Every founder reaches a moment where understanding how to get a UAE residence visa becomes essential. You want clarity. You want stability. And you want to know exactly what the process looks like before you take your next step.
The key point that brings everything into focus is this: your residency is built on your company. Once your business is registered on the mainland or in a free zone, the visa process becomes straightforward and easy to navigate.
From here, I’ll walk you through how residency works for founders who start a company in Dubai, what each visa category requires, and how your journey moves from registration to Emirates ID.
Building Residency Through Your Company
When you are planning a business setup in Dubai, registering a company is more than a legal formality. It becomes the foundation of your residency. It gives you access to banks, mobility within the country, and long-term security while you grow your work.
Once you own shares in a UAE company, the company receives a valid trade license, and you apply for the investor or partner visa linked to it. This answers a common question many founders ask:
How can I get a UAE residence visa as a company owner?
You do it by holding ownership in a licensed UAE business and completing the required medical, Emirates ID, and immigration steps.
UAE Residence Visa Options Available to Business Owners
Your eligibility for a UAE Residence visa depends on your company structure and level of investment. Each option supports a different stage of your business journey.
Partner or Shareholder Visa
A partner or shareholder visa is a common choice for anyone starting a company in Dubai. It is valid for two to three years.
You qualify when you:
- Own shares in a UAE company
- Are listed on the trade license or Memorandum of Association
- Hold the required share capital as defined by your free zone or mainland structure. Usually a declared amount between AED 10,000 and AED 50,000
- Pass the medical fitness test
- Hold a valid passport and a clean record
You’ll find this option especially helpful if you’re entering the UAE for the first time and want a more straightforward way to secure your residency in the UAE as a company owner.
Green Visa for Investors
With a Green Visa, investors can get five-year residency in the UAE.
You qualify when you:
- Show proof of a qualifying investment level as required by your emirate or licensing authority
- Receive ICP approval based on the investor rating system
- Obtain approval from the relevant local authorities
You can opt for a Green visa if you want a longer residency in the UAE without frequent renewals.
Golden Visa for Investors and Entrepreneurs
A Golden Visa is a five- or ten-year residency linked to larger investments.
You qualify when you:
- Invest AED 2 million or more in property or business
- Build an approved project valued at AED 500,000 for the entrepreneur categories
- Hold approval from auditors, incubators, or local authorities
You benefit from long-term security here, especially if you’re investing significantly or growing a substantial business. It’s the visa people often see as the highest tier, especially when long-term presence and stability are the goals.
Freelance and Self-Employment Visa
A freelance and self-employment visa offers five-year residency for solo professionals.
You qualify when you:
- Hold a bachelor’s degree or specialized qualification
- Secure a freelance or self-employment permit
- You must prove an annual self-employment income of AED 360,000 for the past two years, or demonstrate financial solvency for the entire period of your residency in the UAE.
This visa type works well for independent professionals who do not need a full company structure.
Mainland or Free Zone: Your Company Location Matters
Your visa route is determined by where your company is registered.
Mainland Companies
- Operate across the UAE
- Hold licenses from the Department of Economy
- Support partner and Green Visa categories
- Often require an Ejari tenancy contract
Free Zone Companies
- Allow full foreign ownership
- Offer simplified visa processing
- Issue establishment cards required for residency
- Often support three-year visas for business owners
Important note: Offshore companies do not qualify for UAE residence visas.
How to Get a UAE Residence Visa Through Your Company: Step-by-Step
You can apply for a UAE residence visa once your company is fully registered. Here’s a step-by-step process to secure a UAE residence visa in sequence.
Step 1: Register Your Company
This applies whether you start a company Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Sharjah, or in a free zone.
You need:
- Passport copies
- Memorandum and Articles of Association
- Business activity approval
- Office space agreement (Ejari or free zone office or flexi-desk)
Once approved, your trade license is issued.
Step 2: Obtain an Establishment Card
This connects your company to the immigration system. You cannot apply for a visa until it is issued.
Step 3: Prepare Your Visa Documents
This step answers the question many founders ask:
What are the requirements for a UAE residence visa for entrepreneurs?
You need:
- Passport
- Passport-sized photos
- Trade license
- Establishment card
- MOA or Share Certificate proving ownership
- Company bank statements
- Proof of office address
- UAE-approved health insurance
Step 4: Apply for Your Entry Permit
If you are outside the UAE, an entry permit is issued so you can enter and begin medical procedures.
If you are inside the UAE, a status change is processed.
Step 5: Complete Medical Test and Biometrics
This includes blood work, X-ray, and Emirates ID fingerprinting.
Step 6: Visa Issuance
Once approved, your visa is stamped or issued electronically. Your Emirates ID also arrives shortly after.
This completes the full process of how to get a UAE residence visa through your own company.
Costs You Should Expect
Many founders search for a cost comparison of different UAE residence visa services for entrepreneurs. This can help you decide which one to go for at the current stage of your company setup. We’ve compiled the ranges so you can make an informed decision:
Visa costs:
- Partner visa: AED 4,885 to 7,560
- Green Visa: AED 3,000 to 6,000
- Golden Visa: AED 2,000 to 3,500
Company setup:
- Free zone: AED 12,000 to 25,000
- Mainland: AED 15,000 to 25,000
Can You Apply Online?
Yes.
If you are wondering, Are there any online platforms to apply for UAE residence visa for business owners?, you’ll be glad to know the process is supported online.
Applications can be completed through:
- ICP Smart Services
- GDRFA Dubai
- Emirates-specific immigration portals
- Free zone authority portals
- Amer centers
- Authorized typing centers
You can submit most documents and approvals online.
How Long the Process Usually Takes
Timelines can vary slightly by structure.
- Inside the UAE: eight to twelve weeks
- Outside the UAE: ten to fourteen weeks
- Fast-track processing: reduces timelines by several days
This includes company registration, establishment card, visa filing, medical testing, biometrics, and Emirates ID.
Keeping Your Residency Active
To keep your residency stable, you must:
- Renew your company license on time
- Maintain active business operations
- Renew Emirates ID and health insurance
- Avoid spending more than 180 days outside the UAE on standard visas
- Begin renewal 45 days before expiry
Taking Your Next Step Toward the UAE
Understanding how to get a UAE residence visa becomes much easier once you see how the company structure and immigration steps connect. When you start a company in Dubai or register a free zone business, you create a pathway that offers stability, financial access, and long-term presence in the UAE.
For many founders, obtaining the UAE visa for business owners is the first major step toward building a life and a business in a region designed for growth. With the right documents, the right structure, and the right support, the process becomes steady and tailored to your goals.
If you want clarity based on your specific case, our team at Advantia can walk you through every step, from company registration to visa issuance, and support your journey with complete accuracy and confidence.
