Dubai is one of the world’s most dynamic international business centres. Entrepreneurs, investors, and professionals from across Europe, Asia, Africa, and the Middle East base themselves in the United Arab Emirates. From there, they run companies that serve global markets.
Our firm can assist businesses and families looking to move to Dubai.
As businesses grow, many founders living in Dubai start to look at ways to expand internationally. Some want a second base for business and family purposes. For UAE residents, this means emigrating from Dubai and the UAE, then immigrating to the destination country.
Davies & Associates is a team of properly licensed lawyers. We provide immigration and business expansion legal services for clients who want to emigrate from Dubai.
We help them immigrate to the United States, the United Kingdom, and Italy and the EU. Our work focuses on matching immigration strategy with real business activity.
Davies & Associates is recognised by Global Citizenship Services as a Top Tier investment-visa law firm across London, Paris and New York. We bring that same standard to EB-5, guiding investors in Dubai and across the UAE through source-of-funds analysis, Regional Center and direct-investment matters.
We are also proud to have been recognised as a Global Top 25 Investment Visa Law Firm for seven years by EB5 Investors Magazine.
The United States is often a primary destination for Dubai based entrepreneurs. They are drawn by:
Several immigration pathways allow entrepreneurs and investors living in Dubai to establish businesses and relocate to the United States. Common options include:
📖 E-2 Treaty Investor Visa
📖 L-1 Intracompany Transfer Visa
📖 EB-5 Immigrant Investor Program
Each of these immigration routes is designed for different types of businesses, investment levels, and long-term goals. The right strategy depends on:
Among business immigration lawyers, the E-2 treaty investor visa is sometimes informally called the “emergency visa.” The reason is procedural rather than legal.
Some entrepreneurs already have the nationality of an E-2 treaty country and are ready to commit funds to a real operating business. For them, the E-2 route can allow relocation to the United States more quickly than other business immigration categories.
📖 2026 D&A Dubai E-2 Visa Guide
Read our Comprehensive Guide to the E-2 Treaty Investor Visa →
📖 2026 D&A Guide
Read our Comprehensive Guide to the E-2 Treaty Investor Visa →
Under United States immigration law, U.S. consular officers abroad issue visas under Immigration and Nationality Act section 221. The E-2 classification itself is created by Immigration and Nationality Act section 101(a)(15)(E)(ii). This section defines the treaty investor category.
The regulatory framework for the classification appears in 8 CFR section 214.2(e). The Department of State’s adjudication guidance for consular officers is set out in 9 FAM 402.9.
⚖️ Expert Tip: For comprehensive advice on selecting the right legal partner for your E-2 application, consult our specialist resource:
In practice, an E-2 visa case is always filed directly with a U.S. consulate abroad. There, a consular officer reviews the application, the business documentation, and the investment evidence.
By contrast, all L-1 new office strategies require a petition to be filed with and approved by U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services before the visa stage. That extra procedural step can extend the overall timeline.
Some entrepreneurs already hold treaty nationality and can document a committed investment in an operating enterprise. For them, the E-2 route can provide a faster path to relocating to the United States.
The E-2 treaty investor visa is one of the most widely used immigration pathways for entrepreneurs establishing businesses in the United States. The visa allows nationals of treaty countries to live in the United States. While there, they direct and develop a business in which they have invested.
Dubai’s population is highly international, and many residents hold passports from countries that qualify for E-2 eligibility. In these cases, eligibility is determined by citizenship rather than UAE residence.
📖 2026 D&A Guide
An E-2 case typically requires:
E-2 businesses can operate across a wide range of sectors, including:
E-2 visa case study for a Dubai auto dealer expanding to the United States through a US car dealership investment.
Dubai has developed into an important global trading hub for luxury vehicles. Dealers based in the UAE often source vehicles from Europe, Japan, and the United States. They then export them to markets throughout the Middle East, Africa, and Asia.
Many traders in this industry operate internationally and are familiar with cross-border logistics, compliance requirements, and high-value automotive sales. For some entrepreneurs, expanding directly into the United States lets them buy vehicles within the American market. They can then sell them domestically as well as internationally.
The client was a Pakistani auto dealer living in Dubai. He had experience sourcing and selling luxury used vehicles to international buyers. His work involved:
The client set up a company in Los Angeles to operate a small luxury used car dealership. The business plan involved:
The investment covered the lease for the dealership location, the purchase of the vehicle inventory, licensing requirements, and the operating expenses required to launch the business. The enterprise began on a relatively small scale. Even so, it was structured as a legitimate commercial operation that could expand inventory and staff as the dealership grew.
The legal strategy focused on showing that the business met the core requirements of the investor visa category. The documentation showed that:
The case included detailed documentation covering:
The application was approved. The entrepreneur could then immigrate to the United States and direct the development of the dealership.
This case shows that investor visa approvals are not limited to large enterprises or technology startups. Properly structured small businesses in industries such as automotive trading can qualify. This applies when the investment is genuine, the enterprise is operational, and the investor will actively manage the business.
Entrepreneurs who already operate established businesses in Dubai may qualify to immigrate to the United States through an L-1 intracompany transfer strategy.
This pathway allows a company operating outside the United States to open a new office in the U.S. The company can then transfer an executive or manager to oversee the operation.
The L-1 route is commonly used by companies involved in:
Dubai residents frequently consider the United Kingdom when planning international relocation or business expansion. It remains a strong destination for founders, executives, and professionals building long-term personal and commercial ties.
Immigration routes into the UK depend on the applicant’s profile and goals. They may include options for entrepreneurs, highly skilled professionals, and sponsored employees.
Davies & Associates provides legal representation for Dubai based clients who want to immigrate to the United Kingdom. We help with case preparation, evidence development, and immigration filings.
Italy and EU immigration pathways for entrepreneurs and investors based in Dubai and the UAE.
Italy has become an increasingly attractive destination for entrepreneurs, investors, and families living in Dubai. Many want residence in Europe and access to the wider European Union market.
Italy often stands out as a leading option. It combines access to the European Union with a high quality lifestyle and a strong international business environment.
Major cities such as Milan and Rome serve as commercial and financial centres. Other regions offer attractive places to live for families seeking a European home.
For internationally mobile professionals and investors, residence in Italy can also bring practical advantages. These include access to the Schengen travel area and the ability to keep close connections with markets throughout Europe.
Dubai-based entrepreneurs, investors, and professionals may explore several immigration pathways. The right one depends on their goals, business activities, and long-term residence plans. In general, immigration routes into Italy fall into several broad categories.
Italy offers immigration routes for people who wish to make qualifying investments in the Italian economy. These programmes allow investors to obtain residence in Italy. In return, they contribute capital to projects that support economic activity, innovation, or government initiatives.
Some investors already operate internationally from Dubai. For them, these programmes can offer a structured way to build a European presence while still running global businesses.
Business owners may also seek residence in Italy by setting up or expanding a company there. Some entrepreneurs already run companies in the UAE or elsewhere in the Middle East. They sometimes look at creating a European branch or launching a new venture in Italy.
Italy has a diverse economic base. It includes manufacturing, fashion and luxury goods, technology startups, design industries, tourism, and international trade. These sectors often attract internationally experienced entrepreneurs who want to operate within the European market.
Many Dubai residents see Italy as part of a longer-term family residence strategy, not purely as a business relocation. Residence in Italy gives access to high-quality education systems, well-established healthcare infrastructure, and nearby major European cities.
Some families keep global business interests while living internationally. For them, residence in Italy can provide a stable European base. It still allows continued travel and business activity in other regions.
Dubai based families often consider the Italian Elective Residency Visa, also called the Elective Residence Visa.
This visa category is for people who wish to live in Italy without working for an Italian employer. They must show they have enough financial resources to support themselves.
Many entrepreneurs, investors, and retirees living in Dubai can meet this requirement. They can often rely on income from overseas businesses, investment portfolios, or other independent financial resources.
Applicants must typically:
📖 Read more about elective residency in Italy
Compared with some other immigration pathways, the Elective Residency Visa can sometimes be a relatively rapid route to relocating to Italy.
The reason is largely structural. Certain immigration programmes require applicants to set up a new company, make a qualifying investment, or transfer employees through a corporate immigration process.
These steps can involve regulatory approvals, corporate filings, or operational requirements. They take time to complete before an application can even be submitted.
By contrast, the Elective Residency Visa focuses mainly on financial independence, not business creation or investment activity. An applicant may already have stable income from sources outside Italy and be able to document it clearly. If so, much of the required evidence may already exist.
For internationally mobile entrepreneurs and investors living in Dubai, this can make the Elective Residency pathway fairly simple to prepare. Once financial documentation and housing are in place, the application may move more quickly. It can be faster than strategies that require creating a new commercial enterprise.
The Elective Residency route is often suitable for individuals who:
However, the visa is not designed for people who plan to work for an Italian employer. Applicants must be able to show that they can support themselves independently through non-Italian income sources.
Relocating from Dubai to Italy typically involves two stages:
For Dubai residents, the initial application is usually submitted through the Italian consulate serving the UAE. The documentation requirements depend on the specific immigration pathway. They generally include:
Once the visa is issued and the applicant enters Italy, the residence permit process formalizes the individual’s legal status within the country. This permit confirms the right to reside in Italy. It must be renewed periodically, depending on the visa category.
Many applicants living in Dubai run international businesses or hold assets across multiple jurisdictions. Preparing financial documentation and supporting materials in advance can greatly simplify the application process.
For many internationally mobile professionals and investors, Italy offers a unique combination of lifestyle, business opportunity, and strategic access to Europe.
Dubai-based entrepreneurs often maintain global business networks that span Europe, the Middle East, and Asia. Residence in Italy can let them keep these connections while also operating within the European market.
Italy is one of the largest economies in the European Union and provides a gateway to the broader European market. Businesses in sectors such as manufacturing, design, technology services, and international trade often benefit from a presence within the EU.
Italy is widely regarded as one of the most desirable countries in Europe in terms of lifestyle, culture, and environment. For families relocating from Dubai, access to historic cities, regional communities, and cultural heritage can be an important consideration.
Many international families choose Italy for its international schools and universities. It is also close to other major European educational centres.
Residence in Italy also provides access to the Schengen Area, allowing relatively easy travel throughout most of Europe. For internationally active entrepreneurs and investors, this flexibility can be particularly valuable.
Davies & Associates represents international clients seeking immigration to Italy and the European Union. We help structure applications that fit both immigration law and business goals.
Our lawyers work with entrepreneurs, investors, and professionals based in Dubai and throughout the UAE. We help them:
Immigration strategies often overlap with business planning, tax considerations, and international corporate structures. Early legal planning can help ensure that both the immigration application and the underlying business strategy meet the relevant legal requirements.
Entrepreneurs and investors living in Dubai often evaluate multiple jurisdictions before deciding where to relocate or expand their businesses. Important considerations usually include:
Early legal planning is essential to ensure that both the immigration application and the business structure meet the relevant legal requirements. It also reduces a key risk. A business model may look commercially sensible but still fail the specific evidentiary standard required by the chosen immigration route.
Davies & Associates represents entrepreneurs, investors, and professionals seeking to emigrate from Dubai and immigrate to the United States, the United Kingdom, and Italy and the EU.
Are you based in Dubai or elsewhere in the UAE and considering international expansion? Our lawyers can help you evaluate your immigration options. We can also develop a legal strategy that supports your business and family goals.
Entrepreneurs, investors, and professionals living in Dubai often explore immigration options in the United States, the United Kingdom, and Europe.
In the United States, common pathways include business and investor visas. Examples are the E-2 Treaty Investor Visa, L-1 Intracompany Transfer Visa, and EB-5 Immigrant Investor Program.
In Europe, many Dubai residents consider residence options in Italy or other EU countries. These include investment-based residence permits and the Italian Elective Residency Visa.
The best immigration route depends on several factors including citizenship, business structure, investment capacity, and long-term residence goals.
Yes.
Many residents of Dubai and the United Arab Emirates may qualify for the E-2 Treaty Investor Visa, provided they hold the nationality of a country that has an E-2 treaty with the United States.
The E-2 visa allows an investor to live in the United States while directing and developing a business in which they have made a substantial investment. Dubai’s population is highly international. As a result, many entrepreneurs living in the UAE hold passports from countries that qualify for E-2 eligibility.
Yes.
Several U.S. immigration pathways allow entrepreneurs based in Dubai to relocate by establishing or expanding a business in the United States.
The E-2 investor visa allows nationals of treaty countries to invest in and operate a U.S. business. The L-1 visa allows companies operating abroad to open a U.S. office and transfer an executive or manager to oversee the operation. In some cases, investors may also pursue permanent residence through the EB-5 immigrant investor program.
Each option has different legal requirements relating to investment levels, business structure, and management responsibilities.
Yes.
Many Dubai residents pursue residence in Italy or other European countries as part of an international relocation strategy.
Italy offers several immigration pathways for investors, entrepreneurs, and financially independent individuals. One of the most widely used options is the Italian Elective Residency Visa. It allows people with sufficient financial resources to live in Italy without working for an Italian employer.
Residence in Italy also provides access to the Schengen Area, allowing travel throughout much of Europe.
Italy is often considered by internationally mobile entrepreneurs and investors living in Dubai because it combines lifestyle advantages with access to the European market.
Residence in Italy provides access to one of the largest economies in the European Union and allows relatively easy travel throughout the Schengen area. Many families also choose Italy because of its cultural environment, international schools, and proximity to major European business centres.
The timeline depends heavily on the immigration route selected.
Some visa categories, such as investor visas or elective residence visas, can often be processed more quickly once documentation is prepared. Other immigration routes involving company transfers, government approvals, or major investments may take longer.
Proper legal planning and preparation of financial and business documentation can significantly influence how quickly an application can proceed.
Not necessarily. Many entrepreneurs and investors maintain business operations in Dubai while establishing residence in another country.
Dubai is often used as an international base for companies serving markets across Europe, Asia, Africa, and the Middle East. Some individuals therefore maintain commercial operations in the UAE while establishing a second residence in the United States or Europe.
International immigration strategies often involve complex legal, financial, and business considerations.
Experienced immigration lawyers can help ensure that the chosen pathway fits your business plans, investment structures, and long-term residence goals. Legal advisors can also help prepare documentation, coordinate filings, and reduce the risk of delays or refusals.
Managing Partner of Davies & Associates; focused on E visa strategy and complex consular filings.
Mark I. Davies, Esq., J.D., University of Pennsylvania Law School, licensed by the SRA (SRA ID: 384468) in the UK, and a member of The Law Society of England & Wales, MBA, Wharton School of Business. Named a Top 25 EB-5 Immigration Attorney by EB5 Investors Magazine.
Ranked Band 1 for E-2 visas in Singapore by Global Citizenship Services (2026). Admitted to practice in Georgia (USA). Georgia State Bar member. AILA member.
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We are known for our creative solutions that obtain "impossible" visas. We solve the most complex immigration problems for businesses, investors, individuals, and families.
Emigration From Dubai and the UAE Immigration lawyer near meSeveral lawyers told me I would not be able to get a TN visa. Two weeks after contacting Davies & Associates I was working in New York, visa in hand.
Individual seeking 'Impossible' TN VisaD&A was very detail-oriented and very thorough in what they did. They worked on my case 24/7 and were very patient in answering all my questions.
E-2 Visa ClientMy case felt complex but D&A managed the whole process carefully and helped me move seamlessly from one stage to the next.
E2 + CBI ClientD&A was my guiding light through the entire EB-5 process.
EB-5 Visa ClientI would definitely be a big advocate for the rest of my life for anyone wanting to explore the Grenada Citizenship by Investment Programme leading to the E-2 visa. The most important thing is a good team behind you.
With Davies & Associates, you're in safe hands... you need someone who can support you on the ground and, again, you are well taken care of by D&A. The people are really warm, very helpful and quite open-minded when it comes to business... Not to mention as a passport it's great from a travel perspective... It's just 4 to 5 hours from New York.
Grenada CBI + E2 Visa ClientThe entire process of getting an EB-5 visa is handled in a professional way by Mark Davies and his team. EB-5 is a wonderful option for anyone considering moving to the United States if you have the means. I was hoping to use the H-1B route for my children, but it became unreliable and so I looked to the EB-5 visa instead.
It is great for anyone who has the resources. Mark gives you the first meetings himself which gives you great comfort. Both Mark and Sanjay are abundantly available and I even had the pleasure of hosting them at my house.
Parent of 2 EB-5 visa holdersI'm in the process of extending my L-1 visa. I submitted a few questions regarding my case, and he contacted me back almost immediately, both by email and telephone. Unlike other attorneys I met before, he gave me the impression of knowing off the top of his head what kind of visa I have, and what actions had to be taken to extend it.
He is very thorough and clear regarding the process and what to expect in terms of timelines and issues that may arise. He is constantly in contact, so you definitely know he's working on your case.
L-1B Visa HolderMark Davies is a joy to work with. His extensive knowledge, speedy response and attentive service took away all my fears of dealing with immigration and visa applications. He is very generous with his time in explaining every step along the way and I have already and will in the future recommend him to anybody who is looking for an immigration lawyer.
E2 Visa for Small Professional Business With International OfficesDavies & Associates assisted us with an immigration emergency involving my brother's fiancée who was outside the United States. They assisted us in a highly professional manner, working with the relevant US embassy, US immigration and the governments of two other countries.
As a result of their efforts the individual involved is now working in the United States. While their knowledge of the law is exemplary what really distinguishes this firm and attorney Davies from any other firm we have worked with is their dedication to customer service and their unrivaled level of professionalism.
Complex Fiancée Visa Need Involving Multiple International JurisdictionsSeveral lawyers told me I would not be able to get a TN visa. Two weeks after contacting Davies & Associates I was working in New York, visa in hand. I have recommended this firm to several friends and colleagues, they do an excellent job every time.
Individual Seeking 'Impossible' TN VisaI was qualified as a physician in a foreign country. Being on a J1 visa I was facing having to leave the United States and return to my home country. Davies & Associates secured one of only 30 J1 visa waivers available in my State, allowing me to work for a US hospital and remain in the United States.
Doctor Seeking J1 Visa WaiverI am very satisfied with the services Mark Davies has provided me. He has a very extensive knowledge in immigration laws and has a thorough approach to any case.
U Visa Applicant, A Victim of CrimeWe are known for our creative solutions that obtain "impossible" visas. We solve the most complex immigration problems for business, investors, individuals and families.
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Applying for an EB-5 Visa in Dubai
