UAE Business Visa

What is a business visa?

A business visa is a type of entry or residency permit issued by the UAE government that allows foreign nationals to live, visit, or work in the country for commercial purposes. It is designed specifically for individuals who want to explore, establish, invest in, or manage a business in the UAE. The UAE business visa system supports the country’s strategic goal of becoming a global hub for entrepreneurship, innovation, and international investment. Whether you are a startup founder, a seasoned entrepreneur, or a remote business consultant, the business visa in Dubai can be your gateway to the UAE market.

The purpose of the business visa

Unlike tourist or transit visas, business visas are tailored to accommodate business activities such as attending meetings, negotiating contracts, opening company bank accounts, or applying for a trade license. Depending on the visa type, it may be short-term or long-term, self-sponsored or employer-sponsored, and may or may not offer a path to residency. Most importantly, these visas enable foreign nationals to explore the business setup ecosystem in Dubai or other emirates such as Abu Dhabi, Sharjah, and Ajman.

For example, the Dubai business visa allows entrepreneurs to enter the UAE legally, conduct feasibility studies, register a new company, and apply for additional permits such as the residence visa, investor visa, or partner visa. Some visas even enable the holder to bring family members, access banking services, or rent office or residential space.

From the perspective of the UAE government, the business visa is a core tool for attracting global talent and foreign direct investment. Over the past decade, the government has streamlined the visa processing framework and introduced flexible options such as the Golden Visa, Green Visa, and freelance visa, which we will explore in the next section.

Whether you’re planning a short-term research visit or considering long-term residency through a self-sponsored investment, there’s a type of visa that fits your professional goals in the Emirates. Let’s take a detailed look at the major categories of business-related visas in the UAE.

Business visa types

Understanding the different types of visa available in the Emirates is crucial for selecting the right path for your business setup or investment journey. The UAE offers a range of business visas, each serving a unique purpose and with varying eligibility requirements, validity periods, and benefits.

Below are the main types of visas relevant to foreign entrepreneurs and professionals:

Visit visas

A visit visa is the most basic entry permit, typically issued to individuals visiting the UAE for meetings, exhibitions, market research, or business networking. While not a substitute for a residence visa, the visit visa allows you to stay in the country temporarily, usually for 30 to 90 days, with the possibility of extension. These visas are issued by sponsors such as free zone companies, local businesses, or even hotels.

There are several forms of visit visas, including:

Although a visit visa in Dubai does not grant work authorization or access to government services, it serves as a convenient starting point for foreign entrepreneurs assessing opportunities for business setup.

Residency visas

A residency visa (also called a residence visa) is a long-term permit that allows the holder to live and often work in the UAE. These visas are typically issued to investors, business owners, employees, and family members. Residency visas are essential for opening corporate bank accounts, leasing office spaces, and accessing various services.

Types of residence visas connected to business include:

• Investor visa: for shareholders of a local mainland or free zone company.
• Partner visa: for co-owners of businesses with valid commercial licenses.
• Employment visa: for foreign professionals employed in UAE-based companies.

The standard validity of a residence visa ranges from 2 to 3 years and requires regular renewal through the visa stamping process and health checks. Holders can also provide a copy of their visa to sponsor family members.

Notably, a residency visa is usually linked to either a sponsored status (company/employer provides sponsorship) or self-sponsored, which applies in the case of investors and freelancers.

Golden Visa

The Golden Visa is a prestigious long-term residency option introduced by the UAE in 2019 to attract high-value investors, entrepreneurs, scientists, and professionals. It allows multiple entry, offers a 5 or 10-year residency without the need for a local sponsor, and can be renewed indefinitely.

To qualify for a Golden Visa, applicants must typically meet one or more of the following criteria:

• Own property or investments worth around AED 2 million or more.
• Found or co-found a successful startup with proven growth.
• Hold senior executive or technical positions in critical sectors.

This visa is ideal for founders of tech startups, global investors, and professionals contributing to national development. The visa application process involves submitting an application form, supporting documents, and often a business track record or capital verification. Applicants must also provide a copy of relevant legal or financial documents.

Golden Visa holders enjoy numerous advantages, including 100% foreign ownership, priority visa processing, access to free zone company registration, and the ability to sponsor family members and domestic workers.

Green Visa

The Green Visa is a flexible long-term residency scheme designed for freelancers, skilled employees, and self-employed individuals. Unlike the traditional residence visa, the Green Visa is self-sponsored, meaning no employer or local sponsor is required. It is typically valid for five years and includes the option to sponsor immediate family members.

The main eligibility criteria include:

• Proof of freelance work, self-employment, or a skilled profession.
• Minimum educational qualification (usually a bachelor’s degree or equivalent).
• Proof of annual income or contract value (e.g., around AED 360,000 per year for freelancers).

This visa is particularly attractive to consultants, remote workers, and creators who wish to live and operate independently in the UAE. Applicants must submit a visa application with an application form, portfolio, income records, and a copy of relevant certifications.

The visa stamping process for Green Visa applicants may also include background checks and a medical test.

Virtual working visa

The virtual working visa, also known as the UAE Remote Work Visa, allows international professionals to live in the UAE while working remotely for companies outside the country. This type of visa in Dubai is particularly popular among digital nomads, developers, marketers, and designers.

Key facts:

• Validity: 1 year, renewable.
• Self-sponsored with proof of remote employment or self-owned business.
• Applicant must provide a copy of a valid employment contract or business license, proof of income (minimum around AED 15,000 per month), and health insurance.

This visa provides a legal way to live in Dubai without a local employer or office, enabling digital entrepreneurs to benefit from the city's infrastructure, lifestyle, and favorable tax regime.

While it doesn't lead to a residence visa, the virtual visa simplifies relocation and can be a precursor to more permanent business visas in the UAE.

Freelance visa

A freelance visa is a type of self-sponsored residency issued to independent professionals in fields like media, education, tech, and design. Many free zone authorities across Dubai, Abu Dhabi, and other emirates offer this visa to individuals seeking to operate legally as sole practitioners.

Key requirements include:

• Relevant educational or professional qualification.
• Freelance permit issued by a free zone.
• Valid UAE phone number and address.
• Proof of income or ongoing projects.

Freelancers must submit a visa application, provide a copy of their permit or portfolio, and go through the visa stamping process. The freelance visa is typically valid for 1-2 years and renewable. It enables access to business activities such as invoicing clients, signing contracts, and opening bank accounts.

Sponsored vs non-sponsored visas

Understanding the difference between sponsored and self-sponsored visas is essential for planning your business setup and immigration strategy.

Sponsored visas are often tied to an employment contract or business partnership, while self-sponsored options like the golden visa, freelance visa, or green visa give entrepreneurs more autonomy.

In either case, a valid visa in Dubai is essential for running legal business activities, applying for a trade license, or renting office space in free zones or mainland areas.

Requirements for obtaining a business visa in Dubai

To apply for a business visa in Dubai, applicants must meet certain criteria depending on the visa type. While specific requirements vary, some common documents and steps include:

• A valid passport (minimum 6 months validity).
• Recent passport-sized photographs.
• Completed application form.
• A well-drafted business plan (for investor visa or Golden Visa).
• Trade license or company registration documents (for business owners).
• Bank statements or proof of capital (especially for UAE business visa applicants).
• Educational or professional certificates (for freelance visa and Green Visa).
• Proof of UAE address or tenancy contract.
• Health insurance.
• Entry permit if applying from outside the country.

Additionally, all applicants must undergo medical testing, biometric registration, and the visa stamping process as part of the visa application.

Some free zone authorities may request applicants to provide a copy of their previous visa, employment history, or client contracts when issuing freelance or investor permits. The visa processing and eligibility rules are overseen by the UAE government or respective free zone authorities.

Meeting these requirements ensures a smoother visa application journey and faster processing time.

How to apply

The process of applying for a business visa in Dubai depends on your visa category, your sponsor status, and whether you are inside or outside the country. Below is the step-by-step visa application process:

1. Choose your visa type
   Determine the most suitable option: Golden Visa, investor visa, freelance visa, etc.
2. Prepare the documents
   Provide a copy of your passport, proof of income, qualifications, and any required licenses or permits.
3. Submit your application
   This can be done online via official UAE government portals or through licensed business setup consultants and free zone platforms.
4. Medical test & Emirates ID registration
   Once your entry permit is approved, visit an authorized medical center for blood tests and chest X-rays.
5. Visa stamping process
   After completing biometric registration and passing the medical test, your visa will be stamped into your passport.
6. Emirates ID collection
   Your ID card will be issued for the duration of your visa validity.

Depending on the visa type and location, the total processing time can range from 5 working days (for a visit visa) to 20+ days (for a Golden Visa or investor visa). Fees vary depending on duration, insurance, and authority.

A free zone consultant or corporate PRO can greatly simplify the visa application and reduce delays.

Cost of a business visa

The price of a business visa in Dubai depends on several factors, including the visa type, duration, sponsoring authority, medical requirements, and service provider. Below is an approximate breakdown of typical visa options in Dubai:

Additional costs may include:

• Medical tests: AED 300-700
• Emirates ID: AED 250-400
• Visa stamping process: AED 500-1,000
• Typing center service: AED 100-250
• Express visa processing: extra AED 500-1,000

Keep in mind, these numbers are approximate and may vary based on the free zone, business activity, or nationality of the applicant. You may also incur extra fees for document translation, attestation, or bank letters required during the visa application process.

Those setting up a company should also factor in business setup costs such as trade license fees, office rent, and registration. In such cases, working with a consultant can help you bundle business visa, company registration, and other services at reduced prices.

Benefits of a business visa

A business visa offers numerous advantages that go far beyond just legal entry into the UAE. Whether you're an entrepreneur, investor, or remote worker, holding a valid UAE business visa can open the door to a wide range of opportunities.

Legal presence and multiple entry

Holders of a Dubai business visa or any other visa in the UAE can enter and exit the country multiple times without the hassle of applying for new permits. Some visa types (such as the Golden Visa) offer multiple entry for 5-10 years, greatly increasing flexibility for international businesspeople.

Launch and grow your business

With a valid visa, you can register your company, apply for a trade license, and carry out legal business activities in free zones or mainland jurisdictions. This includes signing contracts, invoicing clients, and hiring staff.

Access to financial services

A business visa in the UAE enables you to open corporate and personal bank accounts, apply for credit cards, and access local fintech platforms. Most banks will ask you to provide a copy of your residence visa and Emirates ID during onboarding.

Sponsor family and dependents

If you're on a self-sponsored or Golden Visa, you may be eligible to sponsor your spouse, children, and even domestic workers. This simplifies relocation and provides stability for your family.

Leverage the UAE infrastructure

Living on a valid UAE visa gives you access to world-class infrastructure, low taxes, and a favorable environment for both startups and established companies. Whether you're based in Dubai, Abu Dhabi, or a specialized free zone, the UAE offers a solid foundation for scaling your business globally.

Residency and long-term stability

Many visas in the UAE offer a pathway to long-term residency, giving entrepreneurs more time to develop their ventures. With options like the Green Visa, Golden Visa, and investor visa, it’s possible to secure a long-term future in the region.

Final thoughts

Choosing the right business visa is one of the most important steps in building your professional life in the UAE. With a wide array of options—ranging from visit visas for short-term research to self-sponsored golden visas for high-level investors—the country offers one of the most flexible and supportive immigration environments for entrepreneurs anywhere in the world.

To ensure a smooth visa application and visa processing experience, it’s advisable to consult with a licensed business setup expert or authorized free zone operator. Not only will they help reduce processing time, but they can also assist with everything from your application form to selecting the right type of visa for your goals.

With the right guidance, starting your business in the UAE can be not just possible, but remarkably efficient and rewarding.

Get your business visa with Emirabiz

If you're ready to start your business journey in Dubai, Emirabiz is here to help. We specialize in guiding you through every step of the business visa application process, from choosing the right visa to ensuring your documents are in order. Additionally, our team has extensive experience in business setup in the UAE, encompassing everything from obtaining trade licenses to providing full support for your business processes, including bookkeeping, accounting, tax planning and optimization, financial reporting, and auditing. With our expert team, you’ll have everything you need to establish your business in Dubai efficiently and stress-free.