If you plan to open your next business venture in the UAE, getting a partner visa in Dubai is your ticket. But when you’re investing in a company or starting a new one, it is essential to understand what is partner visa in Dubai and its legal frameworks.
In this article, we will explain everything you need to know about obtaining a partner visa Dubai. We will explore the Dubai partner visa holder requirements, application process, cost, and benefits with you.
What Is A Dubai Partner Visa?
A partner visa in UAE is a residency visa for those with a significant stake in a UAE-based company.The holders of partner visas can manage and operate their business in the country directly.
Directly connected to the holder’s role and shareholding in the company, a partner visa grants him or her a legal basis to reside in the UAE. Furthermore, holders of a partner visa can sponsor their immediate family members for residency.
What are the Requirements for the Partner Visa in Dubai?
Now you know what is partner visa in Dubai. Let’s move on to the eligibility requirements for the partner visa in the United Arab Emirates, which are as follows:
- Business Ownership/Partnership Agreement:A person applying for a partner visa must own a substantial share or actively managing a UAE-based company. This is normally backed up by a partnership agreement or company registration documents showing the applicant’s name as a partner or shareholder.
- Minimum Investment: The minimum investment needed when applying for a partner visa in the UAE often differs according to the emirate and the nature of the business. The minimum value of the contribution of a partner to be compiled is 1 million AED* or its equivalent in other currencies, as shown by the GDRFA.
- Valid Passport: Valid passport and its validity for a long period.
- UAE Entry Permit: Before applying for the partner visa, the applicant usually comes to the UAE on an entry permit such as a visitor or tourist visa.
- No Objection Certificate: The applicant might already be in the UAE on another visa type, which may require them to be in the UAE, and the current sponsor may require an NOC.
- Health Insurance and Medical Fitness Test:You must have valid UAE health insurance. You have to undergo medical fitness tests from an authorised medical center in Dubai.
- Emirates ID Registration: All UAE residents must register their Emirates ID for an Emirates Profile.
- Clean Criminal Record: Typically, the UAE and the applicant’s home country must have a clear criminal record.
- Proof of Accommodation:You need evidence of suitable accommodation in the UAE, such as a tenancy agreement or title deed.
- Financial Stability: You may require proof of financial stability or sufficient income to support yourself and your dependent family.
- Trade License Copy:To start or invest in a business, you need a copy of the trade license from the Dubai Department of Economic Development (DED).
- Immigration Establishment Card:This is provided by the relevant immigration authority to businesses that wish to invest in the UAE.
- Memorandum Papers (MOA):You’ll also need a Memorandum of Association, which will then outline the objective of the company and its terms of operation when it comes to investing in the company.
However, obtaining a partner visa in Dubai is not just paperwork; it’s about living experiences, working, and living this wonderful city’s tremendous life together. If you need support setting up your business journey in Dubai, Xpert Advisory can assist you.
How can I get a partner visa in Dubai?
Following are the important steps to secure a partner visa in Dubai:
- Create a Partnership Agreement
You must have a partnership agreement with a UAE-based company and its incorporation documents. It should be spelled out clearly in your partnership agreement what the ownership shares, the percentage of the profits, and what each partner is responsible for.
- Obtain a Trade License and MOA
First, you need to get a valid trade license to start a business in Dubai and ensure that your name is in the Memorandum of Association (MOA).
- Apply for an Immigration Establishment Card
Thirdly, your company will require an Immigration Establishment Card from the General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs (GDRFA) to sponsor visas.
- Entry Permit (Expats)
Fourth, if you are outside the UAE, you must secure an entry permit from GDRFA or apply for one online via Amer.
- Medical Fitness Test And Health Insurance
Further, you need to complete a medical fitness test and have health insurance in the UAE, as you need both to obtain a partner visa.
- Emirates ID Registration
Fourthly, you must register for an Emirates ID at the Federal Authority service center in Dubai for Identity and Citizenship (ICA).
- Visa Stamping
Sixthly, you will submit your passport, visa application, Emirates ID application, medical test results and health insurance documents to the GDRFA for visa stamping. That completes the process for your partner visa.
- Collect Your Passport
Lastly, you can only collect your passport with your partner’s visa stamped inside by doing what is mentioned above.
What Is the Processing time to Get Your Partner Visa Dubai?
The processing time for a partner visa in UAE is only a few days or a maximum of a couple of weeks when applied, with all the required documents filled out and necessary actions followed, like a medical fitness test.
Moreover, factors that can influence the variability of processing time include the emirate to which you are applying, the quality and completeness of documents submitted, and the immigration authorities’ current workload when you are applying.
How Much Does a Partner Visa Cost in Dubai?
Here is a breakdown of the approximate partner visa cost in Dubai:
- Entry permit fee: 370 AED*.This is the fee that the partner sponsor pays to request his/her application for an entry permit that will allow the applicant to enter Dubai and make the partner visa application.
- Medical examination fee: 300 AED*. For the medical examination and a fitness certificate, the applicant pays for this fee with the attestation of non-contagious diseases, drug abuse or criminal record.
- Resident status fee: 690 AED*. This allows the right to live and work in Dubai during the partner visa time frame and covers the application fee for resident status and the work permit fee if it is applied.
- Visa issuance fee: 100 AED*.This fee is paid to the partner visa, and a sticker charge will be placed on page 2 of the passport. Information includes personal details, visa type, and validity of the visa issued to the applicant.
- Identity card issuance fee: 100 AED*. The fee covers issuing the UAE identity card, commonly called Smart Card, which contains biometric and personal information needed to perform various tasks in the country.
- Visa renewal fee: 250 AED*. This is a fee for renewing the partner visa Dubai before your visa expires.
A one-year Dubai partner visa cost 1,560 AED*, a 2-year partner visa in Dubai would cost 1,810 AED*, and a three-year partner visa fee in Dubai would cost 2,060 AED*.
Final Words
If you have been wondering what is partner visa in Dubai, it is a residence permit provided to those with a controlling share in the UAE company. Business partners can use this visa to live, manage and run their businesses in the UAE while also having the chance to sponsor immediate family members for residency. If you meet the eligibility criteria and complete the appropriate steps, you can take advantage of the benefits of being a resident and starting or continuing to work in Dubai.
If you want more information regarding the benefits of a Dubai partner visa, you can take guidance from Xpert Advisory. Contact us today to understand specific requirements for partner visa process in Dubai and promptly complete the process.
FAQs
How Long Will The Partner Visa For Dubai Take?
The validity of partner and investor visas in Dubai and the UAE depends on the visa category, and they are as follows: Property investment: 3–5 years, Investor/partner: 2 years, prestigious UAE Golden visa:10 years.
What Are The Perks Of Having A UAE Partner Visa?
The partner visa provides 3 years of residence, the ability to sponsor family, travel to a GCC country much more easily, and potentially a UAE Golden Visa. But if you look to invest at a lower average minimum, then a fixed investment of 2 million AED* in a UAE company will be needed.
