Dubai Business Visa – Complete Guide for Entrepreneurs
Setting up a business in Dubai comes with the advantage of obtaining UAE residency through your company. Several visa options are available depending on your investment level and business structure.
Types of Dubai Business Visas
Investor Visa (3 years): Available to business owners and shareholders in UAE companies. Renewable every 3 years.
Green Visa (5 years): A self-sponsored visa for investors, entrepreneurs, and skilled professionals. No sponsor required.
Golden Visa (10 years): Long-term residency for investors, entrepreneurs, and exceptional talents. Requires a minimum investment or business setup.
Partner/Employment Visa (2-3 years): For individuals employed by their own UAE company or a local sponsor.
Business Visa Requirements
- Valid passport with at least 6 months validity
- Valid UAE business license
- Tenancy contract (Ejari) or company accommodation
- Medical fitness test
- Emirates ID application
- Health insurance coverage
Visa Costs in Dubai
Business visa costs range from AED 3,000 to AED 15,000 depending on the visa type and duration. The investor visa typically costs AED 5,000-8,000 including medical, ID, and stamping fees.
How DubaiSetupNow Simplifies the Process
We handle your complete visa processing, from document preparation to medical appointments and Emirates ID application. Our PRO services ensure fast and hassle-free visa issuance.
Get your Dubai business visa – start your UAE journey today.
Quick Answers
Dubai Business Visa Overview for 2026
A Dubai business visa is the residence permit that lets you live in the UAE while you own or manage your company. Once your trade license is issued, you apply for a residency visa sponsored by your own business, which unlocks UAE residency, an Emirates ID, banking, and access to a tax-friendly environment with no personal income tax. Understanding the right visa type, cost, and processing time upfront saves you thousands and avoids delays.
Dubai Business Visa Types Compared
| Visa Type | Best For | Validity | Typical Cost |
|---|---|---|---|
| Investor Visa | Business owners and shareholders | 3 years, renewable | AED 5,000 - 9,000 |
| Green Visa | Self-sponsored investors and freelancers | 5 years | AED 7,000 - 11,000 |
| Golden Visa | High-value investors and entrepreneurs | 10 years | AED 12,000 - 18,000 |
| Partner/Employment Visa | Employees and partners of UAE companies | 2 - 3 years | AED 4,000 - 7,000 |
Step-by-Step Application Process
- Incorporate your company and obtain your UAE trade license from a free zone or mainland authority.
- Submit your visa application through the licensing authority or GDRFA with your passport copy and entry permit.
- Complete the medical fitness test at an approved typing centre or medical centre in Dubai.
- Apply for the Emirates ID; biometrics are taken at the Emirates Identity Authority (ICP) office.
- Get your residence permit stamped in your passport once medical and ID steps are cleared.
- Add dependents (spouse, children, parents) if you meet the salary or license criteria.
Documents Required
- Passport valid for at least 6 months with a copy of the entry stamp
- Valid UAE business license and lease agreement (Ejari)
- Passport-size photographs (white background)
- Medical fitness test result
- Health insurance policy covering UAE residency
- Completed visa application forms and attested documents where required
Costs, Processing Time and Common Pitfalls
Total Dubai business visa costs in 2026 typically range from AED 4,000 to AED 15,000 depending on the visa category, medical fees, Emirates ID, and status changes. Processing usually takes 5 to 10 working days. The most common reasons for delays are incomplete medical tests, expired passports, mismatched business activity codes, and missing health insurance - so preparing your documents in advance is essential.
Why Work With DubaiSetupNow
Our in-house PRO team handles the entire visa journey - document preparation, medical appointments, Emirates ID, and dependents' visas - so you get your UAE residency without running between government offices. We also advise on the most cost-effective visa route for your business model, whether you qualify for the 10-year Golden Visa or are better served by a standard investor visa.
