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Book a consultationMost founders decide on a licence first and think about visas later. It can help to think about visas first: the number of residence visas your company can sponsor depends on decisions you make at setup, especially your workspace.
What a visa quota is
A visa quota (or allocation) is the number of residence visas a company is allowed to sponsor for its owners and employees. Before any visa can be issued, the company needs an establishment card — its file with the immigration authority.
Mainland companies
For mainland companies, employment visas involve both the immigration authority and the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation (MOHRE). In practice, the number of visas a company can obtain is influenced by its licence, its office space under a registered lease, its activity and its compliance record. Growing companies can apply for additional visas with supporting justification.
Free zone companies
Each free zone sets its own rules. Visa allocations are usually linked to the package and workspace you choose — a flexi-desk normally supports only a small number of visas, while larger offices support more. Some zones allow additional visas on request or with an upgrade. Check the allocation before you sign, not after.
Offshore companies
UAE offshore companies (for example RAK ICC or JAFZA Offshore) cannot sponsor residence visas. If you need UAE residence, you will need a free zone or mainland company, or another residence route.
Which visas usually count
- Usually count: employee visas and investor or partner visas sponsored by the company.
- Usually do not count: family members sponsored by a resident, and residence held through another route such as a Golden Visa. Rules vary, so confirm with the relevant authority.
Planning tips
- Estimate headcount for the next 12–24 months, not just day one.
- Choose workspace that supports that number, or confirm how upgrades work.
- Keep the establishment card and licence renewed — lapses can block new visas.
- Cancel visas properly when people leave so the allocation is freed.
- Consider whether you or a family member might qualify for a Golden Visa instead of using a company visa.
Not sure how many visas your setup will support? Ask us in an online consultation, or compare zones with the free zone finder.
Sources: Federal Decree-Law No. 29 of 2021 on Entry and Residence of Foreigners and its implementing regulations; Federal Decree-Law No. 33 of 2021 on Regulation of Labour Relations; MOHRE and free zone authority published procedures.