🇦🇪 Dubai Investor Visas:
How to Secure UAE Residency by Establishing a Free Zone Company
📅 Published: 1 July 2025
By: The Mobility Brief / Strand Legal
Dubai continues to position itself as a global hub for entrepreneurs, investors, and digital professionals. At Strand Legal, we offer a complete service for clients who wish to secure UAE residency through Free Zone company formation , all from our established base in Dubai.
This route not only provides residency but unlocks significant benefits: tax efficiency, full foreign ownership, and commercial credibility in the region. In this post, we explain how the Dubai Investor Visa works, who it’s suitable for, and how we can help.
Why Consider a Dubai Free Zone?
Dubai’s Free Zones are designated commercial areas offering streamlined business setup, light-touch regulation, and attractive tax conditions. These zones are especially ideal for foreign nationals establishing international operations or securing a residency foothold in the UAE.
✅ 100% Foreign Ownership
✅ 0% Corporate Tax (for qualifying Free Zone income ,guaranteed until at least 2026)
✅ Full repatriation of profits
✅ No import/export duties inside the Free Zone
✅ Remote-friendly licensing options
✅ 2–3 year renewable UAE Residency Visa
Who Is This Route Best For?
The Dubai Investor Visa via company setup is ideal for:
Entrepreneurs launching regional or international operations
Professionals seeking tax-efficient residency or mobility
Consultants, creatives & remote workers needing legal UAE status
Business owners wanting to open UAE bank accounts or diversify operations
You don’t need to live full-time in Dubai , this visa gives you flexible access to residency and mobility benefits. It’s a popular choice for clients balancing international work, global banking needs, or alternative residence planning.
How the Process Works (with Strand Legal)
Choose the Free Zone
We help you select from trusted zones like Meydan, IFZA, DMCC, or Dubai South, depending on your needs, business activity, and residency goals.Company Incorporation
You’ll choose your business activity, provide basic documentation, and we handle the full incorporation process. Set-up typically completes in 3–7 working days.Investor Visa Application
Once your trade licence is issued, we apply for your 2- or 3-year renewable visa.Medical & Emirates ID
We assist with the mandatory health screening and biometric registration.Residency Granted
After processing, you’re legally resident in the UAE ,able to open local bank accounts, sponsor family, lease property, and more.
🛂 Important: Most UAE visas require entry every 6 months, but some Free Zones allow once every 12 months ,we help you choose the right zone to suit your travel plans.
Cost Overview (Typical Range)
Company setup & licence: AED 12,000 – 20,000
Investor visa application: AED 3,500 – 6,000
Medical check & Emirates ID: AED 1,200 – 2,000
Legal assistance & full representation: ~£2,500+
Total estimated cost (first year): £3,200 – £5,000+
(varies depending on Free Zone, visa validity, and support package)
Why Work With Strand Legal?
Strand Legal has offices in London, Istanbul, and Dubai, and we’re uniquely positioned to support international clients with seamless, compliant business migration solutions.
Our team works directly with UAE authorities and Free Zone officials to ensure your application is structured, compliant, and efficient , with no hidden delays or confusion.
We offer:
End-to-end company incorporation
Full visa application & documentation
Local support on banking, licensing & renewals
Expertise in dual-residency structuring for UK citizens
Final Thoughts
The Dubai Investor Visa is one of the fastest and most flexible global residency pathways ,with clear strategic value for entrepreneurs, consultants, and remote professionals.
If you're looking to expand globally, diversify residency options, or simply operate with fewer tax constraints, this route is worth exploring.
📩 Ready to begin?
Strand Legal offers a tailored company formation and visa package.
👉 Contact us now
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