You can get a UAE residence visa through your own company as its investor or partner, and then sponsor your family and staff. The process is an entry permit (or change of status if you are already in the UAE), a medical test, Emirates ID biometrics and then the residency itself.
Key facts
- Owners get an investor visa (sole owner) or a partner visa (more than one owner).
- On the mainland, one investor or partner visa can be issued at setup.
- Free zone visa numbers depend on your package.
- Family members can be sponsored once your residency is issued.
Which visa types are available through a company?
- Investor visa: for the sole owner of a UAE company.
- Partner visa: for shareholders in a company with more than one owner.
- Employee visa: for staff hired by your company.
- Family visa: for your spouse, children and, in some cases, parents.
- Golden visa: a 10-year residency for eligible people, for example owners of property worth AED 2 million or more, subject to the authority’s approval.
What are the steps?
- Entry permit or change of status. If you are outside the UAE, an entry permit is issued to your company file. If you are already in the UAE, a change of status avoids leaving the country.
- Medical test. Needed for applicants aged 18 and over.
- Emirates ID. Fingerprints and photo at a biometrics appointment.
- Residency issued. Your residency is issued digitally and linked to your Emirates ID.
How many visas can my company get?
On the mainland, one investor or partner visa can be issued at setup. More partner visas may be possible after approval from immigration (GDRFA). Your total visa quota grows with your office size, and staff join on employee visas.
In a free zone, the number of visas is set by the package you buy. You can usually add visa allocations as you grow, at extra cost.
What documents do I need?
- Passport valid for at least 6 months.
- Recent passport-size photo with a white background.
- Your current UAE visa, if you are inside the country.
- Company documents, which your setup consultant prepares.
- For family: attested marriage certificate and attested birth certificates for children.
How much does a company visa cost?
For a Dubai mainland company, typical government fees are about AED 2,813 for an investor or partner visa from outside the UAE, plus about AED 675 for a change of status inside the UAE. An employee visa is about AED 4,844. A family visa is about AED 6,706 per member aged 18 and over, including a refundable deposit. Free zone visa costs depend on the zone. See your own figures in our cost calculator.
Is approval guaranteed?
No. Every visa is approved at the discretion of the UAE authorities. Preparing your file correctly reduces the risk of delays or rejection. Learn more on our residency page.
Frequently asked questions
Can I apply while I am outside the UAE?
Yes. An entry permit lets you enter the UAE, and you complete the medical test and Emirates ID after you arrive.
Who needs a medical test?
Applicants aged 18 and over. Children under 18 do not need the medical test for a family visa.
Can I sponsor my parents?
Often yes, subject to the authority’s conditions on income and accommodation.
How long is a company residency valid?
Validity depends on the visa type and authority rules. Golden visas are valid for 10 years.
Ready to move? Book a free consultation or estimate your visa costs in the cost calculator.
General information as of October 2026. Not legal advice. Fees, eligibility and rules are set by the authorities and can change.
