Dubai is one of the most flourishing cities of the United Arab Emirates (UAE). For this reason, the emirate is a popular hub for most businesses, including startups. A lot of people dream of setting up a business based in Dubai, especially the Dubai Free Zone region.
One prime advantage of free zones in the UAE is that these areas are exempted from all kinds of taxes. Also, foreign companies in these zones are entrusted 100% ownership rights, which makes it lucrative to business people from other countries to set base here.
How to Set Up Business in Dubai Free Zone?
First of all, you’d be required to obtain a valid visa document in order to establish a business in any of the free zone emirates in the UAE, including Dubai. The visa provides authorization to stay, work, and start own business in the free zone of Dubai.
How to Obtain Dubai Free Zone Visa?
Entrepreneurs need to apply for an investor visa valid up to 3 years. This visa would also grant them residence in the city. Besides, investor visa holders can also further apply for a residence visa for their dependents – spouse, children, or parents (if applicable).
A Dubai free zone visa needs to be attained from the Immigration Department (GDFRA). Remember that once you attain this visa, you would not be permitted to work or set up a business anywhere outside the free zone.
Steps to Obtain Dubai Free Zone Visa
- Register for e-channel services: This greatly helps streamline the whole application process, doing away the need for time-consuming and redundant paperwork. It also adds transparency to the procedure. To register, you need to pay a compulsory registration fee along with the refundable security deposit.
- Apply for entry permit: It is normally issued within 15 days of submitting the application and stays valid for 6 months. Once applied for, you will have to stay in the UAE until the process is completed and the entry permit issued.
- Adjustment of status: For a status change, you can either do it staying within Dubai in which case it’d be done within 3-5 days. You can also avail two other options – out of country and border run – wherein you can exit and re-enter UAE and then get the visa stamped.
- Medical test: This is a mandatory step and results can be obtained after 3 working days.
- Apply for Emirates ID card: You’ll need one to open a bank account in Dubai or sign a tenant agreement.
After completing the steps above, you need to apply for a residence visa and a dependents’ visa in the Dubai free zone by submitting your passport to the immigration department. It’d take 15 days for visa processing during which you need to remain in UAE.
Professionals Can Help
Don’t be intimidated by the whole visa application procedure. Professional companies like Arab Business Consultant (ABC) are experts in getting the whole job done without you having to run around or worry a bit. Call us today for more details.
