If you are not from Iran,Pakistan, or Iraq then you shouldn't have too much difficulty with obtaining a resident visa. The make you pay for the visa and it neither cheap or permanent as you have to keep on renewing it and keep on paying. This visa thing is sort of like a tax for non-locals who wish to stay in Dubai.

When I bought my unit here in Dubai I was told that I along with my wife and daughter would be eligible for a resident visa and when I went over to apply for a visa I was told that only one person was eleigible for the visa and that my wife had to give up that righ if I wanted to apply for a resident visa. I was told that I coulkd sponsor her and my daughte rafter but that would require sponsoring them under my company and that would be extra. Basicall they want to find a way to squeeze more money out of you

I think they may be doing some ethnic cleansing with this visa thing these days as Americans and Europeans get the resident visa quite easily but ones from Pakistan, Iran and Iraq are subject to review and approval