12 Aug 2025
By Vista CorpIf you’re considering moving to Dubai and setting up a business, one of the best ways to secure your residence visa is through business setup. It’s a clear path that not only lets you live in one of the world’s most dynamic cities but also gives you the freedom to work and run your business here.
Want to know the entire Dubai business setup residence visa process (2025)? This blog covers it all. Keep reading!
Get Your Residence Visa Through Business Setup in 31 Steps
Below is a step-by-step guide on how to get a Dubai residence visa through business setup. Each step is crucial, and we’ll highlight where you might need professional help to make the process smoother.
Step 1: Understand the Business Setup Options in Dubai
It all starts with choosing where your business will have its operations. This is one of the most important decisions you need to make. There are three options available:
- Mainland
- Free Zone
- Offshore
The right choice depends on your business activity and its future goals. The wrong choice can be a deal breaker. Therefore, work with professional service providers for better clarity.
Step 2: Choose Your Business Activity
The business activity you choose will be followed by many aspects of your business, like the kind of license you need or the jurisdiction. Dubai offers a wide range of business activities, from consulting to trading and tech. The choice will directly affect the type of residence visa you get.
Step 3: Select Your Business Structure
Decide whether your business will be a sole proprietorship, partnership, LLC, or a branch of a foreign company. This decision impacts your legal responsibilities, tax structure, and operations.
Step 4: Decide on a Business Name
Pick a name that aligns with your business activity and is acceptable according to Dubai’s naming regulations. Avoid using prohibited words, including religious or political terms.
Tip: We can help you ensure that your business name complies with Dubai’s legal requirements.
Step 5: Register Your Trade Name
Once you’ve decided on a name, you’ll need to register it with the Department of Economic Development (DED) or the relevant free zone authority.
Step 6: Choose Your Business Location
Now that you know what kind of business you’re setting up, choose a location. If you’re setting up in a free zone, you’ll need to pick one that offers the services and facilities you require.
Step 7: Apply for Your Business License
Now it’s time to apply for your trade license. For mainland companies, you’ll apply to the DED, and for free zones, you’ll apply to the specific authority. This license is key to your visa application.
Step 8: Get the Initial Approval
In some cases, you’ll need initial approval from the relevant authorities. This usually includes confirming that your business activity is legitimate and that you meet any requirements.
Step 9: Rent an Office Space
For most businesses, especially those in mainland Dubai, you’ll need to have a physical office. Free zones often provide office space as part of the setup package. The office is required to get your business license.
Tip: We can help you find the right office space according to your needs.
Step 10: Draft Your Legal Documents
Prepare your legal documents for registration. These might include:
- Shareholder agreements
- Memorandum of Association (MOA)
- Passport copies of shareholders
Step 11: Submit Your Business Documents
Submit your completed documents to the DED or Free Zone authority for final approval. This can take a few days, depending on the complexity of your business setup.
Step 12: Open a Corporate Bank Account
Now that your business is registered, you’ll need to open a corporate bank account. Choose a bank that suits your business needs, and submit the required documentation.
Note: You may need help from a service provider to ensure all banking documents are in order.
Step 13: Apply for a Visa Reservation
Once you’ve secured your business license, you can apply for a visa reservation through the General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs (GDRFA). This reserves a visa quota for your business.
Step 14: Submit Your Application for a Residence Visa
Submit your residence visa application through the GDRFA. You’ll need to provide various documents such as:
- Passport copy
- Visa application form
- Photos
- Business license
Step 15: Medical Fitness Test
Now, it’s time to fulfil your UAE residency visa medical test requirements. For the residence visa, you need to pass a blood and an X-ray test. It’s done to ensure you are completely fit to live in the UAE.
Step 16: Health Insurance
You need to have health insurance before applying for your residence visa. This is mandatory for all UAE residents, including business owners.
Tip: We can help guide you on health insurance options available in Dubai.
Step 17: Emirates ID Application
After you get a “pass” certificate for your medical fitness test, the next step is to apply for an Emirates ID. It’s a mandatory identification card for all UAE residents and essential for your Emirates ID biometrics appointment in the UAE.
Step 18: Obtain Your Residence Visa
Once all documents are in place and you’ve passed the medical test and health insurance requirements, your residence visa will be stamped into your passport.
Step 19: Work Permit
If you plan to employ staff, you’ll need to apply for work permits for your employees through the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation (MOHRE).
Step 20: Register with the Chamber of Commerce
Once your business is set up and you have your residence visa, you need to register with the Dubai Chamber of Commerce. This registration allows your business to operate officially in the city.
Step 21: Renew Your Business License
Renewing your business license annually is one of the most important requirements, as it can lead to fines or penalties. Therefore, ensure you have reminders set for business license renewals.
Step 22: Set Up Your Accounting and Tax Systems
Establish accounting systems for your business, which will help you with annual audits, tax filings, and maintaining proper financial records.
Tip: Our accounting services can assist you in setting up the best financial practices for your business.
Step 23: Open a Personal Bank Account
Now that your business is set up, you can also open a personal bank account in Dubai for easier financial management.
Step 24: Rent a Property in Dubai (If Applicable)
If you plan to reside in Dubai, you’ll need to rent a property. Dubai offers a variety of rental options, from apartments to villas.
Step 25: Understand the Visa Costs
Ensure that you understand the full cost of your Dubai residence visa and the associated expenses for business setup. These may vary depending on your business type and the services you require.
Step 26: Pay for Visa Fees
Once you’ve been informed of the visa fees, pay them to continue the processing of your visa application.
Step 27: Wait for Final Approval
Once you’ve completed the above steps, you’ll wait for final approval from the relevant authorities. This usually takes a few weeks.
Step 28: Collect Your Residence Visa
When you get the final approval, it’s time to collect your Dubai residence visa from the relevant authority or the office. Don’t forget to check all your details thoroughly.
Step 29: Family Visas (Optional)
If you wish to sponsor your family, you can also apply for family residence visas under your sponsorship.
Step 30: Settle in Dubai
Once your visa is approved and stamped, you can move to Dubai and enjoy the benefits of living and working in this dynamic city.
Step 31: Maintain Your Visa and Business Compliance
Stay compliant with all visa regulations and business laws in Dubai. Renew your residence visa and business license annually to maintain your legal status.
Have a Quick Glance Below
| Step | Action | Key Notes / Requirements |
| 1 | Understand Business Setup Options | Mainland, Free Zone, Offshore – choose based on needs & goals |
| 2 | Choose Business Activity | Dictates license type & location |
| 3 | Select Business Structure | Sole proprietorship, LLC, partnership, branch, etc. |
| 4 | Decide on a Business Name | Must follow Dubai naming rules (no prohibited terms) |
| 5 | Register Trade Name | With DED or Free Zone authority |
| 6 | Choose Business Location | Mainland office or select a free zone with the needed facilities |
| 7 | Apply for a Business License | DED (Mainland) or Free Zone authority |
| 8 | Get Initial Approval | Confirms activity legitimacy & requirements met |
| 9 | Rent Office Space | Required for most setups; free zones may include an office in the package |
| 10 | Draft Legal Documents | MOA, shareholder agreement, passport copies, etc. |
| 11 | Submit Business Documents | To the DED or Free Zone authority for final approval |
| 12 | Open a Corporate Bank Account | Select a suitable bank, and provide the required docs |
| 13 | Apply for Visa Quota Reservation | Through GDRFA, it reserves a visa allocation for your business |
| 14 | Submit Residence Visa Application | Passport copy, application form, photo, business license |
| 15 | Medical Fitness Test | Blood test + chest X-ray |
| 16 | Get Health Insurance | Mandatory before visa issuance |
| 17 | Apply for Emirates ID For Investor Visa | After passing the medical |
| 18 | Obtain a Residence Visa | Visa stamped in passport |
| 19 | Apply for Work Permits (If Hiring) | Through MOHRE |
| 20 | Register with the Chamber of Commerce | Official business operation approval |
| 21 | Renew Business License Annually | Avoid fines or penalties |
| 22 | Set Up Accounting & Tax Systems | For compliance, audits, VAT/CT filings |
| 23 | Open a Personal Bank Account | For personal financial management |
| 24 | Rent Residential Property | Apartment, villa, etc. |
| 25 | Understand Visa Costs | Includes license, visa, and other fees |
| 26 | Pay Visa Fees | Required for processing |
| 27 | Wait for Final Approval | Usually takes a few weeks |
| 28 | Collect a Residence Visa | From the relevant government office |
| 29 | Apply for Family Visas (Optional) | Sponsor dependents under your visa |
| 30 | Settle in Dubai | Relocate & start operations |
| 31 | Maintain Compliance | Renew license & visa yearly, follow UAE laws |
7 Key Points on Residence Visa Through Business Setup in the UAE
Below are the seven key points on the residence visa through business setup in the UAE:
- For investors involved in commercial activities, the UAE offers them a Green Visa, which replaces the previous two-year residency visa.
- To qualify for the visa, investors need approval from the Identity & Citizenship Authority based on the investment rating system.
- Investors must also provide proof of their investment. If an investor has multiple licenses, the total investment under each license is considered.
- Approval from the competent local authorities is also required.
- The UAE Green Visa for investors also allows for self-sponsorship. It leads to better flexibility for business owners.
- Investors with a Green Visa can also sponsor their family members.
- The Green Visa is renewable for the same term upon its expiry, ensuring long-term residency options for investors.
Final Thoughts and How Can We Help?
Navigating the steps to set up a business and obtain a Dubai residence visa can be complex, especially when it comes to documentation, legal compliance, and timely submissions. At Vista Business Setup, we specialise in assisting entrepreneurs and businesses with every step of this process. From business setup to visa applications, our team is here to ensure a smooth and hassle-free experience.
Contact us today to get started on your journey to establishing a business and securing your Dubai residence visa!
FAQs
1. How can company formation in Dubai help me get residency there?
If you want to get a residence status in Dubai through company formation, set up a company in a Free Zone, the Mainland, or Offshore. After your company is successfully registered in any of these jurisdictions, you can apply for Dubai’s residence visa.
2. Is it possible to set up a business in Dubai without living there?
Yes, it is possible to set up a business in Dubai without living there. In fact, you will be surprised to know that many foreign entrepreneurs are doing this every year. The remote business setup in Dubai is possible, quick, and safe.
3. What’s the easiest way to get the UAE’s residency?
The easiest way to get the UAE residency is to set up your company there. You can apply for a residence visa as an investor or a shareholder.
4. How long does it take to get a UAE residency through company formation?Through company formation, it typically takes around 7-10 working days to obtain a UAE residency. Based on the nature of the investment, the UAE golden visa for entrepreneurs can take around 30 days. Please note that the timeline depends on multiple factors.
