The two things you are actually buying
They are sold as one package, but they answer different questions. Read both before you compare quotes — a license-only headline is not the same product as a license with a residence visa.
The license
You exist as a company
A trade license in your name lets the business be registered, sign contracts and hold a name. On its own it does not open an immigration file, so it cannot sponsor anyone — not even you.
Trade license issued in your chosen activity, in your nameCompany registration and incorporation documentsCorporate tax registration with the Federal Tax AuthorityLets the company sign contracts and hold a trade name
The residence visa
You live here and get paid
The visa turns the company into a working business you can actually run. It is what unlocks residency, a personal bank account, an Emirates ID and, in practice, the corporate account too.
UAE residence — live in the country and come and go freelyEmirates ID, the key to almost every local serviceSponsor your immediate family once yours is issuedIn practice, what banks want to see before opening an account
Why the first visa costs more than the ones after it. The first visa carries the one-off setup the company needs before anyone can be sponsored — e-channel registration, the immigration file and the establishment card. Every visa after it is cheaper, because that groundwork is already done. This is also why a “zero-visa” headline price is only half a company: the immigration file has not been opened yet.
What the first visa actually sets up
In the order it happens. You appear in person twice; we drive you both times.
Establishment card & immigration fileOpens the company’s file with immigration. Without it the business cannot sponsor a single visa, including the owner’s.
E-channel registrationRegisters the company on the portal every visa application is filed and tracked through. A one-off setup.
Entry permitIssued electronically. It lets you enter the UAE, or change status while staying in the country.
Medical fitness testA blood test and chest X-ray at an approved centre. One appointment, around an hour. We book it and drive you there.
Emirates ID & visa stampBiometrics captured, then the visa is approved and linked to your passport. From that point you are a UAE resident.
How many visas do you need?
Just you
One investor or partner visa against the company. This is the common case for a founder starting solo, and it is the visa that carries the setup.
You and family
Your visa first, then you sponsor a spouse, children and parents on more generous terms than most expect. Family visas depend on yours being issued.
A team
Employee visas add a labour file and, for larger counts, quota approval tied to office size. We run them together under one point of contact.
What it costs
License-only from AED 5,750, or from AED 12,010 with a residence visa
License only
AED 5,750
The company on paper. No immigration file yet.
License + residence visa
AED 12,010
The working business. Setup carried by the first visa.
Common questions
License + Visa, answered
Can I take a license without a visa?
Yes, but on its own it cannot sponsor anyone or, in practice, open a corporate account. It suits an existing UAE resident or a purely holding structure.
Do I have to be in the UAE?
The company and entry permit can be issued while you are abroad. You appear in person twice, for the medical and biometrics. See the full timeline.
Which jurisdiction is cheapest with a visa?
Usually a Sharjah free zone: the same company and visa on a lower license fee. See Not Dubai (Sharjah Freezone).
What documents will I need?
A short list to start: passport, photo and a few details. The complete set by route is on Documents needed.
What makes us stand out
From setup to growth, backed by 5-star service.
Trustworthy reputation
Individualised solutions
All-around services
Hassle-free, fast and efficient
Excellence and professionalism
Dedicated support