How do I get a free zone investor visa in the UAE?

A free zone investor visa is a residence permit sponsored through a company registered in one of the UAE's many free zones (such as those in Dubai, Sharjah, Ajman, or Ras Al Khaimah). The process starts with incorporating your free-zone entity and obtaining its licence, which sets your visa quota. The free zone issues an establishment/immigration card registering the company with the immigration authorities, after which you apply for an entry permit or status change as the owner/investor, complete the medical fitness test, register for Emirates ID, and have the residence visa stamped. Health insurance is required for issuance. Compared with a mainland investor visa (licensed via the emirate's economic department), free-zone setups often bundle licence and visa packages and allow full foreign ownership within the zone, though permitted business scope can be more restricted to the zone. Quotas, fees and investment conditions are set by each free zone and the immigration authorities and are updated periodically, so request a current itemised quote from your chosen zone and confirm residence steps on u.ae. A verified UAE legal professional on LEXAI can help you compare free zones for your activity.