Thanks to its tax-free environment, the UAE attracts investors and entrepreneurs from around the globe. The Government has introduced a business opportunities visa for exploring investment opportunities within the Emirate. With a Dubai business visa, potential investors can enter the Emirates without a local sponsor.
From meeting investors to considering business prospects, this visa is a game changer for all entrepreneurs. Read on to find out more about its eligibility, application process and visa fee.
- Understanding Business Opportunity Visa
- Eligibility Criteria
- Required Documents
- How to Apply for Business Opportunity Visa
- Visa Fee
- How to Track Application Status
- FAQs
Understanding Business Opportunity Visa
Are you an investor seeking investment opportunities or a business owner looking to expand your operations in the Emirates? The UAE has introduced a business opportunities visa that permits entry into the UAE without a local sponsor. This visa was introduced to encourage investments in the Emirates by attracting investors and business owners.
A Dubai business visa is a single-entry visit visa that permits entry for a maximum of 120 days. Investors can meet clients, explore opportunities and study the local market during this period.
Visa Validity
Applicants can apply for a business opportunities visa for flexible durations such as:
- 60 days single-entry visa
- 90 days single-entry visa
- 120 days single-entry visa
Eligibility Criteria
Before moving on to the process, applicants must fulfil the eligibility criteria. Here is all you need to know about eligibility for a business opportunities visa:
- Have professional qualifications in the field you want to explore investment opportunities.
- Hold a passport valid for at least six months.
- Covered by health insurance recognised in the UAE.
- Have return flight tickets.
Required Documents
To save time, it is important to gather the required documents. Please note that some of the documents mentioned are optional. Let’s go through the list of required documents:
- Copy of valid passport.
- A coloured photograph.
- Professional qualification certificate (attested).
- Copy of return flight ticket.
- Place of residence (rent contract or hotel reservation).
- Certified account statement.
- Valid health insurance.
How to Apply for Business Opportunity Visa
Are you ready to apply for a Dubai business visa? If you meet the eligibility criteria, you can apply for a visa through the GDRFA or ICP website or service centres. Visa processing can take up to two working days. Let’s discuss these processes, one by one:
Online Application
Skip the hassle of in-person visa applications and use the GDRFA or ICP portal. Let’s go through these processes:
1. Through the GDRFA Website or Smart Application
- Go to the GDRFA official website or download the DubaiNow smart application (Play Store | App Store).
- Register and log in to the smart services system using UAE Pass or registered username and password.
- Search the Dubai business opportunities visa service.
- Fill out the application form and attach the required documents.
- Pay the service fee.
2. Through the ICP Smart Services Website or UAEICP Mobile Application
- Go to the ICP smart services website or mobile application (Play Store | App Store).
- Log in to the ICP portal.
- Choose from an investment opportunities visa (single-entry) for 60, 90 or 120 days.
- Click on ‘Start Service’.
- Fill out the application form.
- Attach the required documents.
- Pay the visa fee.
Offline Application
Applicants can also apply at the ICP and GDRFA service centres. For offline visa applications, follow these steps:
- Go to the nearest customer happiness centre, typing centre or Amer centre.
- Get an automated queue ticket.
- Once your number is called, go to the customer service counter.
- Fill out the application form, attach the required documents and submit the form.
- Pay the service fee.
Visa Fee
Service fee varies depending on visa duration and covers the following costs:
| Breakdown | 60-Day Visa Fee | 90-Day Visa Fee | 120-Day Visa Fee |
| Request | AED 100 | AED 100 | AED 100 |
| Issuance | AED 200 | AED 300 | AED 400 |
| Security Deposit | AED 1,025 | AED 1,025 | AED 1,025 |
| E-Service | AED 28 | AED 28 | AED 28 |
| ICP Fee | AED 22 | AED 22 | AED 22 |
| Smart Services | AED 100 | AED 100 | AED 100 |
| Visa Insurance | AED 80 | AED 100 | AED 100 |
| Total | AED 1,555 | AED 1,675 | AED 1,795 |
How to Track Application Status
Want to track your visa application status? Use the ICP website to check if your visa has been accepted, rejected or in progress. Follow these steps to track the status:
- Go to the ICP official website.
- Under ‘Public Services,’ click ‘Exploring Business Opportunities.’
- Navigate to the visa type you have applied for and click ‘Application Tracking’.
- Enter your email and request number.
- Click ‘Search’ to view visa status.
FAQs
The total cost of a Dubai business opportunity visa starts from AED 1,555 for 60 days.
No, the Dubai government does not permit business establishments without a sponsor. Business owners must have a local sponsor to start a business in Dubai.
No, you cannot get a UAE work visa without a job offer. An accepted employment offer is mandatory for a work visa entry permit application.
Follow the steps discussed and navigate the visa process with confidence. With a Dubai business visa, you can explore investment opportunities, meet potential investors and find your next rewarding investment.
Remote workers can apply for a remote work visa in Dubai and enjoy the perks of living here. You can also get an investment visa in Dubai by investing in companies or real estate in the emirate.
