Types of Visas in the UAE: A Guide for Expats, Investors & Entrepreneurs
August 11, 2025
November 14, 2025
August 11, 2025
November 14, 2025
Topic Summary
1. Employment Visa
Designed for professionals entering the UAE workforce, this visa enables expatriates to legally reside and work in the country. Typically sponsored by an employer, the employment visa is essential for sectors ranging from technology to finance, supporting the UAE's thriving business environment.
2. Investor Visa
This visa caters to foreign nationals investing in UAE property or businesses. It generally requires a minimum investment amount and offers a long-term residency option, facilitating sustained economic contribution and personal stability in the Emirates.
3. Entrepreneur Visa
Aimed at start-up founders and innovative business owners, the entrepreneur visa promotes the growth of new ventures. It provides residency linked to a registered company or incubator programme, granting access to the UAE's dynamic market and networking opportunities.
4. Golden Visa
The long-term residency "Golden Visa" is awarded to exceptional talents, investors, and specialised professionals. Valid for five or ten years, it allows holders to live, work, and study in the UAE with greater security and fewer restrictions, supporting the country’s vision for sustained development.
5. Freelance Permit and Visa
This visa supports self-employed individuals and freelancers working across various industries, such as media, technology, and design. It offers flexibility, allowing professionals to operate independently within designated free zones, enhancing the UAE’s appeal to varied skill sets.
Choosing the appropriate visa is paramount, as it not only governs lawful residence but also unlocks myriad opportunities in the UAE's fast-growing economy.
Looking for the right type of UAE visa available as an expat, investor, or entrepreneur?
Whether you are a visionary entrepreneur archetype building your next unicorn or an expat bringing in your expertise to UAE’s skyrocket-growth industries, the right visa type isn’t just a document, but a springboard for your life here.
With Dubai welcoming over 100,000 new residents every year, the demand for residency, investor, and partner visas is soaring.
And when it comes to getting yours?
Meydan Free Zone streamlines the process, making it seamless and digital, with built-in visa pathways that are ready to scale when you do.
This guide walks you through the types of visas in the UAE and how Meydan Free Zone makes getting your visa faster, simpler, and built for your goals.
Why Visas Matter for Expats, Investors & Entrepreneurs in the UAE
The UAE’s visa system is designed to support a diverse economy, welcoming innovators, skilled professionals, and global investors.
- Expats: Your visa bridges access to Dubai’s unmatched quality of life. Get access to world-class infrastructure, zero personal tax, and the safest place to call home.
- Investors: Get the opportunity to lock-in long-term stability. The right visa lets you hold assets, manage operations, and freely travel in and out of the UAE while keeping your base here.
- Entrepreneurs: You can live, work, and scale your business from Dubai without limits. Hire team members and embark on new ventures as you see fit.
With Meydan Free Zone, your business license comes with the option to secure visa allocations, so you can apply for visas whenever you’re ready.
Whether you plan to apply for a 2-year investor or entrepreneur visa, multiple employee visas to build your team, or family visas for sponsorship in the UAE, the process is fully digital and built for convenience.
No chasing signatures and sorting out piles of paperwork. No multi-department runarounds.
Just an ecosystem where business, visa, and lifestyle work hand in hand.
Understanding The Main Types of Visas in the UAE
Whether you’re an aspiring entrepreneur, a skilled professional, or bringing your family to Dubai, there’s a visa curated to match your purpose.
Note:
When you set up your business with Meydan Free Zone, your business license gives you the ability to:
- Apply for an Investor Visa directly linked to your Meydan Free Zone license.
- Sponsor Employment Visas for your team once your company and investor visa are active.
- Sponsor Dependent Visas for your spouse, children, or household staff.
Other visa categories, such as Golden, Green, Freelance, or Blue, are issued by different UAE authorities. While we don’t process these directly, we can help you structure your business in a way that supports future eligibility. For instance, eligible investors may be positioned for a Golden Visa application, and independent professionals can opt for our Fawri license for a company setup that offers the flexibility of freelancing.
How Meydan Free Zone Simplifies the Visa Process for You
Your Meydan Free Zone business license comes with up to 6 visa allocations, giving you the flexibility to decide when and how to apply. Whether you’re setting up for the first time or scaling your team later, we’ve designed the process to be quick, predictable, and fully digital.
Self-Sponsorship Made Simple
Handle every stage, from application to renewal, in one place, with real-time tracking and dedicated support at every step.
Tailored to Your Growth
You can take up to 6 visa allocations with your business license. If you expect to need more, our Business Setup Advisors can assess your business profile and request a higher quota during setup.
Speed That Matches Your Ambition
While mainland processes can take weeks, our integrated mResidency system keeps timelines short. Most visas are processed within 3–7 working days once submitted.
Seamless from Anywhere
Whether you’re in Dubai or abroad, every step, including document uploads, approvals, and renewals, is handled online, so you can move forward without interruptions.
Choosing the Right Visa Type for Your Goals With Meydan Free Zone
In Dubai, the right visa is more than a passport stamp, it’s your ticket to building the life you want.
Whether you’re securing an investor visa through Meydan Free Zone or scaling your startup, everything stays 100% digital, fast, and built for your goals.
At Meydan Free Zone, your visa journey starts the moment you get your license, and your next big move is just a click away.
Ready to make Dubai home? Start building with Meydan Free Zone today.
FAQs
1. What are the requirements for freelancers and skilled workers to obtain a Green Visa in the UAE?
The UAE Green Visa is a five-year residency issued by government authorities to freelancers, skilled professionals, and investors. Meydan Free Zone does not issue Green Visas directly. Applicants typically need to meet UAE eligibility criteria, which may include minimum education or skill qualifications, income thresholds, and proof of employment or freelance contracts.
2. How does the employment visa process work at Meydan Free Zone?
When you set up your company with Meydan Free Zone, your license can accommodate up to six visa allocations. This allows you to apply for employment visas for your team members without direct MOHRE involvement. Applications are managed through our fully digital process, from submission to final visa stamping.
3. What is a Meydan Free Zone residency visa and how long is it valid?
When you apply, you can obtain a 2-year investor visa linked to your Meydan Free Zone business license. This visa allows self-sponsorship, enabling you to live and work in Dubai, as well as sponsor eligible family members and employees.
4. Can I get a self-sponsorship visa through a Dubai Free Zone?
Yes. With a Meydan Free Zone trade license, you’re eligible to apply for a 2-year investor visa that provides full self-sponsorship. This means you control your residency status without requiring a local sponsor or employer NOC, and renewals are managed digitally via your online dashboard.
5. How fast can I get a visa with Meydan Free Zone?
Most Meydan Free Zone visas are processed within 3–7 working days after submission, depending on document readiness and approvals. The entire process — from application to Emirates ID issuance and visa stamping — is completed 100% online.
6. Do I need a local sponsor for my investor visa with Meydan Free Zone?
No. With a Meydan Free Zone business license, you retain 100% ownership of your company and can apply for your own investor visa without a local sponsor.
7. Can I sponsor my dependents with my Meydan Free Zone license?
Yes. Once your investor visa is active, you can apply for dependent visas to sponsor your spouse, children, and household staff. All applications are processed digitally, and you’ll need to meet standard UAE residency sponsorship requirements.
8. Does my visa automatically renew with my business license?
No. Your visa and your business license have separate renewal dates. While your visa is typically valid for two years, your license is renewed annually.
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