VISA OPTIONS AS AN INVESTOR:
The Golden Visa offers a 10-year renewable residency to property investors who invest a minimum of AED 2 million (~$550,000) in real estate. The property must be fully owned and not mortgaged beyond 50%. This visa allows for long-term residence and includes the ability to sponsor family members.
The Silver Visa provides a 5-year renewable residency for investors who invest at least AED 1 million (~$270,000) in real estate. Similar to the Golden Visa, the property should be fully owned, and investors can also sponsor their family members under this visa.
A 2-year renewable Investor Visa is available for individuals who invest a minimum of AED 750,000 (~$205,000) in real estate. The property can be partially mortgaged, and this visa allows the holder to reside in the UAE, sponsor their family, and renew the visa as long as they retain the investment.
People who set up a company in Dubai can apply for a personal residency visa linked to business ownership. The company must be registered in a free zone or mainland, and the visa is typically issued for 2 years. This visa also allows business owners to sponsor their family and dependents. The company license has to be renewed every year while the visa must be renewed every 2 years.
VISA OPTIONS AS
AN ENTREPRENEUR:
The Main Land Business Visa is tailored for entrepreneurs who want to establish a company in Dubai's mainland. This visa not only allows you to live and work in Dubai but also enables you to engage directly with the local market, providing unparalleled opportunities for business growth and expansion.
To qualify, you must register your business with the Department of Economic Development (DED) and meet specific licensing requirements. The Business Visa is valid for 2-3 years and is renewable, offering a stable foundation for your entrepreneurial journey in one of the world’s most dynamic markets. However, not all main land businesses have 100% foreign ownership.
The Free Zone Visa is ideal for entrepreneurs looking to set up their companies in one of Dubai's many free zones. These areas offer unique benefits, including 100% foreign ownership, no corporate taxes, and minimal startup costs. To qualify for the Free Zone Visa, you must register your business in a free zone and adhere to its specific regulations.
This visa typically has a duration of 2-3 years, depending on the free zone, and is renewable. The starting costs can vary by zone but generally begin at around AED 10,000 (~$2,700), covering licensing and visa fees. The Free Zone Visa allows you to operate your business in the designated freezone area and also enables you to sponsor family members to join you in Dubai.
BUSINESS VISA IN DUBAI
Advantages of a Mainland Business Visa:
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Wider Market Access: Unlike free zone companies, mainland businesses can trade directly with the local market and government entities.
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Diverse Business Activities: There are fewer restrictions on the types of business activities you can undertake, allowing for more flexibility.
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100% Ownership: Recent regulations allow for 100% foreign ownership in some sectors, eliminating the need for a local sponsor.
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Greater Credibility: Operating in the mainland can enhance your company's credibility, making it easier to attract clients and investors.
Advantages of a
Free Zone Business Visa:
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100% Foreign Ownership: You can fully own your business without needing a local sponsor, providing complete control over your operations.
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Tax Benefits: Free zone companies enjoy 0% corporate tax for a specific period (often renewable), as well as exemption from personal income tax and import/export duties.
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Streamlined Setup: Establishing a business in a free zone is generally quicker and involves less bureaucracy compared to mainland registration, allowing you to start operations swiftly.
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Access to Modern Infrastructure: Free zones offer state-of-the-art facilities, logistics support, and proximity to major transport links, enhancing operational efficiency.
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Networking Opportunities: Free zones often host a community of like-minded businesses, providing excellent networking opportunities and access to various support services.
Also Learn About Employment Visas:
Employee Visa
The Employment Visa is specifically designed for individuals who have received a job offer from a UAE-based company. This visa enables you to live and work in Dubai legally, providing the opportunity to immerse yourself in the dynamic work environment of one of the world’s most attractive business hubs.
To obtain an Employment Visa, your employer must initiate the process, which involves securing a work permit and submitting the necessary documentation, including a valid passport and medical fitness certificate. Once approved, the visa allows you to reside in Dubai for the duration of your employment contract, typically valid for 2-3 years and renewable based on your ongoing employment status.
Advantages:
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Legal Right to Work: The Employment Visa grants you the legal right to work in Dubai, ensuring compliance with UAE labor laws and regulations.
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Sponsorship of Family Members: Visa holders can sponsor immediate family members (spouse and children) for residency in Dubai, allowing for family unity while working abroad.
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Stability and Security: With a visa tied to your employment, you enjoy job security and access to various employee benefits provided by your employer, such as health insurance and end-of-service gratuity.
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Pathway to Residency: The Employment Visa can be a stepping stone to permanent residency or a long-term residency visa, depending on your employer's policies and your duration of stay.
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Access to Local Opportunities: Living and working in Dubai exposes you to a wide range of professional opportunities and networking events, helping you advance your career in a global hub.
How Can You Hire Employees?
As a company owner in Dubai, securing Employment Visas for your employees is crucial for building a strong and capable workforce. The Employment Visa process involves several steps that ensure compliance with UAE labor laws while facilitating your ability to attract and retain talent.
Getting Visas For Your Employees
Obtain a Work Permit:
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Before applying for an Employment Visa, you must secure a work permit from the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratization (MoHRE). This involves submitting an application along with relevant documents, such as your trade license and employee details.
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Cost: The work permit fee varies but typically ranges from AED 500 to AED 3,000 (~$150 - $800), depending on the employee’s position and the size of your company.
Medical Fitness Test:
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Employees must undergo a medical fitness test at an authorized medical center to ensure they meet health requirements. This includes blood tests and a chest X-ray.
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Cost: The medical test fee is usually around AED 300 to AED 600 (~$80 - $170)
Apply for the Employment Visa:
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Once the work permit and medical fitness test are complete, you can apply for the Employment Visa through the General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs (GDRFA). You'll need to submit the visa application along with supporting documents, including the employee’s passport copy and the employment contract.
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Cost: The visa application fee generally ranges from AED 1,000 to AED 2,000 (~$270 - $550).
Receive Visa Stamping:
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After approval, the visa is stamped in the employee's passport, allowing them to enter and work in the UAE legally. You will also need to obtain an Emirates ID for the employee, which is mandatory for residency.
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Cost: The Emirates ID application fee is approximately AED 100 to AED 300 ($30 - $80).
Final Steps:
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Once the Employment Visa and Emirates ID are issued, you should ensure that your employee has the necessary employment insurance coverage through reputed insurance provider, as this is a legal requirement for all your employees.
Overall Costs:
The total estimated cost for obtaining an Employment Visa for an employee can range from AED 2,500 to AED 6,000 (~$680 - $1650), depending on various factors such as medical tests and permit fees. This investment not only ensures compliance with local laws but also demonstrates your commitment to providing a supportive and legally compliant work environment for your employees.
How Can You Sponsor Your Family?
Dubai’s visa system allows individuals holding various types of visas to sponsor their family members for residency, creating an opportunity for families to live together while working or investing in the UAE. Below is an overview of how family sponsorship works for each type of visa.
Getting Visas For Your Family Members
Sponsor for 10 Years
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The Golden Visa allows holders to sponsor immediate family members, including spouses and children, for long-term residency in Dubai.
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Eligibility: There are no specific income requirements for sponsoring family members under this visa.
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Duration: Family members receive residency for the same duration as the Golden Visa holder, which is typically 10 years and renewable.
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Process: Sponsors must submit the necessary documentation, including marriage and birth certificates, along with the family members’ passport copies.
Golden Visa
Sponsor for 5 Years
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The Silver Investor Visa enables property investors to sponsor their immediate family members.
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Eligibility: To sponsor family members, the investor must demonstrate sufficient income to support them.
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Duration: Family members receive residency for the same duration as the investor visa, usually 2 years and renewable.
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Process: The sponsor must provide proof of investment and submit relevant documentation for each family member, including relationship proof and identification.
Silver Visa
Sponsor for 2-3 Years
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Employees holding an Employment Visa can sponsor their immediate family members to live in Dubai.
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Eligibility: The sponsor must meet a minimum salary requirement, which is typically around AED 4,000 (~$1,100) monthly, along with accommodation proof.
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Duration: Family members’ residency is tied to the employee’s visa and is typically valid for 2-3 years, renewable based on the employee’s status.
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Process: To initiate sponsorship, the employee must submit the necessary documents, including their employment contract, proof of income, and identification for each family member.
Employment Visa
Sponsor for 2-3 Years
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Those holding a Business Visa can also sponsor their immediate family members.
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Eligibility: Sponsors must meet the minimum salary threshold and have adequate housing to support their family members.
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Duration: Family residency aligns with the Business Visa, which is typically 2-3 years and renewable.
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Process: The sponsor must provide relevant documents, such as business registration, proof of income, and identification for the family members.
Business Visa
General Process for Sponsoring Family Members:
1
Gather Documentation:
Collect all required documents, including passports, relationship proofs, salary certificates, and housing contracts.
2
Submit Application:
Applications can be submitted online or at the relevant government authority (GDRFA), depending on the visa type.
3
Medical Fitness:
Family members may be required to undergo a medical fitness test.
4
Receive Residency Visa:
Once approved, family members will receive their residency visas, allowing them to live in Dubai.
Are you ready to make the move to Dubai?
Our Relocation to Dubai Program offers comprehensive support to help you secure the right visa and navigate the process smoothly.
BOOK YOUR FREE RELOCATION
TO DUBAI CONSULTATION
What’s Included in the Package:
✔️ ASSISTANCE WITH SELECTING THE APPROPRIATE VISA TYPE
✔️ GUIDANCE ON RESIDENCY REQUIREMENTS & COSTS
✔️ PERSONAL SUPPORT IN FINDING YOUR DREAM PROPERTY
✔️ OBTAINING A VISA THROUGH INVESTMENT
✔️ HOW CAN YOU OPEN YOUR OWN "LLC" COMPANY
✔️ STEPS TO OPEN YOUR BANK ACCOUNT (PERSONAL OR CORPORATE)
✔️ KNOW MORE ABOUT THE TAX STRUCTURE IN DUBAI
✔️ PURCHASING A PROPERTY ONLINE FROM YOUR HOMETOWN
✔️ PURCHASING A PROPERTY THROUGH CRYPTOCURRENCY
✔️ GET AN OVERVIEW OF DUBAI ECONOMY