Are you looking to invest in the UAE or explore business opportunities? You can now apply for a visa specifically designed for this purpose. The candidate can apply for the single entry visa to ‘Search for investment opportunities without the need for a UAE-based sponsor.
This new visa is part of the revamped UAE visa system, which went into effect on October 3, 2022. The visa validity period can be chosen based on your needs; applicants can apply for a visa for two, three, or four months.
If you want to do some market research before investing, here’s how to apply for this visa through the Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs, and Ports Security (ICP). ICP is the immigration authority in the Emirates of Abu Dhabi, Sharjah, Ajman, Ras Al Khaimah, Fujairah, and Umm Al Quwain that issues visas.
How to apply for the visa online?
- First, go to the ICP website at http://www.icp.gov.ae and click on ‘eChannels Residency & Citizenship’ under the ‘Services’ tab.
- There are three visa options available:
- Visa – Single Entry – Search for Investment Opportunities 60 days – Issue New Visa
- Visa – Single Entry – Search for Investment Opportunities 90 days – Issue New Visa
- Visa – Single Entry – Search for Investment Opportunities 120 days – Issue New Visa
Choose the duration of your visa based on your requirements.
- You will then be directed to a form that you must complete with the following information:
Applicant Information: Enter information such as your name, phone number, and email address here. If you see a section where you can enter your name in Arabic, simply type your name in English and the system will fill in the name in Arabic for you.
Identification information: This includes the UID number, which is optional, as well as the department from which the visa is to be issued. This refers to the Emirate from which you want to apply for the visa, so you can choose from Abu Dhabi, Sharjah, Ajman, Ras Al Khaimah, Fujairah, or Umm al Quwain.
- Personal information: You must provide your passport information, personal and family information, and qualifications in this section.
- Address: Enter your address within and outside the UAE, as well as your contact information.
- Press the ‘Next’ button. You will then be prompted to upload the following files:
- Passport copy
- Coloured photograph
- Qualification certificate (attested)
Additionally, you may also be asked to submit the following documents:
- Place of residence in the UAE (rent contract or hotel reservation)
- Health insurance that covers the period of stay
- Copy of the return ticket
- Certified account statement
- National ID cards for certain nationalities
- Make the payment.
Your application will be completed and sent to the ICP once you have made the payment. You will receive the visa via email once your application has been approved.
How much does the visa for exploring business opportunities cost?
For 60 days:
- Request fees – Dh100
- Issue fees – Dh200
- Security deposits – Dh1,025
- E-services fees – Dh28
- ICP fees – Dh22
- Abu Dhabi National Insurance Company (ADNIC) Insurance fee – Dh60
- Dhafra Insurance fee – Dh60
Total: Dh1,495
For 90 days:
- Request fees – Dh100
- Issue fees – Dh300
- Security deposits – Dh1,025
- E-services fees – Dh28
- ICP fees – Dh22
- ADNIC Insurance fee – Dh90
- Dhafra Insurance fee – Dh90
Total: Dh1,655
For 120 days:
- Request fees – Dh100
- Issue fees – Dh400
- Security deposits – Dh1,025
- E-services fees – Dh28
- ICP fees – Dh22
- (ADNIC) Insurance fee – Dh120
- Dhafra Insurance fee – Dh120
Total: Dh1,815