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.
The 7 types of Dubai free zone visas (explained)
Dubai free zones issue seven main visa categories, each serving a particular resident type: business owners, investors, employees, freelancers, dependents, long-term residents, and household staff. Every category has its own obligations and renewal rules. Below is a closer look at all seven.
1. Investor/Partner Visa
The Investor or Partner Visa is issued to business owners or shareholders of a free zone company. It confirms your shareholding and ties your residency to the company’s trade license.
These visas typically last two or three years, depending on the free zone. Renewals are straightforward as long as the company remains active and compliant. Investor visa holders must maintain their registered ownership share, keep the license valid, and complete the standard medical, biometrics, and Emirates ID steps.
Holders can also sponsor their spouse, children, and other eligible dependents. As the company grows and office space increases, investors may request additional employment visas under their quota.
2. Employment Visa (free zone Work Visa)
A free zone Employment Visa is issued to individuals hired by a company licensed in that free zone. The company acts as the sponsor and must provide a formal employment contract.
Most work visas are valid for two years and must be renewed by the employer. Employees are authorized to work only for their sponsoring company unless transferred through an official process. Once the employee meets the salary and accommodation requirements, they can sponsor their own dependents as well.
3. Freelancer Visa
A Freelancer Visa is designed for individuals who want to operate as independent professionals without forming a traditional company. It’s a popular option for consultants and creatives who want the freedom to work with multiple clients.
Free zones that issue Freelancer Visas include Dubai Media City, Dubai Internet City, Dubai Design District (d3), and Dubai Knowledge Park. These free zones cater to media, education, tech, design, and consultancy-related activities.
Freelancers receive a residency visa, the ability to invoice clients legally, and the flexibility to manage their workload independently. It’s one of the most cost-efficient routes for solo professionals.
4. Dependent/Family Visa
A Dependent or Family Visa allows a free zone resident to sponsor immediate family members. This typically includes a spouse, children, and, in certain cases, parents or adult dependents.
To sponsor family members, the visa holder must meet the UAE’s income threshold, provide a valid Ejari tenancy contract, and maintain active health insurance for each dependent. Family residency stays linked to the sponsor’s visa and must be renewed whenever the sponsor renews theirs.
5. Golden Visa (through free zone business ownership)
Some free zone entrepreneurs may qualify for the UAE’s 10-year Golden Visa. This category offers long-term residency without the need for a local sponsor.
Eligibility varies but may include meeting certain capital requirements, running a business that displays strong financial performance, or receiving approvals from relevant authorities. Golden Visa holders can sponsor their families and enjoy extended validity compared to standard free zone visas.
6. Green Visa (5-year residency)
The Green Visa is a self-sponsored five-year residency available to skilled professionals, freelancers, and self-employed individuals. Many free zone residents qualify if they can demonstrate stable income or ongoing client contracts.
Because the Green Visa does not require an employer sponsor, it’s ideal for talent who prefer long-term stability paired with professional flexibility. Family members can also be sponsored for the full five-year period.
7. Domestic Worker Visa (for free zone residents)
Free zone residents can sponsor domestic workers under the UAE’s household staff regulations. Eligible roles include nannies, drivers, cooks, cleaners, and similar positions.
To sponsor a domestic worker, residents must meet minimum salary requirements, provide suitable accommodation, show a clean legal record, and maintain valid health insurance. These visas remain tied to the sponsoring resident and must be renewed according to UAE residency rules.
Documents required for Dubai free zone visas
Free zone visas require a standard collection of documents that verify identity, employment status, and eligibility for residency. These documents follow the applicant throughout the process, from entry permit issuance to final visa activation.
Required documents include:
- Passport copy – Confirms identity and passport validity.
- Passport-sized photos: Used for visa applications, medical tests, Emirates ID, and other records.
- Free zone trade license – Proof that the company is legally registered.
- Establishment card/immigration card – Allows the company to sponsor visas.
- Entry permit – Temporary authorization allowing the applicant to enter or change status in the UAE.
- Employment contract (for employee visas) – Shows the job role, salary, and sponsorship link.
- Tenancy contract (Ejari) – Confirms the applicant’s residence in Dubai.
- Emirates ID application – Required for biometric registration.
- Health insurance – Mandatory before residence activation.
Step-by-step process to obtain a Dubai free zone visa
The Dubai free zone visa process follows a predictable sequence: secure an entry permit, complete medical testing, register biometrics for the Emirates ID, and finalise the residency stamping. Each step builds on the previous one.
Step 1: Apply for an entry permit
The process begins when the free zone authority issues an electronic entry permit. This digital approval allows the applicant to enter the UAE – or complete an internal status change if already in the country. Entry permits are generally valid for 60 days, giving applicants sufficient time to move through the next steps.
Creative Zone assists with every stage, ensuring documents are correct and submitted to the right authority.
Step 2: Complete medical fitness test
After receiving the entry permit, the applicant undergoes the UAE’s medical fitness test, which includes a blood test and a chest X-ray. Results typically appear within 24–48 hours and must be completed before the Emirates ID biometrics appointment.
Step 3: Apply for Emirates ID biometrics
Next, the applicant visits an Emirates ID centre to complete fingerprinting, facial scans, and document verification. The Emirates ID becomes the resident’s primary ID card and is digitally linked to the visa once activated.
Step 4: Visa stamping/residence issuance
Once biometrics are complete, the residency visa is issued. Most free zones now use digital stamping, meaning the visa is activated electronically rather than printed into the passport. After approval, the holder can legally live, work, and sponsor dependents for the duration of their visa.
Cost of Dubai free zone visas
Dubai free zone visas generally cost between AED 3,500 and AED 7,500, depending on the free zone, visa type, and whether the applicant is inside or outside the UAE. Each stage has its own fee.
Entry permit fees usually range from AED 800 to AED 1,200. This permit acts as the initial approval that allows the applicant to complete medical testing and Emirates ID registration. Applicants needing an in-country status change may incur an additional fee.
All free zone visa applicants must complete the UAE’s standard medical screening, which results in medical fitness test fees. Medical fitness testing costs around AED 300 to AED 500, depending on whether regular or fast-track service is selected. Without a completed medical test, Emirates ID biometrics cannot be processed.
Emirates ID fees typically fall between AED 370 and AED 500 for most standard free zone visas. Emirates ID validity matches the visa duration, so longer-term residencies – such as three-year free zone visas – carry slightly higher ID issuance charges.
The visa stamping fee, which refers to digital residence issuance rather than a physical sticker in the passport, usually falls within AED 500 to AED 800.
For dependents, there are separate visa fees for entry permits, medical tests, Emirates ID, and visa issuance for each family member individually. These costs typically range from AED 3,000 to AED 5,000 per person.
Freelancers incur additional fees for their annual freelancer permit, which can range from AED 7,000 to AED 15,000, depending on the free zone and facility package.
Benefits of Dubai free zone visas
Dubai free zone visas offer a mix of residency stability, business flexibility and support systems, and family-friendly rules. Below are some of the key advantages.
1. Ability to live and work in Dubai legally
A free zone visa gives the holder legal residency in the UAE and the right to work for the sponsoring company. It also enables access to essential services – housing, banking, utilities, and healthcare.
2. Straightforward company setup and ownership
Free zones allow 100% foreign ownership, making setup simple and efficient. Visa issuance is closely tied to the license structure, which keeps administrative processes clear and predictable.
3. Ability to sponsor family members
Residents can sponsor their spouse, children, and, in some cases, parents once they meet the UAE’s minimum salary and accommodation requirements.
4. Access to free zone facilities and business support
Visa holders benefit from modern office facilities, co-working spaces, administrative support, networking platforms, and vibrant business communities – all designed to help companies grow.
5. Flexible visa quotas for growing companies
As businesses expand, free zones allow companies to upgrade their workspace to increase their visa quota. This flexibility makes hiring and scaling much simpler.
Why choose Creative Zone for your free zone visa processing
Creative Zone handles the full free zone visa process – from choosing the right free zone to final visa activation. Our team prepares documents, handles submissions, coordinates with government authorities, and ensures every requirement is met without delays.
With more than 15 years of experience, Creative Zone has supported thousands of entrepreneurs, freelancers, and companies across Dubai’s major free zones. We manage entry permits, medical tests, Emirates ID processing, renewals, and dependent visas with accuracy and efficiency.
Beyond visas, many clients turn to us for broader planning. Creative Zone’s expertise in business setup in Dubai helps entrepreneurs who want to expand, relocate, or launch new ventures with confidence.
If you’re preparing for your first free zone residency or planning a long-term move to the UAE, contact Creative Zone today for reliable, compliant, end-to-end support.
Frequently asked questions
How many visas can a Free Zone company obtain?
Visa quotas depend on office size and the free zone’s regulations. Flexi-desk packages typically allow one to three visas, while private offices or larger workspaces allow more. Companies can upgrade their office package to increase their quota.
Which Free Zones offer freelancer visas?
Dubai Media City, Dubai Internet City, Dubai Design District (d3), and Dubai Knowledge Park are the most popular options. Several other UAE free zones also offer freelancer permits depending on the activity.
Can Free Zone visa holders sponsor family members?
Yes. Residents can sponsor a spouse, children, and sometimes parents – provided they meet salary requirements, maintain valid Ejari housing, and hold active health insurance.
How long is a Free Zone visa valid?
Most free zone visas last two or three years. Freelancer visas vary by zone, while the Golden Visa and Green Visa offer 5–10 years of validity.
What is the cost of a Free Zone employment visa?
A typical employment visa costs AED 3,500 to AED 7,500, depending on the free zone, location of the applicant, and the company’s licensing setup. Fees cover the entry permit, medical fitness test, Emirates ID, and digital residency issuance.
