Dubai is the city of dreamers, travellers, and go-getters. It has been recognized as one of the most loved business and tourist destinations, and we will not deny it, as this is clearly visible in the growing number of businesses establishing themselves each year, as well as the increasing footfall of travellers from all corners of the world. For businesses, this is especially true with the incentives and programs that the government launches for entrepreneurs. Doing business here has not only become profitable but also convenient. All you need is a trade license and a Dubai business visa, and your journey is already off to a great start.
In this article, let us shed light on the business visa required to come, stay, and work in the city of opportunities. We will explore its meaning, the types you can apply for, and the basic requirements and costs involved. Let us get started.
What is a business visa in Dubai and do you need one?
A Dubai business visa is an official permit granted to foreign entrepreneurs who wish to start and run a business in the city, upon meeting the necessary conditions. It is your ticket to legally stay and work in Dubai and conduct your business operations without any hurdles in Dubai. There are various kinds of business visas you can apply for in Dubai, depending on your business activity and the duration of your stay. If you plan to do business in the UAE, remember that it is a must-have. Without it, you cannot stay in Dubai, and if you do, it would be considered illegal, and you would face legal punishments.
Types of UAE business visa:
Here are the major types of business visa in Dubai:
1. Visit Visa:
This type of visa helps you visit Dubai for a short period. You can get a single-entry or a multiple-entry visit visa. Let us understand it with this example: if you are someone who wants to come to Dubai to attend a meeting, a conference, or you are on a business tour, you would need a visit visa.
With a single-entry visa, you can enter Dubai only once. After entering, you can stay for 30 or 60 days, depending on the validity you choose. Once you leave, you will need to apply for a fresh visit visa if you want to return to Dubai.
With a multiple-entry visa, you can enter Dubai, leave, and re-enter as needed, within the duration allowed by the visa. This visa has a validity of 5 years, and you can stay for up to 90 days in a single visit, extendable for the same period.
2. Residence Visa:
A residence visa, as its name implies, is a permit that allows you to enjoy residency in Dubai for a longer period of time. If you are someone who is establishing a business here and want to relocate to Dubai for that purpose, then this is your go-to visa. Broadly, you can choose from two categories of residence visa:
- Sponsored: This type of residence visa is sponsored by a local entity or individual in the UAE. It can either be a mainland visa or a free zone visa, depending on where your business is located.
- Self-sponsored: In the case of a self-sponsored visa, you do not need to partner with a local Emirati. Additionally, you can obtain this visa by your own means. Under the self-sponsored category, you can get either a green visa or a golden visa:
- Green visa: Has a validity of up to 5 years and is suitable for company owners and shareholders.
- Golden visa: Has a validity of up to 10 years and is suitable for investors, specialized talents, and executives.
To obtain a residence visa, applicants must first secure an entry permit that allows them to enter the country so that they can complete the visa formalities. This entry permit can be valid for anywhere between 1 to 6 months.
Eligibility criteria for getting a business visa in Dubai:
Here are the criteria and conditions that you must meet to apply for and secure a Dubai business visa:
- Prove your entrepreneurial experience.
- Must have played a major role in the startup of a business or held a senior position in a successful venture.
- Possess a business idea to be launched in the UAE.
- Must have a clear criminal background and pass media checks.
Besides these basic criteria, there are some other legal requirements to be fulfilled by the applicant.
Dubai business visa requirements:
Here is the list of requirements as given by the ICP:
- Age should be at least 18 years.
- Recent passport-size photographs.
- Passport with at least 6 months of validity.
- Financial and bank statements to confirm financial stability.
- Proof of accommodation in Dubai or UAE.
- A cover letter that reflects the purpose and duration of stay.
- Educational and professional qualification certificates.
- Proof of a clear criminal background.
- Business registration and license copies, if applicable.
- Health insurance.
- NOC (No Objection Certificate) from father or husband for female travellers.
- Residence permit copy (if already residing in the UAE).
You may be required to produce additional documents as requested by government authorities. It is better to get in touch with professional consultants in Dubai.
Process for obtaining a Dubai business visa:
Follow the given process to get your business visa in Dubai:
Find your visa type:
First, determine the visa you would want to apply for. We have already discussed them above. Choose the one that best meets your needs.
Prepare the documents:
Prepare all the documents that would be needed for visa application in advance. Having them ready beforehand ensures that your visa application goes smoothly without any delays.
Get entry permit (for residence visa):
Apply and secure your entry permit to enter into Dubai. This would be needed in case of residence visa. Entry permit can be valid up to 60 days. During this time frame you can finish off the further formalities for getting your residence visa such as passing the medical test, biometric scanning, Emirate ID application, etc.
Fill our visa application form:
Finally, get the visa application form and fill in the information asked. You can fill and submit the forms either online on ICP or GDRFA portals or through designated customer service centers.
Attach the documents along:
Along with the application form, you will also have to submit the documents that should be ready with you by this time. Make sure you attach each and every document. Also, while submitting the form, double check the information that you provide to confirm its right.
Pay the necessary fees:
To complete the application submission, you will have to pay the necessary fees. The fees for business visa for Dubai depend on the type of visa you are applying for, the mode of application, and duration of the visa.
Await the final approval:
Once you submit the application to the authority, it will be under a proper review. Once it passes the scrutiny and is approved, it will be granted to you successfully. Remember, the processing time for business visa UAE can be anywhere between several days to several weeks. It depends on your specific circumstances.
UAE business visa cost:
Dubai business visa cost is as follows:
Single entry visit visa:
- Approximately AED 400
Multiple entry visit visa:
- 30-day visit visa fee: AED 300*
- 60-day visit visa fee: AED 500*
- 90-day visitor visa fee: AED 700*
2-year residence visa:
- Around AED 3,500* for applicants in Dubai
- Around AED 2,200* for applicants outside Dubai (excluding medical insurance)
Golden visa:
- AED 5,000* for application processing, plus medical test fees and typing center charges
Green visa:
- AED 2,280*, excluding additional fees for the ID card and medical services
For more cost details, get in touch with professional like Dubiz Business Setup.
Get your business visa effortlessly
Getting a UAE business visa is mandatory for all entrepreneurs to operate legally. While the process to obtain one is simple, yet it can be a bit overwhelming because of the paperwork and approvals involved. That is why, for a fast and error-free visa issuance, we recommend you to get assistance from professional business setup experts in UAE who know the legal landscape and the intricacies involved. That is where Dubiz Business Consultancy steps in. With years of industry experience and a team of highly qualified experts, the process of visa issuance can be so much easier with their guidance. If you want to relief yourself from the burden of visiting government offices and hassle of documentation, entrust them with your business visa processing.
