Whether you're relocating to the UAE for business, investment, freelancing, or family sponsorship, your journey begins before you even board the plane.
This easy-to-follow guide explains everything you need to know before entering the UAE, including how your visa is approved, which documents to prepare, and how to prepare for the next phase of your residency.
Moving to the UAE for business, investment, freelancing, or family sponsorship is an exciting step — but before you land, there’s an essential process you need to complete: Pre-Entry.
The UAE residency visa journey has two stages:
Pre-Entry: While you’re still outside the UAE (e.g., India, Indonesia, Kenya).
Post-Entry: After you arrive in the UAE, you will complete medical tests, biometrics, and Emirates ID issuance.
This article covers the Pre-Entry phase, including:
How to set up your business (if applicable)
How your visa gets approved
When you’ll receive your entry permit (eVisa)
What documents are needed
How to prepare for your travel
Before applying for a residency visa or Emirates ID, your business must first be registered in the UAE. This is the foundation of your legal status and eligibility to sponsor visas.
To register a company in the UAE, you’ll need to prepare and submit the following documents and details:
Three proposed company names in order of preference
Company business activity description (services, trading, consultancy, etc.)
Shareholder information (corporate or individual)
Contact details, address, and phone number of the shareholders
Director details (minimum of one manager must be appointed)
Passport copies of shareholders and directors
Passport-sized photos
Completed shareholder form (to be provided during the onboarding process)
There are many free zones to choose from depending on your business model:
Meydan Free Zone (Dubai) – Great for start-ups and digital businesses
RAKEZ (Ras Al Khaimah) – Suitable for traders, manufacturers, and SMEs
Ajman Free Zone – Cost-effective and flexible for freelancers
DMCC (Dubai Multi Commodities Centre) – Ideal for international trading companies
DIFC (Dubai International Financial Centre) – Tailored for financial services and fintech firms
ADGM (Abu Dhabi Global Market) – Excellent for investment firms and multinational setups
Timeline: Company setup usually takes 3–7 working days, depending on the chosen free zone or jurisdiction.
Deliverables: Once your trade licence is authorised, you receive:
A legal trade licence
Memorandum of Association (MOA)
Shareholder certificates
Company establishment card (for immigration)
With these in hand, you can then proceed to apply for residency visas and Emirates IDs under your company.
After receiving your company licence, the next step is applying for an Immigration Establishment Card.
What is it? A card that registers your company with the UAE immigration system. It allows your business to sponsor visas.
Timeline: 2–3 business days.
Why it matters: Without this card, you cannot begin any visa applications.
Once the immigration card is issued, we submit your Entry Permit (eVisa) application.
What is it? A government-issued permit that allows you to enter the UAE for residency purposes.
Validity: 60 days from the date of issue.
Timeline: 3–5 business days.
⚠️ Important Note: Once you enter the UAE on this permit, you must stay inside the country until your residency process is complete. You cannot exit until your Emirates ID and residency visa are issued.
Clear colour passport copy (valid at least 7 months)
Passport-sized photo (white background, no glasses/jewellery)
National ID (for specific nationalities)
Degree certificate (if applicable)
Police clearance (some nationalities)
Once your entry permit (eVisa) is approved, we’ll coordinate your travel.
Share your official eVisa by email.
Confirm your travel dates.
Advise you on when to enter the UAE to align with your visa timeline.
⏱️ Remember: Your entry permit is valid for 60 days, so you must enter the UAE before it expires.
We recommend planning a stay of at least 2.5 to 3 weeks inside the UAE. This ensures you have enough time to complete all steps smoothly, including:
✅ Medical fitness test.
✅ Emirates ID biometrics.
✅ Residency visa stamping in your passport.
✅ Collection of your final Emirates ID card.
This timeframe ensures smooth processing and avoids overstaying the validity of your entry permit.
Completing the Pre-Entry stage sets the foundation for your move to the UAE. But the real transformation begins once your plane lands. That’s when you’ll go through health checks, provide your biometrics, and finally hold your Emirates ID — the card that unlocks everything from banking to housing in the Emirates.
Curious about what to expect in this next chapter? We’ve put together a detailed roadmap that walks you through the entire experience — from your first medical test to the moment you receive your residency card.
👉 Explore the full Post-Entry process here
Typically 5–10 business days, depending on approvals and document checks
Yes — once your residency visa has been processed and officially released in the UAE immigration system, you are allowed to travel. Please note that the visa is now electronic, so there is no physical stamp required in your passport. However, until this stage is complete, you must remain in the UAE.
If not used within 60 days, the permit becomes invalid. You’ll need to reapply.
Not all — requirements vary by nationality and visa type.
Yes. Once your residency visa is issued, you can sponsor eligible family members.
Pre-Entry prepares you to enter the UAE legally (company setup, entry permit). Post-Entry finalizes your residency inside the UAE (medical, biometrics, Emirates ID).
The UAE residency journey begins before you land. By carefully completing the Pre-Entry process — setting up your company, securing your immigration card, and getting your entry permit — you’re laying the foundation for a successful move.
The next stage, Post-Entry, finalizes your residency and gives you access to all the opportunities the UAE has to offer.
👉 For the next step, read our full guide on Emirates ID and Residency Visa Process in the UAE (Post-Entry)
Your UAE residency journey starts here. Don’t just read about it — take the first step with Theta7. From Pre-Entry setup to Post-Entry completion, we handle the process so you can focus on your future. Sign up today and let our experts make your move seamless.
