Visa Quota

In Dubai and the UAE, a visa quota is the limit on how many residence visas a company can provide for its employees. This limit depends on factors like the size of the company’s office and the type of business it does.

Here are some important things to know about visa quotas in Dubai:

Here’s a simple breakdown of visa quotas in Dubai:

1. Office Space Requirement: Usually, the number of visas a company can get is based on its office space. Companies typically need around 9 square meters of office space per employee. So, if you want to sponsor 10 employees, you need at least 90 square meters of office space.
2. Warehouse-Based Businesses: For businesses that operate from warehouses, the requirement is different. You may need around 15 square meters of space per employee.
3. Flexi-Desk and Flexi-Office: Some free zones offer flexible workspace options like “Flexi-Desk” or “Flexi-Office.” In these cases, the number of visas might be limited and usually go to the company owner or key staff.
4. Free Zones vs. Mainland: Visa quota rules can differ between free zones and mainland Dubai. Each free zone has its own regulations.
5. Visa Allocation: Companies often need to allocate visas to specific people, like shareholders or key employees. This allocation needs approval and may be adjusted if the company’s needs change.
6. Additional Quota Requests: If you need more visas than your current quota allows, you can request an increase. This request will be reviewed individually and requires approval.
7. Government Fees: There are fees for obtaining and renewing employee residence visas, which can vary depending on your business and the number of visas.

Let’s dive into free zones and their unique offerings. One key feature is the Flexi-desk option. This isn’t a full-time office but rather a chair and desk in a shared business center, which you can use for 5 to 6 hours a week. This option isn’t available on the mainland.

When you choose a Flexi-desk in a free zone, you need to consider the visa quota that comes with it. This quota can vary between free zones. For example:

• DMCC offers up to 3 resident visas with a Flexi-desk.
• UAQ FTZ, Fujairah Creative City, and Sharjah Media City may offer up to 6 resident visas.

If you start with a Flexi-desk but later need more visas, you can often upgrade to a larger office space or change your package. However, it’s important to check how visa quotas work for different packages before you commit. Keep in mind that while upgrading is usually allowed, downgrading might not be, so it’s best to confirm these details with the free zone authority.

For local companies (not in free zones), visa quotas are based on the size of the office space, and they do not have the option of Flexi-desk facilities.

In the UAE, the number of visas you can get depends on your office space. Typically, you need about 9 square meters of office space per person and 15 square meters per person for a warehouse setup.

For Free Zone Companies: Visa quotas vary between free zones. Some free zones allow you to distribute visas flexibly among shareholders and employees, while others have stricter rules.

For Mainland Companies: The process is different. You apply for a visa quota with the Ministry of Labor (MOHRE), detailing your expected employees and positions. There are fees involved, and changing visa allocations later can be costly, so careful planning is important.

Why MOHRE is Key for Managing Visa Quotas:

1. Visa Quota Approval: Before a company can sponsor employee visas, it needs to get quota approval from MOHRE.
2. Regulatory Oversight: MOHRE makes sure companies follow labor regulations and visa rules, ensuring fairness and transparency.
3. Monitoring Workforce: MOHRE tracks the number of visas issued to prevent companies from exceeding their quotas and ensures compliance with UAE labor laws.
4. Online Services: MOHRE offers online services where companies can check their visa quotas, apply for new quotas, and monitor application status, making the process easier.
5. Employee Rights: MOHRE helps protect employee rights and ensures companies provide good working conditions.
6. Fee Payment: Companies pay fees for visa applications and renewals through MOHRE, simplifying financial transactions.
7. Resolution of Disputes: MOHRE can mediate in disputes between employers and employees, helping resolve issues related to visas.
8. Transparent Processes: MOHRE’s online portal lets companies see how many visas they’ve used and how many are left in their quota, helping them manage their workforce effectively.

Managing your visa quota is key to growing your business in Dubai. At FLINTHAM MACKENZIE, we help you handle the tricky visa rules in the UAE. Whether you want to hire more employees or simplify your operations, our team is ready to guide you. Don’t let visa quotas slow you down—work with FLINTHAM MACKENZIE to make the most of your Dubai business. Reach out to us now to find out about your visa options and start your successful journey in Dubai.