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.

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

These are typically for individuals traveling to the UAE for business purposes. If you come to Dubai to attend a professional meeting or for a short-term business trip, think about obtaining a visit visa.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Requirements for obtaining a business visa in Dubai

1. The applicants should be no less than 18 years old.
2. Hold a passport from their home country with a minimum six months of validity.
3. Provide necessary airline tickets and evidence of departure from the UAE within the required timeframe in case of a short-term visa.
4. Submit bank statements to demonstrate proof of investments and sufficient funds to cover their living expenses while in Dubai.
5. Present documentation confirming their accommodation arrangements during their stay in the UAE (applicable for short-term visas).
6. 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).
7. Include copies of qualifications or certificates/diplomas that relate to the applicant's area of expertise (applicable to specific visa designations).
8. 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.

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: You can do it either through the relevant free zone authority, Dubai’s General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs (GDRFA), or the Dubai Economy Department.

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.

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

The cost for a short-term business visit visa generally ranges from AED 500 to AED 1,500, depending on the duration of the stay.

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.

Additional fees may apply for family sponsorship, medical examinations, and other administrative processes.

Benefits of a business visa

• 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.

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.