If you set up a company in Dubai South Free Zone, you can apply for a UAE Investor Visa through your company. Here is everything you need to know about the Dubai South Free Zone investor visa in 2026.
Dubai South Free Zone Visa Quick Facts
| Item | Detail |
|---|---|
| Visa Cost (per visa) | AED 3,800 |
| Base Visa Quota | 1 visa(s) included in base package |
| Visa Validity | 2 years (renewable) |
| Visa Type | UAE Investor / Partner Visa |
Who Can Get a Dubai South Free Zone Investor Visa?
Any shareholder or partner of a Dubai South Free Zone company can apply for an Investor Visa through the company. You do not need to be UAE-based before applying — the visa allows you to relocate to the UAE.
Step-by-Step Visa Process
- Set up your Dubai South Free Zone company and obtain the Trade Licence
- Submit investor visa entry permit application through Dubai South Free Zone
- Receive entry permit (valid 60 days) — travel to UAE on this
- Complete UAE medical fitness test (same-day results available)
- Register at ICA/GDRFA for Emirates ID biometrics
- Receive UAE residency visa stamped in passport
- Receive Emirates ID (3–10 working days)
Additional Visa Options
Beyond your own investor visa, your Dubai South Free Zone company can also sponsor:
- Employment visas — for staff and employees
- Dependent visas — for spouse and children (requires proof of salary/income)
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I get more than 1 visa(s) with my Dubai South Free Zone company?
Yes — you can usually purchase additional visa quota from Dubai South Free Zone at AED 3,800 per additional visa (approximate). Ask Dubai South Free Zone for their current additional visa pricing and whether upgrading your workspace increases your base quota.
How long does the Dubai South Free Zone investor visa process take?
From trade licence to having your UAE residency visa stamped in your passport typically takes 2–4 weeks. The entry permit takes 3–7 days, medical is same-day, and Emirates ID takes 3–10 working days from biometrics.
Compare visa costs across all UAE free zones: View UAE free zone visa comparison →
Pricing Evidence & Source Notes
Use this profile as a planning guide, not a final invoice. Confirm the current package, activity wording, visas, office or flexi-desk requirement and renewal amount before payment.
| Free Zone | Package | Year 1 Cost | Renewal Cost | 3-Year Total | Visa Option | Office / Flexi Requirement | Year 1 Confidence | Source Type | Conflict Status | Last Reviewed |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dubai South | Dubai South Business Hub base licence | From AED 12,500 base licence in current official Business Hub content Confidence: Indicative public price |
Quote-based renewal - official content contains conflicting package references Confidence: Needs confirmation |
Quote-based 3-year total - depends on confirmed renewal and package Confidence: Needs confirmation |
Visa allocation and processing are selected separately | Official content lists flexible coworking / flexi-desk options; confirm the selected package | Indicative public price | Official Dubai South Business Hub content; conflicting entry figures noted | Conflicting public sources - confirm current package | July 2026 |
| What is included | Current official Business Hub content presents AED 12,500 as the base licence starting point and describes flexible coworking infrastructure. |
|---|---|
| What is not included | Visa processing, establishment card, insurance, office upgrades, extra activities, regulated approvals and support services unless the final package states otherwise. |
| Hidden-cost risk | Official Business Hub articles contain conflicting entry-price references. UAE Freezone Compare does not average them; confirm the current package and full invoice before payment. |
| Banking difficulty | Medium |
| Best fit | Logistics, aviation, import/export and Dubai address companies near Al Maktoum Airport. |
Source evidence: Review source | Methodology | Corrections.
Prices can change based on free zone authority updates, activity selection, visa count, office or flexi-desk requirement, shareholder structure, establishment card, immigration file, medical test, Emirates ID, insurance, banking support and consultant service fees. Last reviewed July 2026. Always request a current quote before payment. View methodology or compare all rows in the UAE Free Zone Cost Index.