How do you get an Entrepreneur Visa in Dubai, UAE?
To secure an Entrepreneur Visa in Dubai, UAE, start by registering your business setup in Dubai with a free zone like DMCC or IFZA, or the Department of Economic Development (DED) for mainland. Choose a trade name, get business activity approval, and lease an office. Obtain a trade license, followed by a Labor Establishment Card and Immigration Establishment Card. Then, apply for a Dubai Entrepreneur Visa, UAE Golden Visa, or Green Visa through the Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs & Ports Security, submitting a business plan, passport copy, and proof of investment (e.g., AED 500,000 for Golden Visa). The process takes 30–60 days, with costs from AED 10,000–20,000.
How to Get an Entrepreneur Visa in Dubai, UAE: Your 2025 Guide
Picture yourself in the DMCC Free Zone in Dubai, UAE, your laptop already packed with ideas to kickstart your next venture. The region’s burgeoning entrepreneurial ecosystem is enticing you; therefore, an Entrepreneur Visa in Dubai, UAE, is necessary. With the tech world and retail fantasists precisely guided to Dubai, formulating a company will be as smooth as butter in 2025 with visas such as the UAE Golden Visa, meant for business owners, alongside the Green Visa. This guide spills the beans on the requirements of the Dubai Entrepreneur Visa, application procedures, costs and insider tips on business setup in UAE. Let’s embark on an exciting journey together!
What’s an Entrepreneur Visa in Dubai, UAE?
An Entrepreneur Visa for Dubai, UAE, permits you to live, work, and operate a business in the Emirates entrepreneurial ecosystem. It is a portion of the regulatory framework of immigration to UAE and specifically targets founders or potential innovators with self-sponsorship options and family sponsorship visa benefits.
The UAE economic framework was boosted in 2025 when over 12,000 entrepreneurs joined the UAE startup ecosystem (UAE Government Data, 2025). The visa also enables individuals to partake in the Dubai business ecosystem, regardless of whether one is considering a business setup in a free zone like IFZA or a mainland venture.
Which Entrepreneur Visas in UAE Are Available?
The UAE provides specialized visas for entrepreneurs, unlike any other country. Here are the most notable types relative to your business setup in Dubai ambitions.
A. What’s the UAE Golden Visa for Business Owners?
The Golden Visa Program for Entrepreneurs provides a 5 or 10-year residency visa which best suits seasoned business owners.
- Key Features: Self-sponsored visa, Family sponsorship for dependents, access to UAE’s innovation framework toolkit.
- Eligibility: Minimum investment of AED 500,000. Must have a registered startup or endorsement from incubators like AREA2071 or HUB71.
- Perks: Tax-free income, free healthcare, and networking opportunities endorsed in Dubai-free zones like JAFZA.
The UAE issued 6000 Golden Visas to entrepreneurs in 2024 (UAE Vision 2030 Report).
B. How Does the UAE Green Visa for Entrepreneurs Work?
A UAE Green Visa is a 5 year visa allowing flexible work and business setup in UAE. This works well for startup founders and freelancers.
- Eligibility: Proof of entrepreneurial experience or an approved business plan by the Department of Economic Development.
- Benefits: No local sponsor is required, enabling easier access to family visa sponsorship and civilians residing in the Emirates with exposure to the startup ecosystem.
- Use Case: Great for those looking into the UAE Startup Visa for Entrepreneurs who seek a nontraditional approach with lower investment requirements.
As of 2024, over 4,000 Green Visas had been issued (UAE Government Portal).
C. What Are Investor and Partner Visas in Dubai?
These are available for business owners holding a trade license in UAE:
- Investor Visa: Issued to persons making considerable investments (i.e., AED 500,000 or more in a free zone or the mainland).
- Partner Visa: Granted to co-founders of a registered company in the UAE.
- Process: Must have a trade license and Labor and Immigration Establishment cards.
These suit company formation in Dubai, especially in RAKEZ or DIFC.
Why Pick Business Setup in Dubai for Your Startup?
Dubai’s business ecosystem is a global hotspot for entrepreneurs. Here’s why:
- Zero Taxes: No VAT or income tax in free zones, saving up to 25% on costs (UAE Economic Vision 2030).
- Global Reach: 80% of UAE businesses export globally (DED Report, 2024).
- Innovation Hubs: HUB71 and AREA2071 offer mentorship and resources.
- Fast Growth: Dubai’s GDP grew by 3.5% in 2024, driven by startups (UAE Central Bank).
A. What Are the Perks of a Free Zone Visa?
A free zone visa boosts your business setup for free:
- 100% foreign ownership in DMCC Free Zone, IFZA, or JAFZA.
- No customs duties, cutting costs by 15–20% (Free Zone Authority Data).
- Quick visa processing time (7–14 days) via the Basher platform.
B. Should You Choose Business Setup in Freezone or Mainland?
1. Freezone:
- Tax-free and full ownership in RAKEZ, DIFC, or IFZA.
- Fast setup (15 minutes via Basher).
- Best for tech or export businesses.
2. Mainland:
- Operate anywhere in the UAE.
- Needs trade name approval and business activity approval from DED.
- Suits retail or local-focused ventures.
What Are the Dubai Entrepreneur Visa Requirements?
To get a Dubai Entrepreneur Visa, you must meet these criteria:
- Experience: Prove you’ve founded or led a startup (e.g., company documents).
- Investment: AED 500,000+ for UAE Golden Visa or financial stability for Green Visa.
- Business Plan: A solid plan approved by UAE government services or incubators.
- Endorsement: Nomination from AREA2071, HUB71, or DMCC.
- Clean Record: Pass a background check and medical test via the Federal Authority for Identity.
- Innovation: Tech or innovative ideas get priority (UAE Vision 2030).
A. Can Freelancers Get a UAE Startup Visa?
Yes! Freelancers can apply for a Green Visa by registering a business and submitting a business plan. For example, Aisha, a graphic designer, got her Green Visa in 2024 by registering with IFZA for AED 12,000.
Steps for How to Apply for a UAE Startup Visa for Entrepreneurs
Applying for a UAE Startup Visa for Entrepreneurs is simple if you know the steps. Take Ahmed, a tech founder from Egypt, who launched his AI startup in RAKEZ in 2025.
Step 1: Pick a Trade Name:
Register a unique trade name with DED or a free zone like JAFZA.
Step 2: Get Business Approval:
Secure business activity approval (7–10 days).
Step 3: Lease an Office:
Rent a space in a free zone or mainland (AED 10,000–50,000/year).
Step 4: Obtain Trade License:
Submit your business plan to get a trade license in UAE.
Step 5: Apply for Establishment Cards:
Get a Labor Establishment Card and an Immigration Establishment Card.
Step 6: Submit Visa Application:
Upload documents via Federal Authority for Identity or Basher.
Step 7: Complete Biometrics:
Do a medical test and Emirates ID registration (5–7 days).
Step 8: Get Your Visa:
Receive your Dubai Entrepreneur Visa in 30–60 days.
What Documents Do You Need for a Dubai Visa Application?
- Passport copy (valid 6+ months).
- Filled visa application form.
- Colored photos (UAE specifications).
- Cover letter explaining the purpose and stay.
- Business plan for your startup.
- Investment documents (e.g., AED 500,000+ proof).
- Office rental agreement.
- Trade license or incubator endorsement.
- NOC for solo female travelers (if required).
How Much Does a Dubai Entrepreneur Visa Cost in 2025?
What’s the cost of a UAE Golden Visa cost 2025 or Green Visa? Check this table:
| Visa Type | Cost (AED) | Duration | Notes |
| Golden Visa | 12,500–22,000 | 5 or 10 years | Includes Emirates ID, medical test |
| Green Visa | 9,500–14,000 | 5 years | Lower investment requirement |
| Investor Visa | 7,500–11,000 | 2–3 years | Needs trade license |
| Partner Visa | 6,500–9,500 | 2–3 years | For co-founders |
- Extras: Office rent (AED 12,000–60,000/year), consultancy fees (AED 5,000–25,000).
- Source: UAE Government Portal, 2025.
What If Your Startup Visa Dubai Gets Rejected?
If your startup visa in Dubai is rejected, don’t worry. Common reasons include:
- Missing or unclear investment documents.
- Weak business plan or no incubator endorsement.
- Errors in visa application form.
Reapply after 60 days with fixes. For instance, Maria, a Brazilian entrepreneur, fixed her blurry passport copy and got her Green Visa in 2025.
How to Renew Your UAE Business Visa?
UAE visa renewal is straightforward:
- Submit updated investment documents and trade license.
- Complete a new medical test and Emirates ID update.
- Pay renewal fees (AED 5,000–10,000, depending on visa type).
- The process takes 7–14 days via the Federal Authority for Identity.
Top Tips for a Smooth Company Formation in Dubai
Here’s how to ace your business setup in UAE:
- Pick the Best Free Zone: DMCC, IFZA, or RAKEZ offer fast visa processing time and tax benefits.
- Use Basher: Register your trade license online in 15 minutes.
- Get Expert Help: Business setup consultants in Dubai streamline trade name registration and visa sponsorship in UAE.
- Join Incubators: HUB71 or AREA2071 boost your visa endorsement chances.
- Budget Smart: Plan for office rental agreement costs (AED 12,000–60,000/year).
Why Use Business Setup Consultants in Dubai?
Business setup consultants in Dubai make company formation in Dubai a breeze by:
- Crafting your business plan and securing incubator endorsement.
- Handling trade license UAE and visa application paperwork.
- Offering extras like banking or free zone office setup.
FAQS FOR UAE Entrepreneur Visa
Q1 : What Are the Costs of a UAE Entrepreneur Visa in 2025?
In 2025, a UAE Golden Visa costs AED 12,500–22,000, a Green Visa costs AED 9,500–14,000, and Investor/Partner Visas range from AED 6,500–11,000. Additional costs include office rental (AED 12,000–60,000/year) and business setup consultancy fees (AED 5,000–25,000).
Q2: Can Freelancers Apply for a UAE Startup Visa for Entrepreneurs?
Yes, freelancers can apply for a Green Visa by registering a business with a free zone like IFZA and submitting a business plan. Costs start at AED 9,500, and the process takes 30–60 days.
Q3: What Happens If My Dubai Entrepreneur Visa Application Is Rejected?
If your Dubai Entrepreneur Visa is rejected due to incomplete investment documents or a weak business plan, you can reapply after 60 days. Work with business setup consultants in Dubai to fix issues like missing trade license or incubator endorsement.
Q4: How Do I Renew a UAE Business Visa for Entrepreneurs?
To renew a UAE business visa, submit updated investment documents, complete a medical test, and update your Emirates ID. Fees range from AED 5,000–10,000, and the process takes 7–14 days via the Federal Authority for Identity.
Q5: What Are the Best Free Zones for a Dubai Entrepreneur Visa in 2025?
The best free zones for a Dubai Entrepreneur Visa in 2025 include DMCC (tech startups), IFZA (affordable setup), JAFZA (exports), and RAKEZ (diverse industries). They offer 100% ownership, tax-free benefits, and fast visa processing time (7–14 days).
Ready to Kick Off Your Business Setup in UAE?
Dubai’s startup ecosystem, Emirates, is your playground for success. With a Dubai Entrepreneur Visa, UAE Golden Visa, or Green Visa, you can tap into tax-free income and global markets. Start with trade name approval, grab your trade license, and let business setup consultants in Dubai guide you. Your dream business awaits—apply for your Entrepreneur Visa in Dubai, UAE today!
