Freezone Visas in the UAE

The United Arab Emirates (UAE) has emerged as a premier global business hub, attracting entrepreneurs, investors, and professionals from around the world. Central to this growth is the UAE's extensive network of freezones, which offer a myriad of benefits, streamlined regulations, and attractive visa options. This comprehensive guide explores everything you need to know about freezone visas in the UAE, including their costs, benefits, processes, and key differences compared to mainland visas.

Ready to Get Your Freezone Visa? Contact Filings.ae today and let our experts guide you through the seamless visa process!

What is Free zone Visa in UAE?

A freezone visa in the UAE is a residency permit that allows individuals to live and work within designated freezone areas. These zones offer significant tax benefits, streamlined regulations, and 100% foreign ownership, making them highly attractive to entrepreneurs, investors, and professionals. Unlike mainland visas, freezone visas are tied to a specific freezone authority and the business established within it.

Freezone Visa Rules and Regulations

A Free Zone Visa Dubai offers numerous benefits, but it;s essential to understand the rules and regulations to ensure compliance. Here is a breakdown of the key regulations for obtaining and maintaining a Free Zone Visa:

• Business Setup: You must establish a business within a designated free zone in Dubai.
• Specialisation: The free zone must align with your business activity, as different free zones cater to various industries (e.g., media, technology, finance).
• Company Registration: First, register your business with the relevant free zone authority.
• Business License: Obtain the appropriate license based on your business activity.
• Validity Period: Freezone Visas are typically valid for three years, but this may vary depending on the specific free zone.
• Renewal: The visa must be renewed before expiration. Renewal fees and procedures depend on the free zone.
• Sponsoring Dependents: Visa holders can sponsor their spouse and children, provided they meet income and housing requirements. Proof of relationship (e.g., marriage or birth certificate), sufficient income, and appropriate accommodation must be presented.
• Work Permit: All employees in freezones must have a valid work permit sponsored by their employer.
• Job Titles and Responsibilities: Must match the business activity licensed in the free zone to avoid non-compliance.
• Employment Termination: Employers must follow proper visa cancellation procedures if an employee is terminated or resigns.
• Audits: Some free zones require businesses to conduct annual financial audits.
• Health Insurance: It's mandatory in many free zones for visa holders and dependents to have health insurance.
• Restricted Mainland Trading: Free zone businesses can only operate within the free zone or internationally. Additional licenses are required to trade directly in the UAE mainland.
• Visa Transfer: Transferring a Free Zone Visa  Dubai to another free zone requires reapplication under the new zone's regulations.
• Visa Cancellation: If a visa holder exits the UAE or leaves employment, the visa must be cancelled following the proper process with the free zone authority.
• General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs (GDRFA): All visa processes are overseen by the GDRFA.
• Free Zone Authority: Each freezone has its own rules and requirements for visas, and compliance with these regulations is crucial.

Freezone Visa Benefits

Explore the dubai freezone visa benefits and how they can boost your business operations:

• Tax Benefits: Free Zone Visas offer substantial tax exemptions, including zero income and low corporate taxes. Additionally, there are no import or export duties, leading to significant cost savings and increased profitability for your business.
• 100% Ownership: Unlike traditional setups, a Free Zone Visa Dubai allows you to fully own your company without the need for a local Emirati partner. This means foreign investors can establish and maintain complete control over their businesses.
• Financial Flexibility: Holding a Freezone Visa UAE provides access to numerous financial opportunities. You can open bank accounts in the UAE, transfer funds with ease, and utilise various financial services to support and grow your business initiatives. 
• Streamlined Business: Set up Free Zones to simplify establishing a business. You gain access to state-of-the-art office spaces with options for long-term leases, ensuring a stable and professional operation environment.
• Easier Visa Acquisition: Obtaining visas for your employees and their dependents is more straightforward with a Free Zone Visa  Dubai sponsorship. This facilitates the formation of a robust team and allows for efficient workforce relocation.

Also read:  Dubai Free Zone Visa Benefits for Employees

Types of  Freezone Visas UAE

Dubai's freezones cater to various needs, providing tailored visa solutions for investors, employees, freelancers, students, and dependents.

Investor Visa

An investor visa is ideal for foreign entrepreneurs who wish to set up a business or invest in a company within a Dubai freezone. Eligibility typically involves a minimum investment in the freezone, possession of a business license, and sometimes a business plan. This visa grants residency rights and can often be extended for several years.

Employment Visa

The employment visa freezone is the most common type of Dubai freezone visa issued to employees working for companies registered within a freezone. The visa duration ranges from one to three years, depending on the freezone and employment contract. Companies sponsor this visa, and eligibility is based on having a valid job offer and meeting any educational or salary requirements set by the freezone.

Partner/Investor Visa (with Business Visit Visa)

This visa type combines elements of the investor visa and allows some flexibility. It is offered to partners in a freezone company alongside business visit visa privileges. Business visit visas allow short stays within Dubai for business purposes but do not grant residency rights.

Student Visit Visa

The student visit visa is offered by some freezones that host universities or educational institutions. It allows students enrolled in these institutions to reside in Dubai for the duration of their studies.

Dependent Visa

The dependent visa allows family members (spouses and children) of existing freezone visa holders (investors or employees) to reside in Dubai. The sponsor must meet specific income requirements set by the freezone authority.

Eligibility Criteria for a Freezone Visa

Eligibility for a Dubai freezone visa depends on your association with the freezone:

• Investment: Minimum investment in a company registered within the freezone.
• Business License: Possession of a valid business license issued by the freezone authority.
• Age: Typically, applicants must be 18 years or older.
• Passport Validity: A passport with at least six month's validity remaining.
• Medical Test: Mandatory medical fitness test.

Also read: Dubai Free zone License Cost

Freezone Visa Process - How to obtain a Freezone Visa UAE?

Obtaining a freezone visa involves several steps, each critical to ensuring a smooth and successful application.

Step 1: Choose Your Freezone

UAE hosts numerous freezones, each catering to different business activities and industries. Popular freezones include:

• International Free Zone Authority (IFZA)
• Dubai Multi Commodities Centre (DMCC)
• Dubai Internet City (DIC)
• Dubai Media City (DMC)
• Jebel Ali Free Zone (JAFZA)
• Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC)

Research and select a freezone that aligns with your business activity and offers the visa type you need (ownership, employment, etc.).

At Filings.ae, our experts help you select the ideal freezone tailored to your business activities.

Step 2: Register Your Company

Complete the registration process with the chosen free zone authority by providing all necessary documents and fees. Filings.ae manages the entire registration process, ensuring compliance with all regulations and handling all paperwork on your behalf for a seamless setup.

Step 3: Apply for a Free Zone Visa

Submit your visa application along with the required documents, such as passport copies, photographs, and proof of company registration.  Most freezones operate an online e-channel system for visa applications. Register on this portal with the assistance of your company or the freezone authority to streamline the application process.  

Step 4: Medical Fitness Test and Emirates ID Registration

Undergo a medical fitness test at a designated medical center approved by the freezone authority. This includes a blood test and chest X-ray. Following the medical test, apply for an Emirates ID card, a mandatory national identity card for UAE residents.

Step 5: Entry Permit Approval

Once your application is approved, you will receive an entry permit, allowing you to enter the UAE and proceed with the visa stamping process.

The entry permit is a temporary visa valid for 60 days. It is usually issued within 15 days, but a fast-track option is available for an additional fee, reducing the processing time to 5-7 days.

Step 4: Visa Stamping Process

Visa stamping activates your entry permit. This can be done in three main ways:

• In-Country Process: If you are already in the UAE, submit your passport to the immigration department for stamping.
• Out-Of-The-Country Process: If applying from outside the UAE, activate the visa upon arrival at a Dubai airport immigration counter.
• Border Run Process: Exit the UAE to a neighbouring country and re-enter to get your visa stamped. This method is not recommended due to potential complications.

Once stamped, you can apply for dependent visas for your family members.

Freezone Visa Cost

The freezone visa cost varies depending on the freezone authority and the type of visa. Common expenses include:

• Business License Fees: Vary based on business activities and freezone.
• Visa Fees: Application, processing, and medical testing costs.
• Sponsorship Fees: Additional fees for visa sponsorship in some freezones.

Some freezones offer competitive pricing, making them the cheapest freezone visa in UAE options for startups and small businesses.

Difference Between Freezone and Mainland Visa

Understanding the difference between freezone and mainland visas is crucial for businesses and professionals considering their options in the UAE.

A Mainland Visa requires a local Emirati sponsor who must own at least 51% of your company, involves the sponsor handling much of the paperwork, is governed by UAE Labor Law, and is valid for two years. In contrast, a Free Zone Visa allows for 100% foreign ownership, lets you manage legal matters independently or with the help of service providers, is governed by the specific regulations of the chosen free zone, and offers a longer validity of three years at a slightly lower cost.

Additionally, Mainland Visas provide direct access to the UAE local market, while Free Zone Visas are ideal for businesses targeting international markets. Understanding these differences can help you make an informed decision that best suits your business needs in Dubai.

How to Check Dubai Freezone Visa Status?

To check the status and validity of your Free Zone Visa Dubai application:

• For Abu Dhabi, Sharjah, Ajman, Umm Al Quwain, Ras Al Khaimah, and Fujairah: Visit the Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs and Port Security (ICP) website to track your visa status and check its validity.
• For Dubai: Use the General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs (GDRFA) website to check the status and validity of your visa application.

Freezone Visa Cancellation

The Dubai Free Zone visa cancellation process differs from other visa cancellation procedures as both the employee and employer are required to be present at the Free Zone headquarters. This ensures that both parties mutually agree to the termination of the employment contract. To begin the cancellation, the employee must provide their Emirates ID card and original passport. 

Is there any ban for freezone visa?

No, there is no freezone visa ban in Dubai. Free Zone employees are generally not subject to labour bans that may apply in other visa categories, making Free Zone Visas a flexible option for businesses and workers.

Is a Freezone Visa Limited or Unlimited?

A Freezone Visa in the UAE is not unlimited or indefinite. Instead, it is issued for a specific duration and must be renewed periodically to maintain your residency and work status. 

Free Zone Visa Processing Time  

The processing time for a Free Zone visa typically ranges from 48 to 72 hours for the initial e-visa issuance, contingent on approval from Immigration. Once the e-visa is granted, additional procedures for Medical and Emirates ID are required. Overall, the complete visa process can take approximately 10 to 15 working days, depending on the government authority's approval.  

Cheapest Freezone Visa in UAE

For those seeking the cheapest freezone visa in UAE, consider the following options:

• RAK Freezone: Known for its affordable visa packages and flexible business setup options.
• Ajman Freezone: Offers competitive pricing for startups and small businesses.
• Fujairah Creative City: Provides low-cost visa solutions tailored for freelancers and media professionals.

Choosing the right freezone depends on your business needs, industry, and budget.

Also read: Freelance Visa in Dubai

Conclusion

Whether you're an entrepreneur seeking the cheapest freezone visa in UAE, a freelancer applying for a freezone freelance visa, or a professional exploring the employment visa mainland and freezone options, this guide serves as a valuable resource. Always consult with the specific freezone authority to ensure compliance and take full advantage of the opportunities available.

For personalised assistance or to streamline your freezone visa application, consider reaching out to Filings.ae experienced business consultants specialising in UAE freezone setups.

Ready to start your business in Dubai? Apply for your Free Zone Visa with Filings.ae today and enjoy 100% foreign ownership, tax benefits, and a streamlined setup process. Get started now!