Business Setup in the UAE

METROPOLITAN CONSULTING assists you in setting up a business in the UAE. We manage the entire process — from selecting the optimal jurisdiction for your enterprise, preparing and finalizing all crucial documents, to acquiring licenses and setting up a corporate bank account.

Residence Visas
in the UAE

METROPOLITAN CONSULTING provides a full range of services for the registration of all types of resident visas required for long-term residence in the UAE. We will not only help you apply for a UAE residence visa, but also select the best investment objects for you that fully meet your preferences and budget.

Citizenship by Investment

METROPOLITAN CONSULTING team processes economic citizenship of Caribbean and EU countries.

Tailored roadmap creation aligned with your objectives and desires

Comprehensive documentation preparation for seamless UAE company setup

Expert profile setup for corporate bank account opening

Choosing a suitable visa to live and/or work in the UAE

Reinstating expired visas

Full support for obtaining a residence visa

Extension or closure of a residence visa

Licensed agents for the Caribbean and EU

Full support until the document is handed over

Choosing the most profitable investment portfolio for your needs

Confidentiality of your data

METROPOLITAN CONSULTING — your reliable partner

METROPOLITAN CONSULTING is part of Metropolitan Group, which initially started by offering assistance in opening bank accounts and obtaining visas in Dubai. Nowadays we provide a wide range of legal services, as well as business consulting in the UAE.

Our services include:

  • Registration of mainland companies, companies in offshore jurisdictions and UAE free economic zones
  • Opening of bank accounts
  • Obtaining resident visas for real estate owners in the UAE
  • Tax and accounting consultations
  • Business relocation and support
  • Proceeding in the Dubai courts of Dubai

Today METROPOLITAN CONSULTING has a strong position in the field of legal and tax consulting for private companies, individuals and major financial institutions. With us you can count on the successful registration of your business in the UAE.

On the UAE market since 2008

Certified experts, work without intermediaries

1097 legal entities, branches and representative offices are registered

35 court decisions were received in the courts of all emirates of the UAE

133 companies on full and partial accounting services

Interested in having us find the perfect property for you?

Fill out the form, and our personal broker will help you find the best property to purchase. You'll also receive a free PDF with visa availability across different emirates.

    What does the premium package include?

    Our Premium Package offers a comprehensive, all-inclusive solution designed for clients seeking a seamless, hassle-free experience.

    End-to-End Support:

    • Full guidance and assistance at every stage of the process.
    • A personal manager to oversee your case and provide regular updates.

    Priority Processing:

    • Expedited timelines for residency visa applications, medical tests, and Emirates ID processing.

    Document Preparation & Submission:

    • Assistance with document collection, legalization, and submission to the relevant authorities.

    Medical Test VIP Service:

    • Medical tests conducted at premium facilities to save time and ensure comfort.

    Emirates ID Application:

    • Fingerprinting and ID issuance.

    Additional Benefits:

    • No hidden charges—full transparency in fees.

    VIP Package: Includes Fast-Track Service (available only in Dubai).

    What is a medical test, and what does it include?

    A medical test is required for all applicants aged 18 and above.
    The test is conducted at accredited laboratories in the UAE for all residency visa applicants aged 18 and above.
    It includes:

    • Blood analysis for HIV, sexually transmitted diseases, and hepatitis.
    • A chest X-ray to screen for tuberculosis.

    What will happen if I fail the medical test?

    If you fail the medical test, your residency visa will be denied. This may occur if the results of the blood test or chest X-ray reveal serious conditions such as HIV, hepatitis, venereal diseases, or tuberculosis. In the event of a denial, you are usually allowed to undergo treatment and retake the medical test once your health improves.

    What is the fingerprinting process for the Emirates ID?

    This procedure involves scanning the applicant’s fingerprints to input the information into the General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs. It is required for applicants aged 15 and above.

    Is it possible to apply for an investor visa and family member visa simultaneously?

    Family residency visas are typically processed after the main sponsor has obtained their residency visa and Emirates ID.

    Documentation Required for Family Members:

    • Marriage certificate (for spouse)
    • Birth certificates (for children)
    • Additional documentation depending on the relationship and sponsor’s eligibility.

    How to legalize documents for family member visas?

    Consular legalization is the official procedure for certifying documents from countries that have not signed the Hague Convention. It is carried out in the country that issued the document and typically involves the following steps:

    • Notarized copy with notarized translation into Arabic.
    • Legalization of the document by the Ministry of Justice in your country.
    • Ministry of Foreign Affairs in your country.
    • The embassy of the foreign country for certification.
    • Final stamp by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in the UAE.

    What is the maximum age for children to be eligible for family member visas?

    If the sponsor holds a 2-year investor visa based on property, the son can receive a visa until the age of 18. If the son is over 18, he can remain on the parent’s visa as a student, but only until the age of 21. The daughter can receive a visa without age limitations (until marriage).

    If the sponsor holds a 10-year Golden Visa or a 5-year Retirement Golden Visa based on property, the son and daughter can receive a visa if they are unmarried, with no age restrictions.

    Is it possible to get a visa for parents?

    Yes, it is possible. The validity of the visa ranges from 1 to 10 years, depending on the type of the sponsor’s visa.

    Is it possible to get a visa for a sister or brother?

    No, this option is not available. Only spouses, children, and parents are eligible.

    Important information about Health Insurance in the UAE

    The Health Insurance Law in the UAE mandates that all Emirati citizens, expatriates, and their dependents must have medical insurance. The cost of health insurance starts from 700 AED per year, depending on the emirate, the applicant’s age, and their marital status. The law aims to ensure that all residents have the necessary coverage for health emergencies and general healthcare needs.

    If I sell the property, will I keep my resident visa?

    If you sell the property on which your resident visa was based, you will lose the right to that visa. However, it is possible to transfer the resident visa to another property within the same Emirate if you purchase a new one.

    Is it possible to combine investments in real estate across different Emirates to obtain a Golden Visa?

    If you own properties in different Emirates, combining investments is not applicable.

    What kind of photo is required for the visa?

    Requirements for Photos for All Visa Applicants (Including Infants):

    • The photo must be taken at a photo studio and sent by email (high-quality standards).
    • White background, natural expression, solid-colored closed clothing, preferably in dark tones.
    • No large jewelry or religious symbols.
    • Glasses are allowed if they do not cover the eyes and do not reflect light.

    When will I receive my Emirates ID card?

    You will receive your Emirates ID card after the biometric process is completed and your status is confirmed. Typically, this process takes 2 to 4 business days after the fingerprints are taken.

    Where can I collect my Emirates ID card?

    Your Emirates ID card can be delivered by courier to the address you provide. For our clients, we offer a free card collection service. You can pick up the card at any time from our office, or we can arrange delivery within the UAE.

    When can I open a bank account in the UAE?

    You can open a bank account in the UAE after obtaining your residency visa and original Emirates ID. You are required to have a SIM card from a local mobile provider. You can check the list of documents required to open a bank account and the conditions with METROPOLITAN CONSULTING.

    Is it possible to open a bank account remotely?

    Remote account opening is not possible. You must visit the bank branch with the original passport and Emirates ID and sign the bank forms. Each bank has its own criteria for documents and account opening timelines.

    If I have obtained a UAE residency visa, can I drive a car in the UAE using my home country’s driver’s license?

    Once you obtain UAE residency, you must get a UAE driving license. The legal driving age in the UAE is 18, but you need to be 21 to rent a car. Passport holders from key countries can simply transfer their unexpired driver’s license to a UAE one. Passport holders from all other countries must start from the beginning and obtain a UAE license to legally drive in the country.

    What are the allowed duration limits for holders of resident visas who are staying outside the UAE?

    For a 2-year Investor Visa from Property Ownership:

    • As the holder of a 2-year property investor residence visa, you are not allowed to stay outside the UAE for more than 360 days consecutively.
    • As a dependent (family member) of the holder of a 2-year residence visa, your family is not allowed to stay outside the UAE for more than 180 consecutive days, or the residence permit may be canceled.

    For a 10-year Golden Visa (or 5-year Golden Pension Visa):

    • As the holder of a Golden Visa and your family members (who are on your visa), you are allowed to stay outside the country without any conditions until the visa expires.

    What will happen if my visa expires?

    If your visa expires, you will need to apply for its renewal. Otherwise, if you don’t renew your visa within the specified time, a fine may be imposed for the delay, and issues may arise with your status in the country.

    What are the inheritance laws in the UAE?

    Inheritance issues in the UAE are regulated by Sharia law. To ensure that guardianship and assets are protected and distributed according to one’s wishes, expats can register their wills with either the Dubai Courts Public Notary, the Abu Dhabi Judicial Department (ADJD) Will Registry, or the DIFC Courts Wills Service Center. A will allows non-Muslim expatriates to opt out of Sharia law and independently choose heirs and guardians for minor children. It is important that the document is registered specifically in the UAE.

    What happens if a will is not registered in the UAE?

    If a person does not have a registered will, their assets in the UAE will be distributed according to local inheritance law. The order of heirs and their shares are determined based on Sharia principles. All assets of the deceased located in the UAE will be frozen until the court issues a decision on the distribution of the estate among the beneficiaries. This process can take several months, and if disputes arise among the heirs, it may stretch on for years. To prove kinship with the deceased, all documents must be translated into Arabic and legalized. Court proceedings are conducted in Arabic, and only a local lawyer can represent your interests in court.

    When does adulthood begin in the UAE?

    In the UAE, the legal age of adulthood is 21. This is the age at which a person is considered fully capable of making legal decisions. Until this age, parental or legal guardian consent is required for most official actions.

    What are the taxes in the UAE for individuals?

    In the UAE, the tax system for individuals is quite attractive due to the absence of taxes. There is no tax on salaries, business income, or other personal income. Additionally, there are no inheritance or gift taxes.

    What benefits does a UAE residency visa provide?

    Benefits of Residency in the UAE:

    • Right to live and work in the UAE
    • Sponsorship for family members
    • Access to healthcare and education
    • Ease of travel
    • Banking and financial services
    • No income tax on foreign income
    • Investment opportunities