Dubai: Freezone visas in the UAE have been reduced from three to two years. Officials informed that this decision has been implemented since October. This decision will apply to the new free zone visas. At present, visas that have reached the final stage of the process are also valid for two years. Also applicable for visa renewal.
However, previously granted visas will be valid for three years. The validity of the continental visa will continue for two years. As part of the unification of the duration of work visas everywhere in the UAE, the duration of the free zone visa has been shortened. The free zone authorities have sent a letter to the companies on the matter.
Visas that have reached the final stage of procedures such as affixing a sticker and issuing an Emirates ID will only be valid for two years. It is known that anyone who has paid the fee for three years will be reimbursed for one year. The new decision is beneficial to small businesses. Instead of having to spend a huge amount of money and get a three-year visa, from now on you just need to pay a small fee. At the same time, the new decision is not very useful for large companies. Although the fees were high, getting a three-year straight visa was beneficial for both companies and workers.
There are approximately 40 free zones in the United Arab Emirates. Non-residents and foreign investors can start businesses here with 100% ownership. Free zones have different rules than the mainland. It is easier to start a business in a free zone than on the mainland. There are also systems that get licenses without even having office space. Rates and rents are generally low.
