UAE Free zones are quite in-demand due to their ambitious construction projects, exceptional infrastructure, low tax regime, and a welcoming business environment. In addition, companies operating in these free zones get access to exclusive benefits offered by the UAE free zone authorities. One of these benefits is a UAE Free zone visa that allows entrepreneurs and business owners to work and settle in the UAE lawfully.
In this article, let’s explore the key features and benefits of a UAE Free zone visa, including other important aspects of acquiring a free zone visa in Dubai.
What is UAE Free Zone Visa?
In simple words, free zone visas are visas issued by the UAE free zones. Entrepreneurs and business owners from around the world can apply for these visas that are usually linked to a licensing package. They can also set up these visas for their employees, dependants as well as domestic staff.
There are more than 40 free zones in the UAE that offer distinct benefits to the businesses that operate within them. Furthermore, they also offer quick and affordable company incorporation as well as license registration procedure, along with smooth workflows and a range of other gains.
Benefits of UAE free zone visa
- 100% foreign ownership
- No local affiliation
- Exemption from significant taxes such as personal tax and corporate tax
- Absolution from import/export taxes
- Availability of long-term leasing options
- Full repatriation of capital and profits
- Liberty to open financial and banking products
- Easy access to healthcare services
- Permission to apply for a UAE driving license
- Visa-free travel around the world
Types of free zone visa in Dubai
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Investor visa
Any foreign entrepreneur who is willing to start a business in any of the UAE free zones can apply for an investor visa. It provides a temporary residence for three years.
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Employment visa
If employees have an appointment letter from a registered company operating in any free zone, can easily secure an employment visa.
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Temporary visa
Only a UAE resident can sponsor a temporary visa. Through this visa, an individual can get legal entry into the UAE for 90 days.
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Mission visa
Mission visas are usually issued on a single-entry basis to those people who enter the UAE for a short-term work assignment.
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Visit visa
Visit visas are quite popular in the UAE and are generally issued to those planning short visits to the UAE. Moreover, its validity lasts for 14 to 90 days depending on the applicant’s nationality and purpose.
Key features of free zone visa in Dubai
- Not connected with the ministry of labor
- Single window administration
- Speedy process
- Application of visas in English
- Provision of 3-year visas in most of the free zones
Steps to acquire the UAE free zone visa
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Register for e-channel services
The first and foremost step in applying for a free zone visa is registering for e-channel services. This new online system was basically designed to modernize the visa process and make applications much faster and more transparent. This also removes the manual work and makes the entire process a lot easier.
You can take the help of an agent to apply for the E-channel services. The agent will register the company on your behalf and pay the necessary fees as well. You can also seek the help of an authorized typing center for the same.
Also read the post: Guide to Starting an Offshore Company in the UAE
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Apply for your entry permit
Once you are done registering for e-channel services, you can now apply for an entry permit, also known as an employment visa. An entry permit is basically a temporary visa or momentary visa that allows you to enter and stay in the UAE for up 60 days. It usually takes up to 15 days to issue an entry permit. However, with an additional fee, you can get it within five to seven working days. The immigration department mails your entry permit which is in a form of an electronic document.
An important thing to remember is that you must refrain from leaving the UAE during this period, even if you have permission to do so. This is because it can cause issues with your immigration file and can also lead to delays in further processes.
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Visa status change
The visa status change is the process of activating your entry permit. The ‘status change’ or ‘status adjustment’ is to obtain your full UAE Free zone visa.
Basically, there are three ways to perform a ‘status change’ – in-country, out-of-country, and border run.
For an in-country status change, all you need to do is submit your passport to the immigration department, get it stamped and activate your employment visa. This is truly the easiest option.
On the other hand, if you are outside the UAE, or planning to leave the country shortly after your employment visa is issued, then also it is possible to reactivate your visa. You can simply exit and then re-enter the UAE and present your printed employment visa to the immigration officer at the airport. The officer will then stamp and activate your visa.
Lastly, the border run option is applicable only for the passport holders of countries that are eligible for visa-on-arrival travel to the UAE. They can just exit the UAE by land, receive the exit stamp on the passport and later re-enter presenting the printed employment visa to the immigration officer at the border. The officer will then stamp the entry date on the document and on the passport. This option, however, doesn’t work in most cases and, hence, not advisable.
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Medical test application
A medical test is a mandatory step while applying for a free zone visa in Dubai. It includes a blood test to check for any infectious diseases and a chest X-ray. The test takes a few hours and the candidate can get the results within three working days.
And once you get your medical test results, you can move on to your next step.
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Emirates ID registration
The next step is to register for an emirates ID. This is basically an identity card that UAE citizens must carry with them all the time. They can use it to access services in the UAE, such as opening bank accounts, taking out contracts for mobile phones, tenancy agreements, etc.
So, the applicant must visit an official ID authority to make the application for the ID. After capturing certain biometric details such as eye scans and fingerprints, the authorities issue the card to the applicant.
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Stamping on residence visa
The last yet most important step of the UAE visa process is visa stamping. For this, you need to submit your passport to the relevant immigration authority, who will put a UAE residence visa stamp or sticker on it. This step can take up to 15 working days, post which you will get your official visa.
Now that you have learned the basic steps and procedure of applying for a UAE Free zone visa, you can step on to get a permanent visa for the UAE and make a life there. For better guidance and a quicker process, you can take the help of advisors of Shuraa Business Setup who are well-versed with the formalities. They can liaise with all the government departments for your visa purposes and keep you up-to-date with the reforms in immigration laws.
So, call us today and book a free session with our team!
Call – +97144081900
WhatsApp – +971507775554
Email – info@shuraa.com
