Free Zone Residence Visa:
Investor, Employee and Family Visas
A free zone company can sponsor residence visas for its owners, employees and their families, but a licence does not automatically give you a visa. The number of visas depends on your premises and zone package, and each visa needs an establishment card, entry permit, medical test and Emirates ID. Maven& manages the immigration file from start to finish.
- Investor, employee and family visas
- Quota checked before you apply
- Transparent, itemised pricing
- Get your free setup quote
- Free zone visa partner
Visa types
Investor or partner, employee and dependant visas.
Stages to residence
Establishment card, entry permit, status change, medical test and Emirates ID.
Team from start to launch
One consultant handles your application, approvals, visas and bank account introductions.
- Visa types
Free zone visa types
Investor or partner visa
For shareholders and owners of the free zone company.
Employee visa
For staff hired under the company visa quota and labour approval.
Dependant visa
For a spouse and children, once the sponsor holds a visa and Emirates ID and meets the housing and income rules.
Visa for owners outside the UAE
Owners abroad can start the process before travelling, then complete the medical test and biometrics after entry.
What decides how many visas you can get?
Visa numbers are set by your zone and premises, not by the licence alone.
- Premises: the visa quota is tied to your workspace, from flexi-desk to office, and varies by zone.
- Zone package: each zone sets how many visas a licence package includes.
- Establishment card: the company needs an active establishment card before visas are processed.
- Presence: the medical test and Emirates ID biometrics are done in the UAE.
- Not automatic: a licence does not give residency until the immigration file is completed.
- Investor vs employee visa
Investor visa vs employee visa
Both are sponsored by your free zone company, but they follow different routes.
| Feature | Investor or partner visa | Employee visa |
|---|---|---|
| Who it is for | Shareholder or owner | Hired staff |
| Sponsor | The free zone company | The free zone company |
| What it needs | Licence, establishment card and ownership documents | Labour approval or contract, and available quota |
| Visa quota | Depends on the zone | Counts against the quota |
| Best for | Owners who live in the UAE | Teams you hire |
See the investor and partner visa or compare the Golden Visa.
- Visa routes
Three free zone visa routes
Visa
For owners and partners
- Sponsored by your free zone company
- Needs the licence and establishment card
- Usually the first visa processed
- Medical test and biometrics in the UAE
Final cost depends on your activity, premises and visas, and is confirmed in your itemised quote.
Visa
For hired staff
- Needs available quota
- Labour approval or contract
- Each visa counts against the quota
- Quota can often be increased
Final cost depends on your activity, premises and visas, and is confirmed in your itemised quote.
Visas
For spouse and children
- Sponsor must hold a visa and Emirates ID
- Housing and income rules apply
- Attested family documents
- Handled after the sponsor visa
Final cost depends on your activity, premises and visas, and is confirmed in your itemised quote.
How much does free zone residence visa cost?
There is no single price, because the total depends on your activity, premises and number of visas. Maven& gives you an itemised quote that lists every government and service fee before you commit.
- Licence and activity fees
- Premises or tenancy costs, where required
- Establishment card and residence visas
- Extra approvals, if your activity needs them
- Annual renewal and accounting support
- PRO, bank account and tax registration support
- How it works
How to get a free zone residence visa in 5 steps
Confirm your quota
We check the visa quota your licence and premises support.
Open the immigration file
We obtain the establishment card and submit the entry permit.
Enter and change status
You enter the UAE, or change status if you are already here.
Medical test and Emirates ID
You complete the medical fitness test and biometrics.
Residence visa issued
The visa is stamped or issued digitally and your Emirates ID arrives.
Documents required for a free zone residence visa
The documents depend on the visa type. This list covers what most applicants prepare first.
- Passport copy with sufficient validity
- Passport-size photograph on a white background
- Trade licence and establishment card of the company
- Entry permit or current UAE visa, if applicable
- Medical fitness test result
- Emirates ID biometric appointment
- Employment contract, for employee visas
- Marriage and birth certificates, for family visas, attested where required
- Why Maven&
Why choose Maven& for free zone residence visa
One dedicated consultant
One consultant handles your trade licence, visas, Ejari and bank account introductions, so you never repeat yourself to a new team.
Transparent, itemised pricing
Every quote lists government fees, office, visa and service costs line by line, with no hidden extras after you sign.
Right activity, structure and authority
Rules differ by activity and authority. We check your activity, structure and approvals before you pay a fee.
Licence, visas and bank in one process
Company formation, residence visas, corporate tax registration and bank introductions are handled as one coordinated plan.
- FAQs
free zone residence visa: frequently asked questions
The number depends on your zone, licence package and premises. A flexi-desk supports fewer visas than a private office. We confirm your quota before you apply.
You can start the process before travelling, but you must be in the UAE to complete the medical test and Emirates ID biometrics.
Validity depends on the visa type and the zone, and visas are renewable. We confirm the term for your case.
Usually yes. The sponsor generally needs a residence visa and Emirates ID and must meet housing and income rules. See family and dependent visas.
Usually yes, but it supports fewer visas than a private office, and the number depends on the zone.
A free zone visa is tied to your business and renews with it, while the Golden Visa is a longer, self-sponsored visa with set category thresholds.
You can usually apply to increase the quota, often by upgrading your premises or package. We review the options.
The cost depends on your activity, premises, visas and approvals, so there is no single price. Maven& gives you an itemised quote before you commit. Try the cost calculator.
The timeline depends on your activity, authority, documents and approvals, and visas and the bank account follow the licence. We give you a timeline for your case before you start. See the 5-step process.
Yes. We confirm your activity and structure, prepare the application, manage approvals and follow the process through to licence, visas and bank account. Final approvals are always the authority\u2019s decision. Contact us for an itemised quote.
Reviewed by the Maven& corporate setup team. Last reviewed: October 2026. Rules and fees change, so we confirm current requirements with the relevant authority before you commit.
Ready to start with free zone residence visa?
Get a clear, itemised quote and a plan built around your business. Talk to a Maven& consultant today.
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