The United Arab Emirates (UAE) is among the best places to start a business, especially an SME. The world class infrastructure, minimal tax rates, ease of doing business, etc are among the many reasons to be here. In this article, we will tell you all about the regulatory needs for an SME visa, if you are planning to start a business in a UAE free zone like RAKEZ. The visa procedure is generally similar across the UAE but the details shared in this article are specifically applicable to visa applications in RAKEZ. So let us begin.
If you are an investor or a partner in an SME, then going for an employment visa might be one of the best options for you. If you are going to start a business in RAKEZ, the criteria for getting this visa is that you should be a shareholder of a company registered with RAKEZ. Documents required To apply for this visa, you would need - A passport with at least 6 months validity - A recent passport-size colour photograph with white background - A copy of national identity card if you are from Iran, Iraq, Afghanistan or Pakistan You can avail this visa service from RAKEZ at AED 4,520. You can also seek urgent & express services for the same or apply for an in-country visa with some additional charges.
Being a business owner, it is often going to be the case that you need a visa for more than yourself. If you seek visas for your employees, then you can again turn to the employment visa. Your employees can get this visa if your company is registered with RAKEZ and they have a valid job offer from your company. Secondly, they have to be between the 18-65 years age limit. Documents required Your employees would be required to provide - A passport with at least 6 months validity - A recent passport-size colour photograph with white background - A copy of job offer/appointment letter from the employer - A copy of attested qualification certificate, which should be in line with the activity of the company and should match the position applied for - In case the visa is for a driver, the copy of the UAE driving licence and the vehicle registration card in the name of the company is required instead of the qualification certificate - A copy of national identity card if they are from Iran, Iraq, Afghanistan or Pakistan This visa service can be availed at AED 3,800. Additional charges may apply for in-country visa applicants.
When getting an SME visa, you might also want to look at the options available for your family. The dependent visa services in RAKEZ are available for spouses, children and newborns. The criteria to avail this visa for them is that you must have a valid residence visa of UAE. Documents required If you are planning to get a dependent visa for your spouse then the documents required would be - Applicant’s passport with validity of at least 6 months - Copy of sponsor’s passport along with the residence visa - A recent passport-size colour photograph with white background - Copy of valid and attested tenancy contract/property ownership certificate under the sponsor’s name - Attested marriage certificate (must be translated in Arabic by legal translators) - If the applicant is from Iraq, Iran, Afghanistan or Pakistan, a copy of the applicant's national identity card is required The documents required for children can vary slightly based on their age and other factors.
If you are an SME owner in RAKEZ, the process to get a visa is fairly simple. You can have the visa ready within 8 business days which includes 3 business days for entry permit and 5 business days for Emirates ID and residence approval. Here are the steps for the visa process Step 1. Apply for entry permit Visit Portal 360 to fill the application form Step 2. Entry permit approval Applicant will receive an e-visa (subject to immigration approval). Step 3. Activate your visa Inside Country Visa: For applicants within the UAE, RAKEZ will perform the visa activation on behalf of the applicant. Outside Country Visa: For applicants from outside the UAE, the activation will be done by the UAE Immigration upon arrival to the UAE. Step 4. Book your medical test appointment Book a medical fitness test appointment with RAKEZ Medical Fitness Centre. Step 5. Apply for Emirates ID Proceed with your Emirates ID application on RAKEZ Portal. Step 6. Complete your biometric Visit RAKEZ Medical Fitness Centre to complete your biometric process. Once done, you will be able to start operations.
If you are also planning to move to the UAE, then a prosperous zone like RAKEZ has the answer to all your needs. They will help you right from visa to setting up an entire business in the region’s premier economic zone. Check out the visa services offered by RAKEZ
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