UAE Business Visa in 2025: The Ultimate Guide!
Planning to expand your business in Dubai? Here’s what to know about the business visa. This guide provides step-by-step instructions to help you get a UAE business visa.
UAE Business Visa Requirements
Setting up a business in the UAE is an exciting opportunity, but navigating the visa process can be confusing. With multiple visa types, each with its own rules, costs, and eligibility requirements, making the wrong choice can lead to unnecessary expenses, rejections, or delays.
Understanding your options, legal obligations, and the step-by-step process will help you avoid costly mistakes and ensure a smooth setup.
Let’s break down the visa options to help you choose the best fit.
Understanding the Different Types of Business Visas in the UAE
The UAE offers various visa options for business owners, depending on their business structure, investment amount, and long-term goals.
Choosing the right visa is crucial, as it determines your ability to reside in the UAE, conduct business, and sponsor employees.
What is an Investor Visa?
An Investor Visa, sometimes referred to as a Partner Visa, is designed for individuals who establish or invest in a business within the UAE. This visa allows the holder to live and work in the UAE for a period of two to three years, with the option for renewal.
Who Qualifies for an Investor Visa?
To apply for an Investor Visa, you must meet one of the following criteria:
- You are starting a new business in the UAE and hold a valid business license
- You are a shareholder or partner in an existing UAE company
- You have invested a minimum required amount in a UAE-registered business
Key Benefits of the Investor Visa
- No local sponsor required - You can sponsor yourself as an investor
- Long-term stay - Valid for two to three years, with renewal options
- Eligible for UAE residency - Allows you to legally reside in the country
- Can sponsor family members - You can bring your spouse and children to the UAE
- Multiple entry-exit flexibility - You can travel freely without affecting your visa status
Step-by-Step Process to Apply for an Investor Visa
- Company Registration – Register your business in either a UAE Free Zone or the Mainland.
- Obtain a Trade License – Apply for a trade license from the Department of Economic Tourism(DET) if setting up a Mainland company, or from a relevant Free Zone Authority.
- Apply for an Establishment Card – This document is issued by the General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs (GDRFA) and is required for visa processing.
- Submit Visa Application – Apply through the GDRFA or the Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs & Port Security (ICP).
- Medical Test & Emirates ID Registration – Undergo a mandatory medical test, including a blood test and chest X-ray, and apply for an Emirates ID. (Avail EZONE's PRO Services in Dubai.)
- Visa Stamping – Once approved, your residency visa will be stamped into your passport.
What is the UAE Golden Visa
The UAE Golden Visa is a long-term residency visa designed for high-net-worth individuals, investors, and entrepreneurs. Unlike standard business visas, the Golden Visa is valid for 10 years and does not require a local sponsor.
Who Qualifies for the Golden Visa?
The Golden Visa is available to business owners and investors who meet at least one of the following criteria:
- Investors who have invested AED 2 million or more in a UAE-registered company
- Entrepreneurs with a successful startup recognized by a UAE incubator (e.g., Hub71, Dubai Future Foundation)
- Business owners operating in key sectors like technology, healthcare, and finance
Key Benefits of the Golden Visa
- Long-term residency – Valid for 10 years, renewable without additional requirements
- No local sponsor required – Complete independence from local sponsorship rules
- Family sponsorship – Visa holders can sponsor their spouse, children, and even domestic workers
- Business-friendly privileges – Easier access to banking, taxation benefits, and investment opportunities
How to Apply for the Golden Visa
- Obtain a Business or Investment Certificate – Submit proof of business ownership or a government-issued investment certificate.
- Secure a Letter of Recommendation – If applying as an entrepreneur, obtain approval from a UAE-recognized business incubator.
- Submit Application via ICP or GDRFA – Applications can be submitted online through UAE government portals.
- Complete Medical and Biometrics Requirements – A standard medical test and biometrics registration are required.
- Visa Issuance and Residency Activation – Once approved, your Golden Visa will be activated for 10 years.
A Dubai Freelance Visa is ideal for independent business owners, consultants, and remote workers who do not need a full business setup but wish to operate legally in the UAE.
Who Qualifies for a Freelance Visa?
- Freelancers in media, IT, education, and creative industries
- Independent consultants offering professional services
- Remote workers employed by companies outside the UAE
Key Benefits of the Freelance Visa
- No need for a local sponsor – You can operate independently
- Lower costs – More affordable than setting up a full-fledged company
- Residency permit – Eligible for UAE residency and Emirates ID
How to Apply for a Freelance Visa
- Choose a Free Zone Offering Freelance Licenses – Some popular options include Dubai Media City, Dubai Knowledge Park, and Abu Dhabi TwoFour54.
- Apply for a Freelance Permit – Submit your qualifications, portfolio, and a No Objection Certificate (NOC) if required.
- Obtain an Establishment Card – Required for visa processing.
- Apply for the Residency Visa – Submit an application through ICP or GDRFA.
What is an Employment Visa?
An Employment Visa is a work permit issued to individuals employed by a UAE-registered company. Business owners who establish their own company can either:
- Apply for an Investor Visa (covered earlier), OR
- Hire themselves as an employee under their own company and obtain an Employment Visa.
This visa is also required when hiring employees to work for your business.
Who Qualifies for an Employment Visa?
- Business owners who choose to operate as employees of their own company
- Employees hired by a UAE-registered business
- Professionals in fields such as finance, IT, engineering, and management
Key Benefits of the Employment Visa
- Legal right to work in the UAE under a company's sponsorship
- Residency permit valid for two to three years, depending on the emirate
- Allows business owners to issue employment visas for their staff
How to Apply for an Employment Visa
- Company Registration & Trade License – The business must be registered with the DED (for Mainland businesses) or a Free Zone Authority.
- Apply for an Establishment Card – Required for hiring employees.
- Submit Work Permit Application – File through the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation (MOHRE).
- Employment Contract & Work Permit Approval – The company must issue an official contract and obtain MOHRE approval.
- Visa Processing via GDRFA – The visa is processed by the General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs (GDRFA).
- Medical Test & Emirates ID Application – A standard requirement for all UAE residents.
What is the UAE Remote Work Visa?
The Remote Work Visa in Dubai, also known as the Virtual Working Program, is designed for entrepreneurs and professionals who want to live in the UAE while managing a business or working remotely for a company outside the UAE.
Unlike the Freelance Visa, this visa is not linked to a UAE business license, making it an excellent option for international entrepreneurs who want a UAE residency visa without physically operating a company in the UAE.
Who Qualifies for the Remote Work Visa?
- Entrepreneurs and business owners managing companies remotely
- Remote employees working for international companies
- Freelancers who provide services to global clients
Key Benefits of the Remote Work Visa
- No need to establish a business in the UAE
- One-year residency permit (renewable)
- No corporate tax or personal income tax on foreign earnings
- Access to UAE banking and business services
How to Apply for a Remote Work Visa
- Proof of Employment or Business Ownership – Applicants must provide a work contract or business registration documents.
- Meet the Minimum Income Requirement – Applicants must earn at least USD 3,500 per month.
- Submit an Application to GDRFA or ICP – Applications can be submitted online.
- Undergo Medical Examination & Apply for Emirates ID.
- Visa Stamping & Residency Activation.
What is the Property Investor Visa?
The Property Investor Visa allows business owners who purchase real estate in the UAE to obtain long-term residency. The visa is valid for 3 to 10 years, depending on the investment amount.
Who Qualifies for a Property Investor Visa?
- Business owners and investors who purchase residential or commercial property worth at least AED 750,000
- Those investing AED 2 million or more qualify for a Golden Visa (10 years)
Key Benefits of the Property Investor Visa
- Long-term residency options based on property value
- Family sponsorship available
- Ability to live and manage a business in the UAE
How to Apply for a Property Investor Visa
- Purchase Qualifying Real Estate – The property must be in a freehold area and meet the minimum investment requirement.
- Obtain a No Objection Certificate (NOC) from the Dubai Land Department (DLD).
- Submit Visa Application via GDRFA.
- Undergo Medical Test & Apply for Emirates ID.
- Receive Residency Permit.
What is the UAE Green Visa?
The Green Visa is a new residency category that offers self-sponsorship for highly skilled professionals, freelancers, and entrepreneurs. Unlike traditional visas, the Green Visa does not require a local employer or sponsor.
Who Qualifies for a Green Visa?
- Entrepreneurs and small business owners operating in priority sectors
- Freelancers and consultants with specialized skills
- Highly skilled professionals in IT, healthcare, and finance
Key Benefits of the Green Visa
- Valid for 5 years (renewable)
- Self-sponsored visa (no need for a UAE employer)
- Can sponsor family members
How to Apply for a Green Visa
- Meet Qualification Criteria – Provide proof of experience, qualifications, or a business registration certificate.
- Submit an Application to ICP or GDRFA.
- Medical Examination & Emirates ID Processing.
- Visa Stamping & Residency Activation.
What is the Dependent Visa?
Business owners holding any residency visa (Investor, Golden, Employment, etc.) can sponsor their spouse, children, and domestic staff under a Dependent Visa.
Key Benefits of the Dependent Visa
- Allows family members to reside in the UAE legally
- Renewable every 1-3 years
- No work permit required for dependents
Step-by-Step Process for Obtaining a Business Visa in the UAE
Regardless of which visa type you choose, most applications follow a standard process. Below is a detailed guide to help business owners and entrepreneurs successfully obtain their visa.
The UAE offers two primary options for business registration, but the rules regarding foreign ownership, sponsorship, and employment visas have evolved.
A) Mainland Company
- Requires a trade license from the Department of Economy and Tourism (DET) in the emirate where the business is established.
- Allows businesses to operate anywhere in the UAE and engage in government contracts.
- Local sponsor NOT always required – As of June 2021, many business activities allow 100% foreign ownership under the UAE’s updated Commercial Companies Law (Federal Decree-Law No. 26 of 2020). However, some sectors like oil, gas, and security still require a UAE national sponsor.
- Can apply for unlimited employment visas, but visa quotas are linked to office space size and activity type (regulated by the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratization – MOHRE).
B) Free Zone Company
- Operates within a designated Free Zone and is governed by the Free Zone Authority (FZA), not the DET.
- No need for a local UAE partner – You retain 100% ownership, but business activities are restricted to inside the Free Zone or international markets unless you work with a local distributor or obtain a DED license extension.
- Employee visa quotas depend on office space size – Most Free Zones limit visas based on office size, with flexi-desk options typically allowing 1-3 visas. Larger office spaces may allow more visas.
- Tax benefits apply – Some Free Zones offer corporate tax exemptions or reduced tax rates (though the UAE now has a 9% corporate tax on profits above AED 375,000, effective June 2023, and all businesses Mainland or Freezone must register for UAE corporate tax irrespective of profits threshold).
Before applying for a visa, your business must be legally registered in the UAE.
A) Mainland Business Setup
- Register with the Department of Economy and Tourism (DET).
- Choose a business activity and get initial approval.
- Secure office space and obtain a lease agreement (Ejari).
- Submit required documents (passport copies, shareholder agreements, etc.).
- Pay licensing fees and receive the official Trade License.
B) Free Zone Business Setup
- Register with a specific Free Zone authority (e.g., Dubai Multi Commodities Centre, JAFZA).
- Select a business activity from the approved Free Zone list.
- Choose a suitable office space or flexi-desk package.
- Submit documents and pay licensing fees.
- Receive the Free Zone Trade License.
The Establishment Card (also called the Immigration Card) is a mandatory document issued by the General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs (GDRFA).
Why Do You Need an Establishment Card?
- Required for applying for Investor Visas and Employment Visas.
- Allows the business to sponsor employees.
- Enables visa processing through UAE immigration authorities.
How to Apply for an Establishment Card?
- Submit the trade license and company registration documents to GDRFA.
- Pay the Establishment Card fee (AED 2,000 – 3,000).
- Receive approval within an estimated 3 to 7 business days.
Once your business is registered, and you have the Establishment Card, you can apply for the Investor Visa, Employment Visa, or Partner Visa.
Required Documents for a Business Visa
- Passport copy (valid for at least 6 months)
- Recent passport-sized photos (white background)
- Business trade license
- Establishment Card
- Partner or shareholder agreement (if applicable)
- Bank statements (for financial verification)
Visa Application Processing Time
- Standard processing: Estimated 5 to 7 business days
- Express processing (if available): 48 hours
Once your visa is approved, you must complete medical and biometric registration.
Medical Examination
- Blood test and chest X-ray at a UAE government-approved medical center.
- Medical test fee: AED 300 – 700.
- Processing time: 1 to 3 business days.
Emirates ID Registration
- Required for all UAE residents.
- Submit biometric data (fingerprints and retina scan).
- Emirates ID fee: AED 1,000 – 2,000.
After passing the medical test and obtaining the Emirates ID, your residence visa is stamped in your passport.
Final Steps
- Submit medical test results to GDRFA or ICP.
- Pay visa stamping fee: AED 500 – 1,500.
- Receive UAE residence visa (valid for 2 to 10 years, depending on visa type).
Sponsoring Employees: Visa Quotas and Rules
Once your own visa is secured, you may need to hire employees and issue visas for them. However, the number of visas your business can issue depends on several factors.
Employee Visa Quotas
The UAE government regulates the number of visas a company can issue based on the following:
Office Space Requirement
- Mainland businesses: The number of visas depends on office size.
- Free Zone businesses: Each Free Zone has different limits based on workspace allocation.
| Office Space Size | Visa Quota (Approximate) |
|---|---|
| Flexi-desk (shared workspace) | 1-3 visas |
| Small office (100-200 sq. ft.) | 4-6 visas |
| Medium office (200-500 sq. ft.) | 7-15 visas |
| Large office (500+ sq. ft.) | Unlimited (depends on business activity) |
Business Activity Type
- Professional Services → Typically fewer visa allocations.
- Industrial & Manufacturing → Higher visa quotas due to labor needs.
Company Category & MOHRE Classification
The Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation (MOHRE) classifies businesses based on compliance, Emiratization percentage, and activity type. Companies with a higher MOHRE rating may receive more visa quotas.
Process for Sponsoring Employees
If you plan to hire employees, follow these steps:
- Apply for a Work Permit → Submit employee details to MOHRE.
- Issue Employment Contract → The contract must match UAE labor regulations.
- Apply for a Residency Visa → Submit the visa application through GDRFA or ICP.
- Employee Medical Test & Emirates ID Registration → Mandatory for all employees.
- Visa Stamping & Residency Activation → Employees receive their UAE residence visa.
Conclusion
If you’re serious about moving to the UAE as a business owner, getting the right visa is just as important as setting up your company. The wrong visa choice can lead to delays, extra costs, or even rejection, but the right choice gives you stability, residency, and full control over your business operations.
If you’re ready to start the process, take action today with our EZONE professionals who will help you to navigate the process smoothly.
FAQS
If your visa expires, you have a 30-day grace period to renew it. After that, you may face fines starting at AED 25 per day, increasing over time. If you overstay for more than 90 days, stricter penalties apply, and legal action could be taken.
Yes, you can apply for certain visas such as freelance visa, remote work visa, and golden visa without a business license. Our EZONE experts are here to assist you on your visa application.
No. Working on a tourist or visit visa is illegal and can result in fines, deportation, and a permanent ban. You must obtain an Employment, Freelance, or Investor Visa to work legally.
Yes. Business visa holders can sponsor their spouse, children, and domestic staff.
No. Working on a tourist or visit visa is illegal and can result in fines, deportation, and a permanent ban. You must obtain an Employment, Freelance, or Investor Visa to work legally.
Yes, as long as your visa is tied to one primary company, you can hold shares in multiple businesses. Some Free Zones also allow multi-business licenses under one visa.
