Dubai is attracting foreigners in large numbers due to several benefits that the residents of the city can experience. So, the Dubai Free Zone Visa is becoming a popular choice among foreign investors.
The Free Zones of Dubai play a vital role in supporting business growth. For foreign investors, getting a Dubai Free Zone Visa is helpful to settle in Dubai and operate their business.
Dubai Free Zone Visa – Key Highlights
The process of obtaining a Dubai Free Zone Visa is simple and straightforward. Firstly, they must open a company in Dubai at one of the Free Trade Zones. So, the investor can get a UAE resident visa under the company. Also, they can sponsor the dependents too.
Hence, by having a Dubai Free Zone Visa the investor can experience Dubai and the UAE to the fullest by settling here for a longer period. Dubai offers several business-friendly initiatives, tax-saving mechanisms, a luxurious lifestyle, startup ecosystem, and more.
The Free Zones of Dubai are perfect for startups and large companies alike. Depending on the specific business requirements, the Free Zones offer customised business support and incorporation services.
This article will shed light on the process of getting a Dubai Free Zone Visa in 2025. It will cover the benefits, the process of applying for a visa, and the cost of the Dubai Free Zone Visa.
What is a Dubai Free Zone Visa?
Dubai Free Zone Visa is a residence visa issued by any of the Free Zone licensing authorities in Dubai. Having a Dubai address for your company and having a Dubai residence is a moment of achievement for many.
There are many options available in Dubai that investors can choose for setting up their company and obtaining a residence visa. So, a Dubai Free Zone Visa can be obtained from IFZA, DMCC, DAFZA, Meydan, Dubai South etc.
The Dubai Residence Visa enables foreign investors to stay in Dubai and experience life here. They can also sponsor their dependents. Also, enrol their children on schools and colleges here, get a driving license, join a club or a community, and more. Dubai is a great place to settle for business owners due to the lower tax regime.
Who Can Apply for a Dubai Free Zone Visa?
The Dubai Free Zone Visa can be applied by any individual investor who wish to start a company in Dubai. Also, employees of a Free Zone company will be eligible for a Dubai Free Zone visa from their employer.
To apply for the Dubai Free Zone Visa the investor must have a company in any of the Free Zones of UAE. Also, submit the passport copy and photograph and the visa application form to begin the process. Additionally, they must clear the medical test and proceed with the Emirates ID application.
Presently in UAE there is no visa stamping. So, Emirates ID, medical test and visa application processing will happen simultaneously after submitting the initial documentation. The investor must be in the country for doing the medical test and fingerprint for Emirates ID if it is for the first time.
Then, after applying for the Dubai Free Zone Visa, a health insurance is a must for the investor. Also, as they have the visa in place, they can start operating their business seamlessly without any hassle.
They can travel in and out for business trips, take a driving license, open a bank account for the company and personal, and enjoy Dubai.
Step-by-Step Process to Get a Dubai Free Zone Visa in 2025
The investor must follow the below step-by-step process to get a Dubai Free Zone Visa in 2025. When you look at the steps, it might look too complicated, but it is simple if it is followed the right way. Here is how it works.
Step 1: Choose the Right Free Zone
Dubai has more than 10 free Zones that offer various company formation services. There are specific free zones in Dubai for business activities such as digital, software, trading, finance, and more.
Choosing the right Free Zone helps in scaling up the business the right way. They can take a Dubai Free Zone visa from the specific free zones.
Step 2: Register Your Company
Select the right business activity, company type, and register the company. Submit the right documents – shareholder passport copy, photograph, and application form. Now proceed to apply for the residence visa.
Step 3: Apply for an Entry Permit
Apply for an entry permit and enter the UAE, complete the Emirates ID and Medical Test. The Free Zone will process the investor visa on your behalf. Most of the Free Zones have immigration on their premises. For example, Free Zones such as DAFZA, DMCC, etc.
Step 4: Complete Medical Tests and Emirates ID Application
Complete the medical test and chest X-ray, and proceed with the application form for Emirates ID typing. Most of the medical test and Emirates ID typing happens in the Smart Salem Centres across multiple locations in Dubai.
So, once the Emirates ID typing is done and the medical test is done, the Emirates ID Card will be ready within a week’s time and the Residence Visa will be processed within 2-3 Working Days.
Step 5: Get Your Residency Visa Stamped
Presently, there is no stamping of a residence visa in the passport. After the Emirates ID typing and Medical Test, the immigration department of the Dubai Government will process the visa and the Emirates ID physical card will be made available to the individual within a week’s time.
The individual can the proceed to apply for a bank account for their newly formed company, and utilize other perks of having the residency visa in Dubai such as driving license, tenancy contract, gym membership, and more.
If you want things to go more smoothly, it’s a good idea to hire a professional consultant like Aurion to help you with paperwork, following the rules, and talking to the free zone authorities.
Costs Involved in Getting a Dubai Free Zone Visa
There are several factors that effect the cost involved in getting a Dubai Free Zone Visa. First of all it depends on where the Free Zone is located. For example, DAFZA is a premium free zone, similarly DMCC is also slightly on a higher side when it comes to the company formation packages. So, applying for a visa from DAFZA and DMCC comes at a premium.
Alternatively, Dubai Meydan Free Zone, Dubai Silicon Oasis-IFZA, Dubai South, etc., the cost of company formation packages and cost of residence visa is on a more budget friendly range.
The cost of a Dubai Free Zone visa ranges from AED 3500 to AED 7,500 per person. It will cost around AED 1000 to 1,500 to do the medical and EID typing and processing. The visa and Emirates ID is valid for two years and must be renewed periodically to continue the stay in the UAE.
Start Your Dubai Journey with Aurion
With a Dubai Free Zone Visa, you can do business in one of the most exciting places in the world. At Aurion, we help business owners and professionals with every step of setting up a business and getting a visa. You can focus on growing your business because our expert team makes sure everything is done correctly, quickly, and without worry.
Contact Aurion today for a free consultation and start building your future in Dubai. Let us assist you in transforming your business vision into a reality.
