You have successfully set up your business in one of the UAE’s free zones and laid the groundwork. Now, you are ready to grow your team. Whether you are hiring talent already based in Dubai’s market or bringing in employees from abroad, the Dubai free zone visa process is relatively straightforward.
However, with the pool of information available today, understanding the visa process, including eligibility, legalities, and expenses, can be overwhelming.
Most free zone authorities limit the number of visas issued to each business. Companies can increase their visa quota by moving to bigger offices or requesting an increase, subject to the free zone authority’s approval.
This detailed blog will help you make an informed decision about the associated procedures, types of visas and eligibility requirements for each type of visa.
What is a free zone visa?
A free zone visa in the UAE allows you to operate within specific free zones, such as DMCC, in a tax-free environment where no customs duties or restrictions apply.
Benefits of a free zone visa in Dubai
A free zone visa offers many benefits. One of the main advantages is access to low corporate tax rates on qualifying income. Visa holders can also access banking services, healthcare, schools, and more. With a quick and easy registration process, a free zone visa is an attractive option for individuals seeking to establish a business in the UAE.
Four types of Dubai residence visas at DMCC
The process of visa application with DMCC is simple and straightforward.
The visa quota set by Dubai Multi Commodities Centre (DMCC) depends on the office size you select. For example:
- Flexi desk: Up to 3 visas
- Serviced office: 4 or 5 visas, depending on the size of the office
- Physical space: 1 visa for every 9 square metres
However, a company’s visa quota may be eligible for an increase in some instances.
Free zone visas do not deal with the UAE Ministry of Labour. Each free zone authority has its own employment law, and the provisions set out in the employment contract are in accordance with said labour law. Free zone visas strictly do not allow individuals to work outside the free zone (i.e. onshore) as they do not have an entire UAE labour contract.
Every DMCC-licensed company is eligible for four visa types: Employment visa, Dependents’ Resident visa, Partner / Investor Visa (which also includes Business Visit visa) and Student visit visa (university and institution).
Each of the four visas arrives with scenarios ranging from new applications to renewal processes to transfer access for employees already living within the UAE. Visit our page here to learn more about the breakdown of each category at length.
1. Employment visa
A DMCC-licensed company must ensure its employees are authorised to work in the free zone by holding an employment residence visa, an identity card, or access approval. Identity cards and access approvals are an alternative way for an entrepreneur to authorise an employee without being sponsored directly by the company.
Employment residence visa
An employment residence visa is the most common visa obtained through an employment contract with any free zone business. A free zone authority (in this case, DMCC), not the employer, sponsors a free zone employee’s visa.
Employees need an appointment letter from their company in a free zone to begin their application. This type of visa is valid for one, two and three years, and the application process differs for employees based outside of the UAE and employees based within the UAE.
Identity cards:
If you want to hire a female under her husband or father’s sponsorship, you must obtain an identity card for this female employee. The identity card is valid for one year. Each electronically-issued identity card is a new count against your company’s allotted visa quota.
Access approvals
If you would like to bring someone to your office for temporary work and that person is not an employee, you must obtain access approval. This typically applies to consultants, contract workers, and employees of sister/parent companies who need to work on-site in DMCC temporarily. An Access Approval is valid for up to 1, 3 or 12 months. Access Approvals are limited to no more than 30% of the workers performing.
2. Partner/Investor visa
This type of visa is ideal for foreign nationals who want to start their own business in Dubai or invest in existing companies. An investor visa is valid for three years, and no deposit at the immigration is required.
Partner and investor visas can be obtained with a share certificate showing a minimum of 50 shares, amounting to a total share capital of AED 50,000.
3. Business visit visa
A DMCC-licensed company can also sponsor a foreign team member to visit the UAE for business purposes. DMCC can help obtain a one-month business visitor visa for this employee. Each company may apply for up to 3 visas each time, and visas are non-renewable and non-refundable.
Applicants will need to provide a clear, coloured, passport copy, and a high quality, coloured passport sized photograph.
4. Student visa (University and institution)
A student at a DMCC-licensed university or institution is eligible to apply for a student visa. A university student visa is valid for one year, and an institution visa is valid for ninety days.
Applicants for the student visa will apply under two different scenarios, depending on where you are located when you apply. Applicants outside the country applying for an entry permit will have to pay a fee of AED 450, while applicants inside the country will pay a fee of AED 1,230. Both types of applicants will have to provide the following documents:
- Latest passport size photo
- Passport copy
- Letter from KHDA
- Letter from university
- Medical fitness certificate
- Emirates identity card registration form
Key criteria for DMCC visa
DMCC’s online portals process all visa applications. Each application requires a set of documents, which differ from case to case. The visa application process also varies depending on whether the applicant is outside the UAE or within.
If the employee application is outside of the UAE, mandatory documents such as the Emirates ID, latest passport copy, passport-sized photo, signed offer letter, relevant education certificates, signed employment contract, and a medical fitness certificate are compulsory for all employee-related applications. DMCC provides an optional service for issuing the Emirates ID and medical fitness certificate.
If the employee application is within the UAE, the required documents are Emirates ID, status change document, and current visa copy.
Some of the essential criteria to consider when applying for any visa is as follows:
Employment visa
- Minimum passport validity must be six months while applying for the employment entry permit.
- Relevant education certificates are to be attested by the UAE Embassy in the home country and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA) in Dubai.
- All certificates should be legally translated into Arabic if the applicant is within the UAE region.
- You can apply for your prospective employee’s health insurance through one of the Dubai Health Authority (DHA) 45 approved local health insurance inside the UAE.
Visit our application video manual here for detailed information.
Partner/Investor visa
- If you have multiple shareholders holding a minimum of 50,000 share capital within your DMCC-licensed company, you can obtain a partner visa for them.
- If you are the sole shareholder of your DMCC-licensed company, you can obtain an investor visa.
Business visit visa
- Each company can apply for up to 3 such visas at any one time.
- This type of visa is non-renewable and non-refundable.
- The associated costs are non-refundable in case of rejection.
Student visa (University and institution)
- The applicant requires a minimum passport validity of six months and an application letter from the university/institute.
Hassle-free visa services with DMCC
The DMCC Member Portal facilitates a wide range of company services, such as licensing, amendments, and NOCs. It allows you to efficiently manage your business activities in one convenient location, so you have more time to focus on what’s most important to your company.
About DMCC
DMCC is the nine-time winner of the Global Free Zone of the Year award. As an award-winning business hub, we offer industry-specific facilities, access to global markets, and a seamless setup process.
Whether you are applying for your first employment visa, sponsoring a business partner, or bringing in talent from overseas, DMCC offers one of the most efficient, transparent, and supportive visa processes in the region. Are you ready to expand your team or bring in international talent? Start your DMCC visa application with ease today.
*The material provided in this blog is for general information purposes only and is subject to change based on government policy and regulations.