A trade licence lets a company exist. A residence visa lets you live here, open a personal bank account, sign a lease and sponsor your family.
AED 3,900 to 5,400
2 years, free zone. 3 years, mainland
Issued against your shareholding in the company. This is the visa most founders take first, because it is the one that turns a licence into residency.
AED 4,100 to 6,200
2 years, renewable
For staff you hire. The company sponsors the visa, which means a labour contract, a medical and an Emirates ID for each person.
AED 3,500 to 5,000 per dependant
Matches the sponsor's visa
Once your own residency is stamped you can sponsor a spouse, children and in some cases parents, subject to a salary threshold and suitable accommodation.
AED 9,000 to 20,000
10 years, renewable
Long-term residency for investors, specialised talent and outstanding students. It does not need an employer sponsor, which is the point of it.
Two to three weeks end to end once the establishment card is active. You need to be in the country for the medical and the biometrics.
Issued against your licence and quota. Valid for 60 days to enter or change status.
If you are already in the country, your status converts without leaving.
Blood test and chest X-ray at an approved centre. Results in 48 hours, faster on express.
Biometrics captured and the card issued. This is your identity document for everything.
The residence visa is placed in your passport and the file closes.
Bring us the idea and the passports. We will tell you what it costs, where to register it, and how fast it can be trading.
