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BUSINESS VISA

Dubai is one of the world's leading destinations for business. Zero income tax attracts entrepreneurs from all over the world to apply for long-term business visas and operate companies in the UAE.

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Regular visas are granted to those who operate companies onshore or offshore within the Emirates. The Golden Visa requires approval from a startup incubator or a minimum investment of 2 million dirhams.

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Continue reading to learn about the options for applying for a business visa and decide which choice is right for you.

UAE BUSINESS VISA SYSTEM

A business visa allows you to enter and stay in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) for a specific period. There are two main types of business visas: short-term visit visas and residence visas.

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Short-term visit visas are issued to those coming to the UAE for business purposes, attending business meetings, conferences, or exploring investment opportunities. This type of visa can be single-entry or multiple-entry.

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Citizens of 81 countries are exempt from visa requirements upon entering the UAE or can obtain a visa upon arrival.

Residence visas are for entrepreneurs who want to move to live and work in the UAE. To be eligible, applicants need to operate a business in Dubai or other Emirates, or have successful business experience. Residence visas can be valid for 2, 3, 5, or 10 years and allow you to reside in the UAE for the entire duration.

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Before receiving any residence visa, applicants must apply for an electronic entry permit. This permit is valid for 1 to 6 months, depending on the type of residency. This period is for undergoing medical examinations, applying for a residence card, and providing biometric information.

Once approved, you will receive your residence visa in the form of an Emirates ID card. Currently, the UAE no longer uses the practice of stamping residence visas in passports.

TYPES OF BUSINESS VISAS IN DUBAI

Previously, the UAE's business visa system was primarily based on sponsorship. This meant that almost all types of business visas, with the exception of the Golden Visa, required a sponsor from the UAE – which could be a company, citizen, or resident.

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However, since the visa system update in 2022, the UAE has introduced more attractive self-sponsored visa options, including the self-sponsored short-term visit visa and the Green Visa. This change helps open up more opportunities for foreign investors and entrepreneurs to do business and live in the UAE without relying on third-party sponsorship.

 

Applying for a Business Visa

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The application process for a business visa depends on the Emirate you wish to travel to.

  • Dubai: Use the website gdrfad.gov.ae or visit an Amer center to apply for a visa.

  • Abu Dhabi and other Emirates: Use the website icp.gov.ae or visit an ICP customer service center to apply for a visa.

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How to Obtain a Short-Term Visit Visa for Investors and Entrepreneurs

Single-entry visa: This option is suitable if you are only exploring business opportunities in Dubai. Introduced on October 3, 2022, this type of visa is for individuals who want to research the market and assess business potential. The visa is valid for 2, 3, or 4 months.

 

Note: The maximum duration of a business visa for seeking investment opportunities is 120 days.

 

Visa Application Process:

You can apply for a short-term visit visa online for both Dubai and other Emirates. For Emirates other than Dubai, after clicking the link, you need to select one of the three tabs labeled "Visa - Single Entry - Seeking Investment Opportunities 60/90/120 days - New Visa Issuance".

 

Application Procedure:

  1. Fill out the online application form.

  2. Upload the required documents, including: a copy of your passport, a color photograph, and proof of qualifications (if applicable).

  3. Pay the visa fees. The costs include a security deposit and an application fee, depending on the visa's validity period.

 

Once approved, the visa will be sent to you via email.

Items
Dubai (AED)
Abu Dhabi and other Emirates (AED)
Phí đặt cọc an ninh Security deposit fee
1000
1025
Chi phí cho thị thực 60 ngày Cost for a 60-day visa
555.75
470
Chi phí cho thị thực 90 ngày Cost for a 90-day visa
685.75
630
Chi phí cho thị thực 120 ngày Cost for a 120-day visa
815.75
790

Multiple-entry visa: Suitable for those who frequently travel to the UAE to attend business meetings, conferences, exhibitions, and other events. This type of visa allows you to enter the UAE multiple times and stay for a maximum of 90 days per entry.

 

Advantages:

  • Validity period: 5 years.

  • Application fee: AED 650 ($177).

 

Required documents:

  • Passport (valid for at least 6 months).

  • Passport-sized photograph.

  • Travel insurance.

  • Last 6 months' bank statement with a minimum balance of $4,000 USD or equivalent.

 

Note:

  • To apply online, select the tab labeled "Visa - Multiple Entry - Long Term Tourism (5 Years) for All Nationalities - New Visa Issuance".

  • For global personnel applying for a multiple-entry business visa in Dubai: This visa process has an additional requirement. The employee's company must be registered in the Global Personnel program.

 

Requirements for Applying for a UAE Business

Residence Visa

Company-sponsored residence visa:

This type of visa is for business owners, sponsored by their own company in the UAE. To be eligible, you need to:

  • Establish a business in the UAE.

  • Register for an Establishment Card – this procedure can be done remotely.

  • Your company will be the sponsor for your residence visa, valid for a maximum of 3 years.

 

Types of businesses:

  • Mainland: Operates throughout the territory of the United Arab Emirates.

  • Free Zone (Onshore): Operates within specific economic free zones.

 

Note: Shareholders of offshore companies are not eligible for a Dubai business visa.

 

Costs:

  • Establishment Card issuance fee: AED 300 (approximately $82).

  • Registration and visa fees vary depending on the Free Zone. The most affordable zones may allow business setup with initial costs starting from AED 10,000 ($2,700) or even lower.

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Self-sponsored Green Residence Visa:

This type of visa is for business shareholders with a minimum capital contribution of AED 1,000,000 ($272,000). The applicant can be the sole owner or a partner in the company. First-degree relatives of the applicant can also join and apply for the UAE Green Residence Visa.

 

Advantages:

  • The Green residence entry permit is valid for 60 days.

  • The Green residence visa is valid for 5 years and is renewable.

  • After the visa expires, the holder has a 6-month grace period to stay in the UAE.

 

Costs:

  • Application fee: AED 333.75 ($90).

  • Emirates ID card issuance fee: AED 650 ($177).

 

Note:

  • This visa type has been in effect since October 3, 2022, so requirements may change over time. Freelancers and skilled employees can also apply for the Green Visa under certain conditions."

Self-sponsored Golden Visa for Entrepreneurs

Conditions for applying for Golden Visa for entrepreneurs
Application form

1. This startup must have a minimum annual turnover of AED 1,000,000 (approximately $272,000).

  • Set up a startup registered in the UAE as a small and medium enterprise (SME).

  • The applicant may be a sole proprietor or a partner.

  • Trade licence.

  • Financial Certificate or Social Certificate (as required).

  • Audited financial statements for the past two years.

  • Company Profile/Deck.

  • Personal profile on LinkedIn.

  • Nomination letter from business incubator in UAE.

2. Approved startup idea

To qualify for a Golden Visa for Entrepreneurs through the Start-up Idea Approval route, you need to obtain approval from one of the following organizations:

  • official business incubator
    Ministry of Economy
    ICP (relevant visa authority)
    competent local authority

  • Nomination letter from business incubator in UAE.

  • LinkedIn profiles of the founders.

  • Business Concept overview deck.

  • Certificate of participation in a business incubator program, venture studio or accelerator program (if applicable).

  • Business license (if available).

3. Startup founders are sold for a minimum value of AED 7,000,000

  • Be a founder or co-founder of a startup that has been sold for a total value of not less than AED 7,000,000 (approximately $1,900,000).

  • This startup must be approved by the Ministry of Economy, ICP (relevant visa authority) or competent local authority.

  • Nomination letter from business incubator in UAE (if any).

  • Trade License of previous project.

  • LinkedIn profiles of the founders.

  • Proof of the company being sold for AED 7,000,000 (this could be a sales contract, financial statements, etc.).

  • Details about the new owner, including full name or LinkedIn profile (if available).

4. Capital investment in UAE company

  • Minimum investment of AED 2,000,000 (approximately $545,000) in the share capital of a company in the UAE.

  • Trade License of the company you invest in.

  • Updated Commercial Registration Certificate.

  • Letter from a bank or investment fund confirming your capital or share value in the company of at least AED 2,000,000.

  • Copy of business registration of the enterprise or company (copy of the commercial register).

5. Own a business that pays a minimum corporate income tax of AED 250,000 per year

  • Be an owner or co-owner of a business in the UAE that is paying corporate income tax of at least AED 250,000 (approximately $68,000) per year.

  • Company Trade License.

  • The Commercial Registration Certificate (CRC) states the amount of capital contributed to the company and the ownership percentage of each investor.

  • Tax Return Form confirming payment of a minimum of AED 250,000 in taxes in the two years prior to visa application.

  • Tax receipts of taxes paid.

REGISTER FOR INFORMATION

We sincerely thank you for your interest in the project. For more detailed information, please contact us directly through our hotline at 0765 073 625, or leave your information in the form below. We will respond as soon as possible.

Office:

  • Vietnam: 46th Floor, Bitexco Financial Tower, 2 Hai Trieu Street, District 1, HCM City.

  • Dubai: B-2101, 1601 & 801 Latifa Tower near Trade Centre, Sheikh Zayed Road, Dubai, U.A.E.

  • Sydney: Suite 18, Level 1, 4 Station st, Fairfield NSW 2165.

Mail: info@aeisproperty.com

Phone & Whatsapp: +84 70 810 6086

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