Moving to Dubai and the UAE from the USA
Every year, thousands of people move from the USA to Dubai and the wider UAE for work. The visa process itself is the same for every nationality — what differs is what you must prepare at home before you fly.
Your route depends on salary and profession: the standard 2-year Employment Visa, the 5-year Green Visa (from roughly AED 15,000/month in a skilled field) or the 10-year Golden Visa (from roughly AED 30,000/month). StayBuddy’s free check tells you in 2 minutes which one you match.
What to do while still in the USA
- Get your degree and certificates attested in the USA, then by the UAE embassy there — this takes the longest, start first
- If bringing family: attest marriage and birth certificates the same way
- Make sure your passport is valid for at least 6 more months
- Prepare a passport photo with a white background
- Scan everything into StayBuddy so your application file is ready before you land
After you arrive
In the UAE you complete the medical fitness test, Emirates ID biometrics and visa stamping — with a complete file this typically takes about 2 weeks. StayBuddy tracks each step and every renewal deadline afterwards.
Frequently asked questions
Do applicants from the USA need attested documents?
Yes — degree certificates (and marriage/birth certificates for family sponsorship) must be attested in the USA and by the UAE embassy there, then by MOFA in the UAE.
Which visa can I get coming from the USA?
Nationality does not decide the route — salary and profession do. Run StayBuddy’s free 2-minute eligibility check to see your likely match.