Free Zone to Free Zone Visa Transfer in UAE

Changing jobs or moving from one Free Zone company to another in the UAE does not always mean that you have to leave the country.

In many situations, employees can transfer their employment visa from one Free Zone company to another while remaining inside the UAE, subject to the requirements and approval of the relevant authorities.

A Free Zone to Free Zone Visa Transfer in UAE involves several steps, including cancellation of the existing visa,

obtaining approval from the new Free Zone company, applying for the new employment entry permit, completing the medical fitness process, updating the Emirates ID, and finalising the residence visa process.

The exact procedure, documents, fees, and approval requirements can differ from one Free Zone to another. Therefore, getting the process right from the beginning can save considerable time and prevent unnecessary complications.

What Is a Free Zone to Free Zone Visa Transfer?

A Free Zone visa transfer allows an employee sponsored by one Free Zone company to move to another Free Zone company without necessarily exiting the UAE.

For example, an employee working for a company registered in a Dubai Free Zone may receive a new employment opportunity with a company registered in another Free Zone. Instead of travelling

outside the UAE, the employee may be able to complete the new visa process through an in-country status change, if permitted by the relevant authorities.

The process is different from simply changing an employer. The existing visa normally needs to be cancelled, and the new employer must have the required eligibility and visa quota before the new visa can be processed.

Why Do People Transfer Their Free Zone Visa?

There are several common reasons for transferring a Free Zone employment visa:

1. Changing employment from one Free Zone company to another
2. Moving to a different company within the same Free Zone
3. Relocating to another Emirate for employment
4. Company restructuring or business changes
5. Joining a new employer after cancellation of the previous employment
6. Moving between different Free Zone jurisdictions

Regardless of the reason, the transfer should be completed according to the requirements of the relevant Free Zone and UAE immigration authorities.

Free Zone to Free Zone Visa Transfer Procedure

Although the exact procedure may vary, the transfer generally involves the following stages.

1. Check Existing Visa Status

The first step is to review the employee's existing residence visa, expiry date, sponsorship details, and current immigration status. This helps determine what actions are required before starting the new application.

2. Check the New Company's Visa Eligibility

The new employer must have the required eligibility and available visa quota. The company's Free Zone registration, establishment card, licence validity, and other requirements may also need to be checked.

3. Cancel the Existing Visa

The existing employment visa is generally cancelled through the current sponsor and the relevant Free Zone authority. Depending on the circumstances, additional approvals or documents may be required.

This stage needs to be handled carefully because an incorrect cancellation or misunderstanding of the grace period can create problems later.

4. Apply for the New Entry Permit

After the previous visa has been cancelled, the new employer can begin the application for the new employment entry permit, subject to approval.

The required application process can vary depending on the Free Zone and immigration authority handling the application.

5. Complete the In-Country Status Change

Where permitted, the applicant can complete a status change inside the UAE rather than leaving the country.

This option is subject to the applicable immigration rules and approval of the authorities. It is important to confirm eligibility before relying on an in-country transfer.

6. Complete the Medical Fitness Test

The applicant must complete the required medical fitness examination at an authorised medical fitness centre.

The medical fitness process is an important part of obtaining UAE residency and should be completed according to the instructions provided for the new visa application.

7. Emirates ID Application and Biometrics

Once the relevant visa procedures are completed, the applicant's Emirates ID details and biometric requirements are processed or updated as applicable.

The Emirates ID is an essential identification document for UAE residents and is linked to the individual's residency records.

8. Finalise the Residence Visa

The final stage is the issuance of the new residence visa under the new Free Zone employer, subject to approval and completion of all required formalities.

Once the process is completed, the employee can continue their employment under the new sponsor according to the terms of the approved residence status.

Documents Required for Free Zone Visa Transfer

The exact document list can vary between Free Zones. Generally, applicants may be asked to provide:

Employee Documents

1. Passport copy with sufficient validity
2. Existing UAE residence visa copy
3. Emirates ID copy
4. Recent passport-size photograph
5. Existing visa cancellation document, where applicable
6. Additional documents requested by the relevant authority

Employer Documents

The new employer may need to provide:

1. Valid Free Zone trade licence
2. Establishment card
3. Immigration file details
4. Employment-related documents
5. Visa quota approval
6. Offer or employment documentation, where required

It is always advisable to confirm the current requirements before submitting an application because Free Zone procedures and document requirements can change.

Read: Why Attestation Is Mandatory for UAE Visa Applications

Free Zones We Support

At 365 Day PRO Services, we assist companies and employees with Free Zone visa-related procedures across the UAE.

Our team supports visa processes involving major Free Zone jurisdictions, including:

1. IFZA
2. DMCC
3. Meydan
4. JAFZA
5. DAFZA
6. RAKEZ
7. SAIF Zone
8. Ajman Free Zone
9. Sharjah Media City
10. Abu Dhabi Free Zones

The procedure is not identical for every Free Zone. Our team coordinates with the relevant authority to understand the applicable requirements before proceeding with the application.

Cost of Free Zone to Free Zone Visa Transfer

The total cost of transferring a Free Zone employment visa depends on several factors, including the Free Zone, visa category, immigration fees, medical fitness charges, Emirates ID charges, status change requirements, and other applicable government or service fees.

As a general indication, the overall cost may fall within the following ranges:

EmirateApproximate Visa Transfer CostDubaiAED 4,500 – 7,000SharjahAED 4,000 – 6,000AjmanAED 3,800 – 5,500Ras Al KhaimahAED 3,500 – 5,000Abu DhabiAED 5,000 – 7,500These figures are approximate and should not be treated as fixed government fees.

The final amount can change depending on the Free Zone, visa type, applicant's status, required services, and any additional government charges.

Why Choose 365 Day PRO Services?

Handling a Free Zone visa transfer involves more than submitting a visa application. There can be several connected steps, and missing a document or deadline can result in delays.

365 Day PRO Services provides end-to-end assistance for Free Zone to Free Zone visa transfers in the UAE.

Our team helps coordinate the process from the initial visa assessment through cancellation, new visa application, medical fitness, Emirates ID formalities, and final residency processing.

Our key services include:

1. Free Zone visa status assessment
2. Existing visa cancellation assistance
3. New employer visa application
4. In-UAE status change assistance
5. Medical fitness coordination
6. Emirates ID application support
7. Document preparation and checking
8. Coordination with Free Zone authorities
9. Assistance with immigration procedures
10. Guidance regarding applicable grace periods

We focus on keeping the process organised and reducing unnecessary back-and-forth between employees, employers, Free Zone authorities, medical centres, and immigration-related departments.

Start Your Free Zone Visa Transfer With 365 Day PRO Services

A Free Zone to Free Zone visa transfer can involve different procedures depending on the existing sponsor, new employer,

Free Zone jurisdiction, and immigration status of the applicant. Getting professional assistance can make the process easier to manage and help avoid common documentation and procedural mistakes.

365 Day PRO Services provides professional PRO and visa assistance for businesses and employees across the UAE. Whether you are moving between Free Zones in Dubai, Sharjah, Ajman, Ras Al Khaimah, or Abu Dhabi, our team can guide you through the applicable process and requirements.

If you are planning to transfer your employment visa from one Free Zone company to another, contact 365 Day PRO Services to discuss your requirements and get assistance with the next steps.