Why Should Expats Invest In The UAE

The recent decision by UAE lawmakers to issue new 10-year investment visas may well produce gains due to increased numbers of expats taking the plunge, but the reasons behind their decisions aren’t clear at present.

It seems the UAE’s new 10-year visas have a similar motivation to the much-derided, so-called ‘investment visas’ including passports and permanent residency now available in a number of first-world countries. The Gulf nation’s landmark decision will end the tiresome bi-annual visa applications for the lucky few, an attraction in itself, but what else will spur much-needed cash from overseas?

Basically, more flexibility as regards dependents’ and students’ rights as well as a boost to investors’ confidence are the main draws, along with an increased sense of security for long-stay investors already in the country. The new 10 year visas will also be offered to expat professionals in sectors including engineering and healthcare, with their families also able to take advantage of the new visa’s offerings. In addition, exceptional students on degree courses will also be able to apply.

One expat professional who was planning to send his son to a British university is now changing his plans and looking into UAE further education offerings as the extended visa will give enough time after graduation for his son to select a suitable job in the UAE without encountering immigration issues.

Another long-term 15-year investor with business in Eastern Europe as well as the Gulf States is especially pleased about the new visa. He’d recently opened a new office in Singapore, taking advantage of the city-state’s liberal investor visa laws, but is far happier to take up the UAE 10-year investment visa and concentrate on his already successful efforts in the emirate. Major players in the UAE’s business world are also praising the initiative for its boosting of investor confidence and farsightedness.