Are you worried that the administrative formalities will turn your plans to expatriate to Dubai into an obstacle course? Obtaining residency in the United Arab Emirates is the strategic solution for securing your status while benefiting from an advantageous tax framework for your business. This practical guide will show you which legal structures to choose and the essential steps to take in order to convert your investment into a sustainable visa, to ensure your new life in the Emirates is a success.
Choosing the right business structure: your first strategic decision
Freezone company: the gateway to international business
A freezone company is a special economic zone designed to facilitate international trade. This is the ideal structure if your business is focused on export or global consulting. It's also remarkably easy to set up.
You benefit from 100 % of foreign ownership and full repatriation of your capital. Taxation is extremely attractive, so you can maximise your income. Above all, it's the ideal way to obtaining a residence visa for the investor.
There is one pitfall to be avoided. You will not be able to trade directly on the local Emirati market without going through a distributor. This is a strict legal constraints not to be overlooked.
That's why consultants and traders overwhelmingly favour this option. Setting up a company in Freezone remains the international standard.
Société mainland: conquering the local Emirati market
La Mainland company is the legal entity registered with the Department of Economic Development. It allows you to’operate freely and without any geographical restrictions throughout the region. This is the key to reaching local customers.
Forget the old rumours about the obligation to have a majority local shareholder. Today, foreigners can own 100 % of capital in most sectors. This recent legislative change radically alters the situation for entrepreneurs.
This structure becomes essential if you are opening a restaurant or physical shop. You won't be able to provide services directly to local businesses otherwise. It's the only way to really be on the ground.
The special case of the holding company
The purpose of a holding company is not to carry out a traditional operational business activity. Its purpose is to hold assets such as company shares or property. It is a powerful asset management tool.
However, many people are unaware that it is also a effective strategy for obtaining a residence visa in the Emirates. Depending on the amount invested, this could even give you access to the prestigious 10-year Golden Visa.
As well as securing your visa, you can also optimise your tax position. Think about set up a holding company in Dubai to structure your assets for the long term.
The different residence visas available through the company
Once you have chosen the structure of your company, the next step is to understand which residence visa is right for your project. Not all options are created equal, and they depend on your investor profile. Clemenceaugroup, a company that helps entrepreneurs set up their company in Dubai, often reminds us of a stark reality: setting up a company is a potential route, but it's not the only one. it does not guarantee automatic residency. You must comply with all regulations and consult local experts to avoid unpleasant surprises.
The investor visa: the classic route for entrepreneurs
Le investor visa, Often referred to as a partner visa, this is the standard visa obtained when a company is set up in the Freezone or Mainland. It is the usual entry point for the majority of founders.
It is generally valid for 2 or 3 years and is renewable for as long as your business is running. Please note that this residence permit is directly linked to the validity of the company's licence.
A major advantage of this option is that you can sponsor your family. Your spouse and children can obtain their own residence visa under your direct responsibility.
- Step 1: Setting up the company and obtaining the commercial licence.
- Step 2: Application for Establishment Card (company establishment card).
- Step 3: Application for an Entry Permit for investors.
- Step 4: Medical check-up and biometric procedure for Emirates ID.
- Step 5: Affixing the visa to the passport.
The golden visa: for ambitious investors and entrepreneurs
Golden Visa changes the game with a long-term residence, A 5- or 10-year partnership designed to attract talent and capital. It's a privileged status that offers rare stability.
For an entrepreneur, the eligibility conditions are strict You must have a company with capital of at least AED 500,000. The other option is to be approved by an accredited business incubator in the UAE.
There is another way to Golden Visa 10 years: public investment of at least AED 2 million. This can include real estate, a strategy often used to secure Golden Visa.
The main advantage is clear: you benefit from the security of a long-term home without any sponsors.
New visas: green visas and other options
The Green Visa is a new category of 5-year visa that allows holders to sponsor themselves. It is a a break with the traditional sponsorship system.
It remains accessible to investors or partners in a company, provided that justify a substantial investment. The authorities require solid financial evidence to validate this special status.
These new visas demonstrate the Emirates' firm commitment to offering greater flexibility and stability foreign talent.
ACCOMPANIES YOU
+ 500 companies
Already have confidence in us
The practical process: from business start-up to residence visa
Now that you know what the options are, let's take a look at how the process works in practice. Setting up a company and obtaining residency is a signposted route, But every step counts.
The key stages in setting up your company
Let's be clear: everything starts with the creation of the company. The visa is not a due, it is the direct consequence of this first building block. No structure, no residence.
Let's get on with the formalities. You choose your business activity, reserve the company name and prepare the Articles of Association - the famous Memorandum of Association. This is the the legal foundation for your project, Don't neglect it.
Then comes submitting the application to obtain the commercial licence. This document formalises your legal existence in the eyes of the authorities and remains the absolute prerequisite. Consult our complete guide to setting up a business in Dubai to control this phase.
From commercial licence to Emirates ID
Is your licence validated? Perfect. The immigration process starts now. The first priority is to apply for the company establishment card, or Establishment Card. This enables the company to sponsor visas.
You then apply for an entry permit, Entry Permit. It gives you legal authorisation to remain in the country while the procedure is finalised. You must undergo a compulsory medical test and have your biometric data recorded at an approved centre.
It all ends with the issuing the Emirates ID and affixing the visa on your passport. This card is your key to everything: renting a flat, opening an account or taking out a telephone subscription. To find out more, read All you need to know about Emirates ID.
Essential documents and deadlines
The preparation of documents determines the speed of your file. One incomplete application and the whole process goes haywire.
- Copy of passport valid.
- Recent passport photos in the required format.
- Business plan (sometimes required, particularly for certain visas or freezones).
- Company documents (licence, MoA, etc.).
In terms of timing, once the company is up and running, the visa generally takes between 7 and 15 working days. This, of course, presupposes a square file, with no administrative errors and no unforeseen public holidays.
Bear in mind that these deadlines are only indicative. The administration may vary its pace. Anticipation remains your best asset to avoid stress.
Beyond the visa: the implications of residency in the UAE
Getting your visa is just the beginning. To really make the most of your new life in the Emirates, you need to understand what this means on a day-to-day basis, particularly in terms of taxation and family matters.
Residence visa vs. tax residence: a fundamental distinction
Many entrepreneurs fall into the trap of thinking that having a residence visa is enough to automatically be considered a tax resident in the UAE. This can be a costly mistake. Never confuse the right to stay with your obligations under the law.
There's a big difference. A visa is simply your administrative authorisation to enter and live in the country. Tax residence, on the other hand, is a de facto situation that proves where your real home is.. It can't be decreed, it has to be demonstrated to the authorities.
For the tax authorities to consider you as an Emirati resident, you need to prove that the centre of your vital interests is here. In practical terms, this often means spending more than 183 days a year in the country in order to obtain an Certificate of Tax Residence.
Family reunification: bringing your loved ones over
One of the major advantages of structuring your company here is the immediate ability to sponsor your family. You don't leave on your own; your status as an investor or employee of your own structure covers your family and friends.
Generally, you can sponsor your spouse and children without major difficulty. Under current rules, sons can be sponsored up to the age of 25 and daughters without any age limit as long as they are not married. However, income thresholds, often around AED 4,000, apply.
Each member of the family will obtain his or her own visa. validity remains directly linked to the maintenance of that of the main sponsor.
Practical obligations: health insurance and visa maintenance
Your visa comes with its own set of responsibilities that you shouldn't ignore. The top priority is to take out valid health insurance for you and your dependants.
In Dubai and Abu Dhabi, this coverage is strictly mandatory. The authorities systematically block any visa issue or renewal if you do not present the correct insurance. This is a non-negotiable prerequisite that can lead to fines if forgotten.
Another point to bear in mind if you don't want your ticket to be cancelled is that you must enter UAE territory at least once every 180 days. This is the golden rule for keeping your status active, as is having a good Health insurance in Dubai.
Avoid the pitfalls and maximise your chances of success
The classic mistake: believing that residency is automatic
Many people think that opening a business offers them a visa on a silver platter. But this is not the case. Setting up a company is a necessary technical condition, of course, but it also is still not sufficient to obtain residency.
Don't be naive: this visa is never «guaranteed» by default. Your application must be formally approved by the immigration authorities, who will check that your file is fully compliant. A criminal record that is not clean, for example, will result in a immediate refusal.
In short, it's a a potential route of access, not an automatic right. Absolute rigour is the key to success.
Choosing the right business and location: decisions not to be taken lightly
I would warn you: choosing an activity or area solely for its low price is a mistake. dangerous strategy. It's a short-term vision that often ends up costing you a lot of money.
The activity declared on your licence must correspond exactly to what you actually do on a daily basis. A discrepancy can lead to heavy financial penalties and seriously complicate future renewals licence and visa.
Similarly, the choice of freezone is not insignificant. Some freezones are specialised and are much better perceived by banks or partners. Visit 7 mistakes to avoid when setting up a company in the Emirates for avoid the worst.
The importance of support from local experts
Let's stress one point: wanting to do everything on your own to save money is often a mistake. miscalculation. Regulations change quickly and there are far too many local subtleties to ignore without risk.
Call on experts in setting up a company in Dubai, such as Clemenceau Group, allows you to securing the process from A to Z. This will help you avoid costly mistakes and save you precious time when you're ready to launch.
It's a real investing in peace of mind and efficiency your expatriation project.
Get your residence via business creation offers unique stability and an exceptional tax environment in the Emirates. More than just a formality, it's a genuine strategic choice for your future. With careful preparation and the right partners, this opportunity becomes a real opportunity. a decisive springboard for your international development.
Frequently asked questions :
What are the conditions for obtaining residency in Dubai by setting up a business?
For become a resident in this way, The first requirement is that you legally incorporate a company, either in a free zone or in the local territory (Mainland), and obtain a valid business licence. You must be a shareholder in the company. Depending on the type of visa concerned (standard investor visa or Golden Visa), specific investment thresholds may apply, but simply setting up a structure is generally sufficient for a 2 or 3-year renewable visa.
How do I obtain my resident card (Emirates ID)?
Once your company has been registered and the licence issued, you need to apply for an Entry Permit to begin the immigration process. The procedure then requires you to undergo a compulsory medical test (blood test and lung x-ray) and to register your biometric data. Once the visa has been affixed to your passport, your Emirates ID card is printed and issued within a few days.
How do I acquire tax resident status in the Emirates?
Be careful not to confuse the residence visa with the tax residence. The visa gives you the right to live in the Emirates, but to be considered a tax resident and obtain a certificate, you must prove that the centre of your vital interests is in the country. In practical terms, this generally means spending more than 183 days a year in the country or proving that you have a permanent home and major economic interests there.
Is it possible to live in Dubai without working, simply as an investor?
Yes, it's quite possible. When you set up your business, you get a Investor« or »Partner« visa». This status allows you to reside legally in the Emirates without needing an employment contract with a third company. You are autonomous. Note, however, that to keep this visa active, you must enter the Emirates at least once every 180 days (unless you have a Golden Visa).
