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The UAE today stands as a prime destination for business setup and growth. According to the Annual Investment Meeting (AIM) Congress 2024 held in Abu Dhabi, the UAE is on track to achieve a landmark $30 billion in foreign direct investments (FDI) inflows this year. Entrepreneurs are especially drawn to Dubai’s business-friendly atmosphere, where free zones offering full foreign ownership and tax benefits are becoming extremely popular. However, if you wish to start a business in Dubai, obtaining a Dubai free zone visa may be a significant concern.
This blog addresses this concern by offering a comprehensive guide on obtaining a Dubai free zone visa for yourself, your employees, or your dependents.
Free Zones, also known as free trade zones (FTZs), are designated economic areas with their own set of rules, different from those that govern businesses outside the zone. Businesses here enjoy many benefits, including zero tax rates, custom duty benefits, and 100% foreign ownership. An important step in the freezone company formation in Dubai is obtaining a free zone visa.
A Dubai free zone visa is a type of visa issued by GDRFA to people associated with free zone businesses in Dubai. It can take various forms, such as investment visas or employment visas. For instance, an entrepreneur setting up a company in a free zone can opt for an investor visa, while employees of free zone companies need employment visas.
A free zone visa permits individuals to reside and work legally in the UAE. It offers various benefits such as tax exemption, complete ownership of businesses, access to financial services, leasing of corporate premises, availability of healthcare services, and eligibility for a driver’s license, among others, to its holders.
The following steps should be followed to obtain a free zone visa Dubai:
To operate legally in the Dubai free zone, you must first register your business with the relevant free zone authorities with the essential documents such as business plan, passport copies, memorandum and articles of association, financial statements, etc.
E-channel services aim to help you reduce the complexity of the procedure and paperwork, making the application process prompt and hassle-free. You may register with your personal details and pay the specific registration fee. It should be noted that apart from the Dubai free zone, e-channel registration is mandatory in the rest of the UAE. Talk to our experts at DUBIZ for additional information.
After completing the above steps, you must apply for an entry permit or employment visa. The validity of this visa is 60 days, and it is issued within 15 days of application submission. This period allows you to complete the further formalities in Dubai free zone visa application. You can also get this visa in up to seven days through a PRO or free zone visa expert. It should be noted that an entry permit is only issued after you register your business with the relevant free zone authority. After applying for an entry permit, it is advisable to stay in the country to avoid any issues that may hinder the process.
After you acquire your entry permit, you need to activate it through visa stamping. This is a process of getting your passport stamped by immigration officers in the UAE.
There are three ways for visa status adjustment:
While you are inside the UAE, you can easily submit your passport to the immigration department, and they will activate your entry permit by stamping it. It usually takes 3 to 5 days.
If you are outside the country at the time of employment visa issuance, you can activate it by submitting it to the immigration officer at the airport upon arrival. The officer will validate it by stamping it.
Another way to activate your employment visa is to leave the country by land, re-enter using the issued visa, and have it stamped by the immigration officer.
The out-of-country and border-run processes are available only for people from certain countries. Therefore, it is advised to go for the in-country process by staying in UAE while your employment visa application is being processed.
To get a Dubai free zone visa, you must undergo medical assessments to comply with the nation’s health protocols. These assessments involve blood tests and chest X-rays to evaluate your health. You can apply for medical tests online through a typing centre. There are two options available:
Once your application is approved, you must visit dub medical fitness centres to undergo the required tests. You must also bring a printed copy of the online application provided by the typing Centre and your original passport.
The next step is to apply for the Emirates ID card through a suitable typing Centre. Once the application is submitted, you will need to visit the Emirates ID department offices to have your biometric details captured (fingerprints and eye scans). Biometric processes are not required in case of ID renewal.
An employment ID card enables you to access various corporate and banking services in the UAE, such as opening a bank account, obtaining health insurance, acquiring a mobile connection, etc. The issuance of ID cards typically takes around 7 to 10 days, contingent upon residency confirmation and visa issuance.
After completing the previous steps, the final stage is to apply for a residence visa. You must submit your passport to the UAE immigration authority for a visa stamp, which usually takes about 5 business days. Once your application is approved, you will receive a notification.
Once you secure your residence visa, you can apply for a visa for your dependents and domestic staff, which will follow the same process.
It should be noted that all visa processes are done through GDRFA, and the process and documentation may vary depending on the free zone you are applying to. Please get in touch with our experts at DUBIZ for complete guidance.
In October 2022, the Federal Authority for Identity and Citizenship (FAIC) reduced the validity of free zone visas from three years to two. This adjustment applies to all categories of free zone visas, including new visas, renewals, and transfers.
The following documents are typically needed for Dubai free zone visa application process:
It should be noted that the specific free zone authorities may need additional documents. To learn more, please consult our experts at DUBIZ.
The cost of a Dubai free zone visa can vary across the different free zones and packages. The average cost is around AED 3750*.
Please talk to our experts at DUBIZ for more information.
Although obtaining a Dubai free zone visa is straightforward, it can seem complicated for those unfamiliar with the intricacies involved. Our experts at DUBIZ handle the entire process for you, ensuring all the formalities are met promptly and error-free. They not only help you with the visa paperwork but also with the Emirates ID application for you and your dependents.
Let DUBIZ take care of free zone visa UAE for you!
Contact DUBIZ today at +971 562986853 or WhatsApp us at +971 569973630. You can also drop an email at info@dubiz.co for any inquiries.
The processing time for a free zone visa is 10 to 15 working days, subject to approval from the relevant government authority.
The difference between an employment visa and a residence permit in the UAE lies in their purposes. An employment visa helps you enter the UAE for a specific time and reason. Once you’re in, you’ll need a residence permit to avail of government services and to maintain residency in the UAE for an extended duration.
The average cost for Dubai free zone visa is around AED 3750*. The cost can vary with the free zone and the package chosen.
Once you secure your residence visa, you can apply for visas for your family members and dependents, provided you meet the associated eligibility criteria.
