Entrepreneur Visa Dubai: A Step-by-Step Guide for Meydan Free Zone Founders
September 24, 2025
September 24, 2025
Topic Summary
1. Understanding the Entrepreneur Visa Eligibility
The Entrepreneur Visa in Dubai is designed specifically for individuals who intend to establish or invest in a business within the UAE. Meydan Free Zone offers this visa primarily to startup founders, foreign entrepreneurs launching companies, freelancers, and solo professionals. Eligibility requires the submission of a credible business plan and proof of financial investment.
2. Company Registration with Meydan Free Zone
The initial step involves registering your business with the Meydan Free Zone Authority. This process includes submitting necessary documentation, such as passport copies, business plans, and financial statements. Meydan Free Zone simplifies company formation by providing tailored packages suitable for startups and entrepreneurs.
3. Application for the Entrepreneur Visa
Once the company registration is complete, founders can submit their entrepreneur visa application through Meydan Free Zone’s online portal. The application requires supporting documents, including the trade licence, tenancy contract (if applicable), and personal identification proofs. Processing times generally vary from two to four weeks.
4. Medical Testing and Emirates ID Registration
Upon receiving initial visa approval, entrepreneurs must undergo mandatory medical fitness testing and apply for their Emirates ID. These steps are compulsory for UAE residency and typically involve attending designated health centres and the Federal Authority for Identity and Citizenship for biometric data submission.
5. Visa Issuance and Residency Benefits
Following successful completion of all formalities, the entrepreneur visa is issued, granting residency status within the UAE. This visa facilitates multiple benefits, including the ability to open corporate bank accounts, sponsor family members, and access the extensive business support services available within Meydan Free Zone and across Dubai. The visa is usually valid for one to three years, with options for renewal based on continued business activity.
Dubai has become a leading destination for global entrepreneurs thanks to its pro-business laws, access to international markets, and zero personal income tax.
If you're planning to start or scale a business through Meydan Free Zone, applying for the entrepreneur visa Dubai gives you legal residency, access to banking, and eligibility to sponsor dependents.
This highly detailed guide explains who is eligible, how to apply, and what to expect when securing your UAE residence through Meydan Free Zone’s investor visa pathway.
Understanding the Entrepreneur Visa in Dubai
An entrepreneur visa in Dubai is a type of UAE residence visa issued to individuals who start a business or invest in a company.
While Dubai offers several residency visa types, Meydan Free Zone facilitates the investor visa for founders and business owners.
This visa is ideal for:
- Startup founders in Dubai
- Foreign entrepreneurs launching a UAE business
- Freelancers and solopreneurs seeking residency through company formation
- Long-term residents transitioning from employment to entrepreneurship
The Difference Between an Entrepreneur and a Golden Visa
While the Golden Visa offers 5 to 10 years of residency for investors and exceptional talents, the entrepreneur visa is a shorter-term residency granted to those who register a company in the UAE.
The entrepreneur visa is commonly valid for 2 years and is linked to the business license you hold in a free zone such as Meydan Free Zone.
Eligibility Criteria for Entrepreneur Visa via Meydan Free Zone
To apply for an entrepreneur or investor visa through Meydan Free Zone, you must meet the following requirements:
- Hold a valid business license issued by Meydan Free Zone, as owner or shareholder
- Be at least 18 years of age
- Pass a medical fitness test at an approved UAE medical centre
- Hold a valid UAE entry permit (if applying from outside the country)
- Provide biometric data and complete the Emirates ID registration process
- Maintain a valid UAE address (physical or flexi-desk through Meydan Free Zone qualifies)
Meydan Free Zone supports you throughout the entire process — from business setup to visa issuance, Emirates ID processing, and renewals. The process is fully digital and managed via your dedicated account portal.
Entrepreneur Visa Application Process in Dubai
- Register Your Company
Apply for a Meydan Free Zone LLC license and receive your trade license, MOA, and establishment card. - Submit Visa Application
Fill out the application form and submit your passport copy, photo, and Emirates ID (if renewing or changing status). - Entry Permit Issuance
If applying from abroad, you will receive an entry permit valid for 60 days. - Medical Test and Biometric Scan
Complete blood tests, chest X-rays, and fingerprinting at a registered health centre. - Emirates ID and Residency Stamp
Once approved, your Emirates ID will be issued, and your visa will be stamped on your passport.
Key Benefits of the Entrepreneur Visa in Dubai
100% Business Ownership
Set up your company as a fully owned LLC with no need for a local partner or sponsor.
Full UAE Residency Rights
Live, work, and travel in and out of the UAE with a renewable 1–2 year residence visa linked to your business.
Sponsor Family and Employees
Extend residency visas to your spouse, children, and eligible staff members under your sponsorship.
Access to Essential Services
Open personal and corporate bank accounts, lease property, and connect utilities, telecom, and insurance.
Legal Freedom to Operate
Run your business and reside in Dubai without restrictions on profession or trade within your licensed activities.
Potential Path to Long-Term Residency
Eligible entrepreneurs may qualify for 5- or 10-year residency pathways under the UAE Golden Visa schemes, subject to meeting investment and growth criteria.
Support for Entrepreneurs at Meydan Free Zone
Meydan Free Zone is a Qualified Free Zone under the UAE’s corporate tax regime, offering tailored support for entrepreneurs and startup founders. Key services include:
- LLC Formation with 100% Foreign Ownership
Set up your business with full ownership, no local sponsor required, and a license issued in under 60 minutes. - Flexi-Desk and Office Solutions
Choose between flexi-desk packages or upgrade to dedicated office space based on your business needs and visa allocations. - Corporate Tax & VAT Compliance Support
Access simplified registration and guidance to meet Federal Tax Authority (FTA) requirements, including 0% tax on qualifying income. - Entrepreneur Visa Processing
End-to-end support for applying, renewing, or upgrading your UAE residency visa as a business owner or shareholder. - Emirates ID & Medical Coordination
Meydan Free Zone handles your biometric appointments, medical fitness testing, and Emirates ID issuance through a fully guided process. - Business Banking & Customs Code Setup
Get introduced to UAE banking partners and receive assistance with obtaining your customs importer/exporter code for trade activities.
FAQS
1. Who is eligible to apply for the entrepreneur visa through Meydan Free Zone?
Any individual who owns or is a shareholder in a Meydan Free Zone–registered company, is over 18 years old, and meets UAE residency and medical fitness requirements can apply.
2. Is a physical office required to apply for the entrepreneur visa?
No. Meydan Free Zone allows entrepreneurs to use a flexi-desk option to meet the address requirement for visa issuance and renewal.
3. How long is the entrepreneur visa valid?
The standard entrepreneur (or investor) visa issued through Meydan Free Zone is valid for 2 years and is renewable.
4. Can I apply for the entrepreneur visa if I’m outside the UAE?
Yes. If you’re applying from abroad, Meydan Free Zone will issue a UAE entry permit valid for 60 days, during which you must enter the country to complete medical testing and biometrics.
5. Can I sponsor my family and staff under this visa?
Yes. Once your visa is issued, you can sponsor dependents (spouse, children, parents) and employees, provided you meet the minimum salary and accommodation criteria.
6. Does the entrepreneur visa grant me access to UAE banking and leasing services?
Yes. Once your visa and Emirates ID are issued, you can open bank accounts, lease property, apply for utilities, and access healthcare and telecom services.
7. What documents are required for the visa application?
You’ll need a passport copy, photo, business license, Emirates ID (if applicable), UAE entry permit, and proof of address. Meydan Free Zone will guide you through every step.
8. Is the entrepreneur visa a pathway to the UAE Golden Visa?
While not the same, holding an entrepreneur visa can serve as a stepping stone. If your business meets certain growth, revenue, or innovation criteria, you may be eligible to upgrade to a 5- or 10-year Golden Visa.
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