubai must meet all legal requirements to maintain visa eligibility and to access services like medical care. Pacific Prime can help you find the best health insurance for Dubai. Call us at 1-800-868-1451 or use our online quote generator.
Serena earned her Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology from the University of British Columbia, Canada. As such, she is an avid advocate of mental health and is fascinated by all things psychology (especially if it’s cognitive psychology!).
Her previous work experience includes teaching toddlers to read, writing for a travel/wellness online magazine, and then a business news blog. These combined experiences give her the skills and insights she needs to explain complex ideas in a succinct way. Being the daughter of an immigrant and a traveler herself, she is passionate about educating expats and digital nomads on travel and international health insurance.
- Legal Requirements for Expats Living in Dubai - 12th May 2026
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- Mental Health and Dubai Health Insurance - 28th April 2026
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