If you’re an entrepreneur or freelancer looking to live and work in the UAE, setting up a company is one of the easiest ways to get a UAE residency visa. In 2025, the UAE continues to attract global talent and business owners by offering tax-free zones, full foreign ownership, and easy visa options.
This article explains how company formation in the UAE can help you and your family get a residency visa, step by step.
What Is a UAE Residency Visa?
A UAE residency visa allows you to live, work, open a bank account, rent property, and travel freely in and out of the Emirates. It’s usually issued for 2 years and can be renewed indefinitely, as long as you maintain your company or employment status.
Can Business Owners Get Residency in the UAE?
Yes! By starting your own company, especially in a UAE Free Zone or Mainland, you can sponsor:
- Yourself as the investor or owner
- Your spouse and children
- Employees, if needed
This makes the business setup in UAE not just a financial strategy, but a residency pathway.
Step-by-Step: How to Get UAE Residency via Company Setup
Step 1: Choose a Business Jurisdiction
Decide whether to register your company in:
- Dubai Mainland (more access, but costlier)
- Free Zone (tax-free, 100% ownership)
- Offshore (no visa option – avoid if you want residency)
Top Free Zones for residency-based setup:
- IFZA Dubai
- RAKEZ
- SHAMS
- Ajman Free Zone
Step 2: Company Registration in Dubai or Other Emirate
Apply for a business license with your chosen Free Zone. You’ll need:
- Passport copy
- Passport-size photo
- Business activity selection
Some Free Zones allow 100% online registration, making the process faster.
Step 3: Get Your Establishment Card & Immigration File
Once your company is registered, you’ll receive:
- Trade License
- Establishment Card (required for visa sponsorship)
This allows you to sponsor yourself or employees under your company.
Step 4: Apply for Entry Permit (Investor Visa)
The Free Zone will issue an Entry Permit valid for 60 days. You can enter the UAE on this visa or adjust status if you’re already inside the country.
Step 5: Complete Medical, Emirates ID & Visa Stamping
You must:
- Take a medical fitness test
- Apply for Emirates ID
- Get visa stamped in your passport
Once done, you are officially a UAE resident!
Can You Sponsor Your Family?
Yes. After your visa is issued, you can sponsor your spouse, kids, and even parents (subject to income proof). You’ll need:
- Marriage/birth certificates (attested)
- Tenancy contract (Ejari)
- Proof of income
How Much Does It Cost to Get a UAE Residency Visa Through Company Formation?
Here’s a general breakdown for a 2-year package (2025 prices):
| Service | Estimated Cost (AED) |
| Business License (Free Zone) | 12,000–15,000 |
| Investor Visa | 3,500–4,500 |
| Medical & Emirates ID | 1,200–1,500 |
| Total | 17,000–21,000 AED |
Note: This cost may be lower for zero visa packages and higher in Dubai mainland.
Key Benefits of UAE Residency via Business Setup
- Tax-free income
- Own 100% of your company
- Sponsor family members
- Open multi-currency bank accounts
- Easy international travel
- No personal income tax
- Pathway to UAE Golden Visa (after long-term success)
Pro Tips
- Choose a Free Zone that suits your business activity and visa goals
- If you’re not living in the UAE full-time, renew your visa before expiry and visit every 6 months to keep it valid
- For remote setup, choose zones that support e-signatures and digital paperwork
Ready to Become a UAE Resident?
At E-Startup.ae, we help entrepreneurs and digital nomads from India, the USA, and beyond to launch a tax-free business and get UAE residency in 7–10 days.
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