UAE

Residence permit vs. permanent residency: what’s the real difference?
A temporary residence permit grants the right to live abroad for a set number of years. It is often tied to employment, university enrolment, family reunification, or investment. Over time, one may become eligible for a permanent residence permit. This status allows indefinite stay and typically comes with fewer restrictions. This article explains the key differences between temporary and permanent residence permits, covering how they work, who qualifies, and why they matter for those looking to settle abroad.
Vladlena Baranova

UAE residence by investment for Americans: requirements for the Dubai Golden Visa
UAE Golden Visa, sometimes called Dubai Golden Visa, allows holders to reside in the UAE for 5 or 10 years. The minimum expense to obtain a Golden Visa to the UAE is $136,000 if owning a project. Foreigners pay $545,000 if they make a public investment or buy real estate. Property prices in the UAE are 70% lower than in the US. Americans can enjoy the benefits this country provides. Tax optimization, low crime rate, stable economy, professional opportunities, and high healthcare attract expats worldwide. With all of this, the cost of living is 50% lower than in the US. This article explains what is required to obtain a UAE Golden Visa.
Zlata Erlach

12 countries offering citizenship or residency by real estate investment in 2026
Wealthy people from all over the world buy properties abroad for various reasons. For example, to save money or get a holiday home. However, owning property is not enough to visit the country anytime or live there for as long as you want. That’s when a residence permit or citizenship is a must. Discover the countries where investors can combine business with pleasure by both purchasing liquid properties and obtaining a second passport or a residence permit.
Elena Ruda

11 top countries to move to after Brexit: updated for UK expats in 2026
It seems to only feel natural for Britons to seek variety. J.K. Rowling had completed the first three chapters of “Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone” while in Porto, Portugal, and Ian Fleming made James Bond’s ties with Switzerland obvious. It's estimated that around 5.5 million British citizens reside abroad. Britons move abroad to boost their quality of life, optimise taxes, and find a more affordable lifestyle. We’ve compiled a list of the best countries for Britons to move to.
Lyle Julien

16 easiest countries to get a residence permit: updated list for 2026
Many countries allow foreigners to obtain residence permits; however, some ways are more challenging than others.With a residence permit, you can live in another country for the long haul typically anywhere from 1 to 5 years. You can qualify for one in several ways: by proving your financial stability, owning property, or making an investment. Investment is one of the easiest ways to become a resident of a certain state. Many European countries have special programs designed for wealthy people who would like to become residents. Learn more about the easiest countries for getting a residence permit.
Albert Ioffe

UAE Golden Visa for Indian citizens: full guide with updated criteria
The UAE’s expatriate population is over 88%, and Indians represent its largest part — nearly 30%. This figure is expected to go even higher. Since 2022, the conditions for getting a 10-year residence visa have been eased. The government reduced the minimum investment to AED 2 million instead of AED 5 million and allowed more categories of people to apply. Let’s look into who can now obtain a Golden Visa in the UAE — and how to do it.
Lyle Julien

17 tax-free countries in 2026: where you can legally pay zero income tax
“Zero income tax country” might sound appealing to a wealthy person seeking to optimise their tax burden. However, there are several things to be considered when choosing a low-tax country to live in: the general lifestyle of the country, other taxes it imposes on its residents, and the availability of residency or citizenship for foreigners. Immigrant Invest experts share their ratings of the best tax-free countries to live in and an overview of other options.
Albert Ioffe

When achievement becomes nationality: 11 countries with citizenship by merit
Some countries grant citizenship not for money or years of residence but for excellence. Exceptional talent, achievements, and service can open the door to a passport. This rare path is reserved for those who stand out in science, business, culture, or sport and whose contributions align with national interests. Among the notable figures recognised in this way are Elon Musk and Tom Hanks. Explore how citizenship by merit works, which countries offer it, and what alternatives exist.
Vladlena Baranova

UAE citizenship explained: 4 smart ways to qualify as an investor
In 2021, the UAE began to offer more citizenship opportunities for foreigners. The goal is to attract investors, healthcare professionals, scientists, and exceptional talents, improving the state’s economy. Those investing in property can obtain UAE citizenship by exceptional merit and keep their first passport. A Property Investor Residence Visa, which allows investors to reside and run businesses in the UAE, optimise taxes, and access other benefits, can be the first step to a second passport.
Zlata Erlach

Cheapest Golden Visas: 13 updated EU and Caribbean options compared
Golden Visas are one the fastest ways for wealthy investors to become residents of a foreign country, and some options are absolute bargains. For example, it is possible to obtain residency in the EU by investing €50,000. In this article, we name the cheapest options to get a Golden Visa.
Albert Ioffe

25 top countries to buy real estate: full list for foreign investors
Buying property in another country allows investors to secure their funds, have a stable passive income, make a profit, and sometimes even obtain residency or citizenship in the country. Explore the easiest countries to buy property as a foreigner, where strong economies, growth potential, and a high quality of life offer fantastic opportunities.
Elena Ruda

8 updated options to get a UAE Residence Visa: from work to investment
The UAE offers different ways to obtain a residence visa, catering to different needs and circumstances. These include: 1. Investing in real estate. 1. Establishing a business. 1. Working for a UAE company. 1. Retiring in the UAE. 1. Enrolling in a university. 1. Getting a freelance visa. 1. Being a talented professional. 1. Being a close family member of UAE citizens or residents. UAE residents can live, work and study in the state for as long as their visa is valid. Let’s explore the different ways to become a resident of Dubai or one of the other emirates.
Zlata Erlach

Cost of living in the UAE in 2026: Dubai, Abu Dhabi, and real price insights
The UAE is a place where you can admire the cityscape from the top of a skyscraper and hear a dune singing its song on the same day. Being a cultural and tech hub, the UAE offers high living standards for $980, or AED 3,600, per month for one person and $3,400, or AED 12,500 for a family of four, excluding rent. Let’s discuss the cost of living in the three most popular cities in the country.
Zlata Erlach

Top 50 richest countries in the world ranked by GDP per capita
According to the IMF, the top fifty wealthiest countries included Brunei, the United States and Norway. The leader of the list in 2022 is a small European country. Let's talk about the primary sources of income of rich countries and what opportunities they offer foreigners.
Alevtina Kalmuk

How to sell investment property and keep residency or second citizenship
Buying real estate is one of the ways to legally obtain residency or citizenship in another country. All it takes is purchasing an apartment, house, or commercial property that meets the country’s requirements. In Greece, for example, buying a property for renovation worth at least €250,000 qualifies an investor for residency. In Türkiye, investing at least $400,000 in real estate makes one eligible for citizenship. Here is where investors buy property, whether they can rent it out, and how to keep residency when selling property.
Elena Kozyreva

15 crypto tax havens in 2026: optimise your taxes legally and fast
The first cryptocurrency emerged in 2009, and as this market is young, governments are still developing rules for handling crypto. While there are countries that ban cryptocurrency or impose taxes on it, there are countries with no crypto taxes. The list of the most crypto-friendly countries as of December 2023 includes Portugal, Malta, the UAE, Germany, Bermuda, the Cayman Islands, El Salvadore, Georgia, Singapore, Hong Kong, Malaysia, Puerto Rico, Switzerland, the British Virgin Islands, and Gibraltar.
Albert Ioffe

UAE Golden Visa benefits in 2026: 11 reasons investors choose Dubai
As of October 3, 2022, a 10-year Golden UAE visa is now available for investors. One of the ways to obtain it is by investing $545,000 in real estate. The UAE Golden Visa gives foreigners the right to live in the country for ten years with the possibility of renewing it. The applicants can bring family members and domestic helpers with them. Let’s look at all the Golden Visa benefits for both investors buying property in Dubai and foreign talents.
Zlata Erlach

11 best countries to move from Canada: where expats go next
Over 4 million Canadians live abroad, drawn by the promise of a lower cost of living, improved quality of life, or a change of scenery. While many choose the US, UK, and Australia, numerous other destinations offer enticing benefits such as tax incentives, warmer climates, and better work-life balance. Discover why and where Canadians are relocating, along with the residency options available to them.
Alevtina Kalmuk

Own property abroad tax-free: 21 countries where it’s possible
11 countries — including Malta, Vanuatu, and the UAE — do not levy taxes on real estate ownership. Some others, such as the Netherlands and St Kitts and Nevis, offer low property tax rates of no more than 0.5%. This article explores real estate taxation in 21 countries, offering a comprehensive guide to the taxes associated with owning property abroad.
Albert Ioffe

17 best countries for English speakers to live in: updated for 2026
Moving to a new country can be stressful, especially when language barriers make communication a challenge. Struggling to communicate using only gestures makes even simple tasks feel frustrating and overwhelming. Expats can skip this stress by choosing a destination where English is widely spoken. We've curated a list of 17 of the best countries for English speakers to live in, spanning Europe, the Caribbean, the Middle East, and Africa.
Alevtina Kalmuk

UAE Golden Visa for programmers: how tech talent can qualify fast
The UAE Digital Economy Strategy, approved by the UAE Cabinet in 2022, aims to attract 100,000 coders to the country to empower the UAE’s digital workforce. The goal of this strategy is to increase non-oil GDP from 11.7% to 20% by 2031. This is the reason why the UAE has launched the Golden Visa program for IT specialists. In this article, we focus on the Golden Visa for IT professionals: who can receive it, what documents are needed, pros and cons of this type of visa, and a step-by-step procedure for obtaining it.
Zlata Erlach

How to get a UAE Golden Visa: updated process and requirements
First, it is almost impossible to get UAE citizenship, even though 80% of residents are foreigners. But there are some ways to get a legal opportunity to live and work in the UAE, including the Golden Visa. The UAE Golden Visa is an alternative name for the program giving two- or ten-year residence permits for investors, entrepreneurs, or talented and demanded specialists. Here are some nuances and let’s observe them.
Zlata Erlach

Business in the UAE: how to open a company and get a visa in Dubai
Doing business in the UAE is one of the best ways to get a residence visa there. The minimum investment for obtaining it is $136,000. The country offers convenient conditions for business development: most companies are exempt from corporate tax, VAT is 15%, and a business can be registered remotely and even in a virtual commercial city. Entrepreneurs who open a company in the UAE can obtain a residence visa for 5 or 10 years.
Zlata Erlach

How to open a UAE bank account as a foreigner: updated process
Foreigners with residence permits can open any bank account in the UAE. The process is relatively simple and can be done entirely online. Non-residents have to come to the bank in person, prove their compliance with the strict requirements of anti-money laundering legislation and provide more documents, including: - a passport copy; - bank statements from the country of residence; - utility bills indicating the payer and the address; - written explanation of the purpose of account opening.
Zlata Erlach

How to get a UAE work visa: required documents and full process
Getting employed or relocating to the UAE as a remote worker entails many benefits like paying zero taxes on your professional income, participating in international projects and gaining access to banking services and quality healthcare. To start or develop a successful career in the Emirates, one needs a work permit and a residence visa. The good news is that it’s the employer’s task to apply for all necessary permits. The bad news is that you still have to collect all the required documents and pass a medical examination in the UAE. Getting a work visa usually takes about two months and AED 3,300, or $900. Learn more about the process details and benefits for expats.
Zlata Erlach

7 best Digital Nomad Visas for remote workers from Egypt in 2026
With a Digital Nomad Visa, Egyptian citizens can work remotely from over 40 countries, including European Union states like Portugal, Spain, Greece, and Malta. Each visa program has different requirements for potential applicants who need to prove a certain income amount from a foreign source, as well as buy or rent housing before obtaining the visa. Here’s a complete list of countries offering residence permits for remote workers, income requirements, and a handpicked selection of the best Digital Nomad Visas for Egyptians.
Albert Ioffe

UAE tax guide: what residents and investors should know in 2026
Individuals in the UAE do not pay income tax, and businesses are exempt from corporate tax until June 2023, with a 9% tax afterwards. There are high taxes for businesses dealing in products considered harmful by the UAE government: companies selling tobacco, energy drinks, soda, and products containing sugar are subject to a 50–100% tax.
Albert Ioffe

Buying property in the UAE: how expats can invest in real estate
The real estate market of the UAE is constantly expanding. Now 2.5 times more sale and purchase transactions are conducted in the Emirates than 5 years ago. Many apartment complexes and villas are built in areas where foreigners are allowed to buy them. When investors purchase real estate in the UAE, they may get an additional source of income and become eligible for a UAE Golden Visa.
Elena Ruda

UAE healthcare for foreigners: is it good and how does it work?
The UAE healthcare system is ranked in the top-50 in the world. Average life expectancy in the UAE is 80 years — only 4 years less than in Japan and Switzerland, which are world leaders in terms of life expectancy. Let us discuss how the healthcare system in the UAE works, how much medical services cost and who needs health insurance.
Zlata Erlach

45 Digital Nomad Visa countries: complete updated list for remote workers in 2026
45 countries around the world offer Digital Nomad Visas. They all have different requirements, benefits, costs of living, and climates. Thanks to this diversity, nomads can choose the most appropriate country for their needs. In this article, you will find a complete list of countries that offer Digital Nomad Visas with conditions and requirements that applicants should meet.
Albert Ioffe

Dubai long-term business visa: how investors can apply in 2026
Dubai is one of the world’s top destinations for doing business. Zero income tax attracts entrepreneurs from all over the world to obtain long-term business visas and operate a company in the UAE. Regular visas are granted to those who run a mainland or onshore company in the Emirates. Golden Visas require approval from a startup incubator or an investment of at least 2 million dirhams. Keep reading to learn the options for obtaining a business visa and decide which one to choose.
Zlata Erlach

How to choose the best country to move to: real relocation insights
The migration policy of many countries does not allow foreigners to obtain permanent residence without a temporary one. The exception is a few states that offer to get permanent residency by investment and skip the stage of temporary residence. The article discusses opportunities for immigration in different countries, and where it is cheaper to live and easier to settle.
Alevtina Kalmuk