A valid visa is a basic requirement for any legal activity and any permanent stay in the United Arab Emirates. Anyone wishing to live, work or invest in Dubai must have the right visa – tailored to the purpose of their stay and their personal requirements.
The UAE offers a variety of visa categories for entrepreneurs, investors and skilled workers.
Our company supports you in identifying the right visa and guides you through all the necessary steps – from the health check to applying for and activating the visa.
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Applied for via the employer. Prerequisites are an employment contract, a medical test and a police clearance certificate.
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Allows entrepreneurs to apply for a long-term visa through a company registered in Dubai – often in conjunction with setting up a business in a Free Zone such as IFZA.
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For self-employed people who want to work without the classic Company set up.
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For highly qualified specialists and investors with proven economic significance – often valid for 5 or 10 years.
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If you have a valid residence visa, you can bring your family to Germany under certain conditions.
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For people over 55 with proven income or property ownership.
Banking service
A functioning bank account is a basic requirement for business and private activities in Dubai. Anyone setting up a company or buying a property needs a local bank account – both for payment transactions and to meet legal requirements. The United Arab Emirates has a modern, well-connected banking system. International institutions such as HSBC and Citibank are represented as well as large regional banks, including Emirates NBD, Mashreq and ADCB. Many of these banks offer special models for entrepreneurs and expatriates. Opening an account involves several steps and usually requires the following documents:
Passport
Residence visa
Emirates ID
Proof of address
Company documents
Structures such as IFZA can simplify the process considerably. In the course of issuing a Company set up or visa via the IFZA, applicants are given access to standardized procedures, which also include opening an account with cooperating banks. Some free zones even have direct contact persons at certain financial institutions, which shortens the processing time and makes the requirements transparent.
Our advice is aimed at suggesting the right bank account for you – tailored to your needs as an entrepreneur, investor or private individual. At the same time, we assist you with all documentation and processing via the relevant IFZA structures so that you can operate quickly and securely in Dubai’s financial system.
Health insurance
In Dubai, health insurance is mandatory by law for all residents – regardless of whether they are employees, entrepreneurs or investors in the Emirates. This means that a residence permit is not possible without a valid insurance policy.
Employers are legally obliged to provide a minimum level of insurance for employees. This covers basic medical benefits, including outpatient and inpatient treatment, emergency care and maternity benefits.
Self-employed persons, entrepreneurs or investors who apply for a residence permit as part of setting up a business, for example, are obliged to take out their own health insurance.
The selection ranges from basic tariffs for individuals to complete international insurance policies with worldwide cover, dental treatment, visual aids or preventive check-ups. The costs start at around 100 euros per month, depending on the cover.
A lack of or insufficient health insurance cover can lead to considerable problems when extending your visa. It is therefore essential to take out suitable cover in good time.
To help you find the right health insurance quickly and easily, we work closely with the IFZA (International Free Zone Authority) to ensure that you reach your destination quickly and cost-effectively.
Long-term support
Our service does not end with the successful establishment of your company, the visa process or the acquisition of real estate. Dubai Business Consulting offers you sustainable and holistic support that goes far beyond the transaction. Even after your project has been completed, we are at your side as a reliable contact partner – whether for administrative issues, ongoing support for your company, assistance with banking matters, real estate management or visa extensions.
Our aim is to make your stay in the United Arab Emirates carefree and successful in the long term. You benefit from our local network, in-depth market knowledge and continuous advice – individual, competent and always at eye level. This not only ensures a smooth start, but also professional support on your further journey in Dubai.
Transferring your national driver's license to a UAE driver's license
We provide you with professional support in converting your national driving license into a valid United Arab Emirates driving license. From checking the documents to dealing with the authorities – we take care of the entire process for you. Fast, reliable and stress-free.
Troubleshooting & Aftercare
Even if everything goes wrong - we are there for you.
Real troubleshooting starts where others stop.
When real estate investments fail, business models falter or legal and financial problems get out of hand, it takes more than standard solutions – it takes experience, clarity and decisive action.
Dubai Business Consulting is at your side in difficult situations with genuine crisis expertise – discreet, professional and solution-oriented.
As part of our After Care & Troubleshooting approach, we take responsibility for what others leave behind: failed projects, unresolved conflicts, economic difficulties.
Real estate
Law
Taxes
Finances & Companies
We analyze, arrange, negotiate and accompany you – regardless of whether it is a matter of restructuring, reorganization or an orderly withdrawal.
Typical cases in which we help:
Failed real estate purchases
z.e.g. problems with property titles, payment disputes, construction delays
Failed start-ups or business models
z.e.g. incorrect company structure, no market access, partner conflicts
Legal and tax risks
z.e.g. unclear liability, lack of compliance, outstanding receivables
Liquidity bottlenecks or financing problems
Network & Community
Success rarely comes from going it alone, especially not in international markets such as the United Arab Emirates. This is why DBC offers its clients not only access to tailor-made advice, but also to an exclusive network of entrepreneurs, investors and decision-makers.
As a partner of the Federal Association of Small and Medium-Sized Enterprises (BVMW) and the International Free Zone Authority (IFZA) we are able to offer you privileged access to business events, roundtables, mentoring programs and closed entrepreneur networks both in Dubai and in Germany.
One example is the delegation trip of German SMEs to Dubai and Abu Dhabiwhich is organized by the BVMW. It brings together selected entrepreneurs from German-speaking countries with leading representatives from business, administration and associations in the United Arab Emirates. The focus is on exclusive company visits, B2B matchmaking, site visits and insights into relevant future industries such as energy, logistics, technology, real estate and healthcare. The delegation is accompanied by experienced experts and offers a structured platform for sustainable business development in the Gulf region.
We also provide access to cross-industry mentors, entrepreneurial clubs and business forums, both locally and internationally. The aim is to promote sustainable business relationships and strategically support entrepreneurial growth by providing the right framework.
FAQ
Frequently asked questions
Permanent residence in the UAE raises many legal issues – such as visas, residency, employment law, family law and estate planning. We help you to make the transition smooth and legally compliant – including checking your documents and adapting them to local law.
With a valid residence permit, e.g. for setting up a company or an investor visa, you have extensive rights. However, the legal basis is different to that in Germany. We will inform you in detail about your rights and obligations – even in sensitive areas such as divorce or inheritance.
Relevant visas include the investor visa, freelancer visa, golden visa (5-10 year term) and the pensioner visa. Family reunification is also possible.
A long-term residence visa can be applied for through the founding of a company in a free zone such as IFZA. We will guide you through the entire process – from the health check to the issuing of the visa.
A visa is mandatory. Prerequisites are, for example, ownership, an employment relationship, business start-up or proven income (e.g. for pensioner visas).
Yes, a local account is necessary for real estate purchases, company start-ups or daily expenses. We can advise you on the right bank and help you open an account.
As a rule, a valid passport is required.As a rule, a valid passport, residence permit, Emirates ID, proof of address and, if applicable, company documents.
Yes, no stay is possible without a valid insurance policy. Employers must provide minimum cover, self-employed persons and investors need their own policy.
We work with established insurance providers and IFZA to find a cost-effective and customized solution for you.
Yes, we develop customized solutions such as holding structures or joint ventures – legally compliant and optimally tailored to your business objectives.
Yes – if real substance (offices, staff, operating activities). Without substance, there is a risk of losing tax privileges.