Setting Up a Business in Dubai: Steps to Obtain a Dubai Residency Visa for Your Family

Setting up a business in Dubai is a powerful way to establish a long-term presence in the UAE. Not only does it provide business owners with access to a tax-efficient environment and global markets, but it also opens the door to securing a Dubai residency visa for you and your family. A Dubai residency visa offers many benefits, including stability, world-class healthcare, education, and the ability to fully immerse yourself in the vibrant Dubai lifestyle. In this guide, we’ll walk you through the steps to secure a Dubai residency visa for your family after setting up a business.

1. Establishing Your Business in Dubai

The first step toward obtaining a Dubai residency visa for you and your family is setting up your business in the UAE. Dubai offers multiple avenues for business formation, including:

• Mainland company setup: Allows businesses to operate across the UAE and internationally without restrictions.
• Free zone company setup: Provides tax benefits and the ability to own your company 100% without needing a local sponsor.
• Offshore company setup: Ideal for investors looking to establish a presence without conducting substantial operations within the UAE.

By choosing the appropriate business structure, you can ensure that your company qualifies to sponsor Dubai residency visas for you and your family. The process involves registering your company with the Dubai Department of Economic Development (DED) or relevant free zone authority, obtaining the necessary trade licenses, and ensuring compliance with all local regulations.

2. Securing a Dubai Residency Visa for Yourself

Once your business is established, you can apply for a Dubai residency visa for yourself as the business owner. This process includes:

• Submitting your business documentation and trade license to the relevant authorities.
• Applying for your Dubai residency visa through the General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs (GDRFA).
• Undergoing a medical fitness test and securing health insurance (a requirement for visa approval).
• Receiving an Emirates ID, which is needed to obtain residency status.

This Dubai residency visa will allow you to live and work in Dubai while managing your business. Once your visa is in place, you can begin the process of securing visas for your family members.

3. Applying for Family Sponsorship

With your own Dubai residency visa in hand, you can sponsor your family members for their Dubai residency visas. Family sponsorship allows you to bring your spouse, children, and in some cases, other relatives, to live with you in Dubai. The process includes:

• Proof of relationship: You will need to provide official documents such as marriage and birth certificates to prove your relationship to the family members you’re sponsoring.
• Meeting income requirements: Dubai requires a minimum monthly income for sponsoring family members. Typically, this amount is around AED 4,000 – AED 10,000, depending on the number of dependents.
• Health insurance: Each family member must have health insurance, which is mandatory in Dubai.
• Medical fitness test: Similar to your own residency visa process, your family members will need to pass a medical fitness test.

4. Completing the Residency Visa Process for Your Family

Once the necessary documents and applications are submitted, your family members will need to follow these final steps to complete the Dubai residency visa process:

• Entry permit: Family members outside of the UAE will need an entry permit to come to Dubai. This can be issued while their visa application is being processed.
• Visa stamping: Once in Dubai, family members must have their passports stamped with the Dubai residency visa, confirming their residency status.
• Emirates ID: Like yourself, your family members will need to obtain their Emirates IDs to live and access services in Dubai.

This process typically takes several weeks but can be expedited with professional assistance to ensure smooth handling of paperwork and documentation.

5. Enjoying the Benefits of a Dubai Residency Visa for Your Family

Once your family has obtained their Dubai residency visas, they can fully enjoy the benefits of living in one of the most dynamic cities in the world. A Dubai residency visa offers your family:

• Access to world-class healthcare: Dubai is home to some of the best medical facilities and professionals in the region.
• High-quality education: The city offers a range of international schools and universities, making it ideal for families with children.
• Security and stability: Dubai’s low crime rate and high standard of living provide peace of mind for expatriates.
• Business opportunities: As residents, your family can take advantage of Dubai’s business-friendly environment to pursue their own ventures or career opportunities.

Conclusion

Securing a Dubai residency visa for your family is one of the greatest advantages of setting up a business in Dubai. It provides stability, access to a superior quality of life, and the opportunity to grow your family’s future in the UAE. By following the steps outlined above, you can ensure a smooth and efficient process in bringing your family to Dubai. If you need expert guidance in setting up your business or applying for family visas, Strive Consultants is here to provide tailored solutions to help you achieve your goals.