Tax & Compliance Support
Find consultants who handle Corporate Tax registration, VAT filing and accounting. Compare their services and choose the one that suits your business needs.
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Visa Services in Dubai for Business Owners
Get a UAE residence visa through your own company, and visas for your partners, staff and family. Tell us what you need, and we'll connect you with consultants who handle investor, employment and family visas.
- Investor and partner visas for shareholders
- Employment visas for your team
- Family sponsorship support
*Free zone trade license with 1 visa. Prices vary by jurisdiction and are subject to change. Health insurance not included.
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Find Consultants for Every Step of Your Business Setup
- Trade License
- Company Registration
- Residence Visa Processing
- Emirates ID Processing
- Establishment Card
- Immigration Card
- Corporate Tax Registration
- Bank Account Assistance
- PRO Services & Govt Liaison
- Document Attestation
- Trade Name Reservation
- MOA / AOA Drafting
- VAT Registration
- Accounting & Bookkeeping
- Virtual / Flexi / Physical Office
- Ongoing Compliance Support
Compare Before You Choose
See the services different consultants offer in one place. Contact the ones that fit your requirements and discuss fees and timelines with them directly.
Why Set Up in the UAE
The Benefits of UAE Residency
Setting up your own company in the UAE can make you eligible for a residence visa. This lets you live and work in the country, sponsor family members, and access local banking, healthcare and education.
Live & Work
Live and work in the UAE under your company's visa.
Tax Environment
The UAE has a competitive tax system for businesses.
Global Reach
Access regional and international markets from the UAE.
Banking Access
Open a corporate bank account, subject to bank approval.
Family Sponsorship
Sponsor eligible family members once you meet the requirements.
Visa Services
Find consultants who handle visa processing and renewals.
Simple 3-step process
Find your consultant in 3-Steps
Tell us what you need, compare consultants, and choose the one that suits your business.
- 01
Share Your Requirements
Fill in a short form with your business activity, preferred setup type and timeline. This helps us understand what kind of consultant you're looking for.
- Business activity & setup type
- Your timeline
Your Request
Quick online form
- Tell us your business activity
- Choose mainland, free zone or offshore
- Share when you plan to start
- 02
Get Connected with Consultants
We connect you with consultants who offer the services you need. Review your options, ask questions, and compare before you decide.
Consultant Match
- Request received
- Matched with consultants
- Consultants get in touch
- Compare your options
- 03
Work with Your Chosen Consultant
Choose the consultant that fits your business. Agree on scope, fees and timelines with them directly, and they'll guide you through the setup process.
License IssuedReady to trade
How business visas work in the UAE
In the UAE, residence visas for business owners and staff are sponsored by a licensed company. That means the visa is linked to your trade license.
Once your company is licensed and has an establishment card, it can sponsor residence visas for its shareholders and employees. Visas are processed by the GDRFA in Dubai, or by the ICP for most other emirates and many free zones.
Types of visa we can help with
Investor / partner visa
For shareholders and partners of a UAE company. It lets you live in the UAE through your own business, get an Emirates ID and open personal bank accounts.
Employment visa
For staff your company hires. Your company sponsors the visa and work permit for each employee, based on your visa allocation.
Family visa
Once you hold a residence visa, you may be able to sponsor your spouse, children and, in some cases, parents, if you meet the requirements.
Visa renewal and cancellation
Help with renewing residence visas before they expire, and cancelling visas when an employee leaves or the company closes.
Not sure which visa you need? Read: Investor Visa vs Employment Visa in the UAE.
Trade license + visa packages
Because business visas are linked to your company, most people get a license and visa together. Example starting prices for 1-year free zone packages:
| Package | Starting from |
|---|---|
| Trade license + 1 visa | AED 10,800 |
| Trade license + 2 visas | AED 16,200 |
| Trade license + 3 visas | AED 20,700 |
| Trade license + 4 visas | AED 25,200 |
| Trade license + 5 visas | AED 29,700 |
Packages for up to 10 visas, and multi-year options, are also available. Already have a trade license? Tell us, and we'll connect you with a consultant who can help with visas only.
Example prices are based on selected UAE free zone packages with full advance payment. Prices vary by jurisdiction, including Dubai free zones and mainland, and are subject to change. Health insurance, which is required for each visa, is not included. Confirm your final quote before payment.
What's usually included in a visa package
Inclusions vary by jurisdiction, but a typical visa package can include:
- Investor security approval (new registration)
- E-channel registration and guarantee
- Establishment card
- Entry permit
- Visa status change (if you're already in the UAE)
- Visa medical test
- Residence visa
- Emirates ID
Not included: health insurance, which is required during the visa process. Read: Health Insurance for UAE Residence Visas Explained.
The visa process, in brief
- Trade license: your company must be licensed first.
- Establishment card: registers your company with the immigration authority so it can sponsor visas. Read: What Is an Establishment Card?
- Entry permit: lets you enter the UAE on your company's sponsorship, or change status if you're already here.
- Medical test and Emirates ID biometrics: these must be done in person in the UAE.
- Residence visa issued: your residence visa and Emirates ID are issued once everything is approved.
For the full step-by-step guide, read: How to Get a UAE Residence Visa Through Your Own Company.
How many visas can your company get?
Your visa allocation depends on your jurisdiction and setup:
- Free zone: usually set by your package, from 0 visas upwards, and sometimes by your office type.
- Mainland: usually linked to the size of your office.
Read more: How Many Visas Can My Company Get?
Documents usually required
- passport copy, valid for at least 6 months
- passport-size photo with a white background
- current UAE visa or entry stamp, if you're in the UAE
- company documents (trade license, establishment card)
- health insurance
- for family visas: marriage and birth certificates (usually attested), tenancy contract and proof of income
Requirements can vary. Your consultant will confirm the full list for your visa type.
Sponsoring your family
Once you hold a UAE residence visa, you can usually sponsor your spouse and children, and in some cases your parents. You'll need to meet requirements such as a minimum salary or income level and suitable accommodation. These requirements can change, so your consultant will confirm what applies to you.
Read more: How to Sponsor Your Family as a UAE Business Owner.
Why use Company Setup Consultant?
- License and visa together: one enquiry for your trade license and visas.
- Mainland and free zone: visa options for mainland and free zone companies.
- Compare before you commit: review packages and prices before you decide.
Frequently asked questions
What is an investor visa in the UAE?
An investor or partner visa is a residence visa for shareholders of a UAE company. It lets you live in the UAE through your own business, get an Emirates ID and, if you meet the requirements, sponsor your family.
Do I need a trade license to get a business visa?
Yes. Investor, partner and employment visas are sponsored by a licensed UAE company, so you need an active trade license and an establishment card first.
How much does a trade license with a visa cost?
Trade license packages with one visa start from AED 10,800. The price depends on the jurisdiction, number of visas and license duration. Health insurance is required and not included.
How many visas can my company get?
It depends on your jurisdiction, package and office type. Free zone packages usually include a set number of visas, while mainland visa allocation is usually linked to office size.
Can I sponsor my family on a business visa?
Usually, yes. Once you have a residence visa, you may be able to sponsor your spouse, children and, in some cases, parents, if you meet the income and accommodation requirements.
Do I need to be in the UAE for the visa process?
You can start from abroad, but you'll usually need to be in the UAE for the visa medical test and Emirates ID biometrics.
Ready to get your UAE residence visa?
Tell us how many visas you need and whether you already have a trade license, and we'll connect you with a consultant who can help.
Send Your Enquiry