UAE Visa & Immigration Services
Hudson McKenzie is a leading international immigration consultancy providing comprehensive UAE immigration, residence visa, business visa and corporate immigration solutions for individuals, entrepreneurs, investors, multinational companies and family offices. Whether you are relocating to Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Ras Al Khaimah, Sharjah, Ajman, Fujairah or Umm Al Quwain, our team — including our dedicated Dubai office — provides seamless support across every Emirate and every stage of the UAE immigration process, from long-term residency and Golden Visa applications through to complete company formation and corporate immigration compliance.
UAE Golden Visa
The UAE Golden Visa offers long-term residence to eligible investors, entrepreneurs, highly skilled professionals, scientists, medical professionals, exceptional students, humanitarian pioneers and individuals with outstanding achievements.
Hudson McKenzie advises on eligibility, prepares Golden Visa applications, and manages documentation, government submissions, family sponsorship and renewals in line with the latest UAE immigration regulations.
For full eligibility criteria and the application process, see our dedicated UAE Golden Visa page.
UAE Employment Visa
Businesses recruiting employees into the UAE require the correct work authorisation. We assist employers and employees with:
- Employment Entry Permits
- Residence Visas
- Emirates ID applications
- Medical examinations
- Labour approvals
- Work permit applications
- Visa renewals
- Immigration compliance
Employment Residence Visa holders may also sponsor eligible family members, subject to salary and eligibility requirements. The UAE Employment Visa is for foreign nationals planning to live and work in the UAE on an ongoing basis. The visa is employer-sponsored and issued for up to two years, with renewal subject to continuation of the employment relationship. It is available through both mainland companies and free zone entities, though the sponsoring authority and relevant regulations differ between the two. Key requirements include a confirmed employment contract, appropriate qualifications for the role, a medical fitness certificate and Emirates ID registration. Sponsored employees in qualifying circumstances may also be able to sponsor family members as dependants, subject to meeting applicable salary thresholds. For specific guidance for UK nationals and businesses relocating to or operating in the UAE, see our article on UAE immigration for UK nationals and businesses.
UAE Investor Visa
Foreign investors establishing businesses or investing in the UAE may qualify for an Investor Residence Visa. Our services include:
- Investment structure advice
- Investor residence visas
- Shareholder visas
- Business owner visas
- Family sponsorship
This route is closely tied to UAE company formation — see below for how we support the corporate side of an investor application.
UAE Freelance Visa
The UAE offers attractive freelance visa programmes through various Free Zones. We advise freelancers working in sectors including:
- Technology
- Media
- Marketing
- Design
- Education
- Consulting
- Creative industries
UAE Family Visa
UAE residents may sponsor eligible family members, including:
- Spouses
- Children
- Parents
- Domestic workers (subject to eligibility)
We manage the entire sponsorship process from start to finish, working alongside whichever primary visa category (Employment, Investor, Golden Visa, or other) is sponsoring the family application.
Other UAE Visa Categories
Beyond the routes above, we also assist with the UAE Green Visa (greater flexibility for skilled professionals, freelancers, investors and self-employed individuals), the UAE Partner Visa (for individuals establishing companies within the UAE), the UAE Remote Work Visa (for professionals employed overseas who wish to live in the UAE while working remotely for a foreign employer), and the UAE Retirement Visa (for individuals meeting financial eligibility criteria via property or savings-based applications).
We also support UAE Student Visa applications for universities, institutions and students; the UAE Domestic Worker Visa for families requiring immigration support for housekeepers, nannies, drivers and caregivers; and both UAE Business Visit Visas (for companies sending employees to the UAE for meetings, projects or commercial activities) and UAE Tourist Visas (for eligible applicants requiring UAE visitor visas for tourism, family visits and short-term stays).
UAE Company Formation & Investor Immigration
Many UAE residence visas are linked to business ownership, and Hudson McKenzie provides complete company formation support across Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Ras Al Khaimah and every other Emirate, covering both Mainland and Free Zone jurisdictions.
For full details on our Mainland, Free Zone and PRO services, see our dedicated UAE Company Formation page.
Corporate Immigration Services
Hudson McKenzie supports multinational companies with strategic immigration programmes across the UAE, including global mobility, immigration compliance audits, workforce planning, immigration policy development, right-to-work advice, government liaison, complex immigration cases, executive immigration and senior leadership relocation.
Why Choose Hudson McKenzie
Our UAE clients include global corporations, SMEs, entrepreneurs, investors, family offices, high-net-worth individuals, private clients, professional services firms, technology companies and financial institutions. We combine immigration expertise with commercial understanding to deliver practical, efficient and compliant immigration solutions. Speak to our Dubai office or contact our team to discuss your UAE immigration or business setup requirements.
Immigration rules, eligibility criteria and government fees are subject to change and vary by category and Emirate. This information is provided for general guidance only and does not constitute legal advice. Please contact Hudson McKenzie for advice specific to your circumstances.
Frequently Asked Questions
The best UAE visa depends on your circumstances. Investors may benefit from an Investor Visa or Golden Visa, skilled professionals may qualify for a Golden or Green Visa, while employees typically require an Employment Residence Visa.
Yes. Foreign nationals can establish businesses across the UAE Mainland and numerous Free Zones, with ownership rules varying depending on the jurisdiction and business activity.
Yes. We advise individuals and businesses on UAE Golden Visa eligibility, prepare applications, manage supporting documentation and liaise with the relevant UAE authorities.
Yes. Hudson McKenzie provides corporate immigration and global mobility services to multinational organisations, regional businesses and growing international companies.
Mainland companies can generally trade directly across the UAE and internationally without the same restrictions Free Zone companies may face, while Free Zone companies benefit from streamlined setup and full foreign ownership within their specific zone. The right structure depends on your business activity, target market and ownership objectives — our team advises on the most suitable jurisdiction for your circumstances.
Employment Residence Visa holders may be able to sponsor eligible family members, including spouses, children and parents, subject to salary thresholds and other eligibility requirements set by the relevant UAE authorities.
Yes. The UAE Remote Work Visa allows professionals employed overseas to live in the UAE while continuing to work remotely for their foreign employer, subject to meeting the relevant eligibility criteria.
An Investor Residence Visa is generally linked to a qualifying investment or shareholding in a UAE business, which may involve setting up or investing in a Mainland or Free Zone company. We advise on the investment structure alongside the visa application.
The UAE Retirement Visa is designed for individuals who meet specified financial eligibility criteria, typically demonstrated through property ownership, savings, or pension income. We assess which route best fits your financial circumstances.
The best UAE visa depends on your circumstances. Investors may benefit from an Investor Visa or Golden Visa, skilled professionals may qualify for a Golden or Green Visa, while employees typically require an Employment Residence Visa.
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