One of the most compelling reasons to set up a company in the UAE is that it gives you a direct pathway to a UAE residence visa. Unlike employment visas — which tie you to a specific employer — a business owner's residence visa is sponsored by your own company, giving you full control over your residency status. This guide explains exactly how the process works in 2026, how much it costs, and what to expect at each stage.
Visa Options for Business Owners in 2026
| Visa Type | Validity | Cost (AED) | Key Requirement |
|---|---|---|---|
| Investor Visa (Free Zone) | 2–3 years | 3,500 – 6,500 | Active Free Zone trade license |
| Investor Visa (Mainland) | 2–3 years | 4,000 – 7,000 | Active DET license, AED 72,000+ investment |
| Partner Visa (Mainland) | 2–3 years | 4,000 – 7,000 | Min. shareholding in Mainland LLC |
| Golden Visa (Entrepreneur) | 5 years | 2,800 – 3,800 (gov. fees) | Approved startup or AED 500,000+ investment |
| Golden Visa (Investor) | 5–10 years | 9,953 – 10,400 | AED 2M+ real estate or public investment |
Step-by-Step: Getting Your Residence Visa Through Your Company
Step 1: Form your UAE company
Your residence visa application begins with an active trade license. Complete your company formation first — Free Zone or Mainland — and ensure the license is issued in your name as investor or shareholder.
Step 2: Apply for an entry permit (if outside UAE)
If you are currently outside the UAE, your PRO applies for a 60-day entry permit. If you are already in the UAE on a visit visa, you apply for a status change instead.
Step 3: Medical fitness test
Complete a medical fitness test at a DHA or HAAD-approved clinic. Results are typically available within 24–48 hours and cost AED 300–700.
Step 4: Emirates ID biometrics
Visit an ICA service centre to register your fingerprints and photograph for the Emirates ID. This step is mandatory and cannot be completed remotely.
Step 5: Visa stamping
Your passport is submitted to the immigration authority for residence visa stamping. The stamp is typically applied within 3–5 working days.
Step 6: Emirates ID collection
Your Emirates ID is printed and delivered (or available for collection) within 5–10 working days after visa stamping.
Total timeline: 2–4 weeks from entry permit to Emirates ID in hand.
Cost Breakdown: Business Owner Residence Visa
| Fee Item | Cost (AED) |
|---|---|
| Entry permit | 500 – 700 |
| Medical fitness test | 300 – 700 |
| Emirates ID | 370 – 570 |
| Visa stamping (2-year) | 1,000 – 1,200 |
| Visa stamping (3-year) | 1,200 – 1,500 |
| PRO service fee | 500 – 2,000 |
| Total (approx.) | AED 3,500 – 6,500 |
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Sponsoring Your Family
Once you hold a UAE residence visa as a business owner, you can sponsor your spouse and children under 18 (and unmarried daughters of any age). Each dependent visa costs approximately AED 3,000–5,000 and follows the same medical and biometrics process. To sponsor a spouse, you must earn a minimum salary of AED 4,000/month (or AED 3,000 + accommodation). As a business owner, your company can pay you a salary that satisfies this requirement.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I get a UAE residence visa without a job offer?
Yes. Forming your own UAE company gives you the right to apply for an investor residence visa without needing an employer. Your company sponsors your visa.
What is the minimum investment for a UAE business owner visa?
For Free Zone companies, there is no strict minimum capital requirement beyond the trade license fee. For Mainland companies, the DED requires a minimum investment of AED 72,000 for certain activities.
Can I work for other companies on a business owner visa?
Your investor visa authorises you to work within your own company. To work for another UAE company simultaneously, you would need a No Objection Certificate (NOC) from your own company.
What happens to my visa if my company is inactive?
If your trade license expires and is not renewed, your residence visa becomes invalid. You have a grace period (typically 30 days) to either renew the license or cancel your visa and leave the UAE.
Ready to set up your UAE company?
Our team handles everything — license, visa, bank account. Free consultation, no obligation.