How to apply for the UAE's Business Opportunities Visa: A guide for investors and entrepreneurs

Dubai: Want to invest in the UAE or explore new business opportunities? The Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs, and Port Security (ICP) has encouraged investors, entrepreneurs, skilled professionals, and business financiers from around the world to apply for the UAE's ‘Business Opportunities Visa.’

This special visa is designed for individuals looking to explore investment prospects in the UAE. It allows holders to visit the country either on a single-entry or multiple-entry basis, depending on their profession and eligibility criteria. The visa can be applied for directly by the candidate without the need for a UAE-based sponsor.

First introduced in 2022 as part of the UAE’s revamped visa system, this visa offers flexible durations. Applicants can choose a validity period of two, three, or four months, depending on their needs.

How to apply

The ICP is the immigration authority responsible for issuing visas in Abu Dhabi, Sharjah, Ajman, Ras Al Khaimah, Fujairah, and Umm Al Quwain. Here’s how you can apply for the Business Opportunities Visa through ICP. You also have the option to apply for the visa through registered typing centres in the UAE.

Required documents 

To apply for the visa, you will need to submit the following documents:

• Valid passport copy

• Proof of address – If you are staying with a friend or relative, provide the rental contract. If staying in a hotel, submit your reservation details.

• Recent passport-sized photo

• Certified bank statement

• Health insurance coverage

• Attested qualification certificate

• Return ticket

The mandatory or optional documents may vary depending on the data entered in the application.

Visa fees

For 60 days:

• Request fee: Dh100

• Issue fee: Dh200

• Security deposit: Dh1,025

• E-services fee: Dh28

• ICP fee: Dh22

• Smart services fee: Dh100

• Visa insurance fee: Dh80

• Total: Dh1,555

For 90 days:

• Request fee: Dh100

• Issue fee: Dh300

• Security deposit: Dh1,025

• E-services fee: Dh28

• ICP fee: Dh22

• Smart services fee: Dh100

• Visa insurance fee: Dh100

• Total: Dh1,675

For 120 days:

• Request fee: Dh100

• Issue fee: Dh400

• Security deposit: Dh1,025

• E-services fee: Dh28

• ICP fee: Dh22

• Smart services fee: Dh100

• Visa insurance fee: Dh120

• Total: Dh1,795

Application process

To apply, follow these steps:

1. Visit ICP’s smart services portal: smartservices.icp.gov.ae

2. Navigate to ‘Public Services’ and click on ‘Exploring Business Opportunities’.

3. Choose from the following visa options:

   • 60-day visa: Single Entry - Search for Investment Opportunities

   • 90-day visa: Single Entry - Search for Investment Opportunities

   • 120-day visa: Single Entry - Search for Investment Opportunities

4. Select your desired duration and click ‘Start Service’.

5. Complete the online form with the following details:

Applicant information: Enter your name, mobile number, and email address. If required, type your name in English, and the system will autofill the Arabic version.

Identification information: Enter your UID number (optional) and select the Emirate where you wish to process the visa (Abu Dhabi, Sharjah, Ajman, Ras Al Khaimah, Fujairah, or Umm Al Quwain).

Personal information: Provide your passport details, personal and family information, and qualifications.

Address details: Fill in your UAE and international address along with contact details.

6. Upload the required documents.

7. Review your application and make the payment.

Upon successful submission, you will receive a reference number to track your application.

Important notes:

• Refund policy: The issuance fees, health insurance fees, and security deposit can be refunded only if the application is rejected. Refund details will be mentioned in the financial receipt.

• Application validity: Your application will be automatically rejected if:

  • The required data is not completed within 30 days from the return date.

  • The application is returned three times due to missing or incomplete documents..

This article was originally published on October 3, 2022 and has been updated since.