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When a country keeps taxes super low, it becomes everyone’s favorite. That is exactly what UAE is! If you are also determined to expand your business in Dubai, getting a business visa is essential. A Dubai business visa lets foreigners visit and stay in the UAE for business activities, either for a short or long period. It is available both in mainland and free zones.
Quick summary:
If UAE is a business hotspot, Dubai is its crown jewel. It is a global trade hub that supports startups of all types. This guide is a must-read for anyone planning to start a business in Dubai. It explains business visa in UAE in simple terms and walks you through its application process. By learning about the types and cost of UAE business visa, you will also get a clear idea of which one you should aim for right now.
A business visa is a special permit, that allows foreigners to enter and stay in UAE for business activities like attending meetings or starting a company. It is issued by General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs (GDRFA) or respective freezone. You can get it for 30 days, 60 days, 90 days, 2 years, 5 years, and even 10 years, depending on your eligibility and personal needs.
You can obtain a business visa in any of the Emirates of UAE: Dubai, Ras Al Khaimah, Fujairah Abu Dubai, Sharjah, Ajman, and Umm Al Quwain.
If you wish to engage in business activities in Dubai, you must hold a Dubai business visa. Visa requirements for entering and staying in Dubai depend upon the individual’s nationality.
The types of Dubai business visa include short-term visit visas, investor visa, golden visa, and freelance visa, which you can get either in mainland or in one of the Dubai free zones.
Below given is a brief explanation of each:
A business visit visa allows foreigners to enter Dubai for a short term (30, 60, or 90 days). It is suitable for attending business meetings, exploring investment opportunities, attending events, or making short business trips to the city.
A local sponsor, such as a UAE company or a travel agent, generally issues this visa on behalf of the applicant.
The types of visit visa include:
| Type | Validity | Entries allowed | Extendable | Sponsorship | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Single-entry Visit Visa | 30 or 60 days | One time | Yes | Local sponsor | Short business trips |
| Multi-entry Visit Visa | 30 or 60 days | Multiple | Yes | Local sponsor | Frequent short visits |
| Multiple-entry Visit Visa (5 years) | 5 years, 90 days per visit | Multiple | Each visit extendable by 90 days (max 180 days/year) | Self-sponsored | Frequent long-term business visits |
A business residence visa allows foreigner to stay and do business in Dubai for 2, 3, 5 or even 10 years. To be eligible, applicants must own a business in Dubai, have a successful paid job in a UAE-based company, or have proven entrepreneurial experience.
A residency visa in UAE helps with:
Before getting residence visa, you must:
The following are the types of residence visa for businesses:
A UAE investor visa or a partner visa is the most common residence visa option for those who start or invest in a business in Dubai. It is typically valid for 2 to 3 years, renewable if one continues to meet eligibility.
Golden visa allows applicants to stay in Dubai for 10 years (renewable). To qualify, entrepreneurs must invest a minimum of AED 2 million in new or existing business in Dubai.
Besides them, property investors, exceptional talents, humanitarian workers, and other categories can also qualify for 10-year golden visa.
Golden visa does not require local sponsor and it offers distinct benefits:
Entrepreneurs can apply for golden visa in UAE through GDRFA portal here.
Green visa is mostly chosen by self-sponsored business owners and freelancers. It allows holders to participate in commercial activities and live in the UAE for up to 5 years. You must meet the following conditions to get green visa:
A business visa in Dubai lets you be part of one of the world’s fastest-growing economies. You can pay low taxes, network with high-net-worth individuals, and create a global brand.
Here’s why top brands and MNCs are choosing Dubai business visa:
Dubai allows more than 2,500 business activities approved by DET. This means almost any business is possible here: technology, AI, Web3, trading, cafés, manufacturing, and many more. Also, with 99% internet penetration, online business opportunities are very high.
Dubai does not tax your income. There is no personal tax, no inheritance tax, no gift tax. Corporate tax is only 9%, which is almost half of other countries. In fact, if your profits are below AED 375,000 per year, you pay 0% corporate tax. No VAT registration is required below the same limit.
Dubai is located in the center of major world regions. Which means you can connect with global communities and markets very easily, benefitting from:
Dubai also offers top-class education for children and world-class healthcare facilities. With a business visa, you can unlock a major life upgrade for yourself and your family.
Also, let us not forget Dubai has world’s most powerful free zones and your business visa is your entry ticket. DIFC, DWTC, IFZA, and 30+ other hubs provide 100% business ownership, easy company setup, and lifetime free residency visa offers.
Should you get a business visa or an employment visa in Dubai depends on your goal: whether you want to do business in Dubai or build your career here.
If you are confused between these two, look at the differences explained below. It will help you make a better decision.
| Aspect | Business visa | Employment visa |
|---|---|---|
| Purpose | Meant for those who wish to conduct business activities in Dubai. | Suitable for those who want to live in Dubai for employment. |
| Sponsor | In most cases, it is self sponsored. | Generally, sponsored by UAE based employers. |
| Dependency | Greater flexibility and independence. | Depends on local sponsor, cancellation of sponsorship leads to visa cancellation. |
| Job contract | Not required. | Mandatory requirement. |
According to ICP and Dubai-GDRFA guidelines, anyone above the age of 18 years can apply for a business visa Dubai, provided they meet the following conditions:
Documentation requirement for a Dubai business visa include:
Financial requirements for a business visa Dubai:
Please note: Required documents and financial commitments can vary depending on the type of visa. Contact Dubiz company formation specialists for exact details.
You can apply online for a business visa on Dubai-GDRFA, the ICP Portal, or by visiting a UAE Embassy/Consulate. The exact process may vary depending on the visa type, whether you are inside or outside the UAE, and whether a business registration is required.
The following general steps can be followed to obtain a Dubai business visa:
The first step is deciding which business visa you need. It depends on your business goals and eligibility. You must choose between:
If you plan to get your UAE residency through company setup in Dubai, you must first legally establish your business. Here are the steps:
This step is not needed for a visit visa or if you already have ownership in a UAE company.
Apply for the business visa through any of the given methods:
Key steps:
Fill out the license application form accurately and completely. After filling it out, proofread the application to make sure you have not made any errors.
After the initial visa approval is granted, you will receive your entry permit. It is valid for 60 days. If you are outside the UAE, you can enter the country and complete business visa formalities.
Please note that entry permits are mainly issued for residence visas. For tourist or visit visas, an entry permit is usually not required.
While on your entry permit, complete your medical tests at government-approved healthcare centers and provide biometrics for Emirates ID. The medical tests include chest xrays and blood tests. For Emirates ID, you will need to get your biometrics, like fingerprints, registered.
Once the above formalities are completed and communicated to authorities, your business visa application goes through a final review, and your business visa will be granted if everything is in place. If the application is not approved, you can reapply after 90 days (about 3 months).
Realistically speaking, the Dubai visa application process can take up to a month. It can be as quick as 5 – 6 days in some cases, but in most cases, it involves several formalities: document preparation, entry permit issuance, completing medical tests and biometrics, and final visa approval.
For example, residency visas require you to take medical tests, etc. This can affect the time you wait for your visa to be processed.
In total, the process can take 20 to 30 days, especially if a new company is being established. Here is a breakdown of timeline:
Yes. You can renew your business visa, whether it is a golden visa, a standard 2-year residence visa, or any other type, provided you continue meeting eligibility conditions.
Along with the visa, the Emirates ID will also be renewed. At the time of renewal, medical tests must be completed again to confirm fitness. After the visa is renewed, it will be again valid for original duration. For example, a golden visa can be further renewed for 10 years.
The cost of Dubai business visa depends on the type of visa, freezone vs mainland, and other factors.
The business visa Dubai price for various types is given below:
| Business visa type | Application fees (AED) |
|---|---|
| Single-entry visit visa | 400* |
| Multiple-entry visit visa (30 days) | 300* |
| Multiple-entry visit visa (60 days) | 500* |
| Multiple-entry visit visa (90 days) | 700* |
| 2-year residence visa (applicants inside Dubai) | 3,500* (without medical insurance) |
| 2-year residence visa (applicants outside Dubai) | 2,200* (without medical insurance) |
| Golden visa | 5,000* + medical test fees + typing centre charges |
| Green visa | 2,280* (excluding additional fees for ID card and medical services) |
Here are the other visa expenses to consider:
Expect to pay around AED for a 2 year business residence visa in Dubai. Also, the renewal charges will be the same as the original.
It should be noted that the business visa UAE cost is subject to changes in government regulations. Please get in touch with Dubiz business setup consultants in Dubai for further assistance.
Here are some genuine tips for a smooth UAE business visa:
Prepare your documents in advance: It may seem like something that can be done later, but having most documents ready, even small ones like photos, can help speed up the application. The format should follow guidelines, and some documents may need attestation or translation.
Apply through a licensed consultant: Experts know the correct routes and the exact legal requirements. They can give the best advice and help with the application as well.
Apply for the right visa: Choosing the correct visa category makes the process easier. For example, if you want to serve clients across UAE, you must go for mainland business visa.
Respond to authority requests: Authorities like ICP or GDRFA may ask for additional documents or clarifications. Do not ignore these requests, as delays or missed responses can cancel a partially completed process.
Plan financially: Know the expected costs and pay them on time. Unpaid fees can cause delays or cancellations.
Ongoing legal compliance: Violating any visa terms may be treated as absconding in UAE and can lead to severe penalties. Your trade license can be canceled, your visa revoked, and in worse cases, you could be banned from coming back to Dubai. Therefore, always fulfill your legal duties, whether it is renewing permits, paying taxes, or updating information. Every step counts.
Getting a Dubai business visa unlocks an ocean of opportunities for aspiring entrepreneurs. After reading this article, you must be now aware of the application process, legal requirements, and cost related.
The business visa process is simple but if you want experts to handle it for you, Dubiz Business Setup can help. We have helped our clients with different types of UAE residence visa, including business visa, employment visa, golden visa, and family visa. Talk to us to avoid the hassle of dealing with paperwork and government offices.
How Dubiz Business Setup helps with a business visa in UAE?
Contact us for Dubai business visa
📞 Call: +971 56 369 5485
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📧 Email: info@dubiz.co
Disclaimer: This post is for information only. Although we provide you the latest details, UAE visa rules can change. For the latest updates and advice, check on official government portals or an immigration expert like Dubiz.
The Dubai business visa offers different durations, ranging from 30 to 60 days for single-entry visas. Additionally, there is a long-term multiple-entry visa valid for 5 years. For residence visas, the validity can be 2, 3, 5, or even up to 10 years.
The processing time for a UAE business visa varies. For example, the 5-year multiple entry visa can be processed within 48 hours, whereas the Golden visa typically requires 30 days for processing.
The duration will depend on the purpose of travel and validity of the visa. The validity can be of a few days to several months.
Yes, you can sponsor your dependents with a business visa in UAE by following the rules set by the ICA for sponsoring families in the UAE. To apply, you must show proof of relationship (like a marriage or birth certificate) when submitting the application form to the General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs (GDRFA). Your dependents can include:
1. Your spouse
2. Children under 18
3. Parents over 60 who rely on you financially
4. Unmarried siblings under 18 who depend on you financially
Yes, you can apply for a business visa in any of the seven Emirates, which include Abu Dhabi, Dubai, Sharjah, Ajman, Umm Al-Quwain, Fujairah, and Ras Al-Khaimah. The application process for a Business Visa remains consistent across all Emirates.
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