The United Arab Emirates is one of the most attractive Middle Eastern countries for foreign citizens to relocate to. The emirate of Dubai is especially popular for healthcare professionals seeking to live and work in the UAE. In today’s blog, we will talk about: How long do expat doctors stay in Dubai?
What attracts expat doctors to Dubai?
Dubai is a futuristic, diverse city that blends modernity with a deep appreciation for history and culture, boasting a population where 85% are expat residents from diverse backgrounds, making it a true melting pot of cultures.
There is no shortage of arts and cultural experiences, as well as sports events, shopping, and dining. Dubai is a safe, family-friendly city with a wide choice of highly-rated international schools.
In a recent Expat Insider survey from InterNations, Dubai came second in the overall rankings for the best city in the world for expats. Dubai ranked highly for feeling welcome in the city, availability of services and quality of life.
The healthcare sector in the United Arab Emirates is one of the most rapidly expanding in the region, with the highest number of JCI accredited hospitals in the Middle East. There is a well-established and growing medical tourism sector in Dubai. While you can find learning Arabic useful, people of different nationalities widely speak and use English.
A recent survey by Expatra ranked Dubai as the top destination in the world to earn money and save for the future, helped by the fact that there is no income tax in the UAE.
Dubai’s economy and population is steadily growing as people are attracted to come to live and work here. Dubai, post-COVID-19, is a secure investment hub amid global economic uncertainty, with the UAE Dirham, linked to the US dollar, recognized for its global currency stability.
How long do expats stay in Dubai?
In previous decades, Dubai was considered a place for expats to come and work a few years or more. However, a number of government reforms are now encouraging expat doctors and healthcare professionals to stay longer and make Dubai their long-term home. A recent survey found that expats are now staying 3 times longer in Dubai on average.
What factors are encouraging expats to stay longer in Dubai?
Doctors, nurses and other healthcare professionals are among the categories of people who can apply for the 10–year Golden Visa. Other government initiatives encouraging expat doctors to stay in Dubai include 100 per cent foreign ownership in mainland companies and relaxation of visa rules including short-term and freelance visas.
What are the benefits of the golden visa?
The government issues golden visas for 10 years and can easily renew them. In the past, expat workers had their residence visas issued by the government based on employment, requiring renewal every two to three years.
Is it possible to get UAE citizenship?
Emirati citizenship, which confers naturalisation and an Emirati passport, can be granted to individuals nominated by government or royal court officials. People eligible for nomination include investors and highly skilled professionals who offer specialised talents or expertise to the country. These include foreign investors, doctors and scientists.
Experienced doctors in the UAE must join relevant organizations in their specialty. UAE residents with a minimum of 10 years experience in high-demand fields are eligible.
Obtaining UAE citizenship can be lengthy, prompting many doctors to choose the Golden Visa option due to its efficiency.
Can expats buy property in Dubai?
Foreigners can buy property in the UAE. In Dubai, there are around 50 Freehold Zones in which expats can purchase freehold properties, including the rights to the land.
All Expat doctors can still purchase properties with leaseholds the last age should be 50-99 years, but only locals are allowed to own land outside Freehold Zones.
Expats buy properties in Dubai for savings and investments. Buy-to-let is common due to the competitive real estate market. According to Knight Frank Consultancy, Prime residential market of dubai is set for the world’s strongest growth in 2023. Real estate market forecasts from leading experts agree that property prices in Dubai will continue to rise.
Is it possible to retire in Dubai?
Yes, as long as you have enough savings. In 2020, the Dubai Government introduced a new retirement visa. To apply for the retirement visa, you must be at least 55 years old and have either a monthly income of AED 15,000 or more, savings of at least 1 million AED, own an unmortgage property valued at leas. You also need a health insurance policy that meets the requirements for the UAE retirement visa.
Dubai is now a place where expats can build a long-term home
Expats consider Dubai a safe and attractive destination, particularly due to the opportunity to earn a tax-free salary. New visa and residence schemes also encourage doctors and other healthcare professionals to make Dubai their home for the long term. By saving wisely and investing in property, it is even possible to retire in Dubai.
