Dubai free zones issue seven types of visas, each created for a different category of resident. These include the Partner or Investor Visa, Employment Visa, Freelancer Visa, Dependent Visa, Golden Visa, Green Visa, and the Domestic Worker Visa. Together, they form the residency framework that allows entrepreneurs, professionals, and their families to live and work inside the UAE’s free zone system.
Dubai free zones remain one of the emirate’s biggest strengths. They offer flexible licensing, straightforward company ownership, and visa pathways that cater to almost every type of business setup. The exact rules vary by free zone, but every visa type has its own purpose, eligibility criteria, and renewal schedule. Your office size, chosen activity, and business structure all shape what you qualify for.
In this guide, you’ll find a clear breakdown of the seven free zone visa categories, what they require, how the application process works, the typical fees involved, and the benefits each option provides. You’ll also see how Creative Zone supports entrepreneurs and residents from the very first setup decision to visa activation and long-term compliance.
What are Dubai free zone visas?
Dubai free zone visas are residency permits issued to individuals who live or work inside a specific free zone, allowing them to operate under a company licensed in that jurisdiction. Depending on the category, the visa can be sponsored by a free zone company or – sometimes – be entirely self-sponsored.
In practice, a free zone visa grants legal residency in the UAE and the right to work for the company connected to that visa. Each free zone sets its own rules and capacity limits, often based on your office size or flexi-desk package. A small workspace may support a handful of visas, while larger offices can accommodate bigger teams.
Because these visas fall under the UAE’s federal residency system, every applicant must complete the same core steps: an entry permit, medical fitness test, Emirates ID biometrics, and health insurance activation. Once issued, the resident can sponsor eligible dependents and travel freely in and out of the UAE as long as the visa remains valid.
