- Overview
- Documents
- Eligibility
- Costs
- FAQs
A flourishing economy and favourable business environment in the UAE attract people from all around the world to pursue investment opportunities or start businesses. For such individuals, the UAE has a separate visa category known as the Dubai investor visa or partner visa.
Those investing or starting a business in the mainland or free zones can apply for a visa. However, the application process can vary depending on the emirate you choose. Next up is an overview of the Dubai investor visa, including the documentation process, application fees and more.
ABOUT THE DUBAI INVESTOR VISA
Also known as the Dubai partner visa, this visa is ideal for foreign nationals who want to start a business in Dubai or invest in an existing business. They can also live and work in Dubai and sponsor family members.
Want to apply for an investor visa in Dubai? According to the Dubai investor visa rules, this visa is only granted to individuals who buy shares in an existing company worth a minimum of AED 10M or are establishing a company with a capital investment worth the same amount.
DOCUMENTS REQUIRED FOR INVESTOR VISA IN DUBAI FOR MAINLAND COMPANIES
If you are investing in or establishing a company in Dubai’s mainland, you need these documents as part of the Dubai investor visa application.
- Bank statement covering the past 6 months
- Immigration Establishment Card
- Memorandum Papers (MOA) as proof of the share of ownership
- One photograph with white background
- Passport copy
- Copy of Trade Licence Dubai
- The typed application
Earlier, a UAE national or an agent who shall liaise with government departments was needed as the majority shareholder. However, the recent changes in rules allow complete foreign ownership in Dubai mainland.
APPLYING FOR DUBAI INVESTOR VISA
Those who want to apply for a Dubai Investor Visa must follow these steps.
- Apply for an entry permit online.
- Apply for the investor visa at the General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs (GDRFA) in person or apply via the official GDRFA website.
- Visit any government health centre to acquire a medical fitness test. When filling the entry permit form, you will be asked to name a health centre you want to visit.
- No objection letter from your bank
- Bank statement
- A Good conduct certificate from the Dubai Police
- You need to buy health insurance as part of your visa application. Check out the different health insurance companies in Dubai to see which one suits your needs best.
DUBAI INVESTOR VISA COSTS
The Dubai investor visacost when applying through an Amer centre is as follows.
- Entry permit: AED 1,175 for individuals in the UAE and AED 525 for individuals outside the UAE.
- Change of status: AED 675 (not required for individuals entering from outside the UAE).
- Visa stamping: Approximately AED 870
- Emirates ID: AED 500
- Medical Tests: AED 350
Please note that there are additional charges for the immigration establishment card needed for the this visa. These costs are not inclusive of the trade licence charges issued by the Dubai Economic Department.
You can also apply for an investor residence visa in Dubai through the online E-government Directorate of Naturalisation and Residency Department (eDNRD) portal., which companies and establishments in Dubai can use to submit visa applications.
DUBAI INVESTOR VISA FOR FREE ZONE COMPANIES
Dubai welcomes foreign investment and economic activity by introducing free zones or free trade zones in the emirate. Companies operating in business zones are exempt from taxation like Value-Added Tax (VAT), and foreign nationals have 100% ownership. Individuals who invest in or establish a free zone company in these designated areas can also apply for the Dubai partner visa, with the free trade zone as their sponsor.
However, the process to apply for this visa will differ for owners and investors of free zone companies. The application process and cost will vary depending on the free zone the company is located in, the nature of the business and other factors. You can also check out the complete list of free zones in Dubai, that cater to different sectors such as media, healthcare and manufacturing.
5-YEAR AND 10-YEAR INVESTOR VISAS IN DUBAI
The government has introduced the UAE long-term visas, including the property investor visa.
10-YEAR VISA ELIGIBILITY
For the 10-year investment visa, you must meet specific conditions, including public investments of at least AED 10 million. Interested parties can invest in the following areas.
- UAE-based Investment funds.
- Establish a company in the UAE with a capital of AED 10 million.
- Become a partner in a new or existing company with a share value of a minimum of AED 10 million.
Talking about the investment conditions, you must remember these rules.
- The invested amount should not be a loan.
- Financial solvency for up to AED 10 million.
The 10 million has to be divided into real estate and non-real estate investments.
5-YEAR VISA ELIGIBILITY FOR REAL ESTATE
For a 5-year investor visa in Dubai, you must meet the following conditions.
- An investor must buy a property with a minimum value of AED 2 million.
- This amount can be acquired via a loan from certain local banks.
- A minimum two year period for property retention.
- The investor must invest in one or more off-plan properties from approved real estate companies.
5-YEAR VISA ELIGIBILITY FOR ENTREPRENEURS
You must meet the following conditions to qualify for a 5-year investor visa inDubai if you are an entrepreneur.
- The individual should invest at least AED 500,000 in an existing project or a project that has been approved by an accredited business incubator.
FAQS
WHAT ARE THE RULES FOR OPENING A BUSINESS IN DUBAI?
If you are applying for an investor visa by establishing your own company, here’s a step-by-step guide to setting up a business in Dubai. Those considering the free zone option can look at our guide to opening a free zone office in Dubai.
CAN YOU SPONSOR YOUR SPOUSE AND CHILDREN WITH AN INVESTOR VISA DUBAI?
Yes, an investor visa allows you tobring your close family members to live with you in Dubai.
HOW CAN I CHECK THE VALIDITY OF MY INVESTOR VISA?
You can use ICA Smart Services for UAE visa check by passport number.
That concludes our guide to the requirements for the Dubai investor visa. Dubai government’s policies have always been attractive when it comes to investment. With the economy recovering after the pandemic, this might be the best time to make a move.
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