The UAE’s dynamic ecosystem fosters entrepreneurial success, with its strategic location bridging East and West serving as a gateway to lucrative markets in Asia, Africa and Europe. The UAE government’s proactive approach in launching initiatives and programmes has significantly contributed to a thriving entrepreneurship sector. Measures such as allowing 100% foreign ownership of companies across all industries and issuing long-term residency visas have attracted a wealth of global talent and investment. Furthermore, the establishment of specialised free zones improved the ease of doing business in the UAE. For aspiring entrepreneurs seeking to capitalise on opportunities for international startups in the UAE, understanding the visa landscape is crucial. This comprehensive guide explains what a visa for business in the UAE entails and explores the various types of business visas available to facilitate your entrepreneurial journey, including details on business visitor visas, business visa eligibility, the application process and business registration in the UAE.
A business visa is an official endorsement that allows individuals to enter, reside, and conduct business in a foreign country for a specified period. In the context of the UAE, a visa for business allows entrepreneurs, investors, and professionals to explore opportunities for international startups, establish, and manage business operations across the Emirates.
The UAE’s business visitor visa is a short-term entry permit designed for individuals intending to explore business opportunities, meet potential partners, and conduct market research. This visa provides the flexibility needed for entrepreneurs to assess the viability of their ventures before committing to long-term residency or investment.
The UAE offers several types of business visas designed to cater to the diverse needs of entrepreneurs and investors. Understanding these options is essential to determine the most suitable pathway for your business aspirations.
Embarking on a business venture in a new country requires careful planning and understanding of local market dynamics. The UAE supports this exploration with a visit visa tailored for those assessing business prospects. Key features: Flexibility: The business visitor visa single-entry stays of 60, 90, or 120 days, offering ample time for market research, partner meetings and investment evaluations. No sponsor required: Applicants can obtain this business visa without the need for a local sponsor or host, simplifying the entry process. The criteria to apply for the visit visa to explore investment opportunities are: • Financially solvent, talent or a holder of a high qualification • A professional in the prospective business in his/her home country • Fulfilling the prescribed financial guarantee
Once you have identified the UAE as the ideal location for your business, transitioning from exploration to establishment involves obtaining an entrepreneur visa. The UAE offers two primary categories of entrepreneur visas: the Green visa and the long-term investor visa. These visas present significant opportunities for international startups looking to establish themselves in this dynamic business market.
The Green Visa offers a five-year residency for investors, business partners, skilled employees, freelancers and self-employed individuals to develop and grow their businesses. Requirements: ● Proof of a capital investment of at least AED 1m. If the applicant holds multiple licences, the total invested capital across all ventures will be considered. ● Bank statements for the past six months for both personal and corporate accounts, demonstrating financial stability
Aimed at attracting foreign investment, this visa offers a ten-year residency and additional benefits to support sustained business growth. Key benefits: • A six-month multiple-entry visa to initiate the residency process • Renewal options for the long-term residency visa • No requirement for a local sponsor • Ability to sponsor an unlimited number of domestic helpers • Flexibility to reside outside the UAE for more than six months without losing residency status • Family members can stay in the UAE until their permits expire, even if the primary visa holder’s permit expires. Eligibility criteria: Applicants must satisfy at least one of the following conditions: • Possess a share capital of AED 2m in a UAE-based company • Have a deposit of AED 2m in investment funds within the UAE • Provide proof of an annual tax payment of at least AED 250,000
Strategically situated in the heart of the emirate of Ras Al Khaimah in the United Arab Emirates, RAKEZ provides a comprehensive range of services tailored for international startups and businesses. These services include business licensing, leasing options and seamless visa processing. RAKEZ presents an all-inclusive business set-up package priced at AED 16,500 per year, encompassing a UAE residence visa and transparent, no-hidden-fee services. Package includes: • UAE residence visa • Third-party visa processing services • Immigration file/E-channel registration • Pre-approval processing • Business licence issuance • Access to a shared workstation Are you ready to begin your entrepreneurial journey in the UAE? Get in touch with our expert consultants at RAKEZ. Contact Information: Phone: +971 7 2041111 Email: info@rakez.com
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