UAE Entrepreneur & Business Visa
The UAE offers multiple pathways for entrepreneurs: the Entrepreneur Visa, Golden Visa for successful founders, and free zone company setups with 100% foreign ownership. Zero personal income tax, world-class infrastructure, and a strategic global location make Dubai and Abu Dhabi top choices for international founders.
Who Is This For?
- Entrepreneurs registering a new business in a UAE free zone or mainland
- Founders of approved startups accredited by UAE accelerators or incubators
- Business partners with minimum share capital per UAE licensing authority requirements
- Sole practitioners and freelancers via UAE freelance permits
- Investors with AED 2M+ in UAE real estate qualifying for Golden Visa
- Business owners with existing companies outside UAE seeking UAE expansion
How It Works
- 1
Business Setup & License
Select UAE jurisdiction: mainland DED license or a free zone (DMCC, DIFC, ADGM, etc.). Register your company and obtain a trade license — often completed in 1–2 weeks.
- 2
Entrepreneur or Investor Visa Application
Apply for the appropriate visa category through GDRFA (Dubai) or ICA (Federal). Startup founders accredited by recognized UAE incubators can apply for the Entrepreneur Golden Visa.
- 3
Establishment Card
Obtain the company establishment card — required to sponsor employee and partner visas in the UAE.
- 4
Medical Examination & Emirates ID
Complete mandatory UAE medical test. Apply for Emirates ID — the primary identification document in the UAE.
- 5
Residence Visa Stamping
Visa stamped in passport. Standard entrepreneur visas: 2–3 years. Founder Golden Visa: 5–10 years renewable.
- 6
Business Operations
Operate from the UAE with access to DIFC courts, strong IP protection, and direct market connections across the Gulf, Africa, and South Asia.
Country Location
Why ITC iLand for This Program?
ITC iLand has processed hundreds of business immigration applications — entrepreneur streams, investor programs, and startup visas across Canada and globally. We know how provincial selectors score business plans, what net worth documentation they scrutinize, and how to present your background compellingly. Over 10,000 total applications processed since 1998.
Frequently Asked Questions
A mainland company (licensed by DED) can trade directly with UAE residents and government entities. A free zone company offers 100% foreign ownership, simplified setup, and sector-specific benefits — but trading outside the free zone may require a local agent.
Dubai Internet City (tech), Dubai Silicon Oasis (technology), DIFC (financial services), ADGM (Abu Dhabi financial), in5 (Dubai — creative/tech/design), Hub71 (Abu Dhabi — deep tech). Each has different licensing categories and costs.
The UAE introduced a 9% corporate tax in 2023 on profits exceeding AED 375,000. Businesses in qualifying free zones may benefit from 0% corporate tax on qualifying income. There is no personal income tax.
Yes. Standard business visas require re-entry every 6 months. The Entrepreneur Golden Visa has no minimum stay requirement.
Yes. Startup founders whose companies are approved by accredited UAE accelerators (Hub71 in Abu Dhabi, in5 in Dubai) can qualify for the 5-year Entrepreneur Golden Visa.
There is Always A Way