World-leading standard of life. Easy access to the best global talent. An exceptionally business-friendly environment. 0% income tax, 0% inheritance tax, 0% capital gains tax. Given these facts, it’s no surprise that every hour, a new millionaire settles in the UAE.
Whether you’re a current entrepreneur, or aspiring to become one, there’s no other place you’d rather be at. However, if you’re seriously considering a move to the UAE, it’s important that you apply for a UAE investor visa (also called business visa).
What is a Business Visa In UAE? Why Should I Get One?
Designed to attract foreign investment and boost the local economy, a business visa gives foreign investors to legally reside in the UAE, allowing them to live and work in the country for an extended period of time. While a tourist visa is a convenient starting point for foreign entrepreneurs to visit the country and assess opportunities for business setup, it does not grant the right to work in the UAE or provide access to government services.
Getting a UAE business visa grants you long-term residency, the ability to legally sponsor employees and your family members, open bank accounts, lease office spaces, and carry out your business operations with full compliance to the UAE’s laws.
What Are The UAE Business Visa Requirements?
To be able to submit a successful business visa application in UAE, the applicant should meet the following conditions
- Hold shares in a company legally registered in the UAE or be the sole proprietor
- Have a valid commercial license issued by the Ministry of Economy and Tourism or a free zone authority
- Hold a clean criminal record
- Pass the UAE medical fitness test and hold valid health insurance
In certain cases, the applicant may also be requested to provide proof of capital investment, and any other relevant documentation for get a UAE business visa.
What Documents Will I Need To Provide?
Here’s an overview of the documents that you may be asked to provide to meet the UAE business visa requirements.
- Passport copy (with at least six months validity)
- Passport-sized photographs
- Company trade license
- Memorandum of Association (MOA) to prove ownership
- Establishment card
- Bank statements
- Medical fitness certificate
It’s also important to note that if you’re applying from outside the UAE, you will also require an entry permit. For applicants within the UAE, a Change of Status form is necessary.
How Much Does a Business Visa Cost in UAE?
The cost of your business visa depends on multiple factors. The total cost will depend on the type of visa, whether you’re applying from inside or outside the UAE, and most importantly, whether you’re setting your business up in the mainland or a free zone.
To give you some context, here are some of the fees that SPC Free Zone charges if you apply for a UAE investor visa with us, which we hope will help you calculate your business visa cost in UAE
- Entry permit: AED 500-1100 (if applicant is outside the country)
- Change of Status: AED 700 (if applicant is inside the country)
- Visa stamping: AED 600-1735
- Medical test: AED 300-700
- Emirates ID: AED 370-1,200
- Processing charges: AED 1,200-10,000
Total range: AED 3,700-15,000+, depending on the packages you select.
Please note that the variation within the ranges is not arbitrary but is dependent on whether you choose to expedite the process and any additional services you may choose.
Now, here’s a step-by-step guide that gives you an overview on how to get a business visa in UAE.
UAE Business Visa Application Process
The whole process starts with establishing a company in the UAE. For that, you need to choose between starting your business in the mainland or a free zone. After that, you’ll need to choose and register a legally approved trade name, get a business license, Establishment Card, and register on E-Channel. Once these steps are completed, you can apply for your visa. The next steps include:
Entry permit or Change of Status: The company applies for an electronic work permit through the GDRFA or free zone immigration portal. For applicants inside the UAE, the Change of Status procedure is completed.
Medical and Biometrics: Once your entry permit is approved, you’ll need to complete a medical examination at an authorized clinic. If you’re becoming a UAE resident for the first time, you’ll also need to submit your biometric data for Emirates ID issuance.
Collect your Emirates ID: Post your medical and biometrics, you’ll receive your Emirates ID, which grants you legal residence in the UAE, within 5-10 working days.
That said, it’s important to note that getting a business license does not guarantee a visa. While your business license is approved by the relevant department or free zone authority, immigration is handled by a separate entity that has sole discretion on the issuance of visas.
Where do I get started?
If you’ve read through the list of UAE business visa requirements and you’re ready to get started, SPC Free Zone offers one of the most UAE investor visa packages, with bundled offers and no hidden fees.
With SPC Free Zone, you get a transparent pricing structure that lets you split your payments, a comprehensive set-up process that covers everything from licensing to getting your Emirates ID, quick processing with minimal delays, and access to a thriving ecosystem that lets you network with the best and brightest minds in Sharjah.
Choose SPC Free Zone, where more is always possible.
