UAE Licensing & Residency Visas in Dubai: Explained Simply
Licensing & Visas

UAE Licensing & Residency Visas in Dubai: Explained Simply

Your business licence and your visa are the foundation of your legal presence in Dubai. We design both together — so your company is compliant, scalable, and ready to operate from day one.

🔒 Private consultations NDA available UAE-based experts

Types of UAE Visas

Choosing the correct visa structure aligns your corporate and personal objectives.

Visa TypeWho It's ForKey Benefits
Investor VisaCompany owners / shareholders
  • Long-term residency (3-year renewable)
  • Family & dependent sponsorship eligibility
  • Full access to UAE personal/corporate banking
Partner VisaCo-founders / joint ventures
  • Issued to partners holding shares in a UAE entity
  • Protects ownership stakes & operational roles
  • Same residency rights as investor visa
Employment VisaEmployees hired by the company
  • Includes official Ministry of Human Resources (MOHRE) work permit
  • Covers medical test, labor card, and Emirates ID
  • Secured under company sponsorship quota
Family / Dependent VisaSpouse, children, parents, dependents
  • Allows founders and employees to bring family to the UAE
  • Requires minimum salary threshold verification
  • Requires valid residency visa of the sponsor
UAE Golden VisaInvestors, entrepreneurs, exceptional talents
  • 10-year residency with self-sponsorship
  • No requirement to enter the UAE every 6 months to keep active
  • Extended benefits for family members
Investor Residency

UAE Investor Visa & Investor Residency Pathways

Turn your investment into a UAE residency opportunity. Choose between 5-Year Green Residence or 10-Year Golden Residence routes.

Green Residence — Investor / Partner

5 Years

A renewable 5-year residence permit for investors or partners in a UAE commercial project without requiring a local guarantor.

  • Valid MOA / Partnership contract with trade licence
  • Self-sponsored residency for investor / partner
  • Full personal & corporate banking eligibility
  • Family & dependent visa sponsorship rights

Golden Residence — Investor

10 Years

Long-term 10-year Golden Residence for qualifying investors in company capital, real estate, or bank deposits.

  • Company Investment: AED 2M+ capital / assets share
  • Real Estate Investment: Property total value AED 2M+
  • Financial Deposit: Local UAE bank deposit AED 2M+
  • Self-sponsored with unlimited family & domestic staff visas
Family Sponsorship

UAE Family Visa & Dependent Residence

Bring your family closer. UAE immigration rules allow qualifying residents to sponsor spouse, children and parents.

Spouse

A UAE resident holding valid residence may sponsor their spouse with attested marriage certificate.

Sons (Under 25)

ICP permits sponsorship of sons under 25 years old (unlimited age for special needs).

Unmarried Daughters

Unmarried daughters can be sponsored without age restrictions under family residence rules.

Parents

Parent sponsorship is available under specific dependency, financial and housing conditions.

Financial Solvency & Income Threshold:

AED 3,000 monthly income with employer-provided housing, OR AED 4,000 monthly income without housing.

ICP & GDRFA Compliant
Tourist & Visit Visas

UAE Tourist Visa Options

Short Stay

30-Day Tourist Visa

Suitable for shorter holidays and business visits. Available as single-entry or multiple-entry.

Medium Stay

60-Day Tourist Visa

Designed for travellers needing additional time in the UAE. Available as single- or multiple-entry.

Long-Term Visit

5-Year Multiple Entry

Self-sponsored long-term tourist route permitting stays up to 90 days per visit (max 180 days/yr).

What's Included in Licensing & Visa Services

We handle the administrative burden completely, from initial application to visa issuance.

Licence Setup

  • Activity selection and DED mapping
  • Licence application drafting & submission
  • Government approvals & registry
  • Corporate renewals & regulatory filings

Visa Processing

  • Investor / Partner visa file opening
  • Employment visa quota allocation
  • Dependent visa sponsorship support
  • Golden Visa qualification guidance

Complete Visa Handling

  • Entry permit generation
  • Medical fitness test booking & VIP escorts
  • Emirates ID biometrics appointment setup
  • Visa stamping & digital residency issuance
  • Visa renewals & cancellations

Compliance & Advisory

  • Visa quota planning based on office size
  • MOHRE labour law alignment
  • HR documentation & labor contracts
  • Visa planning aligned with business growth

Typical Timelines

Estimated processing times for licensing and visa issuance under normal circumstances.

ItemTimeline
Licence issuance (Free Zone)3–10 business days
Licence issuance (Mainland)7–14 business days
Visa processing5–10 business days
Emirates ID3–7 days after biometrics

Ready to begin?

Speak directly with a dedicated Strategist to design the structure that fits your goals.