Corporate Mobility / United Arab Emirates / Route
United Arab Emirates · Investment route
Incorporate in a Dubai free zone and sponsor founders and employees for UAE residence — streamlined setup, establishment card, and digital visa issuance.
Last updated: 2025-10-27
Programme overviewنظرة عامة
Overview
Setting up a Dubai Free Zone company gives investors 100% foreign ownership, full profit repatriation, and a quick setup process.
A Free Zone business license lets you sponsor residence and employment visas for yourself and your team.
Xiphias Immigration assists with Free Zone selection, trade licensing, and digital visa processing — ensuring a smooth and compliant UAE company setup.
Why Dubai Free Zones
Dubai Free Zones offer tax-free business ownership, modern infrastructure, and simple regulations for global entrepreneurs.
Top zones like DMCC, IFZA, Meydan, and RAKEZ provide flexible office options, fast registration, and affordable renewals.
With zero income tax and full ownership, Dubai remains the leading destination for Free Zone company formation in the UAE.
At a glanceلمحة
Key highlights
- ✦Dubai Free Zone Company Formation
- ✦Employment & Residence Visa Sponsorship
- ✦100% Foreign Ownership
- ✦Tax-Free Corporate Residency
What you getالمزايا
100% foreign ownership with quick setup and easy renewals.
Employment and residence visas for founders and employees.
Fast digital process for establishment card and entry permits.
Tax-free business environment with smooth banking setup.
Option to sponsor family after residence visa issuance.
Investment & costsالتكاليف
Government & due-diligence fees
Figures are indicative and exclusive of professional fees. Your advisor confirms an exact, written cost breakdown for your family size.
Eligibilityالأهلية
Requirements
Valid passport with at least 6 months validity and recent photo.
UAE free zone trade license and active establishment card.
Proof of business activity and office or flexi-desk lease.
Salary and job role meeting free zone visa criteria.
Completed medical test and Emirates ID biometrics.
Who cannot apply
Unlicensed or restricted business activities.
Incomplete KYC or missing document attestation.
Expired trade license or unpaid renewal fees.
The processكيف نعمل
Select Free Zone & Activity
Pick IFZA, DMCC, Meydan, or RAKEZ based on business type.
Incorporation & License
Submit KYC, sign forms, and get your trade license.
Establishment Card & E-Channels
Register for e-channels to enable visa sponsorship.
Entry Permit
Apply for a digital entry permit to begin visa steps.
Status Change / Entry
Convert to resident status or activate visa on arrival.
Medical & Emirates ID
Complete medical test and Emirates ID biometrics.
Residence Visa
Receive your digital visa and sponsor dependants.
Sponsorship & salary rulesالرواتب
Skilled Professionals
Minimum salary varies by role and free zone.
Manager / Director
Required for dependants or higher visa quota.
- ✦In-country status change adds a processing fee.
- ✦Some roles need degree legalization or equivalency.
- ✦Visa quota increases with larger office space.
- ✦All visas issued under the Dubai establishment card.
Free zone comparisonالمناطق الحرة
IFZA Dubai
- ✦Fast setup with 100% foreign ownership.
- ✦Digital establishment card and e-channel visa access.
- ✦Flexible activities and quick license approval.
DMCC Dubai
- ✦Top free zone for trade, finance, and consulting.
- ✦High-standard compliance and premium offices.
Meydan Free Zone
- ✦Online company setup for startups and SMEs.
- ✦Affordable licenses and renewals.
RAKEZ
- ✦Low-cost setup with visa options.
- ✦Ideal for manufacturing and service firms.
Questionsأسئلة شائعة
This route, answered.
Usually 2–4 weeks, depending on the free zone and document readiness.
Start the United Arab Emirates route.
A senior advisor will confirm the exact costs, timeline and documents for your case — privately, and entirely off the record.