UAE Residency via IFZA: What Founders Need to Know

For many entrepreneurs local residency is just as important as launching the business itself. It opens doors to many essential services and gives founders the legal footing they need to operate locally and internationally. Here’s a clear and practical guide to help you understand how UAE residency works when you open a company in IFZA, and what steps founders need to take.

What is an Employment Visa and Why Does it Matter?

An employment visa in the UAE allows you to live, work, and access services like banking, leasing, and healthcare. It’s the most common way for founders to legalize their stay after incorporating their company in a UAE free zone like IFZA. Having this visa means you are officially sponsored by your own company. This is especially useful if you plan to relocate, spend time managing operations on the ground, or just want the legal benefits that come with resident status.

Founders holding an IFZA employment visa must travel to Dubai at least once every six months to keep the visa active. These visas are valid for two years and must be renewed before expiration to maintain legal residency.

Residency via IFZA: The Basics

Firstly, at least one founder of the company must be a UAE resident, and this can be someone who already holds an employment or any other type of visa from another company. If none of the founders are residents at the time of company formation, it’s important to include visa quotas in your license application to proceed with the residency process.

Once your IFZA company is incorporated and has visa quotas, you can apply for an employment visa. Most startups request 1 to 2 visa allocations depending on how many people from the founding or employee team need to relocate or obtain legal status there.

After receiving the entry permit or e-visa (if applying from outside the UAE), you have a 60-day window to complete all the required steps for residency. During this period, you must travel to Dubai to complete several key steps: a medical fitness test, biometric data collection, and Emirates ID registration.

The employment visa is now issued electronically, so there’s no need to have it physically stamped in your passport. It becomes active shortly after your medical test and biometrics are successfully processed.

After completing biometrics and registering for the Emirates ID, you are allowed to leave the UAE while waiting for your Emirates ID to be processed. The Emirates ID can be received within the UAE or shipped internationally via mail, depending on your situation.

Again, all these steps must be completed within the 60-day validity of the e-visa to ensure your residency process is finalized without delays.

Costs and Timeline

The full visa process typically takes about 2 to 3 weeks, though your timeline may vary depending on when you plan your trip to the UAE. You will need to visit the UAE to complete key steps such as the medical fitness test, biometrics, and Emirates ID registration, so your travel dates will influence the total processing time.

The cost of obtaining an employment visa from outside the UAE is currently $1,500. For the most up-to-date details, please check the UAE Free Zone page on our website. Every month, we also run special promotions, which sometimes include a free employment visa depending on the number of visa quotas selected in your package.

Things to Watch Out For

Visa Quotas: Make sure to request visa quotas at the time of company formation if none of the founders are already UAE residents.

Physical Presence: You must physically be in the UAE to complete medical checks and biometrics for your Emirates ID.

Renewals: UAE employment visas are valid for 2 years and must be renewed before expiry to maintain legal residency.

Final Thoughts

Getting UAE residency through IFZA company formation is not only possible but also practical for most founders. The employment visa route provides a legal way to stay, operate your business, and access local services. If you’re planning to build and scale in the UAE, taking this step early will save you time and give you peace of mind.