Every year, thousands of entrepreneurs pack their bags for Dubai, and not just for its skyline or lifestyle, but for the freedom it offers to do business. From small startups to global brands, the city has become a launchpad for anyone with big ambitions. But beyond licenses and offices, one key question most business owners have is - how many visas can I get for my company in Dubai?
Knowing how business visas work is important because it helps you plan your team, hire staff, and even sponsor your family members. The number of visas you can get depends on a few things, such as the size of your office, the type of business activity you do, and whether your company is in the mainland or a free zone.
And that's why, here we'll explain everything in simple terms - how the visa quota system works, what affects the number of visas your company can get in 2025, and how Shuraa India can guide you through the entire process smoothly.
What Is a Company Visa Quota in Dubai?
Simply put, the Company Visa Quota in Dubai is the maximum number of residency and work visas your business is officially allowed to sponsor under its current trade license.
Every company established in Dubai (whether in the Mainland or a Free Zone) is allocated a specific visa quota by the relevant government authority (like the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation - MoHRE, for Mainland, or the respective Free Zone authority).
The number of visas you get is directly dependent on your business setup. Factors like the size of your physical office space, the type of business activity on your trade license, and the classification of your company (which often relates to the local workforce contribution) all play a role in determining this initial number.
Who Can Be Sponsored Under a Dubai Company Visa?
Companies in Dubai can typically apply for three main types of visas:
- Owner/Partner Visas: These are the residency visas issued to the shareholder(s) or owner(s) of the company. These people will occupy a slot in the quota.
- Employee Visas: These are the work and residency visas for the salaried staff you hire to run your operations. These are the primary visas managed by the quota system.
- Family Visas (Crucially, Not Part of the Quota): It's important to note that once the owner or employee secures their personal residency visa through the company (which does use a quota slot), they can then sponsor their immediate family (spouse and children) for residence visas. These dependent visas do NOT count against the company's established visa quota.
If your business expands or requires more staff, you can always apply for a quota increase, provided you meet the necessary criteria, such as larger office space or additional approvals
Factors That Determine the Number of Visas You Can Get in UAE
The number of visas your company in Dubai or anywhere in the UAE can obtain isn’t fixed, it depends on several factors related to your business setup, size, and activity.
1. Office Space Size
The size of your office or workspace is one of the biggest factors affecting your visa quota. In most cases, the rule is one visa for every 9 square meters of office space (for mainland companies).
For example, if your office is 180 square meters, you may be eligible for around 20 visas. Free zone authorities also use a similar approach, but their rules can vary depending on the free zone’s internal policies and office package.
2. Type of Business Activity
Your company’s business activity also influences how many visas you can get. Service-oriented businesses (like consultancy or marketing) usually require fewer employees, so they’re allocated a smaller quota.
On the other hand, trading, manufacturing, or construction companies that need more manpower can apply for a higher number of visas. Authorities assess your business model to ensure the quota aligns with your actual staffing needs.
3. Company Location (Mainland vs. Free Zone)
Visa rules differ between Dubai Mainland and Free Zones:
- Mainland companies follow the MOHRE and GDRFA system, where visa allocation is linked to your office space (Ejari) and labour card registration.
- Free zone companies have their own immigration and visa policies. Depending on the free zone, the quota can range from 1 to 6 visas for small setups and increase with larger offices or warehouses.
4. Type of Office Setup
If your business uses a flexi-desk or shared workspace, your visa eligibility will likely be limited (usually 1–3 visas). But if you lease a dedicated office, retail space, or warehouse, your company can qualify for a much higher visa quota.
5. Legal Structure of the Company
Your company’s ownership type can also impact visa allocation.
- Sole establishments and civil companies might have smaller quotas since they often represent individual professionals.
- LLCs and branches of foreign companies, on the other hand, can obtain larger quotas based on business activity and space.
6. Government Approvals and Labour Compliance
Sometimes, the number of visas also depends on approvals from specific authorities or ministries, especially for regulated sectors (like healthcare or education). Maintaining a clean compliance record with labour and immigration authorities also helps in getting visa extensions or quota increases approved faster.
Visa Allocation in Dubai Mainland Companies
In Dubai Mainland, the process for determining your company’s visa quota is managed primarily through the Department of Economy and Tourism (DET / formerly DED) along with the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation (MoHRE) and the General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs (GDRFA).
How the Visa Quota System Works:
Ejari Registration is Mandatory: To get a Mainland trade license and open your immigration file, you must first lease a commercial property and register its tenancy contract through the Ejari system. This verified lease is essential proof that your company has a genuine, operational presence.
Quota is Tied to Size: The physical size of the office space is directly used to calculate your initial visa quota capacity. The standard calculation is roughly 1 visa slot for every 80 to 100 square feet (approx. $7.5$ to $9$ square meters) of office space.
For example, a small commercial office of 200 sq. ft. can comfortably accommodate an initial quota of 2 to 3 visas (for the owner/partner and one or two employees).
MoHRE Controls the Quota: While the DET issues the trade license and verifies the Ejari, the actual work permit quota for employees is approved and managed by MoHRE. MoHRE uses the office space as a baseline but also considers the company's size, business activity, and compliance record to finalize the number.
If your company needs more visas than your current quota allows, you can apply for a visa quota increase through MOHRE.
Visa Allocation in Dubai Free Zone Companies
The process for obtaining a visa quota in a Dubai Free Zone is quite different from the Mainland, offering more flexibility but adhering to zone-specific rules. The central point to remember is that each Free Zone operates as its own regulatory authority and sets its own visa policy.
The visa quota is nearly always determined by the package and office facility you choose when you register your company.
Here’s a quick look at how visa quotas differ across some of Dubai’s popular free zones:
- Dubai Multi Commodities Centre (DMCC): Allows up to 6 visas, depending on the size of your leased office or physical workspace.
- Dubai Internet City (DIC) and Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC): Visa quotas depend on your lease agreement and the nature of your business activity, especially for finance, tech, and consulting firms.
- IFZA (International Free Zone Authority), Meydan Free Zone, and SHAMS (Sharjah Media City): Usually offer 1 to 6 visas, depending on your selected business package or office size.
Flexi-Desk and Virtual Office Setups:
If you opt for a flexi-desk or virtual office setup, your visa quota will typically be limited. Most free zones allow 1 to 3 visas under these packages, since the workspace is shared and not a dedicated office. This setup is ideal for entrepreneurs or small businesses that don’t require a physical office presence but still want a UAE residency and business license.
How to Increase Your Company’s Visa Quota in Dubai?
As your business grows, you may need to hire more employees or sponsor additional dependents and that means you’ll need a higher visa quota. So, here’s how you can do it:
1. Upgrade or Expand Your Office Space
The most common way to increase your visa quota is by leasing a larger office or warehouse. Since the number of visas is directly linked to your Ejari (tenancy contract), expanding your space allows you to sponsor more employees.
- For mainland companies: Typically, one visa is granted for every 9 square meters of space.
- For free zone companies: The quota increases depending on the free zone’s internal rules and your office package.
Once you’ve upgraded your space, you’ll need to submit the updated Ejari and lease agreement to the relevant authorities for approval.
2. Submit a Quota Increase Request to MOHRE or Free Zone Authority
Mainland companies must apply for a quota increase through the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation (MOHRE), while free zone companies can submit a request directly to their free zone authority.
You’ll usually need to provide:
- A valid justification for why more staff are needed.
- Updated company documents (trade license, tenancy contract, establishment card, etc.).
- Labour and immigration records showing compliance with UAE regulations.
3. Maintain a Good Compliance Record
Authorities review your company’s record before approving additional visas. Maintaining a clean compliance history, such as paying salaries on time, renewing employee visas promptly, and following labour laws can increases your chances of approval.
4. Get Expert Assistance
The visa quota increase process can involve several departments, including DET, MOHRE, GDRFA, and your free zone authority. Working with experts like Shuraa India can make this process faster and stress-free. Shuraa’s PRO and visa specialists handle everything from documentation and submission to approvals, ensuring your business gets the quota it needs without delays.
What is the Cost of Business Visas in Dubai?
The cost of a business visa in Dubai depends on several factors such as the visa type, validity period, and whether it’s for the mainland or a free zone. Generally, the total cost for a UAE business visa ranges from AED 3,000 to AED 7,000 per person. This includes entry permits, medical tests, Emirates ID registration, and stamping fees.
For investor or partner visas, the fees are slightly higher—around AED 4,000 to AED 7,500. Employee visas usually cost less, depending on the job role and company size.
Keep in mind that free zones may have all-inclusive visa packages, while mainland companies pay each component separately. Renewal costs are similar to initial visa costs and are paid every two or three years, depending on the visa duration.
If you’re unsure about your company’s visa budget, Shuraa can help you calculate the total cost accurately and guide you through the entire visa application process.
How Shuraa Can Help You Get Visas for Your Business
Figuring out how many visas your Dubai company can get doesn’t have to be confusing. With Shuraa India, you’ll have experts who guide you through every step - from quota approvals to visa processing. Our team helps you secure business visas for owners, employees, and dependents with complete end-to-end support. From quota allocation and increase requests to PRO and documentation services, we make the entire visa process smooth and hassle-free.
Why get stuck in the paperwork when Shuraa can handle it all?” From start to finish, we’ll make sure your visa process is quick, compliant, and stress-free.