There are different free zones in UAE that comes with specific rules and regulation to be adhered to when setting up a business. Depending on your business model and activities, you’re allowed to start your business in any free zone of your choice. Benefits of Dubai Free Zone Visa So, there’re always processes and steps in motion to grow your business in these free zone. One of the important steps in the UAE free zone is the Dubai Free Zone visa application.
For you to work and operate your business effectively in Dubai, you must have a visa as a rule set by the UAE authorities. Therefore, why must you have a Dubai Free Zone Visa when setting up your business?
The following are the benefits of having a Dubai Free Zone visa in UAE;
- Access to health care services
- 100 percent business ownership
- Tax exemption
- Free to transfer funds
- Easy to access driving license
- School registration
- Allowed to lease premises
- Free to travel to different countries
- Access to financial institutions
Nonetheless, with lots of information on the internet today, it can be a bit challenging to get to know all the details about the Dubai Free Zone visa. How to apply for it, the expenses of the visa, the eligibility, and the visa legalities among others.
Additionally, different free zones in UAE have specific policies that govern their marketplace. If you are not aware of what to do, it might take you edges to figure out what to do. Thanks to the Dubai business setup consultants who are out to help individuals in case they find difficulties when setting up their business in Dubai.
Therefore, you can prefer to hire a professional business consultant to help you with every step on how to apply for the Dubai Free Zone visa or do it by yourself. So, if you are looking to familiarize yourself with Free Zone Visa in UAE, we got you covered. In this article, you’ll also learn the following concerning the UAE Free Zone Visa;
- Types of Dubai Free Zone Visa
- Dubai Free Zone Visa policies
- How many days does it take for the Free Zone Visa application to be processed?
- How to apply for a Free Zone Visa In UAE
Let’s jump right into it;
Types of Dubai Free Zone Visa
These types of visas don’t fall under the UAE Ministry of Labour. Each Free zone has its rules and policies that help the zone to move forward. However, Dubai Free Zone Visa strictly doesn’t prohibit any individual with the visa to work outside their free zones because they lack the whole UAE labor contract.
Therefore, in DMCC, every licensed company is allowed to have the following types of Free Zone Visa in UAE;
- Employment visa
- Student visit via
- Dependents’ Resident visa
- Investor visa
Employment visa
The DMCC must ensure each licensed company in the zone has employees that are authorized to work in either of the zones. Therefore, the requirements have it that the employees must have an identity card or (access approvals) and an employment residence visa.
An employment visa is one of the popular visas in the UAE because it comes with an employment business contract.
Similarly, for you to begin your visa application, you must receive an employee letter of appointment from your specified company. An employment visa is usually valid for 1, 2, or 3 years in the United Arab Emirates, and the application process will vary depending on the place of the visa application.
An identity card on the other hand is required when the female candidate to be hired is under her father’s sponsorship or husband. Generally, this card is valid for a period of 1 year. In the same vein, in case you’d want to bring your friend or family member to your place of work temporarily and the person is not one of the members of that organization, then you’ll be required to get access approval.
This majorly applies to contract workers, consultants, and more. Access approval works for a period of 1, 2, or 12 months.
Dependents’ Resident Visa
In this case, the company is allowed to apply for a UAE resident visa for your dependents including children, wife, parents, and housemaids among others. In addition, sponsored employees are also featured in this application permit.
Thus, the dependent’s resident visa application must comply with Dubai’s Federal Authority for Identity and Citizenship (FAIC) set rules and regulations in UAE.
Student Visa
Student visa in Dubai is only eligible for students at DMCC censed institution.
This visa lasts for a period of one year whereas an institution is valid for 90 days.
Investor Visa
If you are looking forward to investing in Dubai or starting your business, then an investor visa is the best type of visa to apply for in UAE.
Investor visas last for 3 years and no deposit is needed upon immigration.
Dubai Free Zone Visa policies
Generally, setting up a business in Dubai will compel you to obtain a Dubai Free Zone Visa. Therefore, when applying for your visa, you need to be informed about the whole process of obtaining the Free Zone Visa. And, one of the items you need to know is the rules and regulations concerning the visa application.
Each type of visa has its rules and regulation you need to adhere to when applying for it. The following are the rules and regulations that govern the Dubai Free zone visa application;
- In case you’re employed with a free zone company, it is simple and easy for you to obtain a residence visa in Dubai.
- If you want to start a business in UAE, you’re allowed to apply for an investor or employment visa. Also, once you get an employment visa, your dependents can only apply for a residence visa.
- Free zone visas are easily available at the Immigration Department (GDRFA). You can get your visa without reaching out to the Ministry of Labour.
How many days does it take for the Free Zone Visa application to be processed?
Usually, it normally takes 3 to 4 working days for Dubai free zone visa application to be processed. However, the processing time may also depend on how exactly you submitted the documents required. For instance, the 3 to 4 working days are only applicable if you’ve submitted the right documents needed by the authority.
However, in case you mess along the way, your visa application time will exceed the normal days and you’ll be required to resubmit your documents as needed by the UAE authorities.
Therefore, ensure you comply with every step needed for your visa application.
How to apply for a Free Zone Visa in UAE
Here is a guide to help you on how you can apply for a Dubai-free zone this year.
1. E-Channel Registration
E-channel registration is always the first step to consider when applying for a Free zone visa in UAE. Generally, e-channel registration reduces the cost of paperwork. In addition, the process is faster, more efficient, and facilitates transparency.
However, not all free zones allow e-channel services but it is mostly applicable in the Northern emirates. So, there is a registration fee you must pay for the whole process to be completed.
After you’re done with e-channel registration, move to the next step;
2. Apply For an Employment/Entry Permit
This will be the subsequent step after e-channel registration. Therefore, an entry permit visa is normally provided within five days of visa submission and is valid for sixty days.
This type of visa can be applied while you are in or outside the country. If the process is a bit challenging, you can always seek help from professionals. Moreover, if you’re issued your visa while still inside the country, you must stamp it before leaving the country.
3. Activation of your Visa
After you’ve submitted your entry permit, you’ll need to activate your visa. The activation process normally happens in the following ways;
In-country process
Those who are within UAE will be required to submit their passport to the GDRFA. Here, stamping and visa activation will take place. Generally, it will take three to five days.
Out-of-Country Process
Visas can be issued out when you’re not in the UAE. In case this happens, you can activate your visa at the airport. Therefore, immediately you arrive, go straight to the immigration office and submit your employment visa.
Thus, your visa will be stamped and activated.
4. Medical Test
Once you’re done with your visa application, it is mandatory in UAE to pass through a medical test to check for infectious diseases in your body.
5. Apply For Emirate ID
This is another important step to consider after you’re done with the above application steps. Therefore, you’ll have to visit an ID authority to obtain your Emirates ID.
This card is a must-have in UAE because it will help you to open bank accounts and access other government facilities.
6. Get the Residence Visa Stamp
Getting the residence visa stamp is the last process when applying for a Dubai Free Zone visa. Thus, you’ll have to submit your passport to the recognized immigration authorities who will have to stamp your card.
The entire process usually takes roughly fifteen days.
Therefore, why should you apply for the UAE Free Zone Visa? Let’s find out:
Benefits of Free Zone Visa in Dubai
- Access to health care services
- 100 percent business ownership
- Tax exemption
- Free to transfer funds
- Easy to access driving license
- School registration
- Allowed to lease premises
- Free to travel to different countries
- Access to financial institutions
Conclusion
If you’re looking for a business setup company in Dubai that can help you start your company in the United Arab Emirates, Dubai Business Setup is here to help you out! Get in touch with us today to learn more about how we can best help you!