Visa requirements for company owners in Dubai
Once your company is licensed, getting your own residence visa is usually the next step — and it follows a fairly standard sequence regardless of which free zone or mainland authority issued your license.
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Establishment Card
Your company needs an Establishment Card before any visas can be processed. Your free zone or setup provider handles this as part of the formation process — it typically takes 2–5 days.
Entry permit or status change
If you're outside the UAE, you'll receive an entry permit to enter the country. If you're already in the UAE on another visa, you'll go through an in-country status change instead.
Medical test
A standard medical fitness test — blood test and chest X-ray — is mandatory for all visa applicants. This is done at a MOHAP-approved clinic and typically takes 1–2 days for results.
Emirates ID registration
You'll need to visit an ICA service centre to register biometrics for your Emirates ID. The card is typically issued within 1–2 weeks of registration.
Visa stamp
The final step places the residence visa in your passport. Visas are typically valid for 2–3 years depending on the license type and free zone, and are renewable.
Timeline
End to end, from Establishment Card to a stamped visa, typically takes two to four weeks if documents are in order. The medical test and Emirates ID appointment are usually the bottleneck rather than the paperwork itself.
Bringing your family
Sponsoring a spouse and children requires showing a minimum income — generally in the range of AED 4,000–10,000 per month depending on the sponsorship category and number of dependents. Your setup provider can confirm the current requirement for your specific situation.
Multiple shareholders
Each shareholder needs their own visa processed through the same sequence. Factor both the cost and the timeline into your planning if you're setting up with partners.
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