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Dubai Free Zone visas are legal residency cards that allow individuals to work or establish businesses within the free trade zones. These visas are regulated by free zone authorities aligning with UAE immigration laws, to ensure legal residency while facilitating expat investors. For instance, you need a valid visa and health care card for family members and staff to operate a business in the Dubai Airport Free Zone, according to the DAFZA official portal.
Dubai offers different types of free zone visas. These are based on the individual position, industry sector, and the specific free zone. For example, DMCC provides 4 types of visas including employment visas, dependents’ resident visas, Partner / Investor visas, and Student visas. However, there are other types other than this which we will discuss later.
The cost of a free zone visa varies depending on the type of visa, the free zone, and the time of renewal. For instance, the total estimated cost for an employment visa is AED 4,500–AED 7,000 while a student visa is AED 3,000–AED 4,000. However, this cost varies from one free zone to another.
Having a free zone visa opens the door to multiple advantages. These can include 100% tax and customs duty exemptions, 100% foreign ownership, global networking opportunities, and easy business setup. For instance, you can operate in DMCC with 0% corporate tax on qualifying income under UAE Corporate Tax Law (Federal Decree-Law No. 47 of 2022) on the taxation of corporations and businesses specified by the Corporate Tax Cabinet and Ministers. However, a 9% corporate tax applies to non-qualified free-zone income individuals.
Free zones in Dubai have minimal requirements and offer a smooth process to obtain visas. The main documents you need to submit include a photo, passport copy, and company letter. However, the requirements vary depending on the specific free zone and the type of activity you want to pursue. However, most of the time, these requirements remain the same, and visa applications are approved easily if you have a clear background and a clean track record.
What is a Free Zone Visa in Dubai?
A free zone visa permits individuals to live and work in one of Dubai’s designated free zones, regulated by UAE Immigration Laws and free zone authorities, ensuring legal residency while facilitating business operations. All residents in the UAE, including Dubai, must hold a valid free zone visa for legal residency in free zones, according to Federal Law No. 6 of 1973 on Entry and Residence of Foreigners.
With a free zone visa, entrepreneurs, investors, and employees benefit from conditional tax exemptions, 100% business ownership, and full profit repatriation. Without this visa, operating businesses in free zones are prohibited, and individuals face penalties from the free zone authority if present in the region.
What are the Types of Free Zone Visas in Dubai?
There are several types of free zone visas available in Dubai each supporting a different purpose. The most common visa types include the free zone investor visa and the free zone employment visa. Both are designed to protect the rights of investors and employees.
All free zone visa types come with some unique advantages and requirements that you need to know to make informed decisions for fruitful results. For instance, with an investor visa, you gain 100% business ownership and full profit repatriation, while an employment visa provides legal work authorization, health insurance, and job stability. The Dubai free zone visas are divided into the following main categories
- free zone Dependent Visa
- free zone Employment Visa
- free zone Investor Visa
- free zone Business Visa
- free zone Student Visa
Free Zone Dependent Visa
A free-zone dependent visa is for the family members of the workers. It allows them to live in that specific free zone in Dubai. Companies offer this type of visa in free zones as part of their employment package. This type of visa covers spouses, children, and sometimes even parents. Our experts have 3 years of experience assisting individuals with visa processes and understanding the requirements.
Free Zone Employment Visa
A free zone employment visa is a type of work visa. It is provided to individuals employed by companies located in a free zone in Dubai. The companies have to follow the instructions of the relevant free zone authority. For instance, in the Dubai Multi Commodities Centre (DMCC) Free Zone, if you are hired by a company in the zone, the employer will process your employment visa application and all the related costs according to their official website.
Free Zone Investor Visa
A free zone investor visa in Dubai is granted to individuals who own a business or have a share in a business located within a free zone. It allows the investor to live in Dubai and manage and operate their business. A free zone investor visa is issued by the respective free zone authority. This type of visa is usually issued for a period of 1 to 3 years and can be renewed as long as the business remains operational.
Free Zone Business Visa
A free zone business visa is a residency visa for business owners. It facilitates both business operations and businessman/businesswoman residency. Free Zone Business Visa allows visa holders to avail the advantages provided by free zones. These include 100% tax exemptions ( 0% corporate tax for qualified income and 9% for non-qualified income) and 100% business ownership. Along with this, it provides access to free zone amenities like office space and business support services.
Free Zone Student Visa
A free zone student visa allows international students to live in free zones while studying in educational institutions in that specific zone. These visas are issued by the respective free zone authorities. For example, in the Dubai International Academic City (DIAC) Free Zone, students enrolled in universities or colleges within the zone can apply for a student visa processed by DIACA.
What are the legal aspects of Dubai Free Zone Visas?
The key legal aspects of Dubai free zone visas include their regulatory body and checks and balances for cancellation and renewal regulations. Each free zone must align with government regulations while establishing its own specific rules. For instance, free zone visas are regulated by free zone authorities following Federal Law by Decree No. 29 of 2021. Additionally, checks and balances are enforced by the Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs, and Ports Security (ICA).
While a valid visa allows you to stay legally in a free zone, you will be limited to a free zone for residency and business operations. As with this visa, you can not operate on the mainland without having a mainland work permit as per Federal Law by Decree.
Along with having a valid visa, renewing it on time is a must. If it becomes outdated, you should renew it promptly to avoid fines or deportation by the Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs, and Ports Security (ICA). Similarly, you have to cancel it following a systematic approach within the required time duration. Otherwise, you will be subjected to fines from the respected authorities. These fines apply for not having a proper paper visa as per Article 25 of the Federal Decree-Law. Moreover, Working without a proper visa leads to fines or business closure as per Article 19 of the Federal Law.
What is the Cost of a Free Zone Visa in Dubai?
The cost of a free zone visa in Dubai depends on the type and duration. For most categories, the average cost is from 3000 AED to 5000 AED. Also, it depends on various factors, including the type of visa, and its duration. The main factors include.
- Entry Permit
- Visa Stamping
- Medical Test
- Emirates ID
However, our team has calculated the average cost for the main types of free zone visas. This cost varies between free zones, as it is regulated by each authority.
| Visa Type | Average Cost |
| Dependent Visa | 3,000-4,000 AED |
| Employment Visa | 4,500-7,000 AED |
| Investor Visa | 9,000-11,000 AED |
| Business Visa | 7,000-15,000 AED |
| Student Visa | 3,000-4,000 AED |
What are the Benefits of a Free Zone Visa in Dubai?
The benefits of a Free Zone Visa in Dubai are different for different types. For free zone investor and business visas, there are 0% personal or corporate taxes for free zone qualified income. Meanwhile, free-zone dependent and student visas offer access to a branded lifestyle, high-quality educational institutions, and a thriving environment.
Every free zone has some specific perks as well. For example, in Dubai Internet City (DIC), there are networking opportunities with employers at tech giants such as Google, Microsoft, and Cisco. However, the 7 main advantages of free zones especially for professionals, investors, and their dependents include.
- No personal or corporate taxes apply to free zone visa holders with an income reaching a qualified limit as per Article 18 of Federal Decree-Law No. 47 of 2022.
- Foreign investors retain 100% ownership of their businesses.
- Options for diverse industries and activities for investors
- Streamlined processes for visa approval with little or no hurdles
- Family sponsorship and residency for dependents
- Access to advanced facilities with world-class infrastructure
- Proximity to international markets because of their strategic locations
What are the Requirements for a Free Zone Visa in Dubai?
The requirements for a Free Zone Visa in Dubai vary in different cases. For different types of visas, you will be asked for different requirements to align with the rules and regulations of Dubai’s Federal Authority For Identity and Citizenship (FAIC). For instance, to get a dependent visa at DMCC, you must have an income of 4,000 AED per month as per their official online portal.
To obtain a free zone visa, applicants must fulfill these requirements. The main requirements for almost every free zone visa are mentioned below by our expert visa consultants.
- Company license if offering an employment visa
- Original Emirates ID of the company owner or sponsor
- The sponsor’s bank account details
- Submit an online or in-person application
- Complete mandatory health screenings
- Visa stamping for valid passport attachment
- Financial statements to fulfill the minimum income requirement
- Business documents for investors and entrepreneurs
- Education proof is required for specialist and student visas
- The passport should be valid for a minimum of six months
How to Apply for a Free Zone Visa in Dubai?
The process of applying for a free zone visa involves several clear steps. First, choose the right visa type and prepare the required documents. Next, complete medical tests and submit the necessary documents. Once this is done, you must go for a permit and visa stamping. Finally, you can get your visa ready. However, the procedure may vary based on the visa type and the free zone you are applying to.
To help you in a much better way the team of Felix Happich Consultancy has come up with some clear steps. These steps will help you in a successful visa application process. These involve 9 steps:
- Choose the visa type
- Prepare necessary documents or start registration on E-Channel
- Apply through the respective free zone authority
- Complete medical tests and ID registration
- Pay the required fees
- Take an Entry permit if required / Employment Visa
- Stamping a Visa with a passport from the specific regulatory body
- Submit the stamped passport to the immigration department
- Wait for approval and collect your visa.
How Many Days Does It Take to Get a Free Zone Visa in Dubai?
It takes 10-15 days on average to obtain a Free Zone Visa in Dubai, though the processing time can vary depending on the type of visa and the procedure followed. For example, submitting a physical application typically takes longer than applying online, as online submissions are usually faster and more efficient.
Still, based on various factors such as Entry Permit, Visa Stamping, Medical Test, and Emirates ID, our team has calculated an average period, which is provided in the table below for different visa types.
| Visa Type | Processing Time |
| Free Zone Dependent Visa | 7-10 days |
| Free Zone Employment Visa | 10-15 days |
| Free Zone Investor Visa | 15-20 days |
| Free Zone Business Visa | 10-15 days |
| Free Zone Student Visa | 7-10 days |
Also, to give a clearer picture, we have provided the average processing time for each step. However, some steps are not included, as we only considered the major options.
| Visa Type | Entry Permit | Visa Stamping | Medical Test | Emirates ID |
| Dependent Visa | 1-2 days | 3-5 days | 1-2 days | 2-3 days |
| Employment Visa | 1-2 days | 4-6 days | 1-2 days | 3-5 days |
| Investor Visa | 2-3 days | 5-7 days | 1-2 days | 4-6 days |
| Business Visa | 1-2 days | 4-6 days | 1-2 days | 3-5 days |
| Student Visa | 1-2 days | 3-5 days | 1-2 days | 2-3 days |
What is the Difference Between a Free Zone Visa and a Normal Visa?
The main difference between a Free Zone Visa and a Normal Dubai Visa lies in the location of the business and the specific regulatory bodies. Along with this, there are opportunities and drawbacks of both visa types. To clearly distinguish between them, you can check the table with perks and jerks.
| Aspect | Free Zone Visa | Normal Visa |
| Processing body | Issued by specific free zone authorities in Dubai (e.g., DMCC, JAFZA, DAFZA). | Issued by the Government bodies in Dubai (e.g., (GDRFA, ICA, MOHRE) |
| Eligibility | Available to free zone residents | Available to a wider range of individuals, including residents and employees across Dubai. |
| Sponsorship | No local sponsor required | Requires a local sponsor (UAE national or a company) |
| Work Restrictions | Limited to working within the specific free zone | Can work anywhere within the UAE with the appropriate employer or residency status. |
| Business Setup | Easier and cheaper setup | Requires a local partner (UAE national) in many cases with a 51% share |
| Tax Benefits | Potential tax exemptions for qualified income and 100% repatriation of profits | No tax exemptions unless eligible for specific relief programs, such as Double Taxation Agreements |
| Processing Time | Typically 10-15 days for visas, depending on the free zone. | Processing time may take 10-20 days for most normal visas. |
| Residency | Provides residency within the free zone | Residency depends on employer sponsorship |
Can I Establish a Company in Dubai with a Free Zone Visa?
Yes, a free zone visa allows company formation within designated areas. However, you have to follow a specific regulatory framework including obtaining a business license, complying with free zone regulations, and adhering to activity-specific requirements. For details on how to set up a company in a Free Zone, you can refer to our Free Zone Company Setup Guide. Our experts have provided a detailed process with everything you need to know as a beginner.
