UAE Business Visa
Launch a company in the UAE and get your own residence visa through it. Migrate Way manages company formation, licensing and your investor visa, from the first strategy call to your Emirates ID.
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For Founders Who Want a Tax-Friendly Global Base
The UAE does not issue a visa simply for being in business. Instead, you set up a company in a free zone or on the mainland, and the company sponsors your residence visa as its owner. It is one of the most popular routes in the world for founders, consultants and traders.
If you want to run your business from a safe, well-connected hub with no personal income tax, this route offers a fast, flexible way to become a UAE resident.
Why Start a Business in the UAE?
A business-friendly environment with a clear route to residence.
No Personal Income Tax
The UAE does not tax personal income from salaries, dividends or business profits. Your home country’s rules may still apply.
Low Corporate Tax
Company profits up to AED 375,000 are taxed at 0%, and 9% applies above that. Qualifying free zone companies can keep a 0% rate on qualifying income.
100% Foreign Ownership
Foreign nationals can generally own 100% of a mainland company in most sectors, and free zones have always allowed full ownership.
Family Sponsorship
As a resident, you can sponsor your spouse, children and, with extra requirements, parents.
Fast Setup
Company formation often takes only about five to ten business days once your documents are ready.
Global Connectivity
Dubai and Abu Dhabi link you to Asia, Africa and Europe, with excellent infrastructure and safety.
Free Zone or Mainland?
The right structure depends on where your customers are and how you want to operate.
Free Zone Company
Lower setup costs, fast registration and flexible office options. A simple setup with one visa often costs roughly AED 15,000 to 25,000 in the first year. Local trade is limited.
Mainland Company
Full access to the UAE market and the freedom to trade directly with local customers. It usually needs a physical office and costs more to set up.
Licence and Documents
You need a trade licence for your chosen activity, shareholder documents and, in many zones, a lease or flexible desk agreement.
Owner Residence Visa
Your company sponsors a two-year residence visa for you as the owner, subject to the visa quota of your licence or office.
Medical and Emirates ID
You complete a medical fitness test, biometrics and your Emirates ID, and you arrange mandatory health insurance.
Tax Registration
You register for corporate tax, and for VAT if your taxable turnover passes the threshold, which is AED 375,000.
Living in the UAE and Global Mobility
A standard residence visa comes with presence rules, and knowing them early avoids problems.
- A standard UAE residence visa can be cancelled if you stay outside the country for more than six months
- You can renew your visa while you keep your company active and compliant
- Investors who reach the Golden Visa thresholds can move to a 10-year visa without that six-month rule
- Government fees and visa costs vary by zone and are confirmed before you start
- Your company must meet its licence, tax and visa obligations to keep your residence valid
How It Works
Five clear stages, with Migrate Way beside you at every one.
Trade Licence Issuance
We register your entity in a free zone or on the mainland and obtain your trade licence, the foundation of your UAE presence.
Establishment Card and Entry
We secure your company’s establishment card and an entry permit for you, so you can travel to the UAE if needed.
Entry and Status Change
You enter the UAE on your entry permit, or we change your status if you are already in the country.
Medical Test and Biometrics
We arrange your medical fitness test and your Emirates ID biometrics appointment.
Residence Visa and Emirates ID
Your residence visa is issued electronically and your physical Emirates ID is delivered, confirming your resident status.
What We Handle for You
Company setup and visas are detailed and unforgiving. We take the guesswork out of it.
Structure Assessment
An honest view of whether a free zone or mainland setup suits your goals.
Company Formation
Licensing, registration and paperwork managed from start to finish.
Banking Support
Guidance on opening a corporate bank account.
Document Checklist
A tailored list of documents for you and your family.
Tax Registration Guidance
Pointers on corporate tax and VAT registration with qualified advisers.
Family Visas
Support with sponsoring your spouse, children and parents.
Frequently Asked Questions
Straight answers to the questions we hear most about the UAE business visa.
Can I manage my UAE company from abroad?
You can manage many aspects remotely, but a standard UAE residence visa can be cancelled if you stay outside the country for more than six months. Holders of the Golden Visa are not subject to that rule, so some founders consider upgrading.
Do I need a physical office for my business?
Mainland companies generally need a physical office with a lease. Many free zones offer flexible desks or shared offices, depending on your activity and visa needs, and we advise on the right setup.
Is the UAE really tax-free?
The UAE has no personal income tax. Companies pay a 9% corporate tax on profits above AED 375,000, and qualifying free zone companies can keep 0% on qualifying income. VAT also applies above a turnover threshold, and your home country may still tax you, so we recommend speaking with a tax adviser.
How much does it cost to get started?
A simple free zone setup with one visa often costs roughly AED 15,000 to 25,000 in the first year, and more complex or mainland setups cost more. We give you an itemised estimate before you commit.
Can I sponsor my family?
Yes. As a resident, you can sponsor your spouse and children, and in many cases your parents, subject to income, housing and documentation requirements.
Is a free zone licence enough to get a residence visa?
Not automatically. A licence alone does not guarantee a visa, because visa quotas depend on your zone, licence type and office arrangement. We confirm this before you choose a zone.
Do you guarantee approval?
No one can. The final decision rests with the UAE authorities. What we do is make sure your application is complete, accurate and well prepared, which gives you the strongest possible chance.
This page is general information, not legal or tax advice. UAE fees, tax rules and visa conditions are updated often, so details should always be confirmed before you apply. Photos via Unsplash.
Ready to Start Your Business in the UAE?
Tell us about your business and your plans, and we will let you know which structure fits and what your next steps should be.