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Dubai Free Zone Company & Employment Visa
At a glance

Quick facts

No minimum investment; Typical timeline 1 month; 3 highlights

Minimum investment
No minimum
Currency: AED
Typical timeline
From application start
Highlights
  • Free Zone
  • Company Formation
  • Employment Visa
~10 sec

Quick eligibility check

Answer 4 short questions. No data is sent to our servers.

0/4 answered
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1Question 1 of 4 — Chosen your Dubai free zone and activity?
2Question 2 of 4 — Ready with passport, address, and KYC documents?
3Question 3 of 4 — Selected office or flexi-desk package?
4Question 4 of 4 — Need employment or residence visas soon?

Select answers above to get an instant indication and tailored next steps.

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Company snapshot

Dubai Free Zone Company FormationEmployment & Residence Visa Sponsorship100% Foreign OwnershipTax-Free Corporate Residency
Entity type
Dubai Free Zone LLC (FZ-LLC)
Ownership
100% foreign ownership under UAE law
Office / facility
Flexible office options — from virtual flexi-desk to dedicated suites
Indicative visa quota
3
Bank account readiness
Eligible for UAE corporate banking (subject to KYC/UBO approval)

Program overview

Overview

Setting up a Dubai Free Zone company gives investors 100% foreign ownership, full profit repatriation, and a quick setup process.
A Free Zone business license lets you sponsor residence and employment visas for yourself and your team.
Xiphias Immigration assists with Free Zone selection, trade licensing, and digital visa processing — ensuring a smooth and compliant UAE company setup.

Why Dubai Free Zones

Dubai Free Zones offer tax-free business ownership, modern infrastructure, and simple regulations for global entrepreneurs.
Top zones like DMCC, IFZA, Meydan, and RAKEZ provide flexible office options, fast registration, and affordable renewals.
With zero income tax and full ownership, Dubai remains the leading destination for Free Zone company formation in the UAE.

Dubai Free Zone Visa Sponsorship & Salary Rules

Salary/role guidance used by authorities when issuing employment visas/sponsorship.

LevelMinimum salaryNotes
Skilled ProfessionalsAED 5,000Minimum salary varies by role and free zone.
Manager / DirectorAED 10,000Required for dependants or higher visa quota.
  • In-country status change adds a processing fee.
  • Some roles need degree legalization or equivalency.
  • Visa quota increases with larger office space.
  • All visas issued under the Dubai establishment card.

Government fees

Official

Government fees

Total (AED): AED 18,250
  • Company license & incorporation

    Includes trade license, name approval, and registration fees.

    AED 12,000
  • Establishment card

    Required to activate immigration and visa sponsorship privileges.

    AED 750
  • Entry permit

    Electronic entry permit for new visa applicants.

    AED 1,200
  • Status change

    Charged when converting visit visa to residence visa within UAE.

    AED 800
  • Medical test & Emirates ID

    Covers medical fitness exam and Emirates ID biometric registration.

    AED 1,000
  • Residence visa issuance

    Digital residence visa issued for 2–3 years, renewable upon expiry.

    AED 2,500

Eligibility

  • Valid passport with at least 6 months validity and recent photo.
  • UAE free zone trade license and active establishment card.
  • Proof of business activity and office or flexi-desk lease.
  • Salary and job role meeting free zone visa criteria.
  • Completed medical test and Emirates ID biometrics.

Key benefits

  • 100% foreign ownership with quick setup and easy renewals.
  • Employment and residence visas for founders and employees.
  • Fast digital process for establishment card and entry permits.
  • Tax-free business environment with smooth banking setup.
  • Option to sponsor family after residence visa issuance.

Post-Visa Corporate Setup in Dubai

Typical actions after license & visas are issued.

  1. Open a UAE corporate bank account (KYC and UBO compliance required).
  2. Activate payroll and WPS registration with mandatory health insurance.
  3. Register for VAT if applicable and maintain compliant accounting records.
  4. Sponsor family dependants once salary and tenancy requirements are met.
  5. Renew trade license, establishment card, and visas annually.

Application process

Process

How it works

  1. Step 1: Select Free Zone & Activity

    Pick IFZA, DMCC, Meydan, or RAKEZ based on business type.

    GuidedAvg. 2–4 weeks

  2. Step 2: Incorporation & License

    Submit KYC, sign forms, and get your trade license.

    GuidedAvg. 2–4 weeks

  3. Step 3: Establishment Card & E-Channels

    Register for e-channels to enable visa sponsorship.

    GuidedAvg. 2–4 weeks

  4. Step 4: Entry Permit

    Apply for a digital entry permit to begin visa steps.

    GuidedAvg. 2–4 weeks

  5. Step 5: Status Change / Entry

    Convert to resident status or activate visa on arrival.

    GuidedAvg. 2–4 weeks

  6. Step 6: Medical & Emirates ID

    Complete medical test and Emirates ID biometrics.

    GuidedAvg. 2–4 weeks

  7. Step 7: Residence Visa

    Receive your digital visa and sponsor dependants.

    GuidedAvg. 2–4 weeks
IFZA Dubai

Authority-specific notes

  • Fast setup with 100% foreign ownership.
  • Digital establishment card and e-channel visa access.
  • Flexible activities and quick license approval.
DMCC Dubai

Authority-specific notes

  • Top free zone for trade, finance, and consulting.
  • High-standard compliance and premium offices.
Meydan Free Zone

Authority-specific notes

  • Online company setup for startups and SMEs.
  • Affordable licenses and renewals.
RAKEZ

Authority-specific notes

  • Low-cost setup with visa options.
  • Ideal for manufacturing and service firms.

Who this program is NOT for

  • Unlicensed or restricted business activities.
  • Incomplete KYC or missing document attestation.
  • Expired trade license or unpaid renewal fees.

Not a match? Explore other programs in United Arab Emirates.

Frequently asked questions

Usually 2–4 weeks, depending on the free zone and document readiness.

Yes, after your residence visa is issued and salary criteria are met.

Most zones allow nominal capital; some activities require minimum amounts.

Free zones offer flexi-desk, shared, or dedicated office options.

Yes, once the establishment card and visa quota are approved.
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