How to Get Free Zone Visa In UAE

Starting a business in Dubai is a promising venture, with countless businesses already thriving in the city. Free zones are preferred jurisdictions for company formation in Dubai, offering numerous advantages. These include streamlined administrative processes, affordable licensing options, modern infrastructure, and office space and most importantly 100% foreign ownership of businesses. To start on the right foot, all you need is a suitable business license and a Dubai free zone visa.

This article is dedicated to exploring the Dubai free zone visa, detailing how to obtain it, its requirements, and the associated costs.

Understanding freezone visa in Dubai

A free zone visa is a residence visa that allows individuals to stay and work legally in a Dubai free zone. Free zones are special economic areas in Dubai where businesses can be established. Each free zone is dedicated to specific industries and has its own regulating body, distinct from others. For example, Dubai Media City is a free zone focused on the creative and media industries, although other industries can also be supported there. Professionals working in a free zone are subject to the regulations of the respective free zone authority and must obtain their licenses and approvals from them.

Currently, Dubai is home to more than 30 specialized free zones, each offering unique benefits. Remember, whether you are starting a business in a free zone or working in one, it is essential to obtain a Dubai free zone visa. This visa is typically valid for one, two, or three years, and there is a formal legal procedure to follow when applying for it.

Benefits of Dubai freezone visa

Holding a Dubai free zone visa offers several key advantages, including:

Tax Benefits: With zero personal income tax and very low corporate tax rates, free zones allow individuals to keep more of their earnings.
100% Ownership: When starting a business in a Dubai free zone, there is no need for a local sponsor. Foreigners can retain full ownership of their businesses.
Simple Processes: The process for obtaining a Dubai free zone visa is straightforward, with minimal administrative hurdles.
Advanced Communities: Dubai’s free zones are home to some of the world’s most modern communities, allowing individuals to expand their professional network with high-class professionals.
Advanced Facilities: Free zones in the UAE offer state-of-the-art infrastructure, providing a solid foundation for business operations.

Types of Dubai freezone visa:

There are several types of visas available for individuals in Dubai free zones, each catering to different needs:

Employment Visa: Also known as a work visa, this allows individuals to work with a company registered in a free zone. The visa is typically sponsored by the employer.
Investor Visa: Those looking to invest in a UAE-based company or start a business in the UAE can opt for an investor visa. There may be specific eligibility criteria, such as a minimum investment amount.
Partner Visa: Partners who wish to establish a company in a Dubai free zone can obtain a partner visa. They can also sponsor their foreign team members for business visits to the UAE.
Student Visa: Students who are admitted to a free zone institution or university can apply for a student visa. This allows them to reside in Dubai and access top-notch educational facilities with ease.
Dependent Visa: Also known as a family visa, this can be obtained for family members (such as a spouse or children) by an existing Dubai free zone visa holder. There may be certain earning requirements to sponsor family members for residency.
Freelancer Visa: Some free zones in Dubai offer freelancer visas, allowing individuals to work as independent professionals without being tied to a company. Freelancers can offer services to a broad clientele.

How to get free zone visa in UAE

Here is the Dubai free zone visa process:

Select your freezone:

There are more than 30 free zones in Dubai where you can get a visa. You may choose the one that meets your personal and professional goals and the type of visa you are looking for. Some top freezones include:

Jebel Ali Freezone (JAFZA)
Dubai South
Dubai Science Park
Internation Freezone Authority (IFZA)
Dubai Commercity
Dubai Media City

Register for e-channel (optional):

In many freezones, you get the option to apply for various immigration-related services through the e-channel platforms. You can access that as well if you prefer online services. You can register for the same using your email, etc.

Get the entry permit:

You would first need to apply for and obtain an entry visa. This visa allows you to enter the nation legally. Entry permit is usually valid for up to 60 days, and during this period, you can complete the formalities related to your free zone visa Dubai. The processing time for an entry permit is usually 15 days, but you can get yours in even 7 days through a free zone visa expert. For those looking to start a business, an entry permit will be issued only after the company is registered with the authorities.

Visa status change:
Visa status change means activating your entry visa through stamping by immigration officers in the UAE. This can be done in three ways:

If you are inside the UAE, you can get it stamped by the immigration officers.
If you are outside UAE, you can submit it for stamping when you arrive at the airport.
You can leave the UAE, get the exit stamp, and then re-enter. Upon re-entering, you can present the entry visa to immigration officer for stamping.

Pass the medical test:

As a part of visa processing, you will need to get medical checkups done at government-approved medical centres. This may include some X-rays and blood tests. They will issue you a health fitness certificate that you will need for your visa application.

Obtain the Emirates ID:

Emirates ID is proof of your identification in the nation. You must get it at approved service centers. It contains essential information about the holder, like name, address, biometrics, and photograph. This ID card helps you access various services in the UAE, such as healthcare, utility, and bank services in the nation.

Get the residence visa stamped:

Once you are done with the above steps, you can finally make an application for the residence visa. You will need to fill out the application form, submit certain documents and pay the necessary fees. Once your application is reviewed and approved by authorities, your Dubai Freezone visa will be issued to you successfully.

Once you get your visa, you can get one for your family members, too. Please note that Dubai free zone visa processing is usually done through the General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs (GDRFA), and the process may vary based on the type of visa you are applying for.

Documentation for free zone visa UAE

Here are the documents you will need for Dubai freezone visa application:

Filled application form
Original passport copy
Copy of current visa if any
Passport-size photographs
Medical fitness certificate
Bank reference
Security clearance
Valid freezone business license for companies
Copy of company establishment card for companies
Employment contract for employment visa

Please note that there may be additional documents needed as per your specific case. It is best to consult professional consultants in UAE like Dubiz Business Setup.

Cost of freezone visa in UAE

The average cost of free zone visa in Dubai is approximately AED 3,750*. However, this cost can vary depending on factors such as the selected free zone, the number of visas required, the type of visa needed, and other specific requirements. For accurate and tailored cost estimates for your Dubai free zone visa, it is recommended to consult with experts such as Dubiz Business Setup.

Conclusion

There are many advanced free zones in the UAE where you can obtain a visa and embark on your journey to success. Whether you are a student, a professional, or someone with a vision for your own business setup in Dubai, free zone visa is your key to realizing your goals. While the process to obtain the visa is straightforward, there can be hurdles when dealing with legal requirements, especially in a diverse nation like the UAE.

That is why we recommend seeking assistance from professional business setup consultants like Dubiz Business Setup, one of the leading consultants in the UAE. They can handle the entire process for you, ensuring that your application is smooth and error-free. Additionally, their expertise ensures that all your documentation and applications are on point for freezone visa Dubai. Book your free consultation with them today!