How Dubai DTCM/DED Mainland Company Can Increase Visa Quota
How to apply for extra visa for DED Company in Dubai
Expanding your business in Dubai is an exciting milestone, but it often comes with a common hurdle: running out of visa quotas.
If you’ve reached your initial limit and need to hire more international talent, you must formally request an increase from the authorities.
Applying for additional visa quota allows Dubai mainland companies to expand their workforce beyond the initial allocation tied to office space.
This process involves approval from the Department of Economy and Tourism (DET, also known as DTCM, formerly DED) and the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation (MOHRE), often requiring proof of need without relocating.
In this guide, we break down the step-by-step process, the latest 2026 requirements, and how to ensure your application gets approved without delays.
What is a Visa Quota For a Dubai Mainland Company?
A visa quota is the specific number of electronic work permits MOHRE allocates to a mainland company. This number is not arbitrary; it is calculated based on your office square footage, business activity, and company classification.
- Initial Allocation: Most new small-to-medium mainland companies start with a quota of 3 to 6 visas, depending on the business activity.
- In most cases, it will be 3.
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- Standard Rule: Generally, 1 visa for every 10 square meters of physical office space is the norm.
Visa Quota Allowed for Mainland Dubai Companies
Mainland visa quotas are calculated based on office size (typically 1 visa per 100 sq ft via Ejari), business activity, and compliance record.
Initial quotas that each Mainland Dubai DED company is eligible for is 3, but growing firms can request increases if slots are fully utilized. It is necessary to apply to the relevant government authority – Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation (MOHRE), in order to have a chance to increase the A number of visas a company is eligible without granting an additional office.
how to apply for additional visa quota for Dubai company
Step-by-Step Application Process to Apply for Additional Visa Eligibility for Dubai DED Company License
Step 1: Verify Eligibility and Current Quota
Check your remaining quota instantly via MOHRE’s portal or app using your trade license and establishment card. Ensure no violations, active Wage Protection System (WPS), and full use of existing slots.
Step 2: Prepare Required Documents
Gather these essentials:
- Trade license copy​
- Ejari certificate and tenancy contract (proving stable office space)
- Establishment card​
- Passports/Emirates ID of owner/partner​
- Taq’eem report (labor classification from DET)
- Justification letter (e.g., new contracts, revenue growth)
- Evidence of business growth (e.g., new project contracts or a 12-month hiring plan).
- National Diversity Report – it is necessary to ensure your workforce is not 100% from a single nationality, otherwise the request may be rejected
No need for a new lease if not moving—focus on business expansion proof.​
Step 3: Submit the Request
Process review takes 2-5 working days with a physical inspection to the company’s office is required by the labour department.
An inspector will visit your premises to confirm the office size, the number of existing workstations, and company signage.
Step 4: Approval Decision
If the request is approved, the additional quota updates in MOHRE system and it is possible to issue new visa applications for employees.
Requirements and Eligibility Criteria to Apply for Additional Visas for Dubai Company
Ensure your company meets these 2026 compliance standards:
- Emiratization Targets: If you have 20–49 employees in specific sectors or 50+ employees overall, you must meet your 2026 Emirati hiring targets to avoid restrictions on new permits.
- For smaller companies, it is not necessary to an Emirati as part of the company and still be able to apply for additional visa allocation.
- Valid Trade License: Your Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism (DET) license must be active.
- Ejari & Physical Office: You must have a physical office with a registered Ejari. “Flexi-desks” are typically not eligible for quota increases on the mainland.
- WPS Compliance: Your company must have a clean record with the Wage Protection System (WPS), showing all current employees are paid on time.
How BUH consulting can assist
If your company has a stable office lease (Ejari-registered) with no relocation plans, BUH Consulting can assist in appling for additional DET approval on your behalf.
This secures extra visa slots efficiently, handling documents, submissions, and follow-ups. Their Business Bay team integrates this with Ejari renewals and full PRO services, ideal for seamless hiring growth.
Our corporate service provider team can assist in preparing the necessary documents for and assisting with the inspect process. From start to finish, BUH Consulting can assist until the additional visa quotas issued or apply for reconsideration if the request is rejected
Contact information
For a tailored solution, contact us to discuss about your requirements.
Email: – sam@buh-consulting.com
Phone: +971585086656
Whatsapp: +971585086656
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