UAE Residency Visa for Business Owners
How to get a UAE residency visa as a business owner or investor: types, documents, process, cost and renewal.
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Registering a company in the UAE grants its founders the right to obtain a UAE residency visa. This visa provides legal residence and opens access to banking, healthcare, education and more.
Types of Business Visas
| Visa Type | Basis | Validity |
|---|---|---|
| Investor Visa | Company ownership | 2β3 years (renewable) |
| Employment Visa | Employed in your own company | 2β3 years |
| Golden Visa | Investment / talent criteria | 10 years |
| Green Visa | Skilled professional / freelancer | 5 years |
Standard Investor Residency Visa
The most common option for company founders:
Requirements:
- Valid Trade License in your name (or shareholding)
- Emirates ID
- Medical fitness test
- Health insurance
Documents needed:
- Passport (all pages)
- Trade License copy
- Company registration documents (MOA/AOA)
- Passport-sized photo (white background)
- Health insurance policy
Cost (approximate):
| Item | Amount (AED) |
|---|---|
| Entry Permit | 500β1,000 |
| Status change / visa stamping | 1,000β2,500 |
| Emirates ID | 370 |
| Medical test | 250β500 |
| Health insurance (mandatory) | 1,500β3,000/year |
| Total | β AED 3,620β7,370 |
Step-by-Step Process
- Company registration β trade license issued by free zone or DED
- Apply for Entry Permit β via ICA portal or AMER centre (if outside UAE) or status change (if inside UAE)
- Medical test β blood tests + X-ray at an approved health centre; results in 1β3 days
- Emirates ID registration β biometric registration at ICA-approved typing centre
- Visa stamping β residence visa stamp placed in passport at AMER centre or ICA online
- Emirates ID received β delivered in 5β7 working days
Living in the UAE with a Residency Visa
A UAE residency visa allows you to:
- Open a personal UAE bank account
- Sponsor family members (spouse, children, parents)
- Enrol children in schools
- Access public and private healthcare
- Obtain a UAE driving licence
- Buy a car and real estate
Important Notes
- Residency visa does not expire while you stay in the UAE β but must be renewed
- If you leave the UAE and donβt return within 6 months, the visa is automatically cancelled
- Health insurance is mandatory by law β your company must provide a policy
We handle the full visa process from start to stamp. Contact us.