Starting a business in Dubai is a goal that many entrepreneurs cherish. Foreign entrepreneurs are participating in a number of industries in the city, and their contributions have made a huge impact on the overall economy of the Emirates. Dubai presents a favourable business environment, with a friendly tax regime, modern infrastructure, diverse business options, and more. One thing that every entrepreneur must have, though, is a business visa. A Dubai business visa is an official permit required to stay and work legally in the city.
This blog is meant for all those aspirants who want to obtain a business visa in Dubai. It will help them understand the process, costs, and other essential information.
What is a UAE business visa
A Dubai business visa is an official permit issued by the UAE government that allows expatriates and foreign entrepreneurs to enter, stay in the city, and conduct business operations. There are different types of business visas available to entrepreneurs in the UAE, varying by eligibility and stay duration. All foreigners who wish to start a business in Dubai must hold a business visa, and without it, they cannot legally stay in the city.
Dubai business visa benefits
Holding a Dubai business visa comes with many advantages. The UAE business visa allows you to stay in the city for a specific period without any concerns, enabling you to operate your business freely in one of the world’s wealthiest economies. While in Dubai, you can benefit from significant tax incentives, allowing you to keep more of what you earn. You will also have the opportunity to network with an advanced business community, helping you and your business reach new heights of success.
Dubai is a global trading hub, offering easy access to international markets. Additionally, talents from all around the world come together in Dubai, meaning businesses can tap into a diverse, multicultural pool of candidates. Moreover, holding a Dubai business visa makes you eligible to sponsor the residency of your family members, allowing you to bring them to the city as well!
Who can get a business visa in Dubai
There are different types of business visas Dubai, and the eligibility criteria vary depending on the category. Generally, the applicant must fulfil the following requirements to get the Dubai business visa:
- Provide proof of entrepreneurial experience.
- Have played a major role in any startup or held a senior position in a business.
- Submit a well-defined business plan for the proposed business.
- Have a clear criminal record.
- Pass the medical fitness tests.
While these are the general requirements, there may be additional specific requirements depending on the category being applied for, such as proof of income, investment documentation, etc. The applicant will also need to submit the necessary documents, which will be reviewed by the respective authorities. Only after approval will the business visa in Dubai be granted.
Business visa categories in Dubai
You can choose from a variety of business visa options available in Dubai, with the right choice determined by your specific conditions and needs. Here are the types of Dubai business visa:
- Visit Visa: A visit visa allows you to enter and stay in Dubai for a short period. This visa is ideal for those looking to come to Dubai for meetings, business trips, etc.
- Single-entry visit visa: This visa allows the holder to enter the Emirates once and stay for up to 30 or 60 days.
- Multiple-entry visa: This visa allows the holder to enter the Emirates, leave, and then re-enter. Each stay can be up to 90 days, extendable by an additional 90 days. The validity of this visa is 5 years.
- Residence Visa: This business visa allows the holder to stay in the Emirates for a substantial amount of time, with validity ranging from 2 to 10 years. The residence visa can be either sponsored or self-sponsored:
- Sponsored visa: This visa is arranged and taken care of by a UAE employer or local sponsor.
- Self-sponsored visa: Includes the Green Visa (for business owners and shareholders) and the Golden Visa (for investors, property owners, and executives).
Note: To obtain the residence visa, the applicant must first secure an entry visa to enter the UAE. During the validity of the entry permit, the applicant can complete the residence visa formalities and application process.
Legal requirements for Dubai business visa
The Federal Authority for Identity and Citizenship (ICP) has outlined the following business visa Dubai requirements:
- The applicant must be at least 18 years old.
- A passport with a minimum of 6 months’ validity.
- Two recent passport-size photographs.
- Bank statements to prove financial stability for your stay in the city.
- Proof of accommodation, such as hotel bookings.
- Professional qualifications or education certificates.
- Police clearance certificate.
- Copy of business registration and trade license (if required).
- Valid health insurance.
- NOC (No Objection Certificate) from father or husband for female travellers.
- Copy of current UAE residence visa, if any.
These are the standard documents required, but there may also be specific requirements depending on your situation. We recommend consulting professional business setup experts like Dubiz Business Setup for detailed and personalized information.
Process to obtain a UAE business visa
Here are the steps needed for getting a business visa Dubai:
Determine your visa type:
Based on the eligibility, you must first see what category you can apply for. Example, if you fulfil the minimum investment criteria of AED 2 million, then you can even get a 10-year golden visa.
Prepare the documents:
Once you identify the visa for yourself, collect all the necessary documents that would be needed for the business visa application.
Entry permit and visa formalities:
This step is only required if you are applying for a residence visa. You must first apply for and secure an entry permit, which is usually valid for up to 6 months. This entry permit allows you to enter the country. Once you enter, you can proceed with the residence visa application. As part of the visa processing, you will need to pass medical tests, obtain an Emirates ID, and undergo a background check.
Fill the application form:
You must apply for the business visa in Dubai through the GDRFA, ICP, or local service centers. The UAE government has also facilitated the application process through e-channels. Obtain the application form and fill in the required information carefully. Make sure to double-check the details to avoid any mistakes during the application process.
Attach the documents:
Along with the application form, you will have to submit the essential documents. The list of documents needed will be based on the category you are applying for.
Pay the necessary fees:
While making the application submission, you will need to pay the necessary business visa fees.
Await visa review and approval:
Once you submit the application, it will be reviewed by the authorities. Once it is approved, your Dubai visa for business will be successfully granted to you.
Cost of business visa in UAE
Dubai business visa cost can be as follows:
- Single entry visit visa starts from AED 400*
- Multiple entry visa starts from AED 300*
- 2-year residence visa can start from AED 3,500*
- Golden visa can start from AED 12,000* for property investors
For more cost details, it is advisable to consult professionals like Dubiz Business Setup.
Conclusion
Securing a UAE business visa is essential for a legal stay and operations in the city. Without a visa, you cannot even enter the Emirates as a foreigner, let alone conduct business. We understand that the process can be overwhelming due to the extensive paperwork involved. But here is the good news. Dubiz Business Setup can help you with it all, making the process smooth and hassle-free.
Their team of professionals will not only help you identify the right UAE business visa but also handle the paperwork on your behalf. Additionally, they offer expert golden visa services, which can help you secure a 10-year residency in the Emirates. Get in touch with them today for a free consultation!
