Dubai is not just a city of dreams and luxury, it is a magnet for the world’s young talents and brilliant minds and a global commercial hub as well. The emirate offers tremendous opportunities and a conducive environment for businesses to thrive in the UAE market. With a Free zone visa in Dubai, entrepreneurs and investors from across the world can leverage these business opportunities and relish the benefits of operating in the commercial capital of the UAE.
Dubai has attained prominence as a leading global trade, finance, and e-commerce powerhouse in the world with its business-friendly policies and future-forward infrastructure. Moreover, its geographical global location makes it an epicenter of business and investment in the Middle East, Europe, Africa, Asia, and beyond. The Free zones especially are prevalent for their several business incentives offered to companies looking to establish a presence in the region. However, to set up a business, a UAE Free Zone visa is a must.
In this comprehensive blog, we will try to understand more about the UAE Free Zone visa and how you can obtain one for your business in Dubai.
Types of Free Zone Visa in Dubai
A free zone visa in Dubai provides tailored solutions for investors, employees, students, and dependents within the thriving atmosphere of the Free zone. Additionally, there are different types of free zone visas catering to various needs:
- Investor Visa – Foreign entrepreneurs or investors who want to set up a business in the Dubai free zone or invest in a company there can obtain an Investor Visa. In order to qualify for this particular visa, the applicant must invest a specified amount in the free zone, and possess a business license, or a business plan. The investor visa holders in the Dubai Free Zone can avail residency rights and even extend their visa for several years.
- Employment Visa – The most common type of visa issued to employees working for companies registered within any of the free zones. The employer sponsors this visa for their employees and its duration usually depends on the free zone and employment contract, ranging from one to three years.
- Partner Visa with Business Visit Visa – This visa is typically issued to partners involved in a free zone company. Although it combines elements of the investor visa, it is more flexible as it also provides business visit visa privileges. This means they can have short stays within the emirate for business purposes, however, cannot avail any residency rights.
- Student Visa – Free zones with universities or educational institutions within their area offer this visa to aspirant students who are enrolled in any of these institutions and therefore, wish to reside in Dubai for studies.
- Dependent/Family Visa – Through this visa, existing free zone visa holders can bring their family members (spouses and children) to Dubai to live with them. However, they need to meet specific income requirements of the free zone authority to get hold of the family visa.
Benefits of a Dubai Free Zone Visa
Let’s explore the top benefits of obtaining a free zone visa in Dubai –
- Lucrative tax incentives – Free Zones provide a tax-free environment which is one of the major benefits of acquiring a free zone visa in Dubai. This means companies are exempted from import, export, and personal taxes. In addition, they are also free from paying corporate taxes for a fixed period. This enables them to reinvest their earnings and grow faster.
- Flexible work environment and regulations – Free zones have special regulations and policies regarding business formation, which is why companies can enjoy more flexibility when it comes to hiring staff or operating a business. Free zones allow foreign recruitment and the expats do not have to worry about applying for a work permit or sponsorship. Furthermore, companies can rent furnished offices on flexible terms without committing to long-term office leases.
- Investment opportunities and 100% ownership – Foreign investors with a Dubai Free Zone visa can operate a business easily without any legal troubles. Moreover, they can hold 100% ownership of their company and full control over their operations and investments. This facilitates them in maximizing their profits and making the most out of Dubai’s business-friendly environment.
- Professional support services – The support services offered by Free Zone authorities include assistance and guidance on all aspects of business operations, such as company setup, government paperwork, etc. In addition, they can also gain access to good quality healthcare and education.
- Banking advantages – Employees and employers with a Dubai Free Zone visa, can also benefit on the financial side by gaining access to a wide range of banking services, international banks, and business networks.
- Healthcare accessibility – Foreign individuals with a Free Zone visa can easily obtain an Emirates ID and get access to the same healthcare services as UAE residents.
Eligibility Criteria for a Free Zone Visa
The criteria to obtain a UAE Free Zone Visa will depend on how you are associated with the zone. For instance,
- You have the specified minimum investment in a company registered within the zone.
- You possess a valid business license issued by the free zone authority.
- You are aged 18 years and above.
- Your passport has at least 6 months of remaining validity.
- You have cleared the medical test.
Step-by-step process to get a Free Zone Visa in Dubai
There are a few straightforward steps involved in obtaining a free zone visa in Dubai:-
Choose your Free Zone
Different Free Zones in Dubai cater to different types of businesses. Hence, business owners must research beforehand and choose the one that aligns with their business activity and offers the visa type they need.
Register your company
Once the location is finalized, register the business with the respective free zone authorities. The company formation experts at Shuraa can help you with this process and ensure a legally compliant business setup in Dubai.
Get an entry permit
After registering the company, apply for an entry permit or employment visa. The employer company sponsors the employment visa for foreign employees. The required documents may include a passport copy of the employee, photographs, the company’s trade license copy, and the Immigration Establishment Card. The entry visa is a temporary permit that stays valid for 60 days.
Apply for a visa
After entering the UAE, the applicant can apply for a residence visa. They can check with respective authorities for specific requirements and ensure proper submission of the documents and visa application. Alternatively, you can also seek assistance from the visa experts of Shuraa for hassle-free visa acquisition.
Undergo medical fitness test
A medical fitness test is a mandatory step in the Dubai Free Zone visa application process. Therefore, applicants are required to approach a designated medical center approved by the authorities and undergo a blood test and chest X-ray. After receiving the results, they can apply for an Emirates ID, a compulsory national identity card for UAE residents.
Visa stamping
Upon receiving the Emirates ID, the applicant can collect their residence visa, stamped on their passport from the immigration department. If the applicant wants to bring their family, they will have to provide additional documents and fees.
Get your Free Zone Visa in Dubai with Shuraa
From 100% ownership to easy business setup, obtaining a free zone visa in Dubai is a great choice for those looking to take advantage of the booming economy of the Emirate. However, to make things easier, it’s smart to take expert help. Shuraa Business Setup is a leading corporate service provider firm in Dubai that will help you with your business license, residence visa, paperwork, and other legal stuff. In short, they will handle everything for you.
Contact Shuraa today at info@shuraa.com.