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.
Four types of Dubai residence visas at DMCC
The process of visa application with DMCC is simple and straightforward.
1. Employment visa
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.