Moving from Russia to the UAE in 2026: getting your Emirates ID
Residency is the very first question that comes up when relocating to any country. Which visa to choose, which documents to prepare and where to start if you have settled on the Emirates — we explain it step by step.
The United Arab Emirates is now one of the main destinations for Russians who have decided to change the country they live in. According to HSBC, the UAE ranks fourth in the world for relocation appeal. More than 140,000 people obtain residency here every year, and Russians are one of the fastest-growing groups among them.
The main advantage: Russians can enter the UAE without a visa for up to 90 days. That is quite enough time to look around, make a decision and start arranging residency on the spot.
Step 1. Choose the basis for your residence visa
The UAE has no residence permit or permanent residence in the usual sense. Instead there is a residence visa that has to be renewed periodically. It is what gives you the right to live, work, open accounts and bring your family.
The main options for Russians in 2025–2026:
Setting up a company — the most popular route. Registering a business in a free zone starts at 20,000 AED (~5,500 USD). The visa is issued for 2 years and can be renewed. No turnover is required at the start.
A digital nomad visa — if you work for a foreign employer and earn from 5,000 USD a month. The visa is issued for 1 year and can be renewed.
Investing in property — buying a property worth from 400,000 AED (~110,000 USD) in Dubai gives you the right to a two-year investor residence visa. A ten-year golden visa comes with investments from 2 million AED (~544,000 USD).
Employment with a local company — the company arranges the visa and covers the costs. It runs for 1–2 years and can be renewed indefinitely.
Step 2. Prepare your documents in Russia
Before you leave, it is important to gather a set of documents:
- A passport valid for at least 6 months
- Notarised translations of your education documents
- Marriage and children’s birth certificates (if you are bringing your family)
We also recommend giving a general power of attorney to a close relative or friend back in Russia who can sign documents on your behalf if the need arises.
Step 3. Arrival and arranging residency
After you land, what follows is a medical examination (including a number of tests), biometrics and the Emirates ID — the main identity document in the UAE. The whole process takes from 5 to 30 days depending on the type of visa.
Step 4. Everyday essentials
Renting a home, health insurance (compulsory for every resident), a SIM card, a bank account — all of it is arranged with the Emirates ID. Without it, nothing can be opened.
How long does the whole process take?
From the decision to the Emirates ID — two to four weeks on average, if you are well prepared. Mistakes in the paperwork or the wrong type of visa can stretch it out by several months and add extra costs.
Our advice: talk to relocation specialists early — before you buy the tickets. Choosing the right basis for the visa saves time, money and nerves.
The Wesupport team helps with any question related to relocation and legalisation in the UAE. Tell us what you need and we will suggest the best solution as quickly as possible.