Category: Migration

Only some European countries let you swap a UAE driving licence for a local one without tests.

• France exchanges it for all categories. The UAE is on France’s reciprocity list as of 1 May 2026.
• Spain does not. The UAE is not on the DGT exchange list.
• Ireland does not. The UAE is not a recognised state.
• The Netherlands exchanges it only if you have the 30% tax ruling. Otherwise you take Dutch tests.

Everywhere, you can drive on your UAE licence only for a limited time after becoming a resident, usually 6 months. After that you need the local licence.

Checked on 4 November 2026 against France’s official reciprocity list (1 May 2026), Spain’s DGT exchange page, and guides to Irish and Dutch exchange rules. Your home-country licence can matter more than your UAE one. Spain, for example, exchanges Philippine and Moroccan licences, but not UAE ones.

UAE driving licence exchange by country

Check your home-country licence too

Many expats hold both a UAE licence and a licence from their home country. Exchange agreements are based on the country that issued the licence, so the home licence can be the faster route:

• Spain has exchange agreements with the Philippines, Morocco, Algeria, Tunisia, Turkey, the UK, Japan, South Korea and several Latin American countries, among others.
• Ireland recognises licences from the UK, Australia, some Canadian provinces, Japan, South Korea, South Africa, Switzerland and a few others.
• Indian, Pakistani, Bangladeshi and Sri Lankan licences are not exchanged in Spain, Ireland or the Netherlands (outside the 30% ruling), so expect tests there.

Watch out: France only exchanges categories that were originally obtained by passing a theory and practical exam. If you got your UAE licence by exchanging another licence, France may look at the original one. Keep both if you can.

How to exchange your licence: step by step

1. Renew your UAE licence before you leave if it expires soon. Most countries only exchange a valid licence.
2. Bring the physical card. France does not exchange digital licences.
3. Get a translation if asked, or an International Driving Permit for your first months.
4. Register your residence, then apply to the licensing authority: ANTS (France), the municipality (Netherlands) or the Fahrerlaubnisbehörde (Germany).
5. Hand in your foreign licence. In the Netherlands you may not drive until the new licence is issued, usually 2 to 6 weeks.
6. If your licence can’t be exchanged, book theory and practical tests well before your grace period ends.

Questions people ask

Can I exchange my UAE driving licence in France?

Yes. The UAE is on France’s reciprocity list for all categories, provided the licence is valid, a physical card, and was obtained by exam.

Can I exchange a UAE licence in Spain?

No. You can drive on it for 6 months after becoming a resident, then you need a Spanish licence.

Can I use my UAE licence in the Netherlands?

For up to 185 days after registering. Only holders of the 30% tax ruling can exchange it without tests.

Is a UAE licence valid for tourists in Europe?

For short visits it is generally accepted, often with an International Driving Permit. The exchange rules here apply once you become a resident.

Related guides

• Leaving the UAE for Europe: the complete checklist
• How to move to Europe from the UAE

Sources

• French Ministry for Europe and Foreign Affairs: Reciprocity list for licence exchange, 1 May 2026
• DGT (Spain): Exchange of foreign licences
• Irish exchange rules: recognised states (April 2026)
• Dutch exchange rules and the 30% ruling: guide

Written by Asad Waleed M, Dubai. Asad has lived in the UAE for nine years and researches visa rules from government sources. He is not an immigration lawyer or consultant, and Sifqa does not process applications or sell visa services. Read the editorial policy.

Last checked 4 November 2026. Exchange lists change. Check the official list before you apply. Found an error? Email [email protected] and it will be fixed and logged.

Anyone legally living in the EU has the right to a basic bank account. This comes from the EU Payment Accounts Directive. The bank must open the account or refuse it within 10 business days of a complete application. In practice, each country first wants a local number or registration:

• Germany: address registration (Anmeldung)
• Netherlands: a citizen service number (BSN)
• Spain: a foreigner’s identity number (NIE)
• Portugal: a tax number (NIF)
• Ireland: proof of address, and often a Personal Public Service Number (PPSN)

Plan to keep a UAE account open for your first weeks. Keep proof of where your money came from: salary, gratuity, a property sale or savings.

Checked on 4 November 2026 against Directive 2014/92/EU (Article 16), the Portuguese D7 checklist used in the UAE, and the German Consulate General Dubai guidance on blocked accounts and registration.

What you need to open a bank account, by country

Your legal right to a basic bank account

• Who has the right: anyone legally resident in the EU, including people with no fixed address yet.
• Deadline: the bank must open the account or refuse it within 10 business days of a complete application.
• Refusals: a bank must refuse if opening the account would breach anti-money-laundering rules. That is why clear source-of-funds documents matter.
• Features: a basic account lets you receive salary, pay rent and use a debit card. It does not include credit.

How to set up your banking when moving from the UAE: step by step

1. Before you leave the UAE: collect 12 months of stamped bank statements, a bank reference letter, salary certificates and your gratuity letter.
2. Get the local number early, if the country allows it from abroad: a NIF for Portugal or a NIE for Spain.
3. Arrive with a bridge: a multi-currency card or a digital bank account, so you can pay deposits and daily costs in your first weeks.
4. Register your address where required (Germany, the Netherlands, Spain). Then open a local bank account with your passport, visa or residence card, and registration.
5. Give your employer the new IBAN before your first payday.
6. Move your savings in planned amounts, with documents ready to explain where the money came from.

Digital banks: useful, with limits

App-based banks and multi-currency accounts can be opened quickly with your passport, and give you a European IBAN. But many require you to already live in an EEA country, and some landlords, employers or authorities prefer an account with a local bank. Use a digital account as a bridge, and open a local account once you have registered.

Moving money from the UAE without problems

• Keep proof of where the money came from. Salary certificates, end-of-service letters, property sale contracts and investment statements.
• Explain large deposits before the bank asks. Sudden large transfers from a country without income tax often trigger compliance questions.
• Avoid cash. Carrying €10,000 or more in cash into or out of the EU must be declared at customs.
• Think about tax before moving large sums. Once you are tax resident in Europe, interest and investment income are usually taxed there.

German blocked account for students

Students going to Germany open a blocked account (Sperrkonto) from the UAE before the visa appointment and deposit €11,904 for the year. After arrival, €992 is released each month. See study in Europe from the UAE.

Questions people ask

Can I open a European bank account from Dubai before moving?

Yes in Portugal (with a NIF) and often in Spain (with a NIE). In Germany, the Netherlands and Ireland, you usually open one after arriving and registering your address.

Can a European bank refuse me as a newcomer?

Not for a basic account if you are legally resident, unless anti-money-laundering rules require it. The bank must decide within 10 business days.

Should I close my UAE bank account when I move?

Not straight away. Keep it open until your final salary, gratuity and deposit refunds arrive. Ask your bank whether it allows non-resident accounts.

Do I need a Portuguese bank account for the D7 visa?

Yes. The D7 checklist in the UAE asks for Portuguese bank documents, so you need a NIF and an account before applying.

Related guides

• Leaving the UAE for Europe: the complete checklist
• Renting a home in Europe from the UAE
• Portugal D7 and digital nomad visa from the UAE

Sources

• Directive 2014/92/EU: Article 16, right of access to a basic payment account
• VFS Global Portugal UAE: D7 checklist
• German Consulate General Dubai: National visas (blocked account)

Written by Asad Waleed M, Dubai. Asad has lived in the UAE for nine years and researches visa rules from government sources. He is not an immigration lawyer, financial adviser or consultant, and Sifqa does not process applications or sell visa or financial services. Read the editorial policy.

Last checked 4 November 2026. Found an error? Email [email protected] and it will be fixed and logged.

When you rent a home in Europe from the UAE, three things decide whether it goes smoothly: knowing the legal deposit limit, having documents that replace a local credit history, and never paying before you have seen the home and signed a contract. The legal deposit limit is 3 months’ rent in Germany, 2 in the Netherlands, and 1 in Ireland. Most people book furnished temporary housing for the first 1 to 3 months, then rent long-term once they can view homes in person. After moving in, you usually must register your address within days.

Checked on 4 November 2026 against Irish rent law (Residential Tenancies Act), the Dutch Good Landlordship Act guidance, German civil law and French service-public guidance. Your visa may need a lease first: Portugal’s D7 asks for a signed lease with the application.

How much deposit can a landlord in Europe ask for?

For comparison, Dubai landlords usually ask for 5% of annual rent as a deposit, but rent is often paid in 1 to 4 cheques up front. In Europe it is the other way round: a larger deposit, then rent paid monthly by bank transfer.

Documents landlords ask for, and what to use from the UAE

Ask your current UAE landlord for a reference letter before you leave. It is one of the few documents that reassures a European landlord when you have no local history.

How to find a home from Dubai: step by step

1. Check whether your visa needs an address first. Portugal’s D7 needs a signed lease. Spain’s non-lucrative visa asks for your Spanish address on the form. Most work visas do not need a lease up front.
2. Book furnished temporary housing for the first 1 to 3 months through a serviced apartment or a known platform. Make sure it allows address registration if the country requires it.
3. Prepare a renter file: passport, visa, employment contract, employer letter, UAE bank statements and your landlord reference.
4. View homes in person or by live video call with the landlord or a registered agent.
5. Sign a written contract before paying, then pay the deposit by bank transfer to an account in the landlord’s or agency’s name.
6. Register your address as soon as you move in. In Germany you need a landlord confirmation form (Wohnungsgeberbestätigung) for the Anmeldung.

Why address registration matters

In Germany, the Netherlands and Spain, registering your address unlocks almost everything else. You need it for your tax number and citizen service number, to open a bank account, to collect your residence card and to start a job contract. Choose temporary housing that lets you register. Some short-term rentals do not.

Rental scams aimed at people moving from abroad

• The landlord is “abroad” and will post the keys after you pay the deposit. This is the classic scam.
• Payment by money transfer service, crypto or gift cards, or to a personal account in a third country
• A price far below the area’s market rent, with professional photos copied from other listings
• Pressure to pay today because “many people from Dubai are interested”
• No live viewing. Refuse to pay if the landlord won’t show the flat on a live video call.

Check before paying: reverse-search the photos, ask for the landlord’s ID and proof of ownership, and in the Netherlands check the owner in the land registry (Kadaster). Pay only after you have signed a contract.

Questions people ask

Can I rent a flat in Europe before I arrive from Dubai?

Yes, but only after a live viewing and a signed contract. Most newcomers book temporary furnished housing first and rent long-term after arriving.

How much deposit is legal in Germany?

Up to 3 months’ net rent, excluding utilities. You can pay it in 3 monthly instalments.

What is the maximum deposit in Ireland?

1 month’s rent, plus no more than 1 month of rent in advance, under section 19B of the Residential Tenancies Act 2004.

Do I need a lease for the Portugal D7 visa?

Yes. The UAE checklist asks for a lease signed by landlord and tenant on the last page and initialled on every page.

Related guides

• Leaving the UAE for Europe: the complete checklist
• How to move to Europe from the UAE
• Portugal D7 and digital nomad visa from the UAE

Sources

• Ireland deposit and advance rent limits (section 19B, RTA 2004): summary
• Government of the Netherlands: Good rental and the Good Landlordship Act
• German Consulate General Dubai: Registration within 2 weeks after arrival
• VFS Global Portugal UAE: D7 checklist (lease requirement)

Written by Asad Waleed M, Dubai. Asad has lived in the UAE for nine years and researches visa rules from government sources. He is not an immigration lawyer or consultant, and Sifqa does not process applications or sell visa services. Read the editorial policy.

Last checked 4 November 2026. Found an error? Email [email protected] and it will be fixed and logged.

To find a job in Europe from the UAE, target employers that can actually sponsor a work permit, in occupations Europe is short of, at a salary above the visa threshold. Search the official portals (EURES, Make it in Germany, the German Federal Employment Agency’s job board), the employers on the Netherlands’ IND recognised sponsor register, and roles on Ireland’s Critical Skills list. Most hiring is done by video interview, and no real employer charges you for a job offer.

Checked on 4 November 2026. A job offer only matters if it clears the visa rules. 2026 salary minimums are €50,700 a year for a German EU Blue Card (€45,934.20 for shortage jobs), €5,942 a month for a Dutch highly skilled migrant aged 30+, and €40,904 a year for an Irish Critical Skills permit.

Where to search for European jobs from Dubai

Anyone can browse EURES vacancies, but some EURES services are aimed mainly at EU and EEA citizens. Treat it as a market map, then apply directly to employers.

A 6-step plan for your job search

1. Pick one or two countries based on language, your profession and the work-permit rules. Germany, the Netherlands and Ireland suit English-speaking professionals best. See routes compared.
2. Check the salary floor. Search only for roles that pay above the work-permit threshold.
3. Get your qualifications ready. For Germany, check your degree on anabin or apply to the ZAB early. See degree recognition for Germany.
4. Rewrite your CV in the European style (see below).
5. Apply directly and say clearly in the first line: “I live in Dubai and will need visa sponsorship.” Recruiters filter on this.
6. Interview by video. Dubai is 3 hours ahead of Central Europe in winter and 2 hours ahead in summer. Offer slots in the late afternoon UAE time.

How to write a European-style CV

• Keep it to 2 pages, and make it achievement-led: what you improved, with numbers.
• Leave out personal details usually shown on Gulf CVs, such as religion, marital status and passport number. In the Netherlands and Ireland, leave out the photo and date of birth too. A professional photo is still common in Germany.
• State your work-permit situation: “Non-EU national, UAE resident, requires sponsorship. Available with 1–3 months’ notice.”
• Translate UAE job titles into common European terms, and explain local employers in a few words (sector, size).
• Show language levels using the CEFR scale (A1–C2). The free Europass CV builder uses it.

Comparing a UAE salary with a European salary

European salaries are quoted gross, before income tax and social security. UAE salaries are tax-free and often include housing and transport allowances. To compare them:

• Use the country’s official or bank net-salary calculator to estimate take-home pay.
• Add what the employer covers in Europe: health insurance, pension, paid leave (often 25–30 days) and parental leave.
• Subtract rent. Housing is rarely paid for by the employer in Europe.
• Ask about relocation support: flights, temporary housing, and, in the Netherlands, the 30% (from 2027, 27%) tax ruling.

How to spot European job scams targeting the UAE

• Paying for a job is the biggest warning sign. Agents in Dubai who charge thousands of dirhams for a “European work visa” or a “guaranteed job in Poland, Lithuania or Malta” are a common trap.
• Offer letters with no interview, sent from free email addresses or with spelling errors, are often fake.
• “Schengen work visa in 2 weeks” does not exist. A Schengen visit visa does not allow work.
• Verify the employer. Check the Dutch IND register, the company’s official website and the national company register, and phone the company’s main number yourself.
• Government fees go to the government or its official visa centre (VFS Global, BLS International, TLScontact), never to a personal account.

No offer yet? Ways to search from inside Europe

• Germany’s Opportunity Card lets skilled workers live in Germany for up to a year while looking for work. See Opportunity Card from the UAE.
• A master’s degree in Europe gives graduates time to find work after study, for example 18 months in Germany. See study in Europe from the UAE.

Questions people ask

Can I get a job in Europe while living in Dubai?

Yes. Most international hiring in Germany, the Netherlands and Ireland is done by video interview. The employer then supports your work-permit application from the UAE.

Which European country hires the most foreign workers from the UAE?

Germany has the largest shortage-job market. For English-only professionals, the Netherlands and Ireland are easier.

How do I know if a Dutch company can sponsor me?

Check the IND’s public register of recognised sponsors. If the company is not listed, it cannot sponsor a highly skilled migrant permit.

Should I pay an agent for a European job?

No. Genuine employers and licensed recruiters are paid by the employer. Paying for a job offer is the most common sign of a scam.

Do I need to speak the local language?

Not for many tech, engineering and finance roles in Germany, the Netherlands and Ireland. Healthcare and customer-facing jobs usually need it.

Related guides

• Netherlands Highly Skilled Migrant visa from the UAE
• Ireland Critical Skills Employment Permit from the UAE
• Leaving the UAE for Europe: checklist

Sources

• European Commission: What EURES can do for you
• IND: Public register of recognised sponsors
• Department of Enterprise (Ireland): Critical Skills Employment Permit
• Make it in Germany: Official portal for skilled workers

Written by Asad Waleed M, Dubai. Asad has lived in the UAE for nine years and researches visa rules from government sources. He is not an immigration lawyer or consultant, and Sifqa does not process applications or sell visa services. Read the editorial policy.

Last checked 4 November 2026. Found an error? Email [email protected] and it will be fixed and logged.

Before you move from the UAE to Europe, do three things in this order.

1. Collect and attest every UAE document you may need while you still have an Emirates ID.
2. Get the European visa into your passport.
3. Only then cancel your UAE residence, settle your gratuity, bank and bills, and leave within your grace period.

Cancelling the UAE visa too early is the most common and most expensive mistake. Many European consulates will not take your application without a valid UAE residence permit.

Checked on 4 November 2026 against the UAE Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA), UAE labour law (Federal Decree-Law 33 of 2021), the European Commission’s pet travel rules and German customs guidance on transferring residence.

What order should you do things in?

Documents to get while you still live in the UAE

• UAE police clearance certificate. European visas and permits often ask for one, and it is easiest to get with a valid Emirates ID. See UAE police clearance for immigration.
• MOFA attestation of UAE-issued documents such as marriage, birth, police and experience certificates. You apply online with UAE PASS, and personal documents cost AED 150 each. See MOFA attestation for European visas.
• Experience certificates and salary letters from every UAE employer. European employers, recognition offices and visa officers ask for them, and they are hard to get once you have left.
• School records: a transfer certificate and the last reports for each child, attested if the new school asks.
• Medical and vaccination records for the whole family, in English.
• Tax residency certificate from the UAE Federal Tax Authority, if you may need to prove where you were tax resident before the move.

Cancelling your UAE residence visa

• Do it last. Embassies in the UAE, such as the German Consulate in Dubai or the Spanish Embassy in Abu Dhabi, expect a valid UAE residence permit when you apply.
• Your employer cancels an employment visa. You sign the labour cancellation. Family members sponsored by you must be cancelled first.
• Grace period: after cancellation you have a set number of days to leave or change status. It depends on your category, from 30 days up to 180 days for Golden and Green Visa holders. You can see your own period in the ICP or GDRFA app.
• Golden Visa holders can usually stay outside the UAE for long periods without losing the visa. You may be able to keep it as a base for returning. See outside the UAE for more than 6 months.

Your end-of-service gratuity

Example: with a basic salary of AED 10,000 a month and 4 years’ service, the gratuity is 4 × 21 days of basic pay. That works out to about AED 27,600 to AED 28,000, depending on whether the daily wage is taken as the monthly basic ÷ 30 or the annual basic ÷ 365. Ask for a written breakdown before signing any “all dues received” form. If dues are unpaid, complain to the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation (MOHRE).

Bank, loans, bills and car

• Clear loans and credit cards before you leave. Unpaid debts can lead to civil cases and travel bans if you ever return.
• Keep one UAE account open for a few weeks so your final salary, gratuity and deposit refunds can arrive. Ask the bank whether it allows non-resident accounts.
• Get a bank reference letter and 12 months of stamped statements. Some European banks and landlords ask for them.
• Tenancy: give notice as your contract requires, so you are not charged a penalty. Close electricity, water, internet and phone services and collect your deposits.
• Car: pay all traffic and toll fines, then sell it and transfer ownership, or export it. Check first whether your EU country will register a UAE-spec car.
• Driving licence: some European countries exchange a UAE licence directly, while others require tests. Check with the destination before your UAE licence expires. See exchanging a UAE driving licence in Europe.

Moving pets from the UAE to Europe

The UAE is on the EU’s list of approved non-EU countries for pet travel, so dogs and cats coming from the UAE do not need a rabies antibody blood test. They still need a microchip, a valid rabies vaccination given after microchipping, an EU animal health certificate, and a UAE export permit. Allow at least a month.

Shipping household goods duty-free

EU customs rules let you bring personal belongings without import duty when you move your main residence to the EU. The usual conditions, using Germany as the example, are:

• You lived outside the EU (for example, in the UAE) for at least 12 months.
• You owned and used the items for at least 6 months before the move.
• You import them within 12 months of moving.
• You do not sell, lend or rent them out for 12 months after import.

Alcohol and tobacco are excluded. Keep invoices and a detailed packing list.

Five mistakes to avoid

1. Cancelling the UAE visa before the European visa is issued
2. Leaving without a police clearance or attested documents
3. Signing a final settlement form before the gratuity is paid
4. Closing every UAE bank account before final payments arrive
5. Missing your grace period and paying overstay fines

Questions people ask

Should I cancel my UAE visa before applying for a European visa?

No. Apply while your UAE residence is valid, because the consulate in the UAE usually requires it. Cancel only once the European visa is in your passport.

How is UAE gratuity calculated?

21 days of basic wage for each of the first 5 years and 30 days for each year after that, capped at 2 years’ wages, after at least 1 year of service.

Can I get a UAE police clearance after I leave?

Usually yes, through the UAE embassy where you live, but it is slower. It is much easier to get one before you cancel your residence.

Does my dog need a rabies blood test to move from Dubai to Europe?

No. The UAE is an EU-listed country, so no titre test is needed. A microchip, a rabies vaccination and an EU health certificate are still required.

Do I pay customs duty on furniture shipped from the UAE?

Usually not, if you lived outside the EU for 12 months, used the items for 6 months, and import them within 12 months of moving.

Related guides

• How to move to Europe from the UAE: all routes compared
• MOFA attestation of UAE documents for European visas
• Finding a job in Europe from the UAE

Sources

• UAE Ministry of Foreign Affairs: Attestation FAQs and fees
• Gulf News: UAE gratuity guide 2026
• Khaleej Times: Grace periods after visa cancellation
• European Commission: Listed non-EU countries for pet movement
• German Customs: Transferring residence

Written by Asad Waleed M, Dubai. Asad has lived in the UAE for nine years and researches visa rules from government sources. He is not an immigration lawyer or consultant, and Sifqa does not process applications or sell visa services. Read the editorial policy.

Last checked 4 November 2026. Found an error? Email [email protected] and it will be fixed and logged.

If you are a non-EU citizen married to an EU citizen and you live together in the UAE, you can usually move to Europe under the EU free-movement rules (Directive 2004/38/EC). These rules apply when your spouse moves to an EU country other than their own, for example a French citizen moving to Spain. You then get a free visa through a faster procedure and, after arrival, a residence card valid for 5 years with the right to work. If your spouse is moving back to their own country, that country’s national family rules apply instead, and these can include language tests and income checks.

Checked on 4 November 2026 against Directive 2004/38/EC, EU guidance and consulate pages for family members of EU citizens. In this situation your spouse’s EU passport drives the process. Your own passport only decides whether you need an entry visa. Your UAE residence means you apply at the consulate in the UAE.

Which rules apply to you?

Who counts as a family member?

• Spouse, in a marriage recognised by the destination country
• Registered partner, where the destination country treats registered partnerships like marriage
• Children under 21, or older dependent children, of either of you
• Dependent parents of either of you
• Unmarried long-term partners and other dependent relatives are not automatic. The country must make entry easier for them, but it assesses each case.

What EU free movement gives you

• A free entry visa, if your passport needs one, issued as quickly as possible. When you apply directly at the consulate, there is no visa fee. A visa centre may still charge for optional services.
• No language test, and no separate income test for you. Your EU spouse must work, be self-employed, study, or have enough money and health insurance to stay beyond 3 months.
• A residence card (“Residence card of a family member of a Union citizen”), issued within 6 months of applying and valid for 5 years
• The right to work as an employee or self-employed, from day one
• Permanent residence after 5 years of living there together legally
• Visa-free travel to other Schengen countries with your EU spouse while you hold the card

How to move from the UAE: step by step

1. Confirm which rules apply using the table above. If it is the spouse’s own country, follow that country’s national family visa instead.
2. Prepare your marriage certificate. A UAE-issued certificate is attested by MOFA and then, if the destination country asks, legalised by its embassy. The UAE is not part of the Apostille Convention. A certificate from your home country needs that country’s apostille or legalisation. Get a certified translation if it is in Arabic.
3. Collect proof of the EU citizen’s status: their passport or ID card, and evidence that they are moving with you, such as a job offer, a lease, or a statement that they are travelling with you.
4. Apply for the visa in the UAE at the consulate or its visa centre. Say clearly that the application is under Directive 2004/38. Bring your UAE residence permit and Emirates ID.
5. Travel together, or join your spouse. Entry is usually with a short-stay type visa issued free under the directive.
6. Register and apply for the residence card within the first 3 months. The country must issue it within 6 months.
7. Cancel your UAE residence last, once the European visa is in your passport.

Documents checklist

• Your passport, plus a copy of your UAE residence permit and Emirates ID
• Your spouse’s EU passport or national ID card
• Marriage certificate, attested or legalised as above, with a translation
• Birth certificates for children, and proof of dependency for children aged 21 or over and for parents
• Evidence that your spouse is moving or already lives there: an employment contract, a lease or a registration certificate
• Photos and the visa form for the destination country

Consulates cannot demand the long list of documents used for normal tourist visas, such as hotel bookings or travel insurance, from family members under the directive. Expect some variation in practice.

If your spouse is moving back to their own country

National rules apply, and they differ widely between countries. Two examples:

• Germany (German spouse): the non-EU spouse generally needs basic German (A1) before the visa, with exemptions for some nationalities and hardship cases. You apply at the German Consulate General in Dubai.
• Netherlands (Dutch spouse): the Dutch partner must meet an income requirement, from 1 July 2026 a gross €2,337 a month excluding holiday allowance. Most non-EU partners must also pass the civic integration exam abroad.

UAE-specific points

• Civil marriages in Abu Dhabi for non-Muslims produce certificates that are widely used abroad. They still need MOFA attestation.
• Only one spouse can join under EU rules. Polygamous marriages are not recognised for a second spouse.
• Marriages of convenience are refused, and consulates may interview both of you. Keep proof that you live together in the UAE, such as a joint tenancy contract, the Emirates ID addresses and photos.
• Your UAE sponsorship: if your EU spouse sponsors your UAE visa, cancelling their visa first can end yours. Plan the order of cancellations.

Questions people ask

Is the visa free for the spouse of an EU citizen?

Yes, under the EU free-movement rules, when the EU citizen moves to or lives in an EU country other than their own. Visa centres may charge for optional services.

Can I work in Europe as the spouse of an EU citizen?

Yes. Under EU free movement you can work as an employee or self-employed without a separate work permit.

My wife is German and we live in Dubai. Do EU rules apply if we move to Germany?

Usually not. Moving to your spouse’s own country falls under German national rules, which normally require A1 German. EU rules would apply if you moved to, say, Austria or the Netherlands.

How long is the EU family residence card valid?

Up to 5 years, or the planned length of the EU citizen’s stay if shorter. After 5 years together you can get permanent residence.

Do I need to attest my UAE marriage certificate?

Yes. A UAE marriage certificate needs UAE MOFA attestation, and some countries also want legalisation by their embassy and a certified translation.

Related guides

• How to move to Europe from the UAE: all routes compared
• Visa application centres in the UAE by country
• Outside the UAE for more than 6 months

Sources

• EUR-Lex: Directive 2004/38/EC on free movement
• Your Europe: Residence cards for non-EU family members
• Embassy of Belgium (example of consulate practice): Third-country family members and the EU directive
• IND: Required amounts 2026 (family reunification)
• German Consulate General Dubai: National visas, including spouses of German and EU nationals

Written by Asad Waleed M, Dubai. Asad has lived in the UAE for nine years and researches visa rules from government sources. He is not an immigration lawyer or consultant, and Sifqa does not process applications or sell visa services. Read the editorial policy.

Last checked 4 November 2026. Family cases vary; check with the consulate before you apply. Found an error? Email [email protected] and it will be fixed and logged.

A European student visa from the UAE needs three things: an admission letter, proof of funds for living costs, and an application at the right mission in the UAE. In 2026 the minimum living funds are €11,904 a year for Germany (in a blocked account), about €13,569 for the Netherlands, €10,000 for Ireland and €10,530 for France. Public universities in most German states charge no tuition, even for non-EU students. Studying is also one of the most reliable ways to settle in Europe, because all four countries let graduates stay on to look for work.

Checked on 4 November 2026 against the German Consulate General in Dubai, the IND (Netherlands), the Irish Immigration Service and Campus France UAE. Your passport decides whether you need an entry visa. Your UAE residence means you apply in the UAE, and you must keep it valid while you apply.

Student visa costs compared (2026)

In AED, living funds work out to roughly AED 48,000 for Germany, AED 54,700 for the Netherlands, AED 40,300 for Ireland and AED 42,400 for France each year (at about AED 4.03 to €1). Germany adds a semester contribution of about €70 to €430, and health insurance costs about €130 to €150 a month.

How to get a European student visa from the UAE: step by step

1. Check that your school certificate qualifies. British A-levels, IB and American diplomas are widely accepted. Some Indian (CBSE) and Pakistani certificates may need an extra year of university or a foundation course for German bachelor’s programmes.
2. Apply to universities. In Germany, many universities use uni-assist. Dutch and Irish universities take direct applications. French universities use the Études en France platform.
3. Arrange your funds. For Germany, open a blocked account and deposit €11,904. For the other countries, prepare bank statements; parents’ statements usually need a sponsorship letter.
4. Get health insurance that is valid in the destination country from the day you arrive.
5. Apply for the visa in the UAE. Use the German Consulate in Dubai, the Dutch MVV process, VFS Global for Ireland, or Campus France and then VFS for France.
6. Register after arrival: address registration and residence permit in Germany and the Netherlands, the IRP (€300, Stamp 2) in Ireland, and online validation of the VLS-TS visa in France.

Germany

• Blocked account: €11,904 a year, released at €992 a month after you arrive.
• Visa: €75, paid in cash in AED at the Consulate General in Dubai. It is the only German mission in the UAE that handles visas. Processing usually takes 6 to 12 weeks, so apply early.
• Language: English-taught master’s programmes need IELTS or TOEFL. German-taught programmes need German, usually at C1 level.
• Work while studying: 140 full days or 280 half days a year.
• After graduating: up to 18 months to find a job related to your degree.

Netherlands

• Who applies: the university, as an IND recognised sponsor, applies for your residence permit. You then collect the MVV at the Dutch Consulate General in Dubai, booked through VFS Global, if your nationality needs one.
• Funds: €1,130.77 a month for 2026 for university and higher professional education, for 12 months. You can often pay this amount to the university as a deposit.
• After graduating: the orientation year (zoekjaar) lets you look for work for 1 year. You can then switch to a highly skilled migrant permit at the reduced salary of €3,122 a month. See Netherlands Highly Skilled Migrant from the UAE.

Ireland

• Funds: immediate access to at least €10,000 for a one-year course, plus the same for each later year. This has applied since 30 June 2025.
• Visa: fill in the AVATS form online, submit at VFS Global in Dubai or Abu Dhabi, and the Irish Embassy in Abu Dhabi decides. Passports must be valid for 12 months.
• Work while studying: part-time work is allowed on Stamp 2.
• After graduating: the Third Level Graduate Programme (Stamp 1G) lets you stay and look for work. A Critical Skills permit is open to recent graduates at a lower salary of €36,848. See Ireland Critical Skills permit from the UAE.

France

1. Get admission to a French university or school.
2. Complete the Études en France file with Campus France UAE. You need your passport, Emirates ID, CV, degrees and transcripts, the admission letter and a language test.
3. Pay the pre-consular fee by bank transfer; cash and card are not accepted. Then attend the Campus France interview.
4. Fill in the France-Visas form and submit at VFS Global in Abu Dhabi. The visa fee is €50 (about AED 201), plus a VFS charge of AED 99.08.

New in 2026: from 1 August 2026, France requires students to show at least €877.50 a month, which is 47% of the gross minimum wage (decree 2026-526). The old figure was €615. Start at least 2 months before departure.

UAE-specific points for students and parents

• Your UAE residence must stay valid until the visa is issued. Check your residence status before applying if it is under a parent’s sponsorship.
• Using parents’ funds: include a sponsorship letter, the parent’s bank statements, salary certificate and passport copy. Germany needs the money in your own blocked account instead.
• Translations: Arabic school or university documents need certified translations. Keep MOFA-attested copies ready in case a mission asks.
• Coming back to the UAE: if you study abroad for more than 6 months, your UAE residence may be cancelled unless you are exempt or get a re-entry permit. See outside the UAE for more than 6 months.

Questions people ask

Which European country is cheapest to study in from the UAE?

Germany, because most public universities charge no tuition for non-EU students. You still need €11,904 a year in a blocked account for living costs.

Where do I apply for a German student visa in the UAE?

At the German Consulate General in Dubai, which covers the whole UAE. Appointments are run through VFS Global.

How much money do I need for a French student visa in 2026?

At least €877.50 a month (€10,530 a year) for applications made from 1 August 2026.

Can I work while studying in Europe?

Yes, part-time in all four countries, within limits. For example, Germany allows 140 full days or 280 half days a year.

Can I stay in Europe after studying?

Yes. Germany gives up to 18 months to find a job, the Netherlands a one-year orientation year, and Ireland the graduate Stamp 1G.

Related guides

• How to move to Europe from the UAE: all routes compared
• Getting your degree recognised in Germany from the UAE
• UK student visa from the UAE

Sources

• German Consulate General Dubai: National visa information; blocked account amount: €11,904 for 2026
• IND: Required amounts 2026
• Irish Immigration Service: Student finance requirement
• Campus France UAE: Student visa procedure; France 2026 resources rule: decree 2026-526 summary
• Non-EU tuition in German states: 2026 tracker

Written by Asad Waleed M, Dubai. Asad has lived in the UAE for nine years and researches visa rules from government sources. He is not an immigration lawyer or consultant, and Sifqa does not process applications or sell visa services. Read the editorial policy.

Last checked 4 November 2026. Funds requirements change every year. Found an error? Email [email protected] and it will be fixed and logged.

To work in Germany on an EU Blue Card or as a skilled worker, your degree usually has to be recognised as comparable to a German degree. First check the anabin database. If your university is rated H+ and your degree is listed as equivalent, printouts of both entries are enough. If it is not listed, apply online to the ZAB (Central Office for Foreign Education) for a Statement of Comparability, which costs €208 and takes about 3 months. Doctors, nurses, pharmacists, teachers and other regulated professions need formal recognition from a German state authority, which is a separate process.

Checked on 4 November 2026 against the German government’s Recognition in Germany portal, the German Consulate General in Dubai and the VFS Global employment checklist for Germany in the UAE. This guide covers the recognition step only. For the visa itself, see Germany Opportunity Card and EU Blue Card from the UAE.

Do you need degree recognition for Germany?

Not sure whether your job is regulated? Use the Recognition Finder on the official Recognition in Germany portal. It names the authority for your profession and your target German state.

How to check your degree on anabin

Your degree counts as comparable only if all three conditions are met:

1. Your university is listed in anabin with the status H+, or H+/-.
2. Your degree type (for example, Bachelor of Engineering) is listed as equivalent or corresponding to a German degree.
3. For an H+/- university, your specific degree must also be listed under that university.

If all three match, print both the institution entry and the degree entry. The VFS Global checklist for German employment visas in the UAE asks Blue Card applicants for both anabin printouts.

Degrees earned in the UAE: what to watch for

• Federal and accredited UAE universities are usually searched under “United Arab Emirates” in anabin. Check the exact university name and the degree.
• Branch campuses in Dubai or Ras Al Khaimah free zones are often assessed through the home university, for example a UK, Indian or Australian institution, and may not appear under the UAE. Check how your certificate names the awarding institution. If the result is unclear, use the ZAB.
• A UAE equivalency certificate from the UAE Ministry of Higher Education does not replace German recognition. Germany makes its own assessment.
• Degrees from your home country (India, Pakistan, the Philippines, Egypt and others) are assessed under that country in anabin, not under the UAE.

How to get a ZAB Statement of Comparability: step by step

1. Confirm that you need it. You need it if your university or degree is missing from anabin, or does not have the right rating. It is only for degrees of at least bachelor’s level.
2. Collect your documents: degree certificate, transcript, school-leaving certificate, any earlier degrees, and your passport. The exact list depends on the country that issued the degree.
3. Arrange translations if the documents are not in German or English. Arabic documents need a certified translation.
4. Apply online to the ZAB and pay €208. A replacement certificate later costs €104.
5. Wait about 3 months, assuming your file is complete. Start before you begin job interviews.
6. Submit the statement with your visa application at the German Consulate General in Dubai.

Regulated professions: doctors, nurses and others

An anabin match or a ZAB statement does not replace recognition for a regulated profession. You apply to the authority in the German state where you plan to work. That authority compares your training with the German qualification and either recognises it or sets compensation measures, such as an exam or an adaptation period.

Germany also has a recognition partnership. You can come to Germany on a job offer and complete recognition while working. It requires A2 German, a qualification recognised by the country that issued it, and an employer who commits to the process.

What the German Consulate in Dubai expects

• Where to apply: the Consulate General in Dubai handles national visas for the whole UAE, including Abu Dhabi. Appointments are run through VFS Global.
• Fee: €75 for a national (D) visa, paid in exact cash in AED.
• Processing time: usually 6 to 12 weeks.
• Documents: one original set and two copy sets. Translate anything that is not in German or English, including Arabic, and bring the originals too.
• Proof of qualification: anabin printouts or a ZAB statement for the Blue Card, or a recognition notice for regulated professions
• UAE residence permit: must be valid if you are not an Emirati

Do you need German?

Not for the EU Blue Card or most skilled-worker visas in non-regulated jobs. The Opportunity Card needs A1 German or B2 English. Regulated professions such as medicine and nursing need B1 to C1 German. Spouses of Blue Card holders do not need German to join. You can take Goethe-Institut exams in the UAE.

Questions people ask

What does H+ mean in anabin?

H+ means Germany recognises the institution as a university. Your specific degree must still be listed as equivalent to a German degree.

How much does a ZAB Statement of Comparability cost?

€208, and it usually takes about 3 months once your file is complete.

Is my UAE degree recognised in Germany?

Check anabin for your exact university and degree under the country of the awarding institution. If it is not listed as H+ with an equivalent degree, apply to the ZAB.

Can I get a Blue Card without degree recognition?

Generally no. Some IT specialists can qualify on 3 years’ professional experience instead of a degree.

Does ZAB recognition let me work as a doctor?

No. Doctors need a licence to practise (Approbation) from the German state authority, which usually involves an exam and medical German.

Related guides

• Germany Opportunity Card and EU Blue Card from the UAE
• How to move to Europe from the UAE: all routes compared
• Degree assessment from the UAE: WES, Ecctis and others
• Study in Europe from the UAE

Sources

• Recognition in Germany (Federal Government portal): Higher education qualifications, anabin and ZAB
• German Consulate General Dubai: National (long-term) visa
• VFS Global Germany UAE: Employment visa checklist

Written by Asad Waleed M, Dubai. Asad has lived in the UAE for nine years and researches visa rules from government sources. He is not an immigration lawyer or consultant, and Sifqa does not process applications or sell visa services. Read the editorial policy.

Last checked 4 November 2026. Fees and procedures can change. Found an error? Email [email protected] and it will be fixed and logged.

UAE residents can move to Spain without a Spanish job on two visas. The digital nomad visa needs about €2,849 a month in 2026 from remote work for a company outside Spain. The non-lucrative visa needs €28,800 a year in savings or passive income, and you may not work. Digital nomad applicants book with the Embassy of Spain in Abu Dhabi by email. Non-lucrative applicants book through BLS International in the UAE. UAE police and medical certificates must be legalised by the UAE Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA) and sworn-translated into Spanish.

Checked on 4 November 2026 against the Embassy of Spain in Abu Dhabi and BLS International UAE checklists, the 2026 Spanish minimum wage (SMI, €1,221 × 14 payments) and the 2026 IPREM of €600 a month. Your passport does not change these requirements. Your UAE residence decides that you apply in Abu Dhabi, not in your home country.

Digital nomad or non-lucrative: which Spain visa fits you?

AED figures are rounded at about AED 4.03 to €1.

Spain digital nomad visa from the UAE: requirements

• Remote job or clients outside Spain. Employees must have worked for the company for at least 3 months before applying. The company must have been trading for at least 1 year.
• Qualifications or experience. You need a university degree, professional training, or at least 3 years’ experience. In the UAE, experience is proven with a certificate from the Chamber of Commerce or the Ministry of Human Resources (MOHRE), legalised by MOFA and sworn-translated.
• Company letter confirming the contract length, that the job can be done remotely, and that you may work from Spain. It must be sworn-translated.
• Income: a legalised, translated work contract or client contracts, plus 12 months of bank statements.
• Company registration: a commercial registry certificate or equivalent.
• NIE number (Spanish foreigner identification number). If you don’t have one, contact the embassy before applying.
• Police certificate from the UAE, legalised by MOFA, plus a sworn declaration of no criminal record for the last 5 years
• Passport valid for at least 1 year with 2 blank pages, a copy of every page, and a copy of your UAE residence visa

The social security hurdle for UAE employers

This is where most UAE employees get stuck. Spain and the UAE have no social security agreement. If you are employed, your UAE employer must register with Spain’s Social Security and sign you up, and it must sign a responsibility statement. Many UAE companies will not do this. Freelancers instead register in Spain’s self-employed regime (RETA) and pay monthly contributions themselves. Ask your employer about this before you spend money on translations.

Spain non-lucrative visa from the UAE: requirements

• National visa application form, plus Form EX-01 (Spanish only) showing your address in Spain
• Passport valid for at least 1 year, a copy of the first page and a copy of your UAE residence visa
• 12 months of personal bank statements with the bank’s original stamp, plus any property deeds
• Private health insurance for the whole stay, with no deductibles, excess or co-payments, confirmed in the policy or an insurer letter
• Medical certificate stating that you have none of the diseases listed in the International Health Regulations 2005, legalised by MOFA
• Criminal record certificate covering the last 5 years for each country you lived in. The UAE certificate is legalised by MOFA; certificates from other countries are legalised by the Spanish embassy there or apostilled. See UAE police clearance for immigration.
• Sworn Spanish translations of the criminal record and medical certificates and of any family documents
• Motivation letter naming the Spanish city where you will live

The embassy may interview you in Spanish, with an official interpreter if needed. Processing takes about 3 months and can take longer while the regional authority in Spain approves your residence.

How to apply from Dubai or Abu Dhabi: step by step

1. Choose the visa. If you will keep working, it is the digital nomad visa. If you will only live on savings or passive income, it is the non-lucrative visa.
2. Get your UAE documents legalised. Have MOFA legalise your police certificate, medical certificate (for the non-lucrative visa) and experience certificate (for the digital nomad visa). Allow 2 to 4 weeks.
3. Order sworn Spanish translations. Use a translator on Spain’s official list (traductor jurado).
4. Book the appointment. For the digital nomad visa, email [email protected] with a copy of your UAE residence visa once your file is ready. For the non-lucrative visa, book through BLS International UAE.
5. Submit in person and pay the visa fee to the embassy (Form 790-052 for the non-lucrative visa).
6. Travel to Spain and apply for your foreigner identity card (TIE) at the police station within one month of arrival.

Applying from inside Spain: the embassy notes that people already legally in Spain can apply for the digital nomad residence permit directly, for up to 3 years, without first getting a visa in the UAE. You must be legally in Spain when you apply.

After you arrive: renewals, time outside Spain and citizenship

• Non-lucrative renewals are for 2 years each under the 2025 immigration regulation. If you spend more than about 6 months a year outside Spain, you can lose the right to renew. This matters if you plan to keep spending winters in Dubai.
• Tax: spending more than 183 days a year in Spain normally makes you a Spanish tax resident, taxed on your worldwide income. Get advice before moving UAE savings.
• Long-term residence after 5 years of legal residence.
• Citizenship: 10 years of legal residence for most nationalities, but only 2 years for Filipino citizens and nationals of Latin American countries, Andorra, Portugal and Equatorial Guinea (Civil Code, article 22). This is a major advantage for Filipinos living in the UAE.

Common reasons for refusal

• The UAE employer did not register with Spanish Social Security (digital nomad visa)
• The employment started less than 3 months before applying, or the company is under 1 year old
• The health insurance has co-payments (non-lucrative visa)
• Certificates were not MOFA-legalised, or not sworn-translated
• The funds come from salary rather than savings or passive income (non-lucrative visa)

Questions people ask

How much income do I need for Spain’s digital nomad visa in 2026?

About €2,849 a month for one person (200% of the 2026 minimum wage), plus about €1,068 for the first family member and €356 for each additional one.

Can I use my Dubai job for the Spain digital nomad visa?

Yes, if the company has traded for at least a year, you have worked there for at least 3 months, it allows you to work from Spain, and it registers with Spanish Social Security.

Where do I apply for a Spanish residence visa in the UAE?

Book the digital nomad visa by email with the Embassy of Spain in Abu Dhabi, and the non-lucrative visa through BLS International UAE.

Can I work on a Spain non-lucrative visa?

No. Neither local nor remote work is allowed on the non-lucrative visa. Remote workers should use the digital nomad visa.

How fast can a Filipino get Spanish citizenship?

After 2 years of legal residence in Spain, compared with 10 years for most other nationalities. You must also pass language and culture tests.

Related guides

• How to move to Europe from the UAE: all routes compared
• Portugal D7 and Digital Nomad Visa from the UAE
• UAE police clearance certificate for immigration
• Visa application centres in the UAE by country

Sources

• Embassy of Spain in Abu Dhabi: Digital nomad visa
• BLS International UAE: Non-lucrative residence visa checklist
• 2026 SMI (Real Decreto 126/2026) and DNV amounts: Migratiolex summary
• 2026 IPREM and non-lucrative amounts: Costa Luz Lawyers; renewals: 2025 reform clarification

Written by Asad Waleed M, Dubai. Asad has lived in the UAE for nine years and researches visa rules from government sources. He is not an immigration lawyer or consultant, and Sifqa does not process applications or sell visa services. Read the editorial policy.

Last checked 4 November 2026. Spanish income thresholds follow the SMI and IPREM and can change each year. Found an error? Email [email protected] and it will be fixed and logged.

To move to Ireland on a Critical Skills Employment Permit from the UAE, you need a job offer of at least 2 years. Since 1 March 2026 the minimum salary is €40,904 a year for jobs on the Critical Skills Occupations List that need a degree, or €68,911 a year for most other jobs. You or the employer apply online for a €1,000 fee. Then, if your passport needs a visa for Ireland, you apply for a long-stay employment visa through VFS Global in Dubai or Abu Dhabi. After about two years you can move to Stamp 4 and work for any employer.

Checked on 4 November 2026 against the Department of Enterprise, Tourism and Employment, the Irish Immigration Service and the Embassy of Ireland in the UAE. Ireland is not in the Schengen area, so an Irish permit does not let you live or work in other EU countries.

What salary do you need for an Irish Critical Skills permit in 2026?

The salary can include basic pay and qualifying health insurance paid by the employer. It must come from the Irish employer; your UAE allowances do not count. The government plans further increases each year up to 2030, so check the figure on the day you apply. AED amounts are rounded at about AED 4.03 to €1.

Who is eligible?

• A job offer of at least 2 years from an employer trading in Ireland and registered with Revenue. Shorter offers can only use the General Employment Permit.
• The right job. Roles in the €40,904 band must be on the Critical Skills Occupations List. These are mainly ICT, engineering, science, health and some finance roles.
• The 50:50 rule. At least half of the employer’s staff must be EEA nationals. Start-ups supported by Enterprise Ireland or IDA Ireland can be exempt.
• Your qualifications and experience must match the job. Nurses and midwives need a qualification accepted by the Nursing and Midwifery Board of Ireland.

No labour market test is needed. The employer does not have to advertise the job to Irish and EU workers first, because these jobs are classed as in short supply.

How to apply from the UAE: step by step

1. Get a 2-year job offer at or above the threshold for your role.
2. Apply on Employment Permits Online. Either you or the employer can apply, ideally at least 12 weeks before your start date. Pay the €1,000 fee.
3. Answer any queries within 28 days. Applications are processed in date order. Employers with Trusted Partner status are in a faster queue.
4. Receive the permit. It is issued to you, and the employer gets a certified copy.
5. Apply for an Irish employment visa if your nationality needs one. Fill in the online AVATS form, print the summary and submit it at VFS Global in Dubai or Abu Dhabi. The Embassy of Ireland in Abu Dhabi decides.
6. Travel to Ireland and register. Book an appointment for your Irish Residence Permit (IRP) after you arrive. The fee is €300, payable by card. You will receive Stamp 1.

The Irish visa from Dubai and Abu Dhabi

Your passport decides whether you need an entry visa. Indian, Pakistani, Filipino, Egyptian, Sri Lankan, Bangladeshi and Nigerian nationals, among others, need one. Emirati citizens do not. Your UAE residence decides where you apply: residents lodge at VFS Global in the UAE, not in their home country.

• Visa type: long-stay (D) employment visa
• Passport: valid for at least 12 months for a long-stay visa; include previous passports
• Documents: AVATS summary sheet signed, 2 photos, the employment permit, originals plus photocopies of every document, in English or with certified translations. Do not put documents in folders or envelopes.
• Fee: the Irish visa fee, paid in AED, plus the VFS service charge. Fees are not refunded.

Total costs to budget

Can your family come with you?

Yes. Critical Skills holders can bring their spouse or partner and children straight away. There is no waiting period. Family members apply for a join-family visa if their passport needs one. Once in Ireland, a spouse or partner can work.

From Stamp 1 to Stamp 4 and long-term residence

• Stamp 4: after 21 months on the Critical Skills permit, you may apply to the Department of Justice for Stamp 4. No new employment permit is needed. Stamp 4 lets you work for any employer and is granted for 2 years, renewable.
• Long-term residence: you can apply after 60 months of legal residence.
• Citizenship: naturalisation generally needs 5 years of reckonable residence in the last 9 years.

Why permits are refused, and what to do

• The salary is below the threshold, or it counts allowances that do not qualify
• The job is not on the Critical Skills list but is paid below €68,911
• The employer fails the 50:50 rule
• The contract is shorter than 2 years

You can ask for a review within 28 days of a refusal.

Questions people ask

What is the minimum salary for a Critical Skills permit in 2026?

€40,904 a year for roles on the Critical Skills Occupations List that need a degree, and €68,911 for other eligible roles, from 1 March 2026.

Can I apply for the Critical Skills permit myself?

Yes. Either you or the employer can apply online, but you still need a job offer from an Irish employer.

Where do I apply for the Irish visa in the UAE?

At VFS Global in Dubai or Abu Dhabi, after filling in the AVATS form online. The Embassy of Ireland in Abu Dhabi processes it.

How long until I can change employers?

Normally you are expected to stay with the employer for the first 12 months. After about 21 months you can apply for Stamp 4 and work for anyone.

Does an Irish permit let me travel in Schengen?

No. Ireland is outside Schengen, so most non-EU nationals living in Ireland still need a Schengen visa to visit France, Germany or Spain.

Related guides

• How to move to Europe from the UAE: all routes compared
• Netherlands Highly Skilled Migrant visa from the UAE
• UK Skilled Worker visa from the UAE
• UAE police clearance certificate for immigration

Sources

• Department of Enterprise, Tourism and Employment: Critical Skills Employment Permit
• Embassy of Ireland, UAE: Visas for Ireland
• Irish Immigration Service: Registering your permission (IRP) and fees
• Vialto Partners: Employment permit thresholds from 1 March 2026

Written by Asad Waleed M, Dubai. Asad has lived in the UAE for nine years and researches visa rules from government sources. He is not an immigration lawyer or consultant, and Sifqa does not process applications or sell visa services. Read the editorial policy.

Last checked 4 November 2026. Irish salary thresholds are rising in steps until 2030. Found an error? Email [email protected] and it will be fixed and logged.