I own a property in Dubai that is in my sole name and owned outright. It is worth considerably more than the minimum amount required to obtain a residence visa related to property ownership. What I don't understand are the actual benefits of obtaining a residency visa. I am Irish and able to travel in and out of the UAE as I wish, so does the residence visa allow me to stay indefinitely without renewal if I stay for a long time? Are there any other benefits? AM, Ireland
For someone holding a passport that permits them to enter freely on a visit visa there is usually less demand for a residency visa, but there can be several advantages. These include: no requirement to exit the country and renew a visit visa after 30 days, the option to obtain a UAE driving licence and to buy and drive their own car, ability to obtain an alcohol licence, increased banking options and the option for children to go to school in the UAE. Note that someone may not take up employment with this type of visa. Most of the queries I receive in relation to a property-related visa are from people whose passports mean that they have to apply for a tourist visa each time they come to the UAE. Property visas come with a fee, but there is no guarantee it will be granted even if they own a property.
Keren Bobker is an independent financial adviser with Holborn Assets in Dubai, with more than 20 years’ experience. Contact her at keren@holbornassets.com and follow her on Twitter at @FinancialUAE.
The advice provided in our columns does not constitute legal advice and is provided for information only.
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About RuPay
A homegrown card payment scheme launched by the National Payments Corporation of India and backed by the Reserve Bank of India, the country’s central bank
RuPay process payments between banks and merchants for purchases made with credit or debit cards
It has grown rapidly in India and competes with global payment network firms like MasterCard and Visa.
In India, it can be used at ATMs, for online payments and variations of the card can be used to pay for bus, metro charges, road toll payments
The name blends two words rupee and payment
Some advantages of the network include lower processing fees and transaction costs
If you go
Where to stay: Courtyard by Marriott Titusville Kennedy Space Centre has unparalleled views of the Indian River. Alligators can be spotted from hotel room balconies, as can several rocket launch sites. The hotel also boasts cool space-themed decor.
When to go: Florida is best experienced during the winter months, from November to May, before the humidity kicks in.
How to get there: Emirates currently flies from Dubai to Orlando five times a week.
Nayanthara: Beyond The Fairy Tale
Starring: Nayanthara, Vignesh Shivan, Radhika Sarathkumar, Nagarjuna Akkineni
Director: Amith Krishnan
Rating: 3.5/5