A free zone visa in Dubai is a residence permit that allows you to reside in the country legally for a period of two years. There are different types of visas you can acquire depending on your plan of activities in Dubai, e.g., employment, investment, education,.
You need to follow a streamlined process to get your residence visa, involving the registration process, arrival, acquisition of the visa, stamping. This guide walks you through everything you should know before setting out to initiate the visa process.
Why Get a Visa in Dubai, UAE?
Dubai is among the most famous cities in the world for numerous reasons, including business, tourism, employment, and quality of life. It’s a complete package. Investors, entrepreneurs, and jobbers from around the globe come to the city for work opportunities and business in Dubai. It’s a global attraction.
Key reasons why people choose Dubai:
- Tax-free income, meaning you keep more of what you earn
- World-class infrastructure and luxurious lifestyle
- Diverse, expat-friendly environment with global networking opportunities
- Easy access to international markets—Dubai is a business hub
- High demand for skilled professionals across industries
- Fast, streamlined visa processes with long-term options
- Safe, clean, and modern city with a high quality of life
- Constant growth and investment make it full of opportunity
Why Get a Free Zone Visa in UAE?
Free zones in Dubai are designated business areas designed for commercial sectors. They are run by different free zone authorities. Many people prefer the free zones over the mainland due to their benefits, including diverse business industries, infrastructure, and taxation laws.
Understanding Free Zones in UAE
| Aspect | Explanation |
| Main Purpose | Attract foreign investment and boost sector-specific growth |
| Ownership | 100% foreign ownership allowed (unlike mainland, which may require local sponsor) |
| Tax Benefits | Zero corporate & income tax (usually for 15–50 years, renewable) |
| Visa Eligibility | Investors and employees can get residence visas through the Free Zone company |
| Business Setup | Fast and simplified process; often within days |
| Trade Rules | Can trade freely within the Free Zone and internationally; restricted in mainland |
| Facilities Offered | Office spaces, warehouses, co-working hubs, and business support services |
Types of Freezone Visas in Dubai
To accommodate different occupations and needs, the authorities have defined categories of visas. Here’s what you need to know about them:
Employment Visa
This is acquired by people coming to Dubai for work with offer letters from a company. This is the most common type. The main requirement for this visa is having a job in a company registered in a zone.
Investor Visa
This visa is for businessmen and investors planning to start or invest in a venture in Dubai. This usually requires a minimum investment, the acquisition of a trade license, and a business plan. An investor visa can be extended easily for several years if required.
Student Visa
Some zones offer students the opportunity to come to Dubai for studies. It’s perfect for students applying to colleges and universities inside Dubai Freezones. The main requirement for a student visa is admission to such educational institutions.
Dependent Visa
Given a specific amount of income and some requirements, investor or employment visa holders can apply for dependent visas for their families. This allows the families to reside in the UAE legally.
Eligibility Criteria for a Free Zone Residence Visa
While each visa type has different requirements and perks, these are some standard points:
- Free Zone Visa Eligibility (Short & Simple):
- Must invest in or be employed by a Free Zone company
- Need a valid Free Zone business license
- Must be 18+ (exceptions for owners)
- Passport must be valid for 6+ months
- Medical test is required
Steps to Get Your Dubai Free Zone Visa
Choose Visa Type and Free Zone
Select your visa type depending on the nature of activities you are going to the UAE, e.g., employment, starting a business in Dubai, investment setup in Dubai, etc. Also, decide on the free zone you want to apply to. For employees, it’ll be the zone where the company is based.
E-Channel Services
UAE has e-channel services that streamline the visa process for you. To get you started, you need the help of your employer or sponsor. Submit a registration fee of AED 2,500/- initially. It will get you started. All documents and information will be uploaded to this channel.
Apply for Entry Permit
Initiate the application for an entry permit or employment visa through the e-channel. Upload all the information and required documents. You can get facilitation from your employer or sponsor. The entry permit works as a temporary visa for about 60 days. It usually takes around 15 days to get your permit, but with extra fees, you can get it under 6 to 7 days.
Undergo Medical Test
To ensure you are medically sound and able to do the job you’re hired for, the UAE has a mandatory medical test. It involves a blood test and a chest X-ray. It must be conducted in a government-approved clinic, or else it will be deemed invalid.
Register for Emirates ID
Apply for your Emirates ID within the validity of your entry permit. It requires an application to the federal authority and biometrics. Ensure timely application and provision of correct information.
Obtain Health Insurance
It is usually mandatory for employers to get health insurance for their employees. If you’re on a different type of visa, you’ll have to get insurance on your own. This step is mandatory before visa stamping.
Get Visa Stamped
Get your residence visa stamped on your passport from the immigration office. This is the last step that validates you legally to stay in the UAE for the designated amount of time.
Collect Emirates ID
You can collect your Emirates ID now and start your business activities or employment roles. Be sure to look out for the expiration date and apply for renewal if required.
Required Documents for Free Zone Visa Dubai
- Valid passport (6+ months validity)
- Passport-sized photos (white background)
- Entry permit (issued by Free Zone authority)
- Copy of business license or employment contract
- Medical fitness test report (from authorized clinic)
- Emirates ID application form
- Proof of UAE health insurance
- Visa application form (from Free Zone portal)
- Immigration establishment card (for company-sponsored visas)
- Tenancy contract or address proof (may be requested)
Dubai Freezone Visa Cost Estimate
Obtaining a free zone visa can cost between 4,500 – 10,000 AED. This is a rough estimate that is subject to change depending on the free zone packages and time duration.
| Item | Estimated Cost (AED) |
| Entry Permit | 500 – 1,200 |
| Medical Test & Report | 300 – 700 |
| Emirates ID (2–3 years) | 370 – 1,000 |
| Visa Stamping | 500 – 1,200 |
| Health Insurance | 800 – 1,500 |
| Free Zone Service Fees | 2,500 – 5,000 |
Setup in Dubai Process Visa in the UAE With IBG Consulting (Image)
Setting up in a Dubai freezone and acquiring visas could be difficult. Especially for new business owners and foreign employees. It requires a detailed process, a good understanding of the zone laws, and effective networking. It’s almost impossible to gather all these skills in one place. As a result, many individuals complicate things or face costly delays during setup.
Solution? You need a business consultancy with years of experience, legal knowledge, suitable visa packages, and useful networks to experience a smooth visa process. IBG Consultancy has it all and more, including suitable packages for different needs. Contact IBG Consultancy for a smooth visa acquisition process in any Free Zone in Dubai.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
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Can I apply for a Dubai freezone visa while already in the UAE?
Yes, applicants already inside the UAE can convert their status without exiting the country. The process is slightly different than applying from outside of the UAE and often includes a status adjustment fee. -
How do I initiate the process to get a Dubai free zone visa from outside the UAE?
If applying from abroad, you must apply for an entry permit first. Once approved, you can enter the UAE and continue the remaining steps including medical testing and obtaining your national identity card for UAE residents. -
What role does the e-channel system for visa applications play?
The online e-channel system for visa streamlines the entire process, allowing authorized zone companies to submit and track applications electronically without physical paperwork delays. -
What happens upon arrival at a Dubai airport with a zone visa?
After entering the UAE through the Dubai airport immigration counter, your visa will be verified and the initial entry permit activates your status. This allows you to legally complete the rest of the process. -
Is the visa valid for 60 days before final residency is issued?
Yes, the initial permit functions as a temporary visa valid for 60 days, during which all remaining procedures like the medical exam and Emirates ID application must be completed. -
Can I leave the UAE by land if my visa is still under processing?
It is not recommended to leave the UAE by land or air until your residence permit is fully processed, unless your specific free zone advises otherwise. -
What is the typical visa cost when applying through a company in a free zone?
Visa cost varies depending on the zone company and services included, but it typically ranges between AED 4,500 and AED 10,000 including insurance, ID, and permit fees. -
Is this visa ideal for foreign entrepreneurs looking to business in the UAE?
Absolutely. This visa is ideal for foreign individuals who wish to operate, invest, or manage companies within a Dubai economic zone structure while legally residing in the UAE. -
Can family members of visa holders also apply to stay in the UAE?
Yes, visa holders who meet the income and housing criteria can sponsor their dependents, enabling them to apply for an Emirates ID and legally stay in the UAE under a family sponsorship setup. -
What should I do at the last step of the visa acquisition process?
The final step is obtaining your residence visa with a stamped passport. This confirms your legal residency and activates your national identity card for UAE residents.
