With its low tax environment, strategic global location, and pro-investment policies, Dubai has become one of the fastest-growing business hubs in the world. Entrepreneurs are drawn to Dubai not only for its ease of doing business but also for the lifestyle and long-term residency opportunities that come with setting up a company in the UAE.
Enabling you to join the business scene in Dubai, there are multiple pathways for foreign entrepreneurs and investors to live and do business in the UAE. Broadly, there are short-term visas for temporary business visits and longer-term residence visas tied to business or investment activity. Business visit visas allow a short stay to explore opportunities or attend meetings, while business residence visas (such as the Golden Visa, Investor Visa or Partner visa) grant longer-term residency to those running a business in Dubai.
Dubai’s visa framework is designed to encourage business setup and investment by offering a range of options to suit different needs. Navigating these options can be complex, but as business setup specialists at Virtuzone, we are available to help investors determine the right visa strategy and handle the application process from start to finish.
HOW MUCH DOES STARTING A BUSINESS IN THE UAE COST?
The 8 Most Popular Dubai Business Visas
Key categories of Dubai business visas include:
- Golden Visa: A special long-term (5 or 10 years) residence visa for high-investment investors, entrepreneurs, and talent.
- Investor Visa: A 2–3 year renewable residence visa for individuals who start or invest in a UAE business.
- Partner Visa: A residency visa for those who become partners or shareholders in an existing UAE company.
- Green Visa: A 5-year self-sponsored residency visa for investors, partners, freelancers, and highly skilled employees, offering greater autonomy and longer validity.
- Freelance Visa: A residency visa tied to a freelance permit, allowing independent professionals to operate in specific sectors.
- Mission Visa: A short-term work visa (up to 90 days) sponsored by a UAE employer for professionals working on specific temporary projects.
- Business Visit Visa: Short-term entry permits (single or multiple-entry) for business travelers coming for meetings, conferences or exploratory visits.
- Remote Work Visa: A one-year renewable visa designed for professionals employed by overseas companies or running their own business abroad, allowing residency in Dubai while working remotely.
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Before diving into the visa types, it’s important to understand that Dubai offers both sponsored and self-sponsored business visas. Sponsored visas are tied to an employer and are best suited to employees, while self-sponsored visas—such as the Golden Visa, Green Visa, and Investor Visa—offer greater independence and are ideal for business owners, investors, and freelancers.
1. The Golden Visa
The Dubai Golden Visa is a prestigious long-term residence visa (5 or 10 years) for high-value investors, entrepreneurs, talented professionals, and other eligible categories. It can be renewed without needing a local sponsor.
Who It’s For (Eligibility):
Investors with a minimum of AED 2 million in a UAE company or an approved investment fund.
Successful entrepreneurs (e.g., having founded a startup that sold for AED 7 million or approved by a government incubator).
Property investors with real estate assets ≥ AED 2 million.
Other high-calibre individuals (scientists, top students, etc.) in separate categories.
Costs and Processing Time:
Government fees for the 10-year visa often fall in the AED 4,000–5,000 range, excluding medical tests.
Processing can take 2–4 weeks, as the eligibility verification is more thorough.
Validity:
5 or 10 years (renewable).
Rights and Benefits:
- Long-term residency (5 or 10 years) with renewal options.
- No local sponsor is needed.
- Ability to sponsor family members without age restrictions.
- Can stay outside the UAE for extended periods without losing residency.
2. Investor Visa
The Investor Visa is a UAE residence visa granted to individuals who invest in or start a business in Dubai. It is often used interchangeably with the term “Partner Visa” when referring to a shareholder or partner in a company.
Who It’s For (Eligibility):
Entrepreneurs setting up a new entity (mainland or free zone).
Investors buying shares in an existing local company.
No minimum share capital is strictly mandated, but you must have an officially registered UAE company.
Costs and Processing Time:
Visa-related fees (entry permit, medical, ID, visa stamping) often total AED 3,500–5,500 if applying in-country.
Processing usually takes 1–2 weeks once the company licence is in place.
A possible refundable security deposit may be required (historically AED 3,000–10,000), though this is subject to the latest rules.
Validity:
2–3 years (renewable).
Rights and Benefits:
- The right to live and work in Dubai under your own company, with no need for a separate local sponsor.
- Ability to manage your own business.
- Can sponsor family members.
3. Partner Visa
A Partner Visa effectively falls under the same category as the Investor Visa; if you join an existing Dubai company as a partner (for example, you buy shares in a local company or form a partnership), you become eligible for a partner visa under that company’s sponsorship.
Who It’s For (Eligibility):
Foreigners listed as partners on a current trade licence.
You must show your name on the company’s commercial registration or trade licence.
Costs and Processing Time:
Similar to the Investor Visa, often AED 3,500–5,500 in government fees.
Takes around 1–2 weeks for visa issuance once entry permit and medical are done.
Validity:
2–3 years (renewable).
Rights and Benefits:
- You can live in the UAE, manage your business, and sponsor family members.
Whether you’re founding a new venture or becoming a partner in an established company, Virtuzone will ensure your partner visa application is handled efficiently. We take care of the end-to-end process so you can smoothly transition to living and working in Dubai as a company partner.
4. The Green Visa
The Green Visa provides a 5-year self-sponsored residency, aimed at investors, freelancers, and highly skilled professionals.
Who It’s For (Eligibility):
- Investors and partners with a minimum capital investment of AED 1 million.
- Freelancers earning at least AED 360,000 over two years, holding a freelance permit.
- Highly skilled employees meeting certain salary and qualification criteria.
Costs and Processing Time:
- Total fees (entry permit, medical tests, Emirates ID) typically range from AED 3,000–5,000.
- Processing generally takes 1–2 weeks once eligibility is confirmed.
Validity:
5 years (renewable).
Rights and Benefits:
- Self-sponsored residency without a local or employer sponsor.
- Can sponsor family members and domestic workers.
- Extended grace period of 180 days after visa expiry or cancellation.
5. Freelance Visa
A freelance visa is a residence permit tied to a freelance permit rather than an employer or an owned company. This allows you to operate as an independent professional in specific sectors (e.g., media, design, IT, consulting).
Who It’s For (Eligibility):
- Individuals offering services on a freelance basis.
- Available in specific free zones and some mainland jurisdictions issuing freelance permits.
- You must meet any sector-specific requirements (portfolio, qualifications, etc.) set by the free zone or mainland authority.
Costs and Processing Time:
Freelance permits and visa fees can start from around AED 7,000–10,000 in total (depending on the free zone).
Processing can take 1–3 weeks, including the permit approval and subsequent visa application.
Validity:
2–3 years (renewable annually with permit).
Rights and Benefits:
- Operate independently and legally provide freelance services.
- Ability to work with multiple clients across the UAE.
- No local partner is required.
- Can sponsor family members.
Best Free Zones for Freelance Visas:
- Ideal for media, marketing, journalism, and communication professionals.
- Suitable for IT, technology professionals, developers, and digital specialists.
- Best for education, training professionals, HR consultants, and professional coaches.
- Targets creative industries, including fashion, graphic design, interior design, architecture, and art.
- Widely accessible for freelancers in creative media, consultancy, and general freelancing roles due to competitive pricing and flexible regulations.
Ras Al Khaimah Economic Zone (RAKEZ)
- Offers affordable freelance packages, attractive for general professional services, media, and education specialists.
- Suitable for media, marketing, digital design, IT, consultancy, and professional service providers, offering affordable solutions with flexible requirements.
6. Remote Work Visa
The Remote Work Visa is designed for overseas professionals who wish to reside in Dubai while continuing their employment or business activities remotely.
Who It’s For (Eligibility):
- Professionals earning a monthly income of at least AED 18,365 (USD 5,000) from overseas employment.
- Business owners operating their own company abroad.
- Valid health insurance covering the UAE is required.
Costs and Processing Time:
- Fees for the visa application generally range from AED 2,500–3,500.
- Visa processing typically takes around 1–2 weeks.
Validity:
1 year (renewable).
Rights and Benefits:
- Residence in Dubai with the ability to work remotely.
- No local tax on foreign-earned income.
7. Mission Visa
A Mission Visa is a short-term work visa (typically valid for up to 90 days) sponsored by a UAE-based employer. It’s sometimes referred to as a “temporary work permit.”
Who It’s For (Eligibility):
Individuals hired by UAE-based companies for temporary projects (up to 90 days).
Requires a valid employment contract for the project’s duration.
Costs and Processing Time:
Fees vary based on the employer’s immigration file and quota, but mission visas typically cost around AED 2,000–3,000, usually paid by the sponsoring company.
Can be processed in 1–2 weeks, depending on documentation and approvals.
Validity:
Up to 90 days.
Rights and Benefits:
- Short-term legal employment in the UAE.
- Quick processing, which is ideal for urgent project needs.
8. Business Visit Visas
Dubai business visit visas are a non-resident entry permit for individuals for business-related activities, including meetings, conferences, or market exploration.
Who It’s For (Eligibility):
Entrepreneurs and business professionals visiting Dubai for short durations.
Those who do not wish to become residents but need business access in the UAE.
Costs and Processing Time:
Single-entry visas from AED 300; Multi-entry visas AED 650–900.
Processing typically takes 5–7 working days.
Validity:
60–120 days (single-entry) or 5-year multiple-entry.
Rights and Benefits:
- Flexible short-term access to conduct business activities.
- No sponsorship is required for eligible categories.
Comparing Dubai’s Business Visas
| Visa Type | Validity | Sponsor | Eligibility Highlights | Applicable In | Key Benefits | Key Limitations | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Green Visa (Investor) | 5 years (renewable). | Self-sponsored. | Investment ≥ AED 1 million in UAE business; must be partner or owner in company (free zone or mainland). | Mainland & Free Zone (all UAE). | – Long 5-year term; self-sponsorship; can sponsor family (spouse, children up to 25); 180-day grace on expiry. | – High capital requirement (AED 1M); must maintain investment to renew. Mustn’t leave the UAE for more than 6 consecutive months. | |
| Green Visa (Freelancer) | 5 years (renewable). | Self-sponsored. | MOHRE freelance permit + bachelor’s degree + income ≥ AED 360k over 2 yrs (or financial solvency). | Mainland & Free Zone (permit usable UAE-wide). | – Long 5-year term; no employer needed; flexibility to work with multiple clients legally. | – High income/qualification bar; limited to certain skilled professions; must maintain permit and income level. Can’t leave the UAE for more than 6 consecutive months. | |
| Investor/Partner Visa (Standard) | 2 or 3 years (renewable). | Company (employer) sponsored. | Be a shareholder/partner in a UAE company (no fixed min investment by law; ~AED 50k+ capital usually expected). | Mainland & Free Zone (company-specific). | – Relatively low entry barrier (suitable for small businesses); can sponsor family; full business ownership allowed in most cases. | – Shorter term (frequent renewals); tied to company status (visa lapses if company closes); can’t spend 6 months consecutively outside the UAE. | |
| Freelancer Visa (Free Zone) | 2–3 years (renewable annually with licence). |
| Approved freelance licence in permitted sector (media, tech, etc.). | Mainland and Free Zone. | – Low-cost business setup; no local partner needed; work for multiple clients; self-managed schedule. | – Annual licence fees; limited to solo activities; cannot easily scale to hire staff; must renew licence every year. Mustn’t leave the UAE for more than 6 consecutive months. | |
| Golden Visa (Investor) | 10 years (renewable). | Self-sponsored (Government). | Investment ≥ AED 2 million (in company capital or investment fund), or pay ≥ AED 250k in annual taxes (must own investment, not loaned). | Mainland & Free Zone (entire UAE). | – Very long term (10 yrs); no sponsor required; can stay outside UAE >6 months; sponsor family with no age limits, top-tier residency perks. | – Very high investment required; need to maintain investment for renewal; process can be longer to approve due to checks. | |
| Golden Visa (Entrepreneur) | 5 years (renewable). | Self-sponsored (Government). | Entrepreneur with UAE project ≥ AED 500,000 and approved by an incubator and local authorities. | Mainland & Free Zone (entire UAE). | – Long term (5 yrs); no sponsor needed; fosters startup growth. | – Strict criteria and required approvals; must maintain business success for renewal; not applicable to small ventures under AED 500,000. | |
| Other – Remote Work Visa | 1 year (renewable). | Self-sponsored (Government). | Foreign employment with ≥ AED 18,365 monthly salary, or own a company abroad and similar income with valid health insurance. | N/A (not tied to UAE business). | – Live in Dubai while working remotely for a foreign job; no local tax on foreign income; no local sponsor required. | – Not a work visa for UAE business; must renew yearly; can’t locally establish business unless switching visa. Can’t leave the UAE for more than 6 consecutive months. |
How to Apply for a Business Visa in Dubai
1. Determine Your Visa Category
Choose your visa based on your business activity, investment level, and intended length of stay:
- Golden Visa: 5 or 10-year self-sponsored visa for major investors, entrepreneurs, or exceptional talent.
- Investor Visa: 2–3 year visa for those investing in or starting a UAE company.
- Partner Visa: 2–3 year visa for shareholders or partners in an existing UAE company.
- Green Visa: 5-year self-sponsored visa for skilled professionals, investors, and freelancers.
- Freelance Visa: 2–3 year visa tied to a freelance permit for self-employed individuals.
- Remote Work Visa: 1-year visa for foreign professionals working remotely from Dubai.
- Mission Visa: 60–90 day temporary visa for project-based work.
- Business Visit Visa: Short-term entry permit for business exploration or meetings.
2. Prepare Required Documents
While exact documents vary by visa type, common requirements include:
- Passport (with at least 6 months validity).
- Passport-size photos (white background).
- Business licence or freelance permit (Investor, Partner, Freelance Visa).
- Proof of investment (Investor, Green, Golden Visas).
- Academic or professional qualifications (Green Visa).
- MOHRE freelance permit and evidence of income/portfolio (Freelance Visa).
- Employment contract or assignment letter and proof of short-term project (Mission Visa).
- Proof of foreign employment and income + UAE health insurance (Remote Work Visa).
- Business invitation or proof of business meetings (Business Visit Visa).
- Health insurance (for self-sponsored visas).
Ensure all documents are clear, valid, and translated to Arabic (if required).
3. Submit Initial Application
Depending on your visa type, submit your application either:
- Online via ICP Smart Services (for most self-sponsored visas) or through the GDRFA Dubai portal (especially for Dubai-registered companies).
- Via a free zone authority (if setting up within a free zone).
Pay the applicable government fees. Visa costs typically range:
- AED 2,500–5,500 for Investor, Partner, Green, and Remote Work Visas.
- AED 4,000–6,000+ for Golden Visas (due to longer validity and additional checks).
- AED 7,000–10,000 for Freelance Visa (includes licence and visa).
- AED 2,000–3,000 for Mission Visas.
- AED 300–900 for Business Visit Visas.
4. Entry Permit (If Outside the UAE)
Once approved, you’ll receive an Entry Permit valid for around 60 days.
- If you’re applying from abroad, enter the UAE on the permit to complete the residency process.
- If you’re already in the UAE, you can request an in-country status change (extra fee applies).
5. Medical Test & Emirates ID
After entry or status change:
- Complete a medical fitness test (blood test and chest X-ray)
- Apply for your Emirates ID, which serves as your national identity card.
Note: Business Visit Visas and Mission Visas do not require medicals or Emirates IDs.
6. Visa Stamping / Residency Confirmation
Following medical clearance:
- Your residency visa is stamped in your passport (digital in most emirates).
- Your Emirates ID will be issued.
Renewals
- Golden, Green, Investor, Partner, and Freelance Visas: Renewable if you maintain eligibility (e.g. business still active, investment held, permit renewed).
- Remote Work Visa: Renewable yearly if income and insurance criteria are met.
- Mission Visa: Typically expires after the assignment is complete.
- Business Visit Visa: May be renewed once or converted depending on purpose.
Can You Transition Between Visas?
Transitioning between visa types is possible within the UAE and can significantly streamline your business setup process. For example, an entrepreneur initially visited Dubai using a Business Visit Visa to attend meetings and explore market opportunities. After deciding to invest in a local business, they seamlessly transitioned to a Partner Visa without exiting the UAE.
This switch involved submitting additional documentation, paying status change fees, and undergoing standard processing, which took approximately two weeks. This approach not only saved considerable time and logistical efforts but also allowed uninterrupted focus on their new business venture.
How to Choose the Right Dubai Business Visa for Your Needs
Selecting the most suitable Dubai business visa depends on several key factors related to your business objectives, financial resources, and personal preferences:
- Business Goals: Consider whether your stay in Dubai is intended for short-term exploration and market research or if you’re planning a long-term business establishment. Short-term goals align well with Business Visit or Mission Visas, while long-term plans favour Investor, Partner, Golden, or Green Visas.
- Investment Capability: Evaluate your financial readiness. Higher investment options, like the Golden Visa (minimum AED 2 million), offer extensive residency benefits, whereas Investor and Partner Visas are more accessible for smaller-scale entrepreneurs.
- Desired Level of Autonomy: Self-sponsored visas, such as the Green, Golden, and Freelance Visas, provide greater autonomy, allowing entrepreneurs full control without needing a local sponsor. Sponsored visas tie your residency to a company or employer.
- Family Sponsorship Plans: If you intend to bring your family, select a visa type explicitly allowing family sponsorship without restrictive conditions. Golden and Green Visas provide advantageous terms for sponsoring family members.
- Travel Frequency: Consider how often you plan to travel internationally. Certain visas, like the Golden Visa, allow extended periods outside the UAE without impacting residency status, which is ideal for entrepreneurs with global business commitments.
Considering these factors carefully will ensure you select the Dubai business visa that best aligns with your specific needs, enabling you to thrive both professionally and personally in the UAE. At Virtuzone, we offer a complimentary consultation to discuss your business objectives, assess your investment capabilities, and guide you towards the ideal visa and business setup solution.
Get Your Dubai Business Visa With Help from Virtuzone
At Virtuzone, we have one goal – to make setting up your business in Dubai as easy and efficient as possible. We treat your business as our own, handling all the heavy lifting of documentation and approvals. When it comes to visas, we’ve processed thousands of investor and employee visas for clients over the past decade, so we know the pitfalls to avoid and the best practices to follow.
Come see us at Virtuzone for a free consultation on your Dubai business setup and visa options. We’ll assess your needs and chart out a clear plan, whether you’re a solopreneur looking for a freelance visa or a multinational setting up a branch with multiple visas.
Moreover, Virtuzone’s support doesn’t end once you get your visa. We continue to offer PRO services for any ongoing needs – be it renewing your visa after a few years, obtaining additional visas as your company grows, or updating documents if regulations change. We essentially become your long-term partner in the UAE, ensuring your business remains in good legal standing.
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FAQs
What’s the Difference Between a Partner Visa and an Investor Visa in the UAE?
In practice, the terms “Partner Visa” and “Investor Visa” are often used interchangeably in the UAE, as both are types of residence visas issued to foreign nationals who own or invest in a UAE-registered business. From a legal standpoint, anyone holding a Partner Visa is considered an investor in the company, and both visa types fall under the broader category of investment-based residency.
The key difference lies in terminology and how the business is structured:
A Partner Visa typically applies to individuals who own shares in a Limited Liability Company (LLC) on the mainland.
An Investor Visa more commonly refers to shareholders in free zone companies or sole proprietorships.
One important practical distinction is how visa quotas are managed. If a company has multiple foreign partners, each partner can obtain a Partner or Investor Visa under the same company, with each visa counted against the company’s overall visa quota.
Are There Limitations On Working with a Business Visa in Dubai?
Yes, business visas have specific limitations. Investor or partner visa holders can operate and manage their own business and draw income from it but generally cannot work as an employee for another company without adjusting their visa status or obtaining a separate work permit. Business visit visas allow for attending meetings, signing contracts, and handling short-term business activities but do not permit hands-on commercial work or employment.
Can I Apply for a Visa in Any Emirate?
Yes, you can apply for a Business Visa in any of the seven Emirates, including Abu Dhabi, Dubai, Sharjah, Ajman, Umm Al-Quwain, Fujairah and Ras Al-Khaimah. The Business Visa application process is the same across all Emirates.
Can My Dubai Business Visa Be Converted into a Residency Permit?
Yes, your Dubai Business Visa can be converted into a residency permit. Whether you have a 1-month or 6-month Business Visa, both can be used for your UAE residency. The process is relatively straightforward and can be done through the Abu Dhabi or Dubai Immigration Department.
For this, you’ll need to submit a few documents, including:
- Your Business Visa.
- Copy of your passport.
- Identifying documents such as an Emirates ID.
The residency permit will allow you to stay in the UAE much longer and has a validity of three years.
Can I Sponsor Dependents with a Dubai Business Visa?
Yes, Business Visa holders can sponsor their dependents. To do so, you must abide by the rules set out by the ICP for sponsoring families in the UAE.
Then, you must provide proof of relationship (marriage or birth certificate) in order to submit an application form to the General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs (GDRFA).
Your dependents could be:
- A spouse (husband or wife).
- Children under the age of 18.
- Parents over the age of 60 years old (who financially depend on you as a sponsor).
- Unmarried brothers and sisters under the age of 18 years old (provided they are financially dependent on you as their sponsor).
Do Business Visit Visas Require a Local Sponsor?
Most nationalities can obtain business visit visas without a local sponsor, though some specific cases may require one. Always check current visa-on-arrival or online eligibility based on nationality.
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