Dubai's Residency Visa Process for Entrepreneurs & Investors | Ep15

Hey, I'm Aaron Henriques, an entrepreneur and business investor from the United Kingdom. Following the requests from people who watched my video on setting up a free zone company in Dubai, in this episode, I delve deep, detailing the full UAE residency visa process. This is tailored specifically for entrepreneurs and investors who have established a freezone company in Dubai or who are considering it in the future.
I'll guide you through my personal experience of obtaining a residency visa in Dubai as a new Dubai freezone company owner from the UK. From the must-know steps before landing in Dubai, navigating the visa medical procedure, demystifying the costs of the UAE residency visa, to the intricacies of the visa application process and the challenges I encountered securing my Emirates ID, I've got you covered on every front!
📌 What's Included:
- My real-time journey from the UK to Dubai, setting up a company and securing a visa.
- Delve deep into the intricate steps, from e-visa application to receiving the final Emirates ID.
- Learn about the often-confusing medical requirements and understand the costs involved.
- FAQ corner: Debunking myths on taxation, golden visas, costs and more.
Whether you're aiming to set up in the UAE or simply curious, this episode offers a clear roadmap. Bonus tip at the end for what to do before you leave Dubai!
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ℹ️ WHAT YOU MIGHT NOT KNOW ABOUT ME
I'm Aaron Henriques, a British entrepreneur, business investor, private pilot, and former police officer from London. For over a decade, I've operated remote service-based businesses, gaining expertise in leadership, strategic thinking, digital marketing and idea generation. Sharing my journey and lessons learned, I hope to help others succeed faster than I did. I hope this is useful for you or someone else you know!
⏱ CHAPTERS:
00:00 - The full UAE residence visa process step-by step for Entrepreneurs in Dubai
04:15 - Why I decided to apply for the UAE residents visa from Dubai
08:52 - How much time do I need to be in Dubai to get my residence visa?
10:22 - What is difference between e-visa and tourist visa?
16:06 - What is the medical test for UAE residents visa and Emirates ID for entrepreneurs?
16:50 - How long does the visa medical process take in Dubai, UAE?
17:27 - How much does the residence visa medical cost in Dubai?
18:02 - What are the medical tests for UAE resident visa?
18:47 - Do you need a blood test for UAE residence visa?
20:26 - Why do you need an x-ray for UAE residence visa in Dubai?
21:27 - How much does Emirates ID typing cost?
21:57 - What is next step after medical test in UAE?
22:47 - How long do the UAE medical fitness tests in Dubai take in total?
22:59 - What is the VIP service for Emirates ID at Al Bahara Smart Medical centre?
23:48 - What is the biometric process for Dubai residence visas?
24:29 - How long does it take to get residence visa after medical?
25:39 - What is the UAE Pass app and UAE ICP app?
26:21 - How long does it take to get the emirates ID card?
27:03 - Can you leave the UAE before your Emirates ID is issued?
28:25 - How do I maintain my UAE residency and keep it active?
28:40 - Can I stay more than 6 months out of UAE on a residence visa?
29:58 - What is the difference between investor visa and partner visa in Dubai?
33:26 - How long does the investors residency visa last?
33:37 - What does a residency visa allow you to do?
34:13 - How much does the 2 year UAE residence visa cost?
37:07 - Can you leave before Emirates ID is issued?
37:17 - Do you need medical insurance to apply for the visa?
37:40 - Difference between Employment visa, investor or partner visa?
38:15 - Does a UAE residency visa mean you don't pay tax?
44:21 - How can I get a mobile cell phone number in Dubai?
🙏🏽 I do not run ads, however some of the links may be referral links that I earn a commission from AND I only link things I personally rate, recommend & think are relevant to my audience.
DISCLAIMER:
The views expressed in this video are based on personal experiences and opinions at the time of recording and are subject to change. This content is not professional advice and should not be relied upon for making decisions. Liability is limited. Full disclaimer at aaronhenriques.com/disclaimer

[@outifaout]

Man if only all influencers speak truth with patience and details like you did.. Thank you for every single second of this precious content 🙏🏼

[@jmajoros81]

As always, no nonsense... The best video on the process. Thanks for putting the effort into this, Aaron.

[@AaronHenray]

I appreciate that! Thanks for watching 🙏🏽

[@daryashkis8111]

As the saying goes, "The only source of knowledge is experience," - so far the most honest and real review from an entrepreneur perspective ! This made me think how confusing can be the whole process for a new UAE resident. I felt the same way a few years back going thru all these steps, some things changed since then, and some stayed the same.

[@gustafcavalli7515]

Wow - coolest and most trustworthy expad in Dubai. Would love to meet over a beer and talk business ideas.

[@onemessage14]

God bless you for sharing this knowledge and clearing many misconceptions that KZbinrs commonly spread about Dubai trying to make a buck on people who just want clear step by step info on the residency process. I appreciate it

[@rashadmirzazada]

Very informative thank you very much

[@fcordobaot]

Thanks for taking the time to make both videos. It was a great process. In order to become a tax resident in the UAE you need to live at least 90 days per year, have your company, and have your residence permit. There are other options such as having a place that you rented for a year, but in all cases, you need to live for 90 days to become a tax resident!

[@AaronHenray]

Hi there. So what you’re saying is partly true in one of the three circumstances that may apply for tax resident status. But as I said on the video, the residency visa (which the video is about) and tax residency status are two different things all together. People frequently mix the two up and it’s incorrect to do so. The steps to keep the residency visa active are nothing to do with the persons tax status. And it’s why I’d highly recommend that people seek professional advice when planning for the future! PWC published an article on the tax residency rules pwc.to/3SU7qVH

[@EngrHamzaSohail]

Valuable information

[@joe0248]

Thanks Aaron, great and much appreciated content. Are you still happy with IFZA? Anything you would do differently? Cheers!

[@AaronHenray]

Yes I’m happy with them. They’re not involved with you once the company is set up unless you want to reach out to their support to ask questions which I’ve done a couple of times and they’ve always been very responsive to me. Once your business is set up though, it’s down to you to get on with it. The only thing that I think is currently missing is a resources area guiding business owners on how to navigate business in the UAE relating to things like finding an accountant, legal contracts, and other registrations required & when for things like VAT. That’s the only gap I think. But they’ll tell you if you ask them anyway.

[@jmajoros81]

Would be nice (when you get time) to do a video on how do you run your business (invoicing software, do you need a UAE based accountant now etc) as well what kind of healthcare do you have, also are there healthcare options with european cover for those times when you're not in the UAE. Sorry for being demanding :D you already helped me so much and probably saved so much by not going with a 3rd party agency :) so thank you

[@AaronHenray]

Glad it helped 🙏🏽 I’ll see if I can include answers to some of those in a future video. For now I use Xero for all of my companies so did the same here, still need to find an accountant (I’ve started looking into this) and I haven’t got medical care here yet as I’m still covered under my UK policy for another month.

[@Naolkkkiop]

Thank you❤

[@AaronHenray]

No problem! Hope it goes well for you 🙏🏽

[@SunilKumar-eg5ft]

Thanks Aaron, nice video valuable details, that saves trouble and money. Agents as usual take advantage of your lack of knowledge to make good money ...

[@emiliofuse5031]

Hi Aaron.. thanks you for sharing your experience. I appreciate it ... just one question mate. What about the bank account? Have you open it yet?

[@AaronHenray]

Yes I opened it last year I just haven’t done a video about it 🙏🏽

[@user-ke3do2dl8t]

Thanks mate for the info.. Could you pls do a video about opening the freezone company bank account.. I've heard its a tedious proces..!!!

[@AaronHenray]

It is on the list of todo's I've recently managed to get one opened and it took a while 😅

[@user-ke3do2dl8t]

@@AaronHenray great.. All the best for your venture in the emirates.. Btw I expect a video for the bank account opening procedure..😊

[@wagmi614]

@@AaronHenray when is this/the next video coming?

[@EngrHamzaSohail]

I want to setup my courier and ecommerce order management company in dubai, can you please guide, which free zone is best?

[@AaronHenray]

Sorry I missed this message. I only went with IFZA so cannot comment on others. You can visit aaronhenriques.com/ksbc to get an intro to Switty or my company Handlr Zone might be able to help you. Email [e-mail] with more about you and we'll point you in the right direction.

[@EngrHamzaSohail]

Is there a way that i can register my mainland company in UAE without any local?

[@AaronHenray]

I am not sure about this actually. I heard the rules changed to allow more foreign ownership but I am not certain.

[@onemessage14]

If your sole intention is to just get residency for yourself and your family, does it really matter what free zone you set yourself up with? I don’t really plan on conducting business activities, I mainly just plan to cash out some BTC and have it deposited into my business banking account. Any thoughts or advice is appreciated. Thank you

[@AaronHenray]

This process is for people who set up a business with a free zone company. There are other visas you can get but I’m afraid it’s not something I can help with.

[@asmaulnijhum5778]

Hey I have a question Did you get your corporate bank account in dubai? I heard it’s too tough and time consuming

[@AaronHenray]

I did open it up in Dubai for the company and a personal account. It wasn't that bad at all. Eventually... I will get around to doing a video about it because a lot of people mention it and my experience wasn't bad once I had everything I needed in place.

[@Jimmy-lb1yc]

As you still spend so much time in the UK does that mean you are still classed as a UK tax resident and therefore have to pay UK tax on all earnings regardless of where you make the money?

[@AaronHenray]

I’ve been in Dubai for the last 3 months however the answer depends on your situation. For example if you qualified for the split year AND your salary source was from a UAE company then I believe there wouldn’t be any tax on that income. However that’s not my source of income I still earn from my UK companies and so the split year doesn’t apply to those earnings. Only if I qualify on the full next tax year April 2024-2025 would I see the tax benefit of being in Dubai. But the rules are not simple, it varies from individual to individual there’s a load of tests so the best thing is to speak to an accountant or qualified advisor about your particular situation if you’re considering it.

[@doflamingoo-if2fv]

hey Aeron i just wanna know if i have to really work and grow the freezone company or it is just for getting the residence permit ..so im not obliged to have an office and employees ect........

[@AaronHenray]

When I got my company set up there is no requirement for an office or employees or to even be in the country at all. It’s not the same for every free zone though. Each have their own rules.

[@doflamingoo-if2fv]

thnx for ur response😇@@AaronHenray

[@henry3440]

13:54 So how did you get an investors visa when your employment contract said general manager?

[@AaronHenray]

My contract was changed to say investor

[@henry3440]

I see. My free zone just told me I don't even need to create an employment contract for myself since I'm applying for the investor visa@@AaronHenray

[@ronmaa3877]

Hey Do you have a source for "not requiring medical insurance for investor visa"? My freezone is mentioning its mandatory in order to obtain emirates id

[@AaronHenray]

I only had travel insurance when my Emirates ID was issued. From memory, I do not recall them asking me if I had any medical insurance.

[@ronmaa3877]

@@AaronHenray Ok. I made the health insurance since the freezone repeatedly mentioned it was mandatory and I didn't want to introduce the possibility of further delays. I tried to clarify on this by mailing the official emirates id inquiry team, but they also mentioned that insurance was necessary. Your videos have been extremely helpful in my moving. Thank you very much.

[@user-wm6cn4pp9m]

Do you have to be in Dubai to apply for a residence visa? Can i apply from The UK?

[@AaronHenray]

Hello, sorry I didn't reply. You need to visit Dubai at some point to do your medical and get the visas stamped. Once its issued you can then leave Dubai for however long your visa entitles you to, either 6 or 12 months max at a time depending on the visa.

[@F355Marbella]

Very good and informative vlog. I'm in the prcocess of reallocate to the UAE. But I was quoted mor than 2,300 AED for E-Channel registration and then I discovered I need to put a "refundable" deposit of over 5,000 AED. As I understand it, the E-channel idea is to make things easier when uploading documents etc. But holy shit, over 7K AED to smooth out the process is a bit too much. You seem to have handled the things without any mayor issues. Did you come across the E-channel thing? Best New subscriber SG

[@AaronHenray]

Hey! I’ve never heard of E-Channel and if I used it I wasn’t aware that I was using it 😅

[@F355Marbella]

@@AaronHenray yeah, but i double checked with my freezone and they won’t charge me the deposit. So might be depending on the zone you use. But for sure a “hidden tax” you have to consider in some cases.

[@daryashkis8111]

Hey @@F355Marbella E-channel is an online portal introduced by the UAE gov in 2021 & making it easy to make any immigration-related applications online. When you apply for an UAE visa thru your freezone, 1st step of the process, is to open your e-channel. So don't be worry, It's the same rule for all freezones. If you are an investor, there is no requirments for refundable deposit. It is however required for all employee visas. Spoiler: after some time living in the UAE you will see there are a lot of ''hidden taxes'' introduced by the gov 😅

[@daryashkis8111]

Hey @@AaronHenray e-channel doesn't exist in Dubai, but it does in the Northern Emirates (RAK, Fujairah, etc..)

[@souvikghosh5087]

What money you spent to registert up your company in Dubai ?

[@AaronHenray]

It’s in the video about the company set up process on my channel :)

[@wagmi614]

what are your plans now with the 9% tax?

[@AaronHenray]

UAE corp tax 9% vs UK corp tax 25%. UAE vat 5% vs UK vat 20%. UAE income tax 0% vs UK income tax 20-40%. Still sounds like a good deal to me especially if you just want a change of life for a few years or permanently.

[@wagmi614]

@@AaronHenray I was wondering if you're looking into British Virgin Islands for fully 0% which is never going to change

[@DiyBug-ib8vd]

This is good, a very detailed video, pity about this medical thing they got going on, as like you many of us, don't like anyone taking blood, & what is this about covid shots.

[@AaronHenray]

Thank you. No idea really, if you take the VIP medical for some reason they want to gift you with a covid shot 😅

[@DiyBug-ib8vd]

@@AaronHenray Good thing for the heads, up, Ill take the non VIP route. LOL Thanks

[@fatwallet13]

I can't believe people can be so dense to think if they have a residency in Dubai or the likes & still earn money in the UK they would not have to pay UK tax. 😂🤣 Also beware of some of these agencies that say they will do your visa residency & company setup for you, some charge up to $25K way way more than it actually can be done for.

[@AaronHenray]

That's right there are agencies who will charge significantly more to do the setup. Many who will also rip you off on renewal with super high admin fees that you have to pay or close your company down. People just need to be careful out here and do their research.

[@fatwallet13]

@@AaronHenray yes I've seen some charging $25K & it can be done at a fraction of that amount, many many people are being ripped off buy these agencies.

[@SonniTheDog]

Are you sure the e-visa is required rather than the Tourist on arrival visa? I'm on the DLD cube website investor visa application and it gives an option to scan your On Arrival visa (assuming this is just passport stamp scan)

[@AaronHenray]

I cannot speak for every possible circumstance but if you are setting up a free zone company with IFZA and getting a residency visa, then yes you need an E-Visa prior to entry into the UAE and have that stamped before you can continue your visa process inside the UAE. The rules if you are already inside the UAE on another visa like a tourist visa is that visa must be cancelled (at a cost) then an E-Visa is issued.

[@AaronHenray]

Also I just had a look at that site. 3.5 stars on Google but anyway I assume you're looking at either the 10 year investor visa or property investors visa, which is not the same thing as what I have. It doesn't help they call them the same thing. They are also know as the Golden visa. I am not talking about the golden visa process in this video. What you said may be correct but I am not sure.

[@SonniTheDog]

@@AaronHenray Hey mate, thanks for the reply, and for the video. Alot of it is the same process so it's still been really valuable for me to watch. Yes i'm going for the property investor visa. DLD Cube is the authority you have to go through. It's the Dubai Land Department. The application process seems to allow uploading of "On Arrival" visa. I've emailed to see if this can be a scan of passport stamp. Will update when I find out.

[@AaronHenray]

@SonniTheDog oh I see! It would be good to hear what they say when you find out 🙏🏽