About United Arab Emirates
Whether your company is sending employees to the United Arab Emirates (UAE) or expanding your worldwide footprint—Fragomen is here to help. Our experienced immigration professionals partner with businesses of all sizes to develop immigration strategies that can help you achieve your goals.
- The United Arab Emirates immigration system provides several options for employers of foreign nationals. The UAE is a federation of seven emirates. Each emirate follows federal laws but also has its emirate-specific legislation. Various free trade zones (free zones) have been established across the country to offer flexible business regulations and streamlined immigration processes.
- Business Visitors to the UAE must apply for a single- or multiple-entry visit visa. The maximum allowable duration of stay as a visitor is 180 days, depending on the entry policy (a visa category) applicable to the visitor (typically up to 30, 60, or 90 days). In-country extension of stay is permissible for most categories of entries. Visitors may sometimes change their immigration status in the country.
- The main work authorization category in all jurisdictions is a standard visa for contractual employment, also referred to as an Employment Residence Permit. This category consists of a residence permit and a work authorization (both components require employer sponsorship). Individuals holding a self-sponsored Green Visa or Golden Visa must obtain work authorization to carry out work activities for an employer.
- The visit visa for a work assignment (previously referred to as Mission Work Permit or Mission Visa) offers short-term work authorization for applicants in the mainland and select free zones.
- There are several visit visa categories. This includes visas for tourism, visas for exploring business opportunities, and visas for medical treatment. Visa categories for residency without work for a UAE employer include a visa for study, a visa for remote work, and a visa for a property owner. Visa categories for residency with work include a standard visa for contractual employment and the Green Visa. Although issued for the purpose of visit, the entry visa for residents of the Gulf Cooperation Council Member States and their accompanying persons is a standalone visa category. A Golden Visa, which offers long-term residency to investors, entrepreneurs, exceptional talent, scientists and specialists, outstanding students and top university graduates, humanitarian work pioneers, and frontline heroes, is another standalone visa category. The Blue Visa is a similar long-term option, designed for individuals working in environmental sustainability, including climate action and nature conservation.
Fragomen can also consult on citizenship matters and, as permitted within the confines of local law, may be able to offer citizenship assistance.
Fragomen in the UAE is Fragomen UAE Ltd. in Dubai International Finance Centre and Fragomen FZ-LLC in Dubai Development Authority. Both entities operate as immigration consultancies. Fragomen UAE Ltd, whose registered office in the United Arab Emirates is located at Level 8, Office 802, Liberty House, Dubai International Financial Centre, PO Box: 506626, Dubai United Arab Emirates , is a private company limited by shares registered under licence number CL0688.
Fragomen FZ-LLC, whose registered office in the United Arab Emirates is located at G01, Building EIB 04, Dubai Outsource City, Dubai, United Arab Emirates, is a free zone limited liability company registered under licence number 16026.
Fragomen FZ LLC - Abu Dhabi, whose registered office in the United Arab Emirates is located at Level 17, Office Suites 38-40, The Offices World Trade Center, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates, PO Box 30275 , is a foreign branch of a free zone limited liability company, registered under licence number CN-2545638.
Firmwide services
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Business Visa Services and Technology
Guidance, support and technology to help you get your business travelers on the ground quickly and compliantly.
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Consular Services
Personalized support to help ease the burden of complex immigration consular processing.
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Corporate Immigration Program Development
World-class corporate immigration services to help you optimize your immigration operations.
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Crisis Management Services
The help you need, when you need it most.
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Digital Nomad Services
Advice and planning for your growing Digital Nomad population.
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Document Services
Proactive planning and on-the-ground support to streamline the immigration document process.
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Employment Verification Services
Modern, streamlined employment verification solutions to increase your compliance and minimize your exposure to risk.
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Government Advisory Services
Strategic and tailored consultation to help you achieve your business goals.
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Immigration Analytics, Benchmarking and Knowledge
Robust resources to help you understand immigration in a changing world.
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Immigration Compliance Services
Experienced guidance to help manage your most complicated immigration activities and maximize your compliance.
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Immigration Enforcement Defense Services
Enforcement defense and internal investigations assistance to help defend your business against immigration noncompliance.
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Immigration Litigation Services
Experienced, skilled immigration litigation to help you resolve complex situations.
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Immigration Technology Solutions
Pragmatic, leading-edge technology solutions that support our clients’ immigration experiences.
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Immigration Training
Unmatched training means better immigration experiences for your employees.
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Immigration Work Permit Services
Comprehensive, end-to-end immigration services and technology to help streamline business immigration.
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Private Client Services
Sound, holistic alternative residency and citizenship solutions to help you seize your opportunities.
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Remobilization Services
Strategic support to help remobilize quickly and prepare for the future of work.
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Remote Work Strategic Services for Employers
As the world moves forward from the pandemic, some companies are calling employees back to the office full-time, while others are implementing or formalizing hybrid work schedules.
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Value-Added Services
A wealth of complimentary benefits to enrich your immigration experience.
