Planning to work or start a business in Dubai mainland?

Mainland Visas in Dubai

At Gulf Corporate Services, we have more than 14 years of experience assisting professionals, entrepreneurs, and investors with their mainland visa in Dubai. Our role is to simplify the process by handling every step — from obtaining your MoHRE work permit to final residency stamping with GDRFA Dubai. Whether you’re joining a mainland company as an employee, setting up your own business, or sponsoring dependents, our expertise ensures you stay compliant while focusing on building your future in the UAE.

Mainland Visas in Dubai
Mainland Visas

UAE Mainland Visas

Private firms may apply for new employment entry permits to be granted their employees, and should acquire a residence visa status within 30 days of the employee’s arrival in UAE. An employment visa for companies registered in a free zone is valid for three years, and that of onshore registered firms two. The employers also have an obligation to complete all arrangements for the journeys of these new employees, including procuring ‘approved-to-board’ certificates required by some airline companies.

What is a Mainland Visa in Dubai?

A mainland visa Dubai is a legal residency permit issued to employees, business owners, and dependents of companies licensed under the Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism (DED). It allows you to live, work, and operate anywhere in the UAE, unlike free zone visas that limit your activities to specific jurisdictions.

When you hold a mainland visa:

  • You have full legal rights to work in Dubai and across the UAE.
  • You can sponsor dependents such as a spouse, children, or parents.
  • You gain access to healthcare, education, and financial services.
  • Your company can participate in government tenders and contracts.

This makes the mainland visa a preferred option for long-term residency and unrestricted work opportunities.

Why Do You Need a Mainland Visa in Dubai?

A Dubai work visa linked to a mainland company provides benefits that free zone visas often cannot match. Here’s why obtaining a mainland visa is crucial:

  • Employment with a Mainland Company – If you’re hired by a DED-licensed firm, your employer must sponsor your MoHRE work permit Dubai and residence visa.
  • Business Ownership – If you establish a company on the mainland, you need an investor or partner visa to manage operations legally.
  • Family Sponsorship – Mainland visas give you the right to sponsor your family’s residency, subject to income and accommodation requirements.
  • Unrestricted Access – With a mainland visa, you’re not limited to a specific free zone. You can work across Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Sharjah, and other emirates.
  • Government Opportunities – Only mainland companies are eligible to bid for government projects, making this visa a gateway to larger contracts.

Without a valid visa, you cannot legally work, apply for an Emirates ID, or access essential services.

Types of Mainland Visas in Dubai

When applying for a mainland visa in Dubai, the type of visa you need depends on your role, business structure, and purpose of stay. Each category has its own requirements and benefits, and choosing the right one ensures smooth processing with MoHRE, ICP, and GDRFA Dubai.

1. Employment Visa (Work Visa)

The Dubai work visa is issued to employees sponsored by mainland companies registered under the Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism (DED). The process starts with a MoHRE work permit Dubai, followed by medical tests, Emirates ID biometrics, and visa stamping at GDRFA Dubai. Validity is usually 2 years, and employees can also sponsor dependents once their visa is active.

2. Investor / Partner Visa

For entrepreneurs or shareholders in a DED-licensed business, the mainland investor visa in Dubai offers a longer validity of 3 years. It allows investors to live in the UAE, manage their company, open bank accounts, and sponsor dependents. The mainland investor visa in Dubai cost typically ranges between AED 5,000 and 9,000, plus medical and Emirates ID fees.

3. Dependent Visa

Holders of a valid mainland visa can apply for dependent visas to sponsor their spouse, children, and parents. The process requires proof of income, a valid Ejari tenancy contract, attested relationship certificates, and valid insurance. Dependents’ visas are tied to the sponsor’s visa validity, making timely renewal of mainland visas in Dubai crucial.

4. Transfer Visa from Free Zone to Mainland

Many professionals and companies shift from free zones to the mainland for broader opportunities. The transfer visa from free zone to mainland involves cancelling the old visa and applying for a new one under mainland company sponsorship. This process requires coordination with MoHRE and GDRFA Dubai visa requirements to update records and avoid penalties.

5. Renewal and Long-Term Visas

All mainland visas require renewal to remain valid. Employment visas last for 2 years, while investor visas last for 3 years. Renewal involves updated medicals, Emirates ID, insurance, and Ejari contracts. Gulf Corporate Services ensures a smooth process so clients can renew mainland visa Dubai without delays or fines.

Step-by-Step Process for Getting a Mainland Visa in Dubai

Applying for a mainland visa can feel overwhelming, but with expert support, the steps are clear and efficient. At Gulf Corporate Services, we manage the full cycle:

1. Work Permit Issuance (MoHRE)
The employer or business applies for a work permit with the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation (MoHRE). This is the first step to legally employ staff under a mainland company.

2. Entry Permit or Status Change

  • If the applicant is outside the UAE, an entry permit is issued to enter the country.
  • If inside the UAE, a status change is filed with GDRFA Dubai.

3. Medical Fitness Test
Every applicant undergoes a medical test in Dubai to confirm eligibility for residency.

4. Biometrics for Emirates ID
The applicant provides fingerprints and a photo to the Federal Authority for Identity and Citizenship (ICP). The ICP residence visa UAE record is then generated.

5. Residence Visa Stamping (GDRFA Dubai)
Once all clearances are received, the visa is digitally stamped by GDRFA Dubai, finalizing legal residency.

6. Dependent Sponsorship
After obtaining a mainland visa, the holder can sponsor dependents such as spouse, children, or domestic workers.

This entire mainland employment visa processing time usually takes between 1 and 3 weeks, depending on approvals and documentation.

Documents Required for Mainland Visa in Dubai

The documents required may vary depending on whether you’re applying as an employee, investor, or sponsor. Common requirements include:

  • Valid passport copy (minimum 6 months validity).
  • Recent passport-size photographs (with white background).
  • Entry permit or existing visa copy.
  • Company trade licence (for investor/partner visas).
  • Employment contract (for employee visas).
  • Updated medical fitness certificate.
  • Emirates ID application form.
  • Tenancy contract (Ejari) for dependent sponsorship.
  • Proof of salary or income certificate.

We ensure all documents meet GDRFA Dubai visa requirements to avoid delays or rejections.

Mainland UAE Visa Cost in 2025

The mainland investor visa Dubai cost or employment visa cost depends on several factors, including activity type, office space, and number of visas. Typical costs include:

  • Employment visa (2 years): AED 4,000 – AED 7,000.
  • Investor/partner visa (3 years): AED 5,000 – AED 9,000.
  • Dependent visa: AED 3,000 – AED 6,000 (per dependent).

Additional charges may apply for:

  • Medical tests and insurance.
  • Emirates ID issuance.
  • Urgent or express processing.

We provide a transparent cost breakdown so clients know exactly what to expect.

Validity and Renewal of Mainland Visas

Mainland visas come with fixed validity periods:

  • Employment visas: 2 years.
  • Investor/partner visas: 3 years.
  • Dependent visas: same as the sponsor’s visa validity.

To renew mainland visa Dubai, you’ll need:

  • Valid Ejari tenancy contract.
  • Updated medical fitness test (for some categories).
  • Renewed Emirates ID.
  • Cleared government dues and fines.

We manage your renewals proactively, ensuring there are no interruptions to your residency or business operations.

Cancellation of a Mainland Visa in Dubai

If you change jobs, close your business, or exit the UAE permanently, your visa must be cancelled before a new one can be issued. The cancellation process includes:

  • Employer or investor submitting the cancellation request.
  • Clearance of all labour and immigration records.
  • Submission of Emirates ID and passport for cancellation.
  • Approval from GDRFA Dubai and status update in ICP records.

We assist clients with smooth cancellation procedures, avoiding penalties and ensuring compliance.

Transfer Visa from Free Zone to Mainland

A common request we handle is the transfer visa from free zone to mainland. Many professionals and companies move from free zones to the mainland for greater flexibility and market reach. The transfer involves:

  • Cancelling the existing free zone visa.
  • Applying for a new mainland company visa sponsorship.
  • Updating records with MoHRE and GDRFA.

Our team ensures this transition is seamless, minimizing downtime for both employers and employees.

Why Choose Gulf Corporate Services for Mainland Visa Services?

With extensive knowledge of UAE laws and Dubai mainland company formation, we provide unmatched value:

  • Complete Visa Management – From MoHRE work permit Dubai to Emirates ID and final stamping.
  • Corporate Sponsorship Expertise – Guidance on mainland company visa sponsorship and compliance.
  • Transparent Pricing – Clear estimates for mainland investor visa Dubai cost and other visa categories.
  • Timely Reminders – Renewal alerts so you never miss deadlines.
  • End-to-End Support – Assistance with setup, visas, banking, and compliance under one roof.

Secure your mainland visa in Dubai today with Gulf Corporate Services. Contact us for a free consultation and let us handle the process while you focus on your goals.

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FAQS

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

A mainland visa in Dubai is a residency permit that allows employees and investors of DED-licensed companies to legally live and work anywhere in the UAE.

The cost of a mainland visa in Dubai ranges from AED 4,000 to AED 9,000, depending on whether it is an employment, investor, or dependent visa.

The average mainland employment visa processing time is 1 to 3 weeks, based on MoHRE approval, medical tests, and Emirates ID issuance.

Applicants must provide a valid passport, medical fitness test, Emirates ID application, insurance, and a company trade licence to meet GDRFA Dubai visa requirements.

Yes, it is possible to transfer a visa from free zone to mainland by cancelling the old visa and applying under a new mainland company sponsorship.

To renew a mainland visa in Dubai, you need an updated Ejari tenancy contract, valid insurance, and cleared government fees before applying through GDRFA Dubai.

You will need a passport copy, photographs, entry permit or visa copy, trade licence, employment contract, medical certificate, and Emirates ID application.

Yes, business owners can obtain a mainland investor visa Dubai, which is valid for 3 years and allows them to manage their business and sponsor family members.

A mainland visa Dubai allows unrestricted work across the UAE, while a free zone visa limits employment to the free zone unless a mainland sponsor is arranged.

Holders of a mainland visa can sponsor their spouse, children, and parents, provided they meet UAE’s salary and accommodation requirements.

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