UAE Residency & Visa Options Through Business Setup (2025 Overview)

Introduction

Starting a business in the UAE is one of the easiest ways to obtain long-term residency. Whether you open a Free Zone or Mainland company, you gain access to investor and employment visas. This 2025 guide explains every visa option available through business setup.

Investor/Partner Visa Through Company Ownership

This visa is issued to company shareholders.
Benefits:

• Valid for 2 years (Mainland) or 3 years (Free Zone)
• Sponsor family members
• Ability to open bank accounts
• Eligibility for Emirates ID

Requirements:

• Valid trade license
• Establishment card
• Medical & Emirates ID
• Passport & photo

Employment Visa Through Your Company

For owners who prefer being employees (not partners). Useful in companies with multiple investors.

Residency Through Free Zone Company Setup

Free Zones offer:

• Fast visa processing
• Lower cost
• Flexi desk option
• Easy family sponsorship

Visa quota varies depending on workspace selected.

Residency Through Mainland Company Setup

Mainland provides:

• More visa flexibility
• Higher visa quotas
• Stronger corporate presence
• Option to hire unlimited staff (based on office size)

UAE Golden Visa Through Business Ownership

Business owners may qualify for 10-year Golden Visa if:

• They invest AED 2 million+
• Own a company with AED 2 million capital
• Pay annual corporate tax of AED 250,000+
• Build innovative or high-impact businesses

Golden Visa benefits:

• No sponsor required
• 10-year renewable visa
• Family sponsorship
• Longer stay outside UAE permitted

Eligibility for Family Sponsorship

Visa holders may sponsor:

• Spouse
• Children
• Parents (with conditions)
• House helpers

FAQs

Can I get a visa without an office?

Some Free Zones allow visa without physical office using flexi desk.

How long does visa processing take?

5–10 working days on average.

 

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