Thinking about sponsoring visas for your business?
Before you dive in, there’s a lot more to it than just renting an office space.
Let’s unpack the real deal so you know exactly how it works — and how to avoid the common pitfalls that trip up new entrepreneurs.
First Things First: You Need an Immigration Card
Whether you’re setting up in a free zone or on the mainland, no immigration card means no visas. Period.
You must apply for your immigration card right after you get your business license — and don’t forget,
it needs to be renewed every year to keep your visa privileges active.
Two Types of Visas You Can Sponsor
When it comes to company visas, you’ll usually deal with two types:
- Investor Visas: For shareholders and business owners.
- Employee Visas: For your staff.
Each has its own rules and requirements — and getting them right from the start saves you major time later.
The Office Size Myth: Busted
Here’s where a lot of entrepreneurs get confused:
Small office = limited visas?
True… to an extent.
If you’re operating with a virtual desk, flexi-desk, or small office, most authorities will cap you at around 4–5 visas initially.
But here’s the good news:
It’s not a deal breaker.
I’ve helped plenty of clients secure employee visas through employment service companies and other compliant setups — even when their office was tiny.
When you know the right channels, office size doesn’t have to limit your growth.
Visa Processing Inside vs. Outside the UAE
Another important point:
Visas can’t be fully completed while the applicant is outside the UAE.
But don’t stress —
- Most of the paperwork can be handled remotely.
- The applicant only needs to fly in for a quick medical test and fingerprint scan,
which usually takes just 2–3 days.
So if you’re hiring internationally or relocating, the process is smoother than you might think.
Degrees and Visa Requirements
When sponsoring employee visas, especially for managerial roles,
an attested bachelor’s degree is often required.
But if you’re applying for an investor visa as a business owner?
No degree is needed.
It’s a small detail — but it can make a big difference when planning your team structure.
Want to know the difference between a flexi-desk and a full office license?
Check out this guide on choosing the right office setup in the UAE.
Final Thoughts
Sponsoring visas might seem complicated at first,
but when you know the steps — and the shortcuts that actually work —
you can scale your team without unnecessary costs or delays.
Plan ahead, know the rules, and set yourself up for smooth success from day one.
Want to Get Your Visa Strategy Right?
If you’re planning to sponsor visas, having the right setup can save you weeks of time and thousands of dirhams.
Book a free consultation and I’ll walk you through your best options based on your exact setup — no guesswork, just clear action.
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