United Arab EmiratesBusiness and self-employment

UAE business visit visa for investors and company founders

Visit visa for exploring business and investment opportunities

In short

The UAE offers a self-sponsored visit visa for people who want to research investment or business opportunities, for example before setting up a company. It is issued for 60, 90 or 120 days, single or multiple entry, against proof of investment and a refundable AED 1,000 guarantee.

Apply on GDRFA Dubai smart services checked 23 October 2026

Key facts

Maximum stay
60, 90 or 120 days
Validity
Single or multiple entry; a separate extension service exists
Fee
AED 200GDRFA Dubai: AED 200 (60 days), AED 300 (90 days) or AED 400 (120 days), plus 5% VAT, a refundable AED 1,000 security deposit, AED 20 deposit fee and AED 40 collection fee.
Processing time
About 48 hours (GDRFA Dubai)
Work
No employment; the visa is for meetings, research and setting up a business
Path to permanent residence
Founders can later move to a partner or investor residence (Green or Golden visa) once a company is set up
Where to apply
Online with GDRFA Dubai or ICP, or at an Amer centre; no UAE host needed

Who it is for

The visa targets investors and business people who want to look at the market, meet partners, compare free zones or prepare a company licence. According to the UAE government portal the applicant should be solvent, talented or highly qualified, or working in the planned line of business at home, and must provide the cash guarantee.

It needs no sponsor or host in the UAE. GDRFA Dubai asks for proof of investment in addition to the passport and photo.

Fees and deposit

GDRFA Dubai charges AED 200 for 60 days, AED 300 for 90 days and AED 400 for 120 days, each plus 5% VAT. On top come a refundable security deposit of AED 1,000, a AED 20 deposit service fee and a AED 40 collection and refund fee; applications made from inside the UAE add AED 520.

A 60-day visa applied for from abroad therefore costs roughly AED 1,270 up front, of which AED 1,000 is returned after departure.

How to apply

Apply on the GDRFA Dubai website or app with UAE PASS or a user account, or in person at a Customer Happiness Centre or Amer centre. Fill in the form, upload the documents and pay; the online service is open around the clock.

Expected completion is 48 hours. If you need more time, GDRFA has a separate service to extend this visa.

  1. Decide how long you need: 60, 90 or 120 days.
  2. Prepare the passport copy, photo and proof of investment.
  3. Apply online with GDRFA Dubai or ICP, or at an Amer centre.
  4. Pay the visa fee, VAT and the AED 1,000 refundable deposit.
  5. Travel after approval and use the stay for meetings and company formation.
  6. Extend through GDRFA if needed, or switch to a residence visa once your licence is issued.

Forms

Next steps after setting up a company

A visit visa never allows you to work. Once your licence is issued, you need a residence visa as partner or investor; with a paid share of at least AED 1 million you may qualify for the 5-year Green visa, and with AED 2 million for the 10-year Golden visa.

Keep the deposit receipt: the AED 1,000 guarantee is refunded only after you leave or the visa is cancelled without violations.

Documents

Required documents

Identity

  • Colour personal photo

Travel

  • Passport valid for at least 6 months (copy)

Money

  • Proof of investment or business activity
  • Payment of the AED 1,000 refundable security deposit

Supporting documents (where they apply)

Other

  • Qualification certificate, if relevant to your planned activity

Frequently asked questions

Do I need a UAE company to sponsor a business visit visa?

No. This visa needs no sponsor or host in the UAE; you apply yourself and pay a refundable guarantee.

Can I work on the UAE business opportunities visa?

No. It allows you to explore opportunities and prepare a business, not to take up employment.

How long can I stay on the UAE investment opportunities visa?

60, 90 or 120 days depending on the option you choose; GDRFA offers a separate extension service.

Is there a different visa for attending a conference or meeting?

Short meetings are often done on a tourist visa or a work-mission entry permit filed by the inviting company; the business opportunities visa is designed for longer market research without a host.

Official sources

Summarised from the official sources above. Rules, fees and processing times change: confirm with the embassy or the official portal before you apply.

Other visa types for the United Arab Emirates

Visits and short stays

  • Tourist visa Maximum stay: 30 or 60 days per permit; the 5-year visa allows up to 90 days per visit, extendable once by 90 days
  • Family and friends visit visa Maximum stay: 30, 60 or 90 days; extensions up to 120 days in total
  • Transit visa Maximum stay: 48 or 96 hours, single entry
  • Medical treatment visa Maximum stay: Depends on the permit issued; healthcare-related permits can be extended to a total of 180 days

Business and self-employment

Study and training

  • Student visa Maximum stay: For the duration certified by the institution; renewed while enrolled

Work

Family

Residence

United Arab Emirates visa guide