According to recent global rankings, the United Arab Emirates continues to strengthen its position as a leading international hub for business and investment. Thanks to government programs aimed at attracting foreign capital, the country’s standard of living continues to rise. So much has been done in recent years: the digitalization of online services, infrastructure development, healthcare system modernization, improvement of educational standards, and creation of a favorable business climate. These measures not only improve the quality of life for local residents but also make the country an attractive destination for international investors and entrepreneurs.
It is no surprise that more people are looking for opportunities to relocate to the UAE. The country currently offers analogs of a residence permit: residency visas and Golden Visas, valid for 2 to 10 years. The eligibility criteria for these visas vary: the UAE aims to attract both talent and investment. In this article, we will take a detailed look at how to become a resident in Dubai by starting a business and review alternative pathways to obtaining a UAE residency visa.
What are the benefits of a UAE residency visa when starting a business?
Obtaining a residence permit in the UAE opens up numerous benefits for business owners:
- Low taxes. No personal income tax. Reduced corporate tax rates. A 9% corporate tax was introduced in 2023, but it’s applicable only to income exceeding a certain threshold (375,000 AED). No taxes on dividends and capital gains.
- Full business ownership. 100% foreign ownership is possible for companies registered in Free Zones without the need to involve a local sponsor.
- Simplified international trade. Residency status allows entrepreneurs to open international bank accounts in the UAE, facilitating global transactions. The UAE’s strategic geographic location makes it a key hub for international trade.
- Preferences for opening bank accounts. Holding a UAE residency visa simplifies the process of opening bank accounts for both individuals and businesses. UAE banks offer favorable conditions for residents, including low fees and access to international transactions.
- Attracting foreign capital. Businesses registered in the UAE can attract foreign investors thanks to the country’s stable economy and transparent legal framework.
- Simplicity and convenience of migration. Companies can obtain residency visas for their employees and their families. A residence permit simplifies the process of obtaining work visas and hiring foreign specialists.
- Modern infrastructure. The UAE provides access to a highly developed transportation, digital, and logistics infrastructure, which is particularly beneficial for businesses in sectors such as trade, technology, and finance.
- Support for small and medium-sized businesses. The government regularly offers subsidies, grants, and other support programs for entrepreneurs. Business owners can also participate in tenders and projects funded by the UAE government.
- High standard of living. Business owners and their families gain access to top-tier healthcare, education, and high-security standards. Living in a country with a high quality of life increases the status of business owners.
- Visa-free travel to other countries. UAE residency visa holders enjoy visa-free or simplified entry to several countries across Europe, Asia, Africa, Central, and North America.
The UAE is a highly attractive business platform, offering a unique combination of benefits, stability, and growth potential. A UAE residence visa through business opening provides the opportunity to live and work in a country with a favorable tax system.
Requirements for obtaining a business residency visa
In most cases, entrepreneurs must invest in a business or acquire a stake in a company worth at least $545,500 to qualify for a residency visa. However, to attract talent, the government has lowered the threshold for technology startups to $136,000.
For more information on how to obtain a residence visa through business in the UAE, look at the below table:
| RESIDENCE VISA VALIDITY PERIOD | REQUIREMENTS |
|---|---|
| 5 years | Establishing a company in the field of innovative technologies with an investment of at least $136,000. |
| 10 years | Invest at least $545,500 in a newly established company. Achieving an annual company turnover of more than $273,000 per year. Sell a company in the UAE for $1,900,000. Launch a startup through a business incubator, with a business plan approved by the UAE Ministry of Economy. |
How to get a residency visa through business investment?
The main steps that an applicant for a residence permit will need to go through:
- Company registration.
- Office or workspace rental.
- Opening a corporate or personal bank account.
- Depositing share capital — in some zones, a minimum capital investment is required.
- Undergoing a mandatory health check and biometric registration.
- Collecting, legalizing, certifying documents, and submitting an application to the General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs (GDRFA).
- Paying government fees for a visa.
- Obtaining an Emirates ID (a resident identification card).
Business owner requirements
Almost any foreign national who meets specific criteria can obtain a UAE residency visa by establishing a business. The main categories of persons who are eligible for a residence permit through investment in a company:
- must be at least 18 years old;
- legal Income;
- no criminal record;
- no serious infectious diseases such as hepatitis, HIV, tuberculosis, etc.
Document preparation
The basic set of documents required includes:
- copy of a valid foreign passport;
- medical examination certificate;
- color photographs (3 × 4 cm) on a white background;
- health insurance policy;
- certificate of company registration;
- copy of the business license;
- company immigration card;
- bank statement confirming the company’s capital deposit;
- audit report from a certified auditing firm.
Note, that depending on the type of business, additional documents may be required, so it is important to get expert advice.
Submission and registration process
Documents can be submitted to the general Directorate of residency and foreigners affairs (GDRFA) through:
- The GDRFA online platform.
- Tasheel or Amer service centers (for assistance with processing).
- A PRO agent (a company representative who helps with submitting documents).
Important considerations include:
- Accuracy of documents: all business formation papers, passports, and medical certificates must be valid and properly attested.
- Correct form completion: errors in the application may delay processing or result in rejection.
- Passport validity: the passport must be valid for at least six months.
- Medical examination records: health check results must be registered in the GDRFA database.
- Company e-Signature registration: make sure the business is registered with the GDRFA e-signature system.
- Fee payments: all government fees must be paid in advance via online platforms or service centers.
How to obtain an Emirates ID?
When a visa application is submitted to GDRFA, the Emirates ID registration is processed automatically. You can track the application status on the ICP (Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs & Port Security) website.
If biometrics have not yet been submitted, you must visit the nearest ICP center to register fingerprints and take a photograph. The Emirates ID fee is usually included in the visa application payment, so no additional charges are required at this stage.
After that, just wait for the card to be issued. The status of the Emirates ID can be tracked on the ICP website, and applicants receive an SMS notification once the card is ready. The ready card can be delivered by courier or picked up from an ICP service center. Processing usually takes 5 to 10 business days.
What qualifies as a business investment for a residency visa?
Investment in a business for obtaining a UAE residency visa can take several forms, depending on the regulatory authority’s requirements and the business model. Here’s what is generally considered an investment:
- Share capital. This is the amount specified in the company’s founding documents, often used to confirm financial stability. In some Free Zones, this capital may be symbolic (e.g., AED 10,000), while in other cases, it must be physically deposited into the company’s bank account.
- Operational expenses. These are costs related to office or workspace rental, equipment purchases, and other assets necessary for business operations.
- Registration and government fees. This includes expenses for business licensing, permits, registration fees, and other mandatory payments.
- Investment in an existing business. If an investor purchases a stake in an already established company, their contribution to the company’s capital is also considered an investment.
- Job creation. In some cases, hiring employees and providing jobs is part of the required investment (especially for Mainland companies).
- Additional expenses. These can be raw material procurement, software development, or other business processes.
Investments are considered to be everything that contributes to developing, launching, and maintaining a business, such as share capital, operational costs, rent, and workforce recruitment. However, a company’s value isn’t just about expenses — it is very important that the business adds economic value to the country. To correctly determine the value of a business, it is not enough just to collect all the receipts; it is important to obtain an external expert assessment and consultation from a company registration agent.
Other ways to obtain a UAE residency visa
Certainly, not everyone can immediately invest a large amount in a business.However, there are alternative ways for foreigners to obtain UAE residency. The government provides opportunities for highly skilled professionals, including:
- students who want to receive higher education in UAE universities;
- specialists in rare professions;
- scientists, inventors, and artists with exceptional achievements;
- freelancers, working in IT;
- wealthy retirees.
Below is a brief overview of the conditions for each category.
Requirements for obtaining a student visa in the UAE
To obtain a student visa in the UAE, applicants must be enrolled in an accredited university or college. The educational institution acts as the visa sponsor, although in some cases, resident parents can take on this role. The applicant must be over 18 years old, undergo a medical examination, and provide proof of financial stability to cover tuition and living expenses.
The student visa is typically issued for one year and is renewable for the duration of the academic program. High-achieving students may qualify for longer-term visas as a reward for outstanding academic performance. To apply for a visa, you need to provide a valid passport, recent photographs, a letter of enrollment, a copy of the tuition fee payment, medical examination results, and proof of accommodation.
Заявку на визу обычно подаёт университет через систему GDRFA. После одобрения студенты сдают биометрию и получают визу, которая вклеивается в паспорт. Такая виза позволяет проживать в стране, учиться и работать неполный рабочий день.
How can specialists in rare professions get a UAE residency visa?
There are several conditions for obtaining a visa for applicants in rare specialties in the United Arab Emirates. The main requirements include:
- High level of qualification: professionals must have a strong educational background and extensive experience in their field. Doctors, scientists, artists, engineers, and other highly skilled specialists must verify their expertise by obtaining accreditation from the Ministry of Culture or, for scientists, the UAE Scientific Council.
- Sponsorship: to obtain a work visa, applicants must have a sponsor in the UAE, which can be an employer or a business partner. A valid employment contract is required for a residence permit.
- Financial requirements: applicants must meet certain financial criteria, such as sufficient funds for living expenses and health insurance coverage.
There are separate conditions for freelancers and the self-employed. They can live in the country when they get a Green Visa. It grants 5-year residency in the UAE without the need for sponsorship. Registration and licensing for these categories are typically done through Free Zones.
Top-tier specialists can be granted the Golden Visa. It allows you to live in the UAE for 10 years without additional sponsorship and also allows you to bring family members and hire domestic staff.
These residency options help attract highly qualified professionals to the UAE and support the country’s growth across various sectors.
How can retirees obtain a UAE residency visa?
Retirees can apply for residency under the “Retire in Dubai” program. It grants a pensioner a 5-year visa with renewal options. The eligibility criteria are quite simple: applicants must be 55 years or older and must have at least 15 years of work experience. Additionally, retirees must meet one of the following financial conditions:
- own property in Dubai worth at least $275,000;
- have savings of at least $275,000 in a UAE bank account.
- receive a steady monthly income of at least $4,200 from pensions or investments.
Applicants must submit their application to GDRFA, along with the proper documents that verify their identity, retirement status, and financial stability.
This program allows retirees to enjoy a high standard of living and security in the UAE, access world-class healthcare services, and contribute to the economy through investments and consumption.
How to simplify obtaining a residence visa for business in the UAE
In this guide, we have outlined how to become a Dubai resident by starting a business and discussed the key aspects of this process. However, it is important to note that this article is for informational purposes only and does not replace professional legal or financial consultation.
Setting up a business in the UAE requires a deep understanding of local laws, proficiency in Arabic and English, and taking into account considerations about jurisdiction, business activities, and tax aspects. Without expert assistance, applicants may face challenges that slow down or even jeopardize the residency process.
Our company provides a full range of turnkey services — from assessing the prospects of your business to registering a company and supporting you at all stages of obtaining residency. We know all the intricacies of working in various Economic Zones of the UAE and guarantee a prompt solution to any issues.
Don’t waste time navigating complex procedures on your own — leave it to the professionals. Contact us today, and we will help you become a resident of Dubai without unnecessary bureaucratic difficulties!
