Are you an expat who plans to go to Dubai, not just for vacation or tour but to start a business or practice your profession, then you have to start your plan right.? You can have different visa options that can maximize your stay in Dubai. You can get a business visa and choose a residency program.
So choose from the different programs Dubai offers expats. Let’s see your options and check if you are eligible:
What is a business visa and who is eligible?
A business visa in Dubai is a part of the Golden Visa system that enables foreigners to a long-term visa for themselves and their dependents. A candidate can be anyone who has established a business outside Dubai and wish to do that again in UAE. Professionals from all over the world with entrepreneurial skills and experience are eligible to apply.
An applicant must be able to prove that he will be able to sustain the business in Dubai. The business must have shareholders or a member of its senior leadership. The business must be able to relocate to the UAE and establish legally the business in one of the seven emirates. Applicants must have a business plan that can contribute to Dubai or the UAE. Most importantly, the applicant must pass all the requirements of the FAIC (or Federal Authority for Identity and Citizenship. The applicant will also undergo a background check and health assessment,
Once qualified to apply for a business visa does not necessarily guarantee the issuance of the visa. Assigned committees will still review the application, do a background check and grant the approval issuance. Once approved, you will be required to submit the requirements of the Federal Authority for Identity and Citizenship.
How to apply for a business visa in Dubai?
To apply for a business visa, your nomination should be approved by an incubator supported by the government. In Dubai, it is the AREA2071. Once a nomination is approved, you will be invited to apply for the visa through the Federal Authority for Identity and Citizenship. The steps in the application are as follows:
- Visit the official website and create an account.
- Once logged in, apply for nomination.
- Submit a completed application. The review process of the application may take up to 30 days or as early as 7 business days.
FYI: If the nomination is successful, you will be prompted to upload the required documents and complete the application. If the nomination is declined, you can apply after 90 days.
Getting your Visa Approved
Once the nomination is approved, you will have to complete the application through the Federal Authority for Identity and Citizenship. Once completed, congratulations are in order and you will receive instructions on how to receive your business visa.
If you are currently residing outside the UAE, you will be given a 6-month visa to enter the UAE and explore your opportunities in the emirates. Before the expiry of the visa, you will have to apply ta have it converted into a residency permit.
If you are already in the UAE, you will be given a 1-month temporary visa which you need to convert into a residency permit before expiry.
In any case, visa conversion can be processed through Services1 in the Emirates Towers, Dubai, or directly through the FAIC.
Benefits of having your Business Visa Approved
- You can move in and out of the country as often as you want in 6 months.
- You can nominate up to three of the business senior staff so they can obtain Dubai residency.
To know more about sponsoring family resident visas by expats, click here
Get in touch for a free 1 hour consultation over phone, email or personal meeting and we will assist you on how to expedite the process.
