Can You Start a Business in Dubai Without a Visa? (Here’s What You Need to Know in 2025)

14 Jun 2025

By Vista Corp

Are you an investor, remote business founder, or a digital nomad planning to start a business in Dubai, but don’t have a UAE visa? Don’t worry, your UAE business setup is still possible. How? Dubai Virtual Company License and other solutions make it possible.  Dubai welcomes entrepreneurs from all over the world. The best part? Those without a resident visa can also open and operate a business in Dubai. With the introduction of solutions such as virtual offices, freelance-friendly free zones, and flexible licensing, establishing a visa-free business in Dubai is easier than ever in 2025. 

Understand that a visa-free business comes with some legal and operational limitations. Failure to comply with those could mean legal troubles. Therefore, this blog will take you through everything you need to know to start a business in Dubai without a resident visa. From hidden risks and expert tips to legalities and Dubai free zone company setup, this guide will cover it all. 

Why People Ask If They Can Start a Business in Dubai Without a Visa? 

Recently, many people from around the world have been curious to know if they can start a business in Dubai without holding a valid visa. This is because Dubai is a magnet attracting remote businessmen, freelancers, and investors from overseas who want to start something in Dubai, but have no plans to live here. They are aiming for a low-cost entry in the Dubai market through an option known as a non-resident business setup in the UAE. 

Moreover, with the rise of digital businesses, the need to be physically present in the same country as you have business is no longer a necessity. Considering all these factors, more and more people are attracted towards a visa-free business setup in a city full of dreams and opportunities. 

Tip: Try for a Dubai free zone company setup for an easy and quick process. 

What is a Dubai Virtual Company License? 

As per Dubai’s special trade permit, foreigners can digitally register a company in Dubai without the need to relocate here. This is called a ‘Virtual Company License’ or ‘Virtual Commercial License.’ The license allows entrepreneurs to operate their business remotely and digitally, with crucial activities like signing documents. These signatures are valid. 

Please note:

• A Dubai virtual company license doesn’t allow company members to enter the UAE through a business or a resident visa. 
• Virtual business owners are subject to the various taxation of the nation. 

Who Qualifies for a Virtual Company License in Dubai? 

You qualify for a Dubai Virtual Company License only if:

• You are not a resident of the United Arab Emirates.
• You are a citizen or a tax resident of one of the approved 101 countries. Some of the countries include Saudi Arabia, Pakistan, China, India, Japan, and Russia, among others. For a complete list of approved countries. 
• You can establish a virtual business in Dubai only when your chosen industry is mentioned in the pre-defined industry categories. The predefined sectors include printing and advertising-related service activities, computer programming, consulting, and design-related activities in the fashion, jewellery, and interiors industries.

Documents Required for Virtual Company License in Dubai

• Passport copy
• Utility bill or official letter for residency proof (no older than 3 months)
• Tax residency certificate
• Phone Number & Email Address
• Recent passport-size photograph (white background)

7 Benefits of Starting a Business in Dubai Without a Resident Visa as a Foreigner

If you are wondering whether there are any benefits to starting a business in Dubai without a Resident Visa as a foreigner, there are many. Have a look at them below:

1. No Relocation Required

There’s no relocation required to register and manage your company in Dubai. You can work remotely from anywhere you choose. The flexibility is ideal for international investors and entrepreneurs who have multiple ventures to handle and can’t be in one place for long. 

2. 100% Foreign Ownership

Even without a residence visa or a local partner in Dubai, you can own your business entirely. This is because many free zones allow 100% ownership without the need for a residence visa during the time of setup. 

3. Lower Cost of Setup

When compared to the business setup cost with a visa, the cost of setting up a business in Dubai without a visa is lower. The cost is subject to change based on multiple factors, such as the business activity, complexity, zones, number of licenses, etc. 

4. Quick Registration

The paperwork is less without the need for a visa, which means a quick registration process. In many free zones, the setup timeframe is as short as 48 hours without a visa. In fact, there are many authorities in Dubai supporting virtual onboarding, including e-signatures, to save you the inconvenience of flying down to Dubai for the setup process.

5. Virtual License

You can also get a virtual company license to operate digitally. These licenses are specifically designed for freelancers and e-commerce professionals selling online. This license allows you to operate in Dubai’s address, without the need for a visa. 

6. No Personal Income Tax

Yes, there is no personal income tax, even if you are not a resident of Dubai and have a business here. You have 100% control over the profit earned, regardless of whether you are withdrawing it to your home country. You are not liable for local taxation.

7. Scalability is an Option

Start small and scale strategically as needed. Free zones allow this flexibility to scale and upgrade visas. This is specifically ideal for individuals trying a trial-and-error method in the business market. Check what’s working for you and decide later whether you have to relocate or not. 

Comparison Between Business Owners in Dubai With a Visa vs. Without a Visa

The choice to start a company in Dubai with or without a visa depends on short- and long-term business goals. For all the legal and residency rights, business with a visa is the right choice, and if you do not plan for long-term residency in Dubai with remote operations handling, a business without a visa is a better option. For more details, go through the comparison table below. 

Checklist for Non-Residents to Start a Business in Dubai at a Glance (2025)

• Choose jurisdiction: Free Zone or Mainland
• Confirm visa-free setup eligibility
• Valid passport (min. 6 months)
• Business activity pre-approval
• Company name reservation
• E-signature access
• Power of Attorney (if abroad)
• Local communication address
• Office space or Flexi-desk lease
• Bank account strategy
• No Objection Certificate (if applicable)
• Authorised signatory in UAE (if required)
• Legalised foreign documents
• Initial capital (if needed)
• Consultant or PRO services

Step-by-Step Process of Setting up a Business in Dubai Without a Visa

Setting up a business in Dubai without a visa has become increasingly popular in recent times. Digital nomads and international entrepreneurs are opting for a visa-free business setup in Dubai. Do you also want to know the entire process? Keep reading.  

Step 1: Choose the Business Activity

The first step in starting a business is to choose a business activity. In case of a visa-free UAE business setup, choose an activity that can be operated even without a residence visa. This step is crucial because everything else in the business depends on what activity you are involved in. Some popular choices for visa-free business activities are: 

• Digital Marketing
• Media services
• E-commerce
• Creative freelancing
• IT and web development services
• Business consulting

Please note that if your business involves activities requiring approvals from regulatory bodies, a visa will be mandatory. 

Step 2: Pick a Free Zone Supporting Non-Resident Ownership

Remember that most free zones offer a visa-free business setup, but not ALL. Therefore, pick a free zone with a package including zero visa quotas and a remote setup. Some top free zones are mentioned below: 

1. International Free Zone Authority Dubai: You get many investor-friendly packages. 
2. SPC Free Zone: Known for consultancy and media licenses. 
3. Dubai CommerCity: Ideal for e-commerce and digital commerce businesses.
4. Dubai Virtual Commercial City: Best for individuals working remotely. 
5. RAKEZ: Offers budget-friendly business setup packages for non-residents. 

Compare costs before making the final choice. 

Step 3: Choose a Business Name

The next step is to choose a business name. It’s an essential and a critical part to start a business in the UAE because:

• The name cannot have offensive or religious words.
• Both English and Arabic words are acceptable. 
• Your name cannot be the same as an existing brand name. 
• Don’t use references to political parties. 

To check the availability of a name, visit Free Zone’s online portal. You can also consult an expert. 

Step 4: Submit all the Documents

Regardless of whether you live in Dubai or not, you have to submit some key documents to set up a business here. They are:

• A clear, valid passport copy, which should be valid for a minimum of 6 months. 
• Passport-size photo with a white background.
• Address proof from your home country.
• A completed business application form.
• Any relevant business plan or declaration

Submit all these documents digitally if allowed, and some free zones also allow remote processing. You may also need extra documents; therefore, consult a certified consultant to make sure everything is in place. 

Step 5: Apply for the Dubai Trade License

After your business name and documents get the final approval, the Free Zone authority will issue you an Initial Approval Certificate, Trade License, Certificate of Incorporation, Owner Certificate (in case of shareholders, shareholder certificate), and Memorandum of Association. It will take around 1-5 working days to complete the entire process. 

Step 6: Lease a Virtual Office or Flexi-Desk

Take note that even if your company setup is visa-free, you still need an address that’s UAE-based. For that purpose, you will have to lease a virtual office or a flexi desk. It’s an important step because the address will be part of your trade license and is required when opening a corporate bank account in Dubai. 

Step 7: Open a Corporate Bank Account

Opening a corporate bank account for a visa-free business in Dubai is optional, but recommended. In that case, you will be required to submit more documents, and in some instances, a physical visit to the bank is also mandatory. Below are some banks that offer visa-free onboarding, but certain conditions may apply. Have a look:

1. WIO Bank – It allows digital onboarding, and it’s best for freelancers. 

2. Mashreq Neo Biz – The bank is user-friendly and widely accepted. 

3. RAKBANK – It’s ideal for SMEs and new consultants.

If UAE banks fail to meet your banking needs, explore other options like:

• Use your home country account until you get the UAE visa.
• Utilise offshore business accounts, such as Mercury, Wise, and Payoneer. 

Step 8: Start Running Your Business Remotely

After all the approvals and documents are done, you can:

• Accept and issue international payments. 
• Sign contracts with clients.
• Issue tax-compliant invoices under a UAE entity.
• Apply for VAT registration.
• Market globally.
• Open merchant accounts. 

At this point, your company is legal and fully functional, even if you are running it remotely.

Top Free Zones Supporting Visa-Free Setups

Below is a list of some visa-free zones supporting visa-free setups. 

Point to Remember: After the visa-free setup, when you are ready to scale, apply for a resident visa to hire employees and open a corporate bank account with ease. 

*For the most updated and accurate information, consult a certified business setup consultant in Dubai. 

Legal Structure Options for Non-Residents to Start a Business in Dubai

There are five legal structures in Dubai for non-residents to start a business in Dubai:

1. Free Zone Company 

• Best for visa-free Dubai company formation. 
• 100% business ownership. 
• A local sponsor is not needed.
• Most free zone business setup packages don’t include residence visas.
• A flexi-desk or virtual office space is sufficient. 

2. Offshore Company

• Best for holding companies & asset protection.
• A visa is not required for owners or directors. 
• Restricted for UAE mainland operations. 
• Registered with offshore jurisdictions like JAFZA, RAK ICC, or Ajman Offshore.

3. Sole Proprietorship in Free Zones

• Based on the jurisdiction, only limited activities are allowed. 
• No residence visa is required to register a company initially. 
• Allowed in specific free zones, such as IFZA and SHAMS.
• Owned by one person. 

4. Virtual Company License

• No physical presence in the UAE is required. 
• Only a limited freelance and digital activities are allowed. 
• Specially designed for online-based businesses. 

5. Civil Company in Dubai

• Ideal for professional services like consultancy.
• A UAE national is mandatory as a service agent with no ownership in the company.
• A visa is not initially required, but it is necessary to open a bank account or sign contracts. 

Note: Not all structures will allow visa-free operation. So, verify with the specific authority. 

Legal Limitations of Starting a Business in Dubai Without a Visa

Though it’s possible to start a business in Dubai without a Visa, there are still legal limitations to consider for the future or other goals you may have for your business:

Limitation 1: Limited or NO Residency Rights

Dubai residency rights are only for people who hold a Dubai residency visa. You are denied all legal rights without a valid residency visa. You can visit the country for a short term, but long-term without a valid visa is out of the question. That way, running a business can be a bit stressful. 

Limitation 2: Bank Account Limitations

Most banks in Dubai deny opening a corporate or even a personal bank account without a valid Emirates ID or a residency visa. Without a bank account, managing business transactions can be challenging. In Dubai, managing finances as per the rules and laws is a legal requirement. So, it can become tough at one point or another. 

Limitation 3: Difficult to Lease a Physical Office Space

If you are considering a Dubai business without a residence visa, you cannot lease physical office space in Dubai. You are only eligible to access shared desks or virtual offices before your final visa approval. If your business requires having a physical office space in Dubai, like a warehouse, the visa is a prerequisite. 

Limitation 4: Eligibility For Local Utilities

Technically, it’s possible to set up a company in Dubai without a visa, but you might face direct or indirect issues you can’t ignore. To access essential services in Dubai, like the internet, telecom, electricity, and water, an Emirates ID is a must. Without these essentials, running a business will become difficult. 

Limitation 5: Trouble In Hiring Employees 

Business owners in Dubai sponsor visas for employees working for their company. Without a resident visa, you cannot process their visa under your name and need to employ an authorised signatory for labour approvals and employee visas. 

Limitation 6: Limited Critical Corporate Services

Without a visa, registering on government e-channel platforms, signing official contracts, or effectively communicating with regulatory authorities can be difficult. This can hamper routine government interactions in Dubai, which is essential to effectively interact with the government for business operations, as and when needed. 

Limitation 7: Issues With Tax Residency Benefits

You can only apply for a Tax Residency Certificate if you have a UAE residence visa. The Tax Residency Certificate is essential to avoid paying double taxation under international treaties. 

Limitation 8: Difficulty During License Renewal

Although many free zones and the mainland in Dubai allow company setup without a visa, visa renewal can be a challenge. This is because the owner or the authorised authority must be physically present in the UAE to complete the renewal process. Otherwise, the license renewal will be tough. 

Limitation 9: Intellectual Property Protection Concerns

Without a visa, your business can also be in a vulnerable state. How? This is because registering your brand name, logo, or other intellectual property under your name can be tough. In case of IP infringement, you cannot have a proper legal standing.  

How to Open a Corporate Bank Account in Dubai Without a Visa?

Having a corporate bank account is non-negotiable when opening a business in the UAE. Without a valid resident visa, you can still open a corporate bank account, but the process will become more complex. Understand how it works:

What’s the Key Challenge? 

To open a corporate bank account, many UAE banks have a rule that at least one shareholder or an authorised signatory must have an Emirates ID. This is required for the Know Your Customer (KYC) protocols enforced by the UAE Central Bank. Without a visa, you cannot open a business bank account in most of the major banks in the UAE. 

Banks With Remote Onboarding

While some banks allow remote onboarding, it’s strictly reserved for HNWIs or businesses with strong international credentials. HNWIs stand for High-Net-Worth Individuals. 

• RAKBANK and Mashreq NeoBiz allow digital onboarding to companies from the UAE, but the company should have a UAE resident signatory. 

• WIO Bank has a flexible SME onboarding option, but a residence visa is required in case of full account activation. WIO Bank is an ADQ-backed digital bank. 
• Offshore banks in jurisdictions like Mauritius or Singapore may allow remote onboarding for UAE-registered companies. For daily local operations, this option might not be feasible. 

Documents Required
Without a visa, you will have to present the following documents to the bank at the time of opening a corporate bank account: 

• Valid company trade license (from Free Zone or mainland)
• Memorandum of Association
• Shareholder details & passport copies
• Business plan or projected cash flow
• Office lease or virtual office agreement
• Board resolution (for corporate structures)

What are the Smart Alternatives?

Here are some smart alternatives to consider:

Fintech Platforms: There are platforms like Zand, WIO, and NOW Money for business banking services through digital wallets. The only catch is that these apps allow limited banking services. 

Offshore Banking: Offshore banking doesn’t require a visa to hold funds or engage in international trade. Therefore, it’s a good option to continue visa-free business in Dubai without the need to apply for a resident visa for banking activities. 

Authorised Consultants: These consultants and other corporate service providers can make the process easier due to their established relationships with banks. Consult and partner with such authorised consultants in Dubai. 

Alert: Although there are options, it is still a temporary solution for a long-term business vision. Getting a resident visa is the most stable solution you can go for. 

Types of Visas For Business in Dubai and Their Purpose

Understand different Dubai business visa types and their purpose in the table below for better clarification: 

*For an accurate structure and cost, consult a certified consultant in Dubai. 

Expert Tips for Visa-Free Business Setup in Dubai

Though it’s legal to start a business in Dubai without a residency visa, smart planning makes it better and more sustainable. Therefore, these expert tips below will help you set up a visa-free business in Dubai in a smarter way. 

Tip 1: Select A Free Zone Allowing Visa-Free Business Setup

There is a common misconception that almost all free zones allow visa-free business setup. That’s not true. There are limited zones offering this flexibility, such as IFZA Dubai, Meydan Free Zone, or Shams. These zones also have a flexi-desk or virtual office liberty, which helps with running a business remotely.  

Tip 2: Partner With a Certified Business Setup Consultant in Dubai

Dubai has a complex regulatory environment that needs expertise to navigate seamlessly. Partnering with a certified consultant is the best approach to get things done. 

• They will help you pick the right free zone. 
• They will handle all the documentation on your behalf remotely. 
• They will provide you with the proper guidance on when a residence visa is needed to continue your business without any unwanted errors.

Tip 3: Plan for the Future

You can choose to open a business without a visa initially, but leave room to expand and make changes as and when required. As a small business, you may not have to go through visa technicalities in the beginning, but as you grow, the visa will become a prerequisite for many business-related activities like banking and scalability. Therefore, future-proof your business. 

Tip 4: Go For Virtual Office or Co-Working Offices

A professional office address is mandatory if you operate a business in Dubai and do not reside there. Having a virtual or co-working space gives a legitimate status to your company. It’s essential when opening a business bank account and dealing with vendors or government bodies. 

Tip 5: Understand all the Limitations 

Although a visa-free business setup is allowed, it comes with certain limitations that you must understand. They are:

• You cannot hire employees for your company.
• You cannot sign specific contracts, such as rental agreements.
• You cannot access DEWA, Etisalat, or other Government services.

For a better understanding, consult a certified business setup consultant in Dubai to help you with these restrictions. 

Tip 6: Appoint a Local Representative

If you run your business from outside the UAE, license renewal and Power of Attorney (POA) tasks will require your presence in the country. To make it easy and convenient, appoint a local service agent or an authorised signatory to undertake the tasks on your behalf. 

Tip 7: Be Legally Compliant

Understand that a visa-free business doesn’t mean a rule-free business. All rules apply, like: 

• Renew your license annually.
• Maintain financial records.
• Pay VAT if applicable.
• Comply with Ultimate Beneficial Owner (UBO) and Economic Substance Regulations (ESR).

With the tips above, launch a visa-free and low-risk business in Dubai with great potential for scaling. 

What Business Activities are Allowed to Start in Dubai Without a Visa? 

The table below has a list of activities that are allowed to start in Dubai without a visa: 

*For the most accurate and up-to-date information, consult with certified business setup consultants in Dubai at Vista.  

When will a Visa Become Mandatory for a Visa-Free Business Setup?

For a visa-free business setup, it’s crucial to know the point at which having a visa becomes mandatory: 

• If you plan to live in the UAE, a residence visa becomes a mandatory requirement. 
• When you decide to manage your business operations actively, a visit or a short-term visa doesn’t allow this flexibility. 
• Opening a bank account requires a residence visa. Therefore, when your business needs to manage accounting and other bank-related activities actively, a visa becomes mandatory. 
• You will need a residence visa to establish tax residency.
• To sponsor your family members, you need a residence visa. 
• If you want to set up your business in the mainland, a residence visa is needed in most cases.  
• If you want to access the UAE’s local services, including a driving license, healthcare, and education, a residence visa is needed. 

Final Thoughts

It’s legal and practical to start a business in Dubai without a residence visa. In 2025, it’s also becoming a popular option in Dubai among global entrepreneurs. But, it’s crucial you are aware of all the rules and regulations of starting a visa-free business, from a business license in Dubai, virtual offices, extra documents, free zones that allow you to set up without a visa, and more. Most importantly, you should be aware of what the point is when having a visa becomes unavoidable to operate a business for long-term success. 

Need expert guidance on Dubai free zone business setup for non-residents, or want to know more about the Dubai entrepreneur visa? Our certified and experienced business setup consultants at Vista Corporate Group can provide legal and personalised support for a seamless business setup in Dubai. 

Book a Free Consultation Now

FAQs

1. How to start a business in Dubai without a visa? 

There are two legal ways to start a business in Dubai without a visa. Many free zones allow businesses to set up without a visa, followed by specific rules and regulations. The zones include IFZA, Meydan, and Dubai South. They permit setting up a company in Dubai without requiring the owner to reside in the UAE. The second option is the Dubai Virtual Company License. It allows foreign entrepreneurs to run a venture in Dubai remotely. Please note that while a residence visa is not required to run a business in some cases, it’s mandatory to open a bank account in the UAE, sign leases, or manage operations on the ground. Legally, it is possible to set up, but there will be limitations. 

2. Can I open a company in Dubai without being there?

Yes, you can open a company in Dubai without being there. Most (not all) free zones allow you to run a company remotely through a remote permit or online registration. However, for a mainland company, setting up a remote company is not an option in many cases. 

3. What are the risks of starting a business in Dubai without a valid visa?

Starting a business without a visa in Dubai has some risks involved. 

1. There can be limited operational access if you run a business in Dubai without a resident visa. 
2. Banking can be a major challenge without a resident visa. Managing finances will be an issue. 
3. Accessing government services, such as medical insurance or Emirates ID registration, will become more difficult. 
4. There could be travel and immigration risks. 
5. Without a visa, sponsoring your family or employees may become somewhat challenging. 

4. Can freelancers start a business in Dubai without a visa?

No, freelancers cannot start a business in Dubai without a visa. A freelancer visa is a prerequisite to legally work as a freelancer in Dubai. Not following the visa’s rules and regulations can put you in legal trouble.

5. Is it possible to open a business bank account in Dubai without a visa?

A residence visa is required to open a corporate bank account in the United Arab Emirates (UAE). However, it’s possible to open a business bank account in Dubai without a visa. There will be some limitations and other mandatory requirements. Some banks will allow the opening of a corporate bank account if any one of the signatories or directors holds a UAE residence visa. 

6. What business activities can be started without a Visa in Dubai?

There are so many business activities in the Dubai free zone that can be started without holding a resident visa, such as marketing, consulting, and other service-related businesses. 

7. Are there dedicated free zones in Dubai where entrepreneurs can start a business without needing a visa immediately? 

There are many free zones in Dubai where businesses can be set up without the need for a residence visa immediately: 

1. Meydan Free Zone
2. International Free Zone Authority (IFZA)
3. Dubai South Free Zone
4. Dubai Multi Commodities Centre (DMCC Free Zone)
5. Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC)

8. How long can I run a venture in Dubai without a residence visa?

You can register & register a business in Dubai without a Visa through free zones or local agents, but to be able to continue running it for a long time, you will need a resident visa. This is because free zones permit running a business without a visa, but require a resident visa to open a bank account or live here. So, get a resident visa within 6 months of setting up your business in the UAE.

9. What’s the easiest business to start without a visa?

E-commerce through a free zone is one of the easiest ways to start without a visa in Dubai. You don’t have to apply for a residence license right away when setting up this business. You can easily and legally trade products through a local distributor. 

10. Can I own 100% of my company in Dubai without living there?

Yes. You can own 100% of the company without living in Dubai if you set up in a free zone and also in the mainland for approved sectors. As a remote owner, appoint a local manager to make things easy and hassle-free. 

11. At what stage is a visa required for a visa-free business in Dubai? 

The stages below will require a visa for your visa-free business in Dubai:

1. To open a corporate bank account.
2. To hire employees.
3. To sign long-term office leases or utility contracts like DEWA and Etisalat.
4. For license renewals.
5. To participate in government tenders or public projects.
6. To live in Dubai and operate your business.
7. To apply for UAE tax residency.
8. To avoid double taxation.

12. Can I get a Business License in Dubai without having a UAE Residence Visa?

Yes, but it’s only possible through a free zone business setup system. Ideal for the initial stage, you will need a resident visa to operate your business within the UAE. 

13. Do I need a residence visa to own a free zone company?

No, you don’t need a residence visa to own a free zone company in Dubai. Many free zones allow visa-free business setup with 100% ownership. Initially, you may not require a visa, but it’s mandatory for many business operations that you may need later on. 

14. What documents are required to set up a business in Dubai as a non-resident?

You need all the documents mentioned below to set up a business in Dubai as a non-resident:

• Submit a completed application form to begin the registration process.
• Passport copies (valid for 6 months)
• Memorandum of Association (MOA)
• Article of Association (AOA)
• Trade License
• Local Service Agent (LSA) Agreement

You may need some additional documents:

• A NOC from a current sponsor (if you have any)
• Audited financial report for two years (applicable for a corporate entity) 
• A bank certificate (if you are an individual shareholder)
• Address proof
• Approval from third parties (applicable only for regulated business activities)

15. Cheapest way to start a business in Dubai as a non-resident.

The cheapest way to start a business in Dubai as a non-resident is a ‘Free Zone Business Dubai’. It also comes with certain benefits, such as 0% corporate tax and no currency restrictions. The cost to set up a business in a free zone is also low. 

16. How to Convert a Visitor Visa to a Residency Visa for Entrepreneurs in Dubai? 

Below are the steps to convert a visitor visa to a residency visa for entrepreneurs in Dubai: 

1. Check if you are eligible for a residency visa from the different options available, like an investor visa, Golden Visa, etc. 
2. Secure an office space in the mainland, free zone, or offshore. 
3. File for a ‘change status’ entry permit.
4. Undergo a mandatory medical examination. 
5. Apply for the Emirates ID.
6. Get your residence visa stamped in your passport.