The Visa for Life (VFL) promotion is offered by IFZA periodically to attract new clients.
Eligibility depends on the month of company incorporation.
When eligible, companies may receive one or more visas free for life depending on the number of visas included with their license.
The promotion covers only the basic visa fee of AED 3,750.
The promotion does not cover additional costs such as:
Status change fee
Partner/Investor visa fee
VFL applies to the first visa and all renewals of that visa.
When a partner inquires about the Visa for Life promotion, guide them step by step:
Confirm eligibility
Check if the company was incorporated in a VFL promotion month.
If unsure, refer to the VFL calendar.
Explain that eligibility depends on incorporation timing and number of visas in the license.
Explain coverage
Covers only AED 3,750 basic visa fee.
Excludes status change fee and partner/investor fees.
Applies to the first visa and all renewals.
Application guidance
When submitting a visa request, the partner must select the Visa for Life option.
Visa Processor will check eligibility before proceeding.
Special cases
Explain that rejected, cancelled, expired, or withdrawn applications may still be eligible depending on scenario.
Make it clear that VFL is not transferrable to a different applicant unless rules allow.
Cancellation and status change fees always apply when relevant.
Verify incorporation month against the VFL calendar.
Confirm number of visas linked to the license.
Check if the VFL option was selected in the visa application.
If eligibility is unclear (e.g., Lock & Secure cases), consult the supervisor.
2020 | 2021 | 2022 | 2023 | 2024 | 2025 |
June 1 visa & up = 1VFL | June 1 visa & up = 1VFL | January 1 visa & up = 1VFL | November 2 visas & up = 1VFL | March 2 visas & up = 1VFL | January 2 visas & up = 1VFL |
July 1 visa & up = 1VFL | August 1 visa & up = 1VFL | February 1 visa & up = 1VFL | December 2 visas & up = 1VFL | April 2 visas & up = 1VFL | February 2 visas & up = 1VFL |
August 1 visa & up = 1VFL | September 1 visa & up = 1VFL | March 1 visa & up = 1VFL | May 2 visas & up = 1VFL | March 2 visas & up = 1VFL | |
October 1 visa & up = 1VFL | April 1 visa & up = 1VFL | July 1 visa & up = 1VFL | April 2 visas & up = 1VFL | ||
November 1 visa & up = 1VFL | May 1 visa & up = 1VFL | August 1 visa & up = 1VFL | May 1 visa & up = 1VFL | ||
December 1 visa & up = 1VFL | June 1 visa & up = 1VFL | September 1 visa & up = 1VFL | June 1 visa & up = 1VFL | ||
July 1 visa = 1VFL 2 visas & up = 2VFL | October 1 visa & up = 1VFL | July 1 visa & up = 1VFL | |||
August 1 visa = 1VFL 2 visas & up = 2VFL | November 1 visa & up = 1VFL | September 1 visa & up = 1VFL | |||
September 1 visa = 1VFL 2 visas & up = 2VFL | December 1 visa & up = 1VFL | October 1 visa & up = 1VFL | |||
October 1 visa & up = 1VFL | |||||
November 1 visa & up = 1VFL | |||||
December 1 visa = 1VFL 2 visas & up = 2VFL |
Case | Applicant Type | Next Step | VFL Eligibility |
Entry Permit Rejected by Immigration (including MOFA applications) | Partner requested to reapply for the same person | Re-Application | 1st Visa fee full payment then renewal is VFL |
Partner decides to transfer the VFL to a different person | New Application | 1st Visa fee full payment then renewal is VFL | |
Entry Permit Not Used (Expired) | Partner requested to reapply for the same person | Cancel expired E-Visa → Re-application | Cancelation fee to be paid; re-application is full payment, then renewal is VFL |
Partner decides to transfer the VFL to a different person | New Application | VFL not transferrable; company loses the VFL | |
Residence Visa Expired While Outside UAE | Same Applicant only | Cancel expired Visa → Re-application | Outside Cancellation should be paid, VFL can be used for reapplication If applicant enters the country on a visa on arrival and applies as inside – SC should be paid |
Residence Visa Cancelled at the Airport (only applicable for same applicant, different applicant not eligible for VFL) | First 18 months of the visa validity | Cancel Visa → Re-application | Outside cancellation to be paid; pay full cost of re-application + SC; renewal is VFL |
Last 6 months of the visa validity | Cancel Visa → Re-application | Outside cancellation to be paid; re-application will be VFL | |
Renewal applicant leaves UAE in the middle of the process, comes back and visa is still valid | Application can be withdrawn | Withdrawn → Re-application | Application can be withdrawn and resubmitted using same VFL (check withdrawal possibility with TL). Client might have to pay 10%, 50%, or 100% depending on the stage of the withdraw and approvals from management. |
Application rejected | Re-application | Re-application should be paid in full then next renewal will be VFL |
Processor Notes:
Always add notes in the visa deal explaining the charges and reason.
If applicant is inside UAE, status change fee must be paid.
If applicant is found medically unfit, follow rejection rules.
Withdraw must always be confirmed with Finance. (coordinate with Team Leader)
1. Zoho
Create or update the visa deal with correct notes.
Confirm if VFL option was selected. If not and the client wants to apply, request written confirmation from client and attach that in the notes.
2. Eligibility Check
Verify against calendar.
Confirm with supervisor for Lock & Secure cases.
3. Processing
Submit visa application normally, applying VFL rules for cost and renewals.
If in doubt check the scenarios table above, if still in doubt, check with Team Leader
4. Finance
Coordinate with Team Leader for any cancellations, extra fees, or refunds.
Ensure all notes are recorded in the deal.