What is the process of obtaining residency visas for Rakez company owners?

Obtaining residency visas for RAKEZ (Ras Al Khaimah Economic Zone) company owners involves several steps and procedures. RAKEZ is a free economic zone located in Ras Al Khaimah, one of the emirates of the United Arab Emirates (UAE). The process of obtaining residency visas for RAKEZ company owners can be divided into three main stages: setting up the company, applying for the entry permit, and obtaining the residency visa.

Stage 1: Setting Up the Company

The first step in obtaining residency visas for RAKEZ company owners is to set up the company in the RAKEZ free zone. This process typically involves the following steps:

1. Determining the legal entity: The company owner must decide on the legal structure of the company, such as a free zone establishment (FZE) or a free zone company (FZC). These entities are typically limited liability companies with a minimum share capital requirement.

2. Selecting the trade license: The company owner needs to determine the type of trade license required for their business activities. RAKEZ offers various business activities and license types, such as trading, manufacturing, and services.

3. Choosing the office space: The company owner must select an appropriate office space within the RAKEZ free zone. RAKEZ provides a range of options, including flexi-desks, executive offices, and industrial units.

4. Preparing the necessary documents: The company owner needs to gather and prepare the required documents for company registration. These typically include a completed application form, passport copies, business plan, bank reference letter, and a no-objection letter (if the owner is currently employed by another company).

5. Submitting the documents: The owner must submit the required documents to the RAKEZ authority through an authorized service agent. The authority will review the documents and may request additional information if necessary.

6. Paying the registration fees: Once the application is approved, the company owner needs to pay the necessary registration and licensing fees. The fees vary depending on the type of license and office space selected.

Stage 2: Applying for Entry Permit

After successfully setting up the company in RAKEZ, the company owner can apply for an entry permit to enter the UAE. This permit allows the owner to legally reside and work in the country. The process involves the following steps:

1. Medical fitness test: The company owner needs to undergo a medical fitness test at an approved medical center or hospital. This typically includes a blood test, chest x-ray, and screening for communicable diseases.

2. Obtaining the offer letter: The RAKEZ authority will issue an offer letter to the company owner, confirming their eligibility to apply for an entry permit.

3. Entry permit application: The owner needs to submit the necessary documents, including a completed application form, passport copies, passport-sized photographs, medical fitness test report, and the offer letter to the relevant immigration authorities. The application can be submitted online or in person.

4. Entry permit approval: Once the application is submitted, the immigration authorities will review the documents and conduct security checks. If approved, they will issue the entry permit.

Stage 3: Obtaining Residency Visa

Upon entering the UAE with the entry permit, the company owner needs to convert it into a residency visa within a specified period (usually 30 to 60 days). The process involves the following steps:

1. Emirates ID registration: The company owner needs to register for an Emirates ID, which is a mandatory identity card for UAE residents. This involves visiting an Emirates ID registration center, submitting the required documents, and providing biometric data (photograph, fingerprints).

2. Medical insurance: The owner must also obtain a medical insurance policy approved by the UAE health authorities. This policy provides coverage for medical treatment and emergencies.

3. Residency visa application: The owner needs to submit the necessary documents, including the Emirates ID registration form, medical insurance policy, passport copies, passport-sized photographs, and the entry permit, to the immigration authorities to apply for the residency visa.

4. Residency visa issuance: Upon reviewing the documents, the immigration authorities will issue the residency visa. The owner’s passport will be stamped with the residency visa, and a residence permit card will be issued.

5. Visa stamping and medical test: Once the residency visa is issued, the owner needs to visit the immigration office or an authorized typing center to complete the visa stamping process. Additionally, a medical test may be required for certain professions or as per the authorities’ discretion.

6. Visa renewal: The residency visa is typically valid for a specific period (e.g., two or three years) and needs to be renewed before its expiration. The renewal process involves submitting the necessary documents and paying the renewal fees.

Conclusion: 

Obtaining residency visas for RAKEZ company owners involves three main stages: setting up the company, applying for the entry permit, and obtaining the residency visa. These stages require completing various procedures, providing the necessary documentation, and complying with the regulations set by the RAKEZ authority and the UAE immigration authorities. It is essential for company owners to understand and follow these processes accurately to obtain their residency visas successfully. I would also recommend that you consult with BizDaddy to get specific advice on the requirements for obtaining a residency visa in Rakez.