UAE Business Visa

What is a business visa?

A business visa in the UAE grants foreign nationals the legal right to reside and work in the country. It is essential for anyone who plans to start a business in the Emirates and open a bank account. The bank requires at least one shareholder of the company to have a UAE visa. 

In this guide, the term “business visa” is used as an umbrella term for several official UAE visa categories that can be used for business‑related purposes. These include short‑term visit visas for exploring the market and attending meetings, the GDRFA visit visa for exploring business opportunities, as well as long‑term residence permits such as investor, Green, Golden, freelance and virtual working visas.

Dubai, as a global business hub, offers various types of business visas to suit different needs, whether you're an entrepreneur, investor, or freelancer. With the right visa, you can take advantage of Dubai's rapidly growing economy, favorable business environment and flexible taxation by launching your business here.

Business visa types 

The UAE provides various business visa options designed to meet the needs of different professionals and entrepreneurs. These can be categorized into short-term visas for work visits and stays and long-term residency visas.

Visit visas 

In Dubai, there are several specific visit visa categories that can be used for business‑related purposes. Besides standard tourist and visit visas, GDRFA Dubai also offers a visit visa for exploring business opportunities, which allows self‑sponsored stays of 60, 90 or 120 days for entrepreneurs and investors who wish to study the UAE market.

*Exact extension rules and durations for each visit visa type must always be checked on the official GDRFA and ICP service pages, as they are subject to change.

Residency visas 

They are suitable for those looking to settle in the UAE for a long period of time. Long-term visas can be issued for 2 to 10 years depending on your investments and qualifications.

Golden visa

If you invest significant capital into property or business in the UAE, or if you possess exceptional talents or plan humanitarian contributions, you can secure the Golden visa that will be valid for 10 years. It also extends to specialist workers in various fields and elite recent graduates. 

The investment threshold for obtaining a Golden visa in Dubai is 2 million AED. This amount can be invested in real estate or businesses in the UAE, and in some cases, it can also be deposited in an Emirati bank as a long-term investment.

Exact eligibility criteria for the Golden Visa, including the minimum property value, accepted investment types and required holding periods, are periodically updated by the UAE authorities. Applicants should always verify the latest requirements on the official ICP and GDRFA platforms before applying.

Green visa

This visa is issued for a five-year term and is available for skilled professionals, freelancers, and self-employed individuals. Applicants must possess a university degree or equivalent qualifications and meet specific income requirements.

The income thresholds and professional categories for the Green Visa may change over time, and the figures mentioned above (such as an annual income of around AED 360,000 for freelancers) should be treated as indicative only. The latest official criteria must be checked on the relevant ICP and GDRFA service pages at the time of application.

Virtual working visa

Dubai's government program offers a one-year residency visa for foreigners who work remotely. This visa is ideal for professionals who wish to work from Dubai but don’t want to change their employer or close their own business and start a new one in the UAE. Eligibility criteria include proof of employment with a valid contract of at least one year, a monthly income of no less than $3,500, and evidence that work is conducted remotely. It is also known as digital nomad visa.

The Dubai Remote Work programme is periodically updated, and conditions such as the minimum monthly income, required insurance coverage and documentation may change. Applicants should always refer to the current version of the programme on the official Dubai and federal government portals to confirm their eligibility.

Freelance visa

Visa for freelancers provides individuals the freedom to work independently in the UAE. This visa is popular among freelancers who wish to offer their services to various clients without being tied to a single employer. Holders can also open bank accounts and sponsor family members, enhancing their residency experience.

Sponsored vs non-sponsored visas

Sponsored visas are typically issued through a company acting as a sponsor, while non-sponsored visas, like the Golden and Freelance visas, offer greater independence by not requiring a local sponsor. Understanding which option aligns with your long-term plans is essential for making the right choice.
 

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

• The applicants should be no less than 18 years old.
• Hold a passport from their home country with a minimum six months of validity.
• Provide necessary airline tickets and evidence of departure from the UAE within the required timeframe in case of a short-term visa.
• Submit bank statements to demonstrate proof of investments and sufficient funds to cover their living expenses while in Dubai.
• Present documentation confirming their accommodation arrangements during their stay in the UAE (applicable for short-term visas).
• Provide a letter from the employer detailing the purpose of the visit, such as attending conferences, working on projects, or pursuing professional development (in case of a short-term visa).
• Include copies of qualifications or certificates/diplomas that relate to the applicant's area of expertise (applicable to specific visa designations).
• If relevant, provide business registration papers along with the company trade license.

These are general requirements. The list may change and depends on each particular case. Professional business consultants in Dubai will assist you in determining which type of business visa is best for you and in gathering proper documentation.

The exact list of required documents, minimum income thresholds and sponsor conditions can differ depending on the specific visa category and emirate. For example, certain visit visas sponsored by residents require the sponsor to meet a minimum salary level, while some long‑term visas may require proof of savings or investment.

Because these rules are adjusted from time to time, applicants should always cross‑check the latest document lists and eligibility criteria on the official ICP Smart Services and GDRFA Dubai service pages before submitting their application.

How to apply

Business visa application procedure involves several steps, but the process is straightforward if you have the right documents ready:

1. Choose a visa type.
2. Gather documents:   
   • Passport
   • Photos
   • Proof of investment or business ownership
   • Bank statements or financial records
   • Application form
   • Medical examination results
   • Criminal record clearance
3. Submit an application: This can be done online via the official UAE government portals (such as ICP Smart Services and GDRFA Dubai Smart Services) or through licensed business setup consultants and free zone platforms.
4. Complete your medical check: This includes a blood test and a chest X-ray.
5. Await approval: Long-term visas may require several weeks, while short-term business visas in the UAE are often processed within a few days.

When applying through official government portals, you can see the current service fees, processing times and required documents for each specific visa type. This helps ensure that your application matches the latest regulations in force.
 

Cost of a business visa

The cost of obtaining a Dubai business visa varies. Here’s a breakdown of the typical fees associated with each visa category:

Visit visas for business

On the government side, Dubai GDRFA issuance fees are currently around AED 200 (60 days), AED 300 (90 days), and AED 400 (120 days), plus 5% VAT. In practice, the total budget is higher because a refundable security deposit is usually required (often around AED 1,000), and you should also factor in service charges, typing/processing fees, and any professional support or consultation if you use an agent.

Residency visas 

The starting cost for the Golden visa is approximately AED 10,000, with fees potentially increasing based on the specific investment made and services of business consultants.
The Green visa typically costs between AED 3,000 and AED 5,000, depending on the duration and specifics of the application.
The fee for the remote working visa is around AED 6,000 depending on processing times and administrative charges.

Freelance visa

It costs approximately AED 5,000-6,000 for a one-year validity period. If you need a freelance permit from a designated free zone, it will cost you additionally AED 7,500. 
The prices shown for freelance, Green, investor and company‑linked residency visas are market‑based estimates and can vary significantly depending on the free zone, business activity, medical package and service provider. They should be treated as indicative ranges only and always confirmed in a personalised quotation before you proceed.

Overstay fines

If you remain in the UAE after your visit or residence visa has expired, overstay fines will apply. The UAE currently applies a standard daily overstay fine for most visit, tourist and residence visa categories, and the total amount can become substantial if not settled promptly. Always monitor your visa expiry date and either exit the country or regularise your status in time to avoid penalties.

Benefits of a business visa

Not all business‑related visas in the UAE automatically grant the right to work or run a business in your personal name. Short‑term visit visas, including those used for exploring business opportunities, are typically intended for meetings and market research only, while actual employment or business activities require the appropriate residence visa and trade licence structure.

• You can legally reside in Dubai for the duration of your visa. In case of the Golden visa you don’t need to come to the UAE every 6 months to maintain your residency.
• The UAE is a booming business hub with tax incentives, a strategic location, and a rapidly growing economy. You can establish and grow your business enjoying the access to the international market and wide networking opportunities.
• With long-term visa types, you can sponsor your close relatives for residency.
• You can enjoy easy travel to and from the UAE without the need for frequent renewals.
• You can open bank accounts, make international transactions, and access financial services in the Emirates.
• You can utilize medical services, study and educate your children, rent an apartment long-term, obtain a local driver's license, and use a car. 

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.