More than 45 free zones across UAE are providing immense business opportunities for traders and entrepreneurs from all around the globe. These free zones have their own advantages (and limitations) that set them apart from businesses in mainland UAE. 100% business ownership for foreigners, complete repatriation of profits, mostly zero tax (at least 23 free zones are exempted from VAT) and their presence in proximity of major seaports and airports are few of several advantages available for foreign traders and investors in these UAE free zones.
Presence of large number of companies and individual businesses open doors for employees and professionals as well in these areas. In order to provide facility to these entrepreneurs, professionals and workers, the government of UAE has allowed these free zones to sponsor residence visa to employees and employers in their respective freezone.
The main authority that provides such visas for free zones in UAE is GDRFA (General Directorate of Residency & Foreign Affairs). There are two different types of UAE freezone resident visas according to the type of functionality in the freezone. These are: free zone residence visa for employees and visa for investors/employers in UAE freezone. Both these types of UAE freezone residence visas are mentioned below with details.
UAE FZ residence visa for employees:
It is the most common type of residence visa in UAE free zones that can be attained after having an employment contract with any of the companies in these areas. These types of visas are usually valid for 3 years as oppose to 2 years of employment visas in UAE mainland.
Another important difference between employee freezone residence visa and such permit in mainland is the interaction with Ministry of Labour (known as Ministry of Human Resource & Emiratisation MOHRE in UAE). Employers in UAE free zones will not deal with MOHRE as they are not allowed to work outside their respective zone. This limits their job opportunities in UAE but also makes the visa process simple and direct.
UAE FZ Employer/Investor Residence Visa:
Those having companies in UAE or want to establish one can apply for employment (as manager, business planner etc.) or investor residence visa. This type of permit is also valid for 3 years. In case of investor visa, no deposit at immigration is required. The holders of both employer and investor visa can apply for dependent’s (spouse, children, housemaid etc.) residence permit. But in case of employment permit, certain conditions (including minimum salary) have to be fulfilled to apply for dependent’s residence visa. Therefore, most of company owners apply for investor visa.
Like other types of visas in Dubai and UAE, this type of visa has its own conditions. Following are important requirements for getting UAE free zone residence visa.
- It is necessary for applicants to remain in the country during visa application process (it may take up to 15 days)
- Availability of original valid passport
- Necessary medical test from UAE Immigration Department
- Attested educational certificates (for higher professional categories)
These are main points that you need to understand before applying for free zone residence visa in UAE. The better option is to leave this procedure to a qualified firm that would complete the whole process conveniently in minimum possible time. For all types of visa services in Dubai and UAE, we at Riz & Mona Consultancy can make this task easier for you in affordable rates.
