If you aim to initiate or broaden your business endeavours in the United Arab Emirates, securing a Business Visa is essential. This blog furnishes a comprehensive manual outlining the available business visas in the UAE, mainly focusing on acquiring an Abu Dhabi Business Visa. It delineates which visa suits your requirements and elucidates the application process.
Shuraa Business Setup will guide you through each step, from compiling the necessary documents to lodging your visa application. Whether you’re a business proprietor or an aspiring entrepreneur eyeing an establishment in Abu Dhabi, Dubai, or any locale across the UAE, delve into this resource for all the pertinent details. Alternatively, connect with Shuraa’s proficient business experts today for personalised assistance!
What is a UAE business visa?
The Business Visa for UAE, Dubai, and Abu Dhabi is a crucial permit enabling foreign nationals to enter and conduct business activities in the country. Offering diverse options such as the Golden Visa, Short-Term Visit Visa, Investor Visa, Entrepreneur Visa, Mission Visa, and Freelance Visa, the UAE caters to the specific needs of individuals, from short-term visitors to long-term investors and independent professionals.
Under the UAE Golden Visa system, a business visa in Dubai grants foreign expats residency for a specified duration, facilitating their engagement in the city’s economic landscape. With benefits including extended stays and smoother business operations, obtaining an investor visa directly contributes to the emirate’s economic growth by attracting residents and investors who play a pivotal role in its development.
Benefits of a UAE business visa
Once you have your UAE Business visa, you will get numerous benefits to help your company grow. Some of them are:
- Access to a modern, fast-moving economy
- Liberal tax policies
- Network in a business positive environment
- Strategic global connectivity from the UAE to other countries
- Long-term residency options available
The UAE government is aiming to make Dubai an unparalleled destination for foreign investment opportunities & economic growth. Accordingly, the region has steadily attracted a global base of expats excited to make Dubai their operational base. More so, the promise of long-term Dubai residency creates a sense of security & stability for upcoming investors in the Dubai economy.
Eligibility criteria to apply for a Dubai Business Visa:
Prospective applicants must demonstrate their entrepreneurial experience by providing verifiable proof.
- Applicants should have played a significant role in a startup or hold a senior leadership position in a successful business.
- Candidates must possess a viable business idea for implementation in the UAE.
- Additionally, applicants must meet other prerequisites, including undergoing a background check and medical assessment conducted by the Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs & Ports Security.
It is important to note that meeting all Dubai business visa requirements does not guarantee approval. Applicants must have their Dubai visa application, legal documents, and business plans reviewed and approved by government officials. Approval is granted only after scrutiny and endorsement by a special committee, following which the applicant will receive their Dubai business visa. Apply for a Dubai business visa with confidence by fulfilling these essential criteria.
Business Visa in Dubai: Requirements
The Federal Authority for Identity & Citizenship (ICA) has laid down guidelines for UAE business visa applicants, where they need to:
- Age: 18 years and above
- Hold a valid passport of country of residence with at least 6 month’s validity
- Present confirmed airline/return ticket copy, itinerary as well as departure within 30 days of visa expiration
- Provide valid bank statements showing proof of investments along with sufficient funds to support their stay in Dubai
- Present proof of accommodation for your UAE stay
- Offer letter of intent for your visit from employer (e.g., Conferences, projects, upskilling, etc.)
- Present a copy of professional qualifications or educational certificates
- Present a copy of business registration certificate & company trade license if applicable.
Once the necessary requirements are met, entrepreneurs can proceed with their business visa application in Dubai.
Types of UAE business visas
Potential investors in the UAE require a business visa to enter & stay in the country. They generally fall under two main categories: visit visas & residence visas.
Visit visas
They are either single or multiple entry visas to the UAE which are also useful for attending business meetings, trips, conferences or exploring investment opportunities in the UAE. The Emirates offers visa on arrival or no visa required to citizens of over 80 nations.
Residence visas
These are issued to people who want to relocate to the UAE. The applicants must either run a business in the UAE, have gainful employment in a UAE based company, or have provable entrepreneurial experience. The validity of these visas range for 2, 3, 5, or 10 years, and allow the holder UAE residency for that period.
To get the UAE residence visa, the applicant must first successfully get an electronic entry permit (e-visa). During this period, they need to clear their medical tests, submit their application for residency permit, submit their biometrics etc. After that, post approval, you will receive your residency visa, as an Emirates ID card. The visa stamping process in passports is now redundant.
If you are considering establishing a company within a free zone in the UAE and obtaining a residence permit, you can initiate the process by applying for a Business Residence Visa. Apply for a Business Residence Visa to facilitate your company setup and residency acquisition in the UAE’s free zones.
Visit Visa
- Single-entry
- Multi-entry
Residence Visa
- Sponsored: Mainland Visa or free zone visa depending upon jurisdiction of business setup
- Self-sponsored: Green visa (company owners/shareholders) or Golden Visa (investors/executives/property owners)
Difference between sponsored and self-sponsored visas
Initially, before 2022, except for the Golden Visa, all other visas required a sponsor from the UAE. It could be a company, a citizen, or a resident. The self-sponsored visit visa and the Green visas are new additions in the latest UAE updates.
Visa application for Dubai as well as the other Emirates is done through different services such as the gdrfad.gov.ae website, an ICP customer happiness center or an Amer center.
How to get business visa for Dubai
Getting a business visa is a simple process when you leave it to experts like Shuraa. Simply submit the required documents and fill out the application form.
Dubai business visa: Documents required
- Duly filled UAE visa application form
- Valid passport copy, valid for at least 6-months
- Passport photograph against white background (2; recent)
- Invitation letter from UAE sponsor
- Letter from employer declaring salary & job description
- Copy of residence permit (if already living in the UAE)
Business Visa in Dubai: Cost & application
For people new to the UAE, applying for a visa can be a time-consuming and an unknown process. Apart from that, the UAE visa laws and regulations are constantly changing. Therefore, when you utilise the help of management consultancies like Shuraa Business Setup, you get end-to-end assistance along with experienced and assured corporate services.
Read on below to know the basic steps to getting a Dubai visa:
Completing the Visa application form
The form can be filled in either online or at an UAE Embassy/Consulate. The applicant needs to provide information such as personal details, travel itinerary, purpose of visit etc. Remember to submit the other documents required along with the application.
Pay the Dubai business visa fees
Once the application is approved by the concerned authorities, you will need to pay the visa fees. The cost can be borne either through a payment voucher or at the UAE Embassy or consulate. The cost of the Dubai business visa can vary based on the visa type as well as the length of validity.
Get your Dubai business visa
Once the visa fees are paid, the application will be processed and decided, all within 14 days.
How much will a business visa in Dubai cost?
The respective fees for the UAE business visa depend on the type of visa, the duration, as well as the emirate.
- Cost of Dubai business visa: Approximately AED 3,500 to AED 5,500*
- Business visa in Abu Dhabi: Around AED 4,000 to AED 8,500*
- UAE Visit visas: Around AED 350 to AED 600* depending on duration of stay (should not exceed more than 60 days in the UAE)
Note: All prices are subject to changes made by the UAE government.
Shuraa offers trusted and reliable corporate services
Save yourself the hassle of paperwork and government offices. Shuraa Business Setup offers UAE’s leading PRO and visa services. Your application will be in the hands of our experienced team, who ensure that your visa processing goes through efficiently and promptly.
Getting a business visa from Shuraa will help you to expand your company at a global level, while offering benefits like UAE residency, 100 ownership of your business, free VAT consultation, bank account assistance and more. Reach out to us:
WhatsApp: +971 507775554
Email: [email protected]
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1. What is the minimum investment for a Dubai business visa?
To secure a lifetime investor visa in Dubai or any other part of the UAE, you must invest AED 10* million in the civil sector or commit a minimum of AED 5 million in property investment. Additionally, entry permit costs typically range from minimum range from 10,000* AED to 15,000* AED.
Q2. Can I start a business in UAE on a visit visa?
Yes, you can start a business in the UAE on a visitor visa. However, there are certain limitations and regulations to be aware of. While on a visit visa, you can explore business opportunities, conduct market research, and set up the groundwork for your business. However, you cannot legally conduct business activities or enter into contracts until you obtain the necessary business license or permit. It’s essential to transition to the appropriate visa or residency status once you are ready to formally establish your business and operate within the legal framework of the UAE. Consulting with legal advisors or business setup agencies can help navigate the process effectively.
Q3. How long does it take to get a business visa in Dubai?
Dubai Business Visa processing time in UAE can vary significantly, ranging from 48 hours to 60 days, contingent upon the selected visa type. Various factors influence the processing duration. For instance, the 5-year multiple entry visa typically takes 48 hours, whereas the Golden Visa may require up to 30 days for processing. Explore the Dubai business visa processing time to plan your entry into the UAE efficiently.
