In short: an investor or partner visa through your own company runs in 8 steps, from activity choice to Emirates ID, with the corporate bank file running in parallel. Once documents are complete, the licence depends on jurisdiction and review. Timing depends on review by the competent authority; Lexoford gives an estimate after checking the documents. Lexoford’s service fee starts at Starter AED 3,999 (licence + 1 visa); government and free-zone fees are extra, passed through at cost. Lexoford does not guarantee visa approval or bank account opening.
Deciding between company-tied residence and a Golden Visa? Read investor visa vs Golden Visa: which do you need. This page covers the company route only.
Who this process fits
This process is for founders who want UAE residence through a company they own or co-own. The residence visa is tied to your shareholding or partnership in a licensed mainland or free zone entity, not to an employment contract with someone else’s company.
- Investor: commonly used when you are the sole or main owner and appear on the licence in an investor capacity.
- Partner: commonly used when several shareholders sit side by side on the MOA or licence.
The journey is the same either way; the label follows how you appear on the company papers (plain language, not legal advice). A residence visa is not citizenship, not automatic tax residency and not a Golden Visa. Third-party claims about “minimum capital” or ownership percentages are not Lexoford rules. Requirements vary by free zone, activity and authority, so Lexoford confirms them on consult.
Step 0: fix the structure first
Where your customers are and what you actually do decide whether you need Dubai mainland or a free zone, and if a free zone, which shortlist. Reverse that order and you often pay twice: re-incorporation plus a visa redo.
Lexoford does not rank free zones. The right fit depends on activity, customers, premises and how many people need residence.
The 8 steps at a glance
| # | What happens | Who does it | Typical duration* | Remote? |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Choose activity, jurisdiction and company name | You and Lexoford | Part of the licence window | Yes |
| 2 | Submit personal and company documents (KYC) | You provide; Lexoford files | Part of the licence window. Timing depends on review by the competent authority; Lexoford gives an estimate after checking the documents. | Yes |
| 3 | Initial approval, MOA and trade licence issued | Authority or free zone; Lexoford coordinates | Depends on jurisdiction and review | Yes |
| 4 | Establishment (immigration) card and visa quota | Authority; Lexoford files | Timing depends on review by the competent authority; Lexoford gives an estimate after checking the documents. | Yes |
| 5 | Entry permit (outside the UAE) or change of status (inside the UAE) | Authority; Lexoford files | Timing depends on review by the competent authority; Lexoford gives an estimate after checking the documents. | Entry permit: yes. Change of status: you are already in the UAE |
| 6 | Medical fitness test and Emirates ID biometrics | You attend; Lexoford books | Timing depends on review by the competent authority; Lexoford gives an estimate after checking the documents. | No, UAE presence required |
| 7 | Residence visa stamping and Emirates ID issuance | Authority; Lexoford tracks | Timing depends on review by the competent authority; Lexoford gives an estimate after checking the documents. | Mostly processing time after step 6 |
| 8 | Corporate bank account, run in parallel from step 3 | Bank decides; Lexoford assists | Timing depends on review by the competent authority; Lexoford gives an estimate after checking the documents. | Partly; many banks want an in-person step |
Timing depends on review by the competent authority; Lexoford gives an estimate after checking the documents.
Steps 1–3: activity, documents, licence
Activity. Choose activities for what you will really do in the next one to two years. A padded list makes bank review harder and does not make the visa faster. Document detail: Dubai company formation documents.
Personal documents (common dimensions, not a complete pack):
- Passport with healthy remaining validity, compliant photo, proof of address
- Application and typing details, usually coordinated by the PRO
- Police clearance or good-conduct documents only where the case requires them; Lexoford confirms on consult rather than publish a universal list
Company side: trade licence, MOA or share evidence and shareholder register (your visa identity must match the licence and MOA naming), premises proof (lease / Ejari or the free zone office product) and a health insurance arrangement.
Corporate shareholders. If an overseas company holds the shares, its documents need an attestation chain. Timing depends on review by the competent authority; Lexoford gives an estimate after checking the documents. Do not set a go-live date on personal-shareholder timing.
Licence. Once documents are complete, the licence depends on jurisdiction and review. Regulated activities that need an extra approval take longer, and timing always depends on the authority.
Steps 4–5: establishment card, quota, entry permit or change of status
The establishment (immigration) card is the company-side file that usually has to exist before shareholder or partner visas can move. It has its own renewal cycle, so year-two planning should not look at the trade licence alone.
Visa quota is not “free visas forever.” Capacity usually tracks the licence package and the office product (flexi desk, office size or zone product). Buy for real shareholders, partners and hires, not a stockpile. Each residence visa also carries its own authority fees.
| Dimension | Entry permit | Change of status |
|---|---|---|
| Who | Applicant still outside the UAE | Applicant already inside the UAE on a visit or other valid stay |
| Sequence | Permit issued → enter the UAE → medical and biometrics → stamping | Usually skips the overseas entry-permit step and converts status inside the UAE |
| Fees | Its own authority fee lines | Its own fee lines; the calculator takes inside or outside as an input |
| Planning risk | Line up the entry window with appointments | An expiring stay needs early planning to avoid a gap |
Tell Lexoford your current immigration status on the first call so the quote and schedule are not built on the wrong track.
Steps 6–7: medical, Emirates ID, stamping
These steps need you in the UAE: the medical fitness test, Emirates ID biometrics and residence visa stamping. Many banks also want an in-person step.
Timing depends on review by the competent authority; Lexoford gives an estimate after checking the documents. Everything before that, from activity choice to the entry permit, can usually run while you are still overseas: see remote company setup.
Residence rules are set by the authorities and can change. Current official information: GDRFA Dubai, ICP and the UAE government portal’s residence visas section.
Step 8: corporate bank account in parallel
Start the bank file as soon as the licence is ready and run it beside the visa steps; do not wait for every stamp. Banks look at substance, activity wording and premises. Lexoford does not guarantee account opening and does not publish approval rates. How the process works: how to open a UAE corporate bank account. If a file stalls or is refused: bank account rejection.
Timeline: licence vs fully operational
| Milestone | Typical range* |
|---|---|
| Trade licence issued | Depends on jurisdiction and review |
| Establishment card and visa quota | Timing depends on review by the competent authority; Lexoford gives an estimate after checking the documents. |
| On-ground trip (medical, biometrics) | Timing depends on review by the competent authority; Lexoford gives an estimate after checking the documents. |
| Stamping and Emirates ID issuance | Timing depends on review by the competent authority; Lexoford gives an estimate after checking the documents. |
| Corporate bank account (in parallel) | Timing depends on review by the competent authority; Lexoford gives an estimate after checking the documents. |
| Fully operational (residence, Emirates ID, banking path) | Timing depends on review by the competent authority; Lexoford gives an estimate after checking the documents. |
Licence issued ≠ fully operational. Timing depends on review by the competent authority; Lexoford gives an estimate after checking the documents. Stage detail: setup timeline.
What usually extends the plan:
- Corporate-shareholder attestation. Timing depends on review by the competent authority; Lexoford gives an estimate after checking the documents.
- Regulated activities that need an extra approval
- A rejected company name that has to be refiled
- Enhanced bank due diligence
- Public holidays and authority backlogs
- Change of status for applicants already in the UAE (different steps and fee lines)
Cost structure (service fee vs authority fees)
You pay two separate things: Lexoford’s service fee, and government and free-zone fees (licence, establishment card and visa authority fees), which are extra, itemised and passed through at cost with no markup.
| Service-fee tier | What it includes | Lexoford service fee |
|---|---|---|
| Starter | Licence + 1 visa | AED 3,999 |
| Business | Licence + 3 visas + Small Business Relief (SBR) eligibility check | AED 4,999 |
| Premium | Licence + 5 visas + CT + VAT; ERP included with Premium only | AED 7,999 |
| Additional visas | Each additional visa adds AED 1,000 service fee beyond the visas your tier includes | Premium + AED 1,000 per visa |
How headcount maps to a service-fee tier (people who need residence in year one):
| People needing residence | Starting point |
|---|---|
| 1 | Starter, AED 3,999 |
| 2 | 2–3 visas: Business, AED 4,999 |
| 3 | Business, AED 4,999 (licence + 3 visas + Small Business Relief (SBR) eligibility check) |
| 5 | Premium, AED 7,999 (licence + 5 visas + CT + VAT; ERP included with Premium only) |
Government and free-zone fees are extra. They include licence and registration fees, the establishment card and, for each visa, the entry permit or change of status, medical test, Emirates ID, stamping, typing or PRO fees where applicable, and health insurance. Amounts vary by zone, activity and status, so this page does not publish totals. The cost calculator gives an indicative estimate, and Lexoford confirms itemised figures on consult. Year-one and year-two shape: Dubai company setup cost.
After the stamp: family, insurance, absence, licence lapse
Family sponsorship
Sponsoring a spouse, children or parents may become possible after your visa is stamped, but it is not automatic. It depends on income or funds evidence, housing and relationship documents, plus per-person authority fees and insurance. Lexoford confirms the current GDRFA or ICP rules on consult and does not publish salary floors or promise an outcome. Hub: visa services.
Health insurance
Compliant health insurance is commonly required for residence, renewal and dependants. Budget it separately from the service fee and licence fees; cover rules follow the current authority and insurer requirements.
Time outside the UAE
Residence visas carry rules on long continuous absence. If you travel heavily or plan long stays abroad, mention it on consult so Lexoford can check the current rules for your status.
Licence lapse, share transfer or closure
Your residence is tied to the licence and your shareholder or partner status. If the licence lapses, you transfer your shares or the company closes, expect cancellation steps and overstay risk. Plan cancellation or renewal timing before you wind down; do not assume the visa outlives the company.
China and international founder scenarios
Common starting points, not free zone rankings:
- Solo founder, export or IT services, own residence: often a free zone company with Starter (licence + 1 visa), once the structure is confirmed.
- Two co-founders who both need residence: 2–3 visas: Business, AED 4,999 (licence + 3 visas + SBR eligibility check). Authority fees are extra per person. Do not stockpile employee visas.
- Still overseas, including China: steps 1–5 can usually start remotely; plan one trip for steps 6–7. Timing depends on review by the competent authority; Lexoford gives an estimate after checking the documents. Remote guide: remote company setup. WeChat Lexoford.
- Already in the UAE on a visit: usually a change of status rather than an entry permit; share your current status.
- An overseas company as shareholder: Timing depends on review by the competent authority; Lexoford gives an estimate after checking the documents. Alternatively, discuss starting with individual shareholders (a later equity change has its own cost and visa impact).
Lexoford will also say “wait”, “mainland, not free zone” or “one visa is enough” when that is the honest answer.
FAQ
What is the difference between investor and partner visas, and which documents do I need?
In plain terms, the label follows how you appear on the licence or MOA: investor usually means a sole or main owner, partner usually means several shareholders side by side. The journey is the same. Prepare personal KYC (passport, photo, proof of address) plus the company licence, MOA, establishment card and visa quota. Corporate shareholders usually need an attestation chain. Timing depends on review by the competent authority; Lexoford gives an estimate after checking the documents. Lexoford confirms the final document pack on consult.
How does an entry permit differ from a change of status?
If you are outside the UAE, the track is an entry permit. If you are already inside the UAE, it is often a change of status. The sequence and the authority fee lines differ, and the cost calculator takes inside or outside as an input. Medical testing, biometrics and stamping still need you in the UAE; with appointments booked ahead. Timing depends on review by the competent authority; Lexoford gives an estimate after checking the documents.
What does Lexoford charge, and which authority fees should I budget?
Lexoford’s service fee is Starter AED 3,999 (licence + 1 visa), Business AED 4,999 (licence + 3 visas + Small Business Relief (SBR) eligibility check) or Premium AED 7,999 (licence + 5 visas + CT + VAT; ERP included with Premium only). 0–1 visa: Starter AED 3,999. 2–3 visas: Business AED 4,999. 5 visas: Premium AED 7,999. Each additional visa adds AED 1,000 service fee beyond the visas your tier includes. Government and free-zone fees are extra, itemised and passed through at cost. Typical visa lines are the entry permit or change of status, medical test, Emirates ID, stamping, typing or PRO fees where applicable, and health insurance.
Can I sponsor family after stamping, and what if the licence lapses?
Family sponsorship depends on income, housing and relationship evidence; Lexoford confirms the current GDRFA or ICP rules on consult, with no outcome guarantee. If the licence lapses, shares are transferred or the company closes, the residence visa is usually affected, so plan cancellation or renewal timing before you wind down.
How long until I can live and bank here, and do you guarantee a bank account?
It depends on the jurisdiction, business activities and authority review; Lexoford gives an estimate after checking your documents. Timing depends on review by the competent authority; Lexoford gives an estimate after checking the documents. Lexoford does not guarantee account opening; banks decide independently.
Next step
Bring four inputs: your activity, where your customers are, who needs residence in year one, and whether you are inside or outside the UAE today.
Then open the cost calculator or book a free consultation for an itemised estimate and a plan worked backward from your target start date. Lexoford is not a law firm; formal legal work is delivered through a partner licensed practice while Lexoford manages scope and timeline. Hubs: company formation, visa services.
Once your own residence is issued, see sponsoring your spouse and children.
Office 607, 6th Floor, RAG Tower Business Center, Al Barsha 1, Dubai · Trade Licence 2651822.01 · WeChat Lexoford · You will receive a written reply after submitting.