Dubai Business Visa: Price, Requirements, Validity, and How to Apply
Dubai Business Visa. Dreaming of expanding your business to Dubai in 2025? The Dubai Business Visa is your gateway to the UAE’s booming economy, global connections, and tax-free advantages. Whether you’re an entrepreneur, investor, or company owner, this visa allows you to live, work, and grow your enterprise legally in the UAE. In this complete guide,, will explain everything you need to know from the Dubai business visa price, requirements, and benefits, to the application process, validity, and duration. I’ll also cover step-by-step details for applicants from India, Pakistan, and Bangladesh so you can start your UAE business journey smoothly and confidently.
What is a Dubai/UAE Business Visa?
A business (or investor) visa lets foreign entrepreneurs, investors, partners, and freelancers enter, live and carry out business activities in the UAE. Options include short-term visit visas for market exploration, residence visas (2–3–5–10 years) tied to company ownership or investment, and special tracks like Green Visa (5-year) and Golden Visa (5 or 10-year) for investors/entrepreneurs. Key services run through ICP (Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs & Port Security) and GDRFA-Dubai.
Dubai Business Visa Types (2025)
1) Visit Visa to Explore Business Opportunities (Short-Term)
Ideal for meetings, events, due diligence, or scouting. Available as single or multi-entry visit visas. Dubai offers a specific visit visa to explore business opportunities (no local sponsor required), plus 30/60/90-day tourist/visit variants.
Best for: First trip, partner meetings, free zone tours, market research
Typical validity: 30–90 days (varies by visa)
Where to apply: GDRFA Dubai / authorized centers or online portals.
2) Residence Visa (1–2–3 years): Mainland or Free Zone Company
If you own or co-own a UAE company (mainland or free zone), you can obtain a residence visa (often 2–3 years, depending on authority). This requires a trade license, establishment card, medical fitness, Emirates ID and insurance. Visa stamping is now linked to Emirates ID.
Who it suits: Founders, co-founders, business partners, shareholders
Also called: Partner/Investor visa (company-linked)
3) Property Investor Residence Visa (2–3 Years, AED 750,000 route)
Real estate investors in Dubai can secure a 2-year renewable residence visa if they own property worth AED 750,000+ (conditions apply). This is not the Golden Visa it’s a standard investor/owner residence track administered through Dubai Land Department (DLD).
Key facts:
- Minimum property value: AED 750,000 (at purchase; additional mortgage conditions apply).
- Typical validity: 2 years, renewable.
Note: Many private sites mention “3-year” wordings, but the authoritative DLD service page confirms the two-year (renewable) investor residence for AED 750,000+ property (Taskeen). Always cross-check with DLD.
4) Green Visa (Self-Sponsored, 5 Years)
The Green Residency (5 years) applies to talent, freelancers, and investors/partners in commercial activities, offering self-sponsorship and family benefits. It is renewable.
5) Golden Visa (5 or 10 Years)
The UAE’s Golden Visa grants long-term residency (5 or 10 years) to categories like investors and entrepreneurs. Real-estate investors typically qualify at AED 2 million aggregate property value (mortgaged property allowed subject to bank/valuation rules), while other investor/entrepreneur tracks exist via official criteria.
Beware of viral claims (e.g., “AED 100,000 = lifetime Golden Visa”). UAE authorities have denied such flat-fee lifetime offers—eligibility remains rules-based.
Benefits of a Dubai Business/Investor Visa
- Live, work, and operate within the UAE’s pro-business environment
- 0% personal income tax; streamlined company setup; corporate tax rules with free-zone incentives (qualifying income)
- Strategic location with global air connectivity
- Banking access (personal & corporate), UAE number and Emirates ID
- Family sponsorship options (spouse/children; parents under specific conditions)
- Long-term stability via 5–10 year tracks (Green/Golden) for eligible applicants
Dubai Business Visa Price (2025): Clear Breakdown
Note: Fees vary by visa type, inside/outside UAE processing, duration, and emirate. Government fees change periodically; always verify on ICP/GDRFA/DLD portals at the time of applying..
A) Short-Term / Exploratory (Visit/Business Opportunity)
Application & issuance typically in the hundreds of dirhams. Example fee references for multi-entry tourist visas show application ~AED 100, issuance ~AED 500 plus refundable deposits where applicable (illustrative; not all visit visas require deposits).
Indicative range: AED 400 – AED 1,200+ depending on visa type/duration. (Use as planning guidance; check the exact service page you’re applying under.)
B) Company-Linked Residence Visa (1–2–3 years)
Core costs include entry permit, status change (if inside UAE), medical fitness, Emirates ID, visa issuance/stamping, typing/admin. Expect a few thousand dirhams in government fees, plus your business license and office/desk costs (mainland/free zone). Official portals list the steps; exact totals depend on the setup.
C) Property Investor Residence (2 years via DLD, AED 750,000+)
DLD confirms eligibility and handles processing. Expect visa issuance + medical + Emirates ID + service charges. DLD-linked service centers publish public two-year investor visa costs; use those as orientation and verify at time of submission.
D) Green Visa (5 years) & Golden Visa (5/10 years)
- Golden Visa investor (property): AED 2 million+ in real estate (aggregate), with bank/valuation conditions as per rules; fees vary by emirate and category.
- Green Visa: 5-year self-sponsored track for investors/partners; fees vary.
Validity & Duration
- Visit/exploratory visas: usually 30–90 days (some multi-entry options run longer; check your chosen service).
- Company/partner/investor residence visas: commonly 2–3 years (authority-dependent; renewable if conditions met).
- Green Visa: 5 years, renewable.
- Golden Visa: 5 or 10 years, renewable if criteria continue to be met.
Processing Time: How Long Does It Take?
Processing varies by visa type, background checks, medical, and completeness. For planning, many applicants complete entry permits and residence issuance within a few days to a few weeks once documents are correct. Always allow buffer time for attestations and additional verifications where needed. (Timelines are not guaranteed and can change.)
Dubai Business Visa Requirements (2025)
Core Documents (most cases)
- Valid passport (6+ months)
- Passport photo (white background)
- Purpose proof (business plan, invitation, meeting proof, or company docs)
- Accommodation proof (hotel booking/tenancy/EJARI) where applicable
- Entry permit/previous visa copy (if applying in-country)
- Completed e-application via ICP Smart Services or GDRFA portals
Company-Linked Residence (Mainland or Free Zone)
- Trade license, Memorandum of Association (MoA), share certificate
- Establishment card
- Office/desk lease (some free zones allow flexi-desk/virtual)
- Medical fitness and health insurance (mandatory for residence)
Property Investor Visa (2-Year, AED 750,000+)
- Title deed proving AED 750,000+ value (mortgage conditions apply)
- Bank NOC if mortgaged; minimum paid-up portion as per DLD rules
- Spouse sharing allowed with certified marriage certificate (for joint ownership)
- Medical fitness + Emirates ID after entry permit
Green Visa (5-Year, Self-Sponsored)
- Category-specific documents for investors/partners/freelancers; proof per ICP criteria (e.g., commercial activity, permits, contracts, financials).
Golden Visa (5/10-Year)
- For investors/entrepreneurs, documents depend on the chosen track:
- Investment proof (e.g., real estate AED 2,000,000+, or investment fund/bank deposit letter)
- Approvals from competent authorities where required
- Insurance, Emirates ID, medical during issuance.
How to Apply for a Dubai Business Visa (Step-by-Step)
- Choose the Right Visa Type
Decide: visit/exploration, company-linked residence, property investor (AED 750k+), Green (5-year), or Golden (5/10-year). - Gather the Required Documents
Use the checklists above; add attested translations for foreign civil documents when needed. - Apply Online
Submit via ICP Smart Services for federal services or GDRFA-Dubai for Dubai-specific entry/residence services. - Get Entry Permit (if applying from outside the UAE)
Once approved, enter the UAE within the permit validity. - Medical Fitness & Biometrics
Complete medical test and Emirates ID biometrics at approved centers (required for residence). - Visa Issuance (Residence)
Upon approval + valid insurance, your residence is issued (linked to your Emirates ID).
Dubai Business Visa for Indian, Pakistani & Bangladeshi Citizens
Good news: Nationality is not a barrier; the UAE looks at eligibility and documents. You’ll follow the same process with country-specific checks (attestation, background, financial proofs).
From India
- Visit/Business exploration via GDRFA services; residence via company setup, property investor (AED 750k+), Green/Golden if eligible.
- Ignore viral “pay INR 23 lakh for lifetime visa” claims no such flat-fee lifetime scheme exists, per UAE authorities.
From Pakistan & Bangladesh
- Same pathways apply: company ownership, investor/partner, property investor 2-year (AED 750k+), Green/Golden when qualified.
- Ensure bank statements, proof of funds, attested civil docs, and clear background.
Tip: If you only need to explore first, use the visit visa to explore business opportunities (no local sponsor). When ready, proceed to company setup or investment for residence.
How Much is a Dubai Business Visa Really?
- Short visit to explore business: plan ~AED 400–1,200+ depending on exact visa & duration.
- Company-linked residence (2–3 years): a few thousand dirhams in government fees (entry/status change, medical, Emirates ID, visa issuance) plus your license & office costs.
- Property investor residence (2 years): tied to AED 750,000+ property; total fees depend on DLD + standard residence issuance (medical/ID).
- Golden Visa (5/10 years): eligibility-based; property route requires AED 2,000,000+ aggregate value; fees vary by category/emirate.
For budgeting: also account for health insurance, document translation/attestation, EJARI (tenancy), and typing/admin.
Special Cases & Popular Questions
“Investor visa Dubai 750,000” — What does it mean?
This refers to the property investor residence (not Golden Visa). With AED 750,000+ property value, Dubai Land Department allows a two-year renewable residence for the owner (and can sponsor family within rules). It’s not the 10-year Golden Visa.
“2-year investor visa Dubai” vs “3-year investor visa Dubai”
Wording differs across authorities and service providers. The DLD (Taskeen) property route states 2-year residency for AED 750,000+ property. Company-linked partner visas can be 2–3 years depending on jurisdiction. Always verify your exact authority’s validity.
“UAE business visa requirements (2025)”
Requirements depend on visa type. For Green (investor/partner) and Golden Visa, refer to ICP and u.ae official pages for updated lists and investment proofs.
Documents
All Applicants
- Passport (6+ months validity)
- White-background photo
- Proof of purpose (invitation, meetings, plan)
- Accommodation (hotel/EJARI)
- Travel insurance (if required for visit)
- Completed e-form (ICP/GDRFA)
Residence (Company/Partner)
- Trade license, MoA, share certificate
- Establishment card (immigration)
- Office/desk lease (free zone/mainland)
- Medical fitness + Emirates ID + health insurance
Property Investor (2-Year, AED 750,000+)
- Title deed (AED 750k+)
- Bank NOC if mortgaged (50% paid or AED 750k paid condition, per DLD)
- Marriage certificate (attested) for joint ownership
- Medical fitness + Emirates ID + insurance
Green/Golden Visa
- Category documents (investment fund/bank letter, property portfolio, entrepreneur/incubator approvals, etc.) as listed on the official portals.
Step-by-Step: Apply for a Dubai Business Visa Online
- Create an account on ICP Smart Services (federal) or visit GDRFA-Dubai portal for Dubai services.
- Select the service (e.g., visit to explore business opportunities; investor/partner residence; Golden/Green residency).
- Upload documents and pay fees (card/online).
- Receive entry permit (if applying from abroad); enter UAE within validity.
- Do medical + biometrics, then insurance.
- Receive residence issuance (linked to Emirates ID).
Dubai Business Visa Benefits (Quick List)
- Zero personal income tax
- Global mobility and stable banking
- Family sponsorship (rules apply)
- Long-term residency tracks (5–10 years) for eligible investors
- Vibrant startup & free zone ecosystem with simplified compliance
Sponsored vs Self-Sponsored (Quick Comparison)
| Feature | Sponsored Visa | Self-Sponsored (Green/Golden) |
|---|---|---|
| Who sponsors | Employer or your own company | You (meeting set criteria) |
| Control | Linked to sponsor | Higher independence |
| Validity | Usually 1–2 years | 5–10 years |
| Family sponsorship | Usually yes | Yes |
| Flexibility | Good, but tied to sponsor | Highest flexibility |
Free Zone vs Mainland: Which Setup Helps the Visa?
- Free Zone:
- Simple packages, quick processing, 100% ownership
- Ideal for consulting, e-commerce, media, services
- Can sponsor residence visas; some allow virtual office
- Mainland:
- Wider activity list, onshore trading with UAE market
- 100% ownership available for most activities
- Requires lease and sometimes more compliance
Either setup can support investor/partner or employment visas. Choose based on customers, activities, and budget.
Tips
- Start with exploration: If you’re undecided, use the visit visa to explore business opportunities meet free zones, banks, and potential partners.
- Choose the right structure: Free zones offer 100% ownership and simplified licensing for many activities; mainland suits on-shore contracting and government tenders.
- Budget smartly: Include medical/ID/insurance, attestations, EJARI, and typing in your plan not just the “visa” line item.
- Property vs. Golden: AED 750k property → 2-year residence; AED 2m+ property (aggregate) → Golden Visa eligibility (5/10 years) if other conditions met.
- Verify everything on official portals: ICP, GDRFA-Dubai, u.ae, DLD—rules change; rely on official pages.
FAQs
How much is a Dubai business visa in 2025?
It depends on type and duration. Exploratory visit visas are generally hundreds of dirhams; residence visas (company/property) run a few thousand dirhams in government fees plus setup/insurance costs. Golden/Green fees vary by category and emirate. Always check the ICP/GDRFA/DLD service page you are using.
Is the AED 750,000 route a Golden Visa?
No. AED 750,000 property value is for the 2-year property investor residence under DLD (Taskeen), not Golden Visa. The Golden Visa (property) requires AED 2,000,000+ aggregate value under current rules.
What is the validity of a Dubai business visa?
- Visit/exploration: typically 30–90 days
- Property/partner/company residence: 2–3 years
- Green Visa: 5 years
- Golden Visa: 5 or 10 years (renewable if criteria met)
How long does processing take?
From a few days to a few weeks, depending on type, background checks, and completeness. Add time for document attestation/translation if needed.
Can Indians, Pakistanis, or Bangladeshis apply?
Yes. Eligibility is rules-based, not nationality-based. Follow the same steps, ensure strong documentation, financial proofs, and attested civil records. Ignore viral “shortcut”/“lump-sum payment” schemes not recognized by UAE authorities.
Where do I apply?
Use ICP Smart Services (federal) and GDRFA-Dubai for Dubai services. For property investor 2-year residence, refer to DLD (Taskeen)..
Conclusion
If you’re serious about building in the UAE, a Dubai business visa gives you legal access, residency stability, and tax advantages. Choose a path visit for exploration, investor/partner for ownership, Green for independence, or Golden for long-term stability. Keep documents clean, meet health/insurance rules, and pick the right setup (free zone or mainland).
