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Ask a Lawyer·Company Formation / Licensing

Company Formation / LicensingAnswered

Can I get a UAE residence visa through my company or trade licence?

Asked by Anonymous·Jun 26, 2026·1 answers
A founder wants to know whether owning a UAE company lets them and their staff obtain residence visas.

This answer is AI-generated and editorially reviewed. It is general legal information, not legal advice — verify anything you act on with a licensed UAE lawyer. How LEXAI uses AI

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LEXAI

Editorially reviewed by LEXAI

Jun 26, 2026
Yes, holding a valid UAE trade licence generally allows a company to sponsor residence visas, including for the owner or investor and for employees, subject to the company's visa allocation and the relevant requirements. After the licence is issued, the company usually obtains an establishment card, which enables it to apply for visas through the relevant immigration authority, such as the General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs. The number of visas a company can sponsor often depends on factors like the size and type of its premises and its activity, and each visa application involves steps such as entry permit, medical fitness testing, Emirates ID registration, and visa stamping. Investor or partner visas and employee visas follow their own conditions. Because allocations and procedures vary by emirate and jurisdiction, confirm your company's visa eligibility with the immigration authority or your free zone. For help with employment contracts and compliance, you can compare verified UAE legal professionals on LEXAI.
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