The investor visa UAE enables new business owners to establish operations in the prosperous UAE economy. The market-leading position of the UAE attracts investors because it combines economic growth with geographical accessibility and friendly regulations that create exceptional growth possibilities. Therefore, knowing how to get an investor visa in UAE is essential for people who want to buy real estate and run businesses or grow existing ventures. So, let’s discuss this process in this guide:
What is an Investor Visa in UAE?
Investor visa allows individuals to live, invest, and work in Dubai, plus access to all job options. With an investor visa, you gain permission to launch your next business in Dubai or UAE, no matter what field you want to invest in.
The UAE investor visa includes three types of permits: partner visa, investment visa and long-term golden residence visa. This visa supports foreign citizens who aim to put their capital into the profitable UAE property market.
Someone establishing a company in the UAE can opt for a 2-year renewable investor visa by holding all shares in the firm. When multiple shareholders exist, the foreign national should choose a partner visa instead. Foreign entrepreneurs with Fixed deposit of 2 million* dirhams or more and property owners can get a UAE 10-year investor visa called the UAE golden visa.
Who Can Obtain an Investor Visa in UAE?
The requirements for seeking an investor visa in UAE present basic conditions for application. A foreigner who builds his own company in Dubai or puts his capital into real estate and UAE bank deposits can obtain an investor visa. The ease of investment in the UAE draws enterprising business owners who want to strengthen their profitable economy further.
When you launch a business setup in Dubai or put money in local real estate properties and UAE banks, you allow it to expand. Your substantial investments qualify you perfectly for obtaining the investor visa.
Benefits of an Investor Visa in UAE
The UAE investor visa offers several advantages that draw business owners and investors to take advantage. You will enjoy these main advantages with the UAE investor visa:
- You and your loved ones can legally get residency in the UAE with the right to build a strong base.
- Visa holders can look for work opportunities and start a business or invest in properties in all United Arab Emirates areas.
- The business activities in UAE pay few taxes thanks to tax breaks as there is no personal income tax, and corporate tax rates are low.
- The owner of an investor visa can welcome their spouse partner and children alongside their parents to join them in the UAE.
- Having an investor visa and running a successful business in the UAE improves your chances of applying for the UAE golden visa. The 10-year visa program in UAE is available to successful investors, business professionals, and entrepreneurs. The program presents visa eligibility to people whose achievements boosted the nation’s economic development.
- Investor visa holders can travel freely between GCC nations while pursuing both professional and personal travel.
- You must hold an investor’s visa to remain in the UAE while staying away for more than a few months. Investors under this program may wait outside the UAE for one year without interrupting their residency status. They can stay overseas for up to a year without risking their UAE residency. The visa rules enable better travel options to visit other areas of interest.
Types Of Investor Visas In UAE
UAE offers four clear methods to obtain an investor visa.
- Invest in a Property
You can obtain a visa as an investor by acquiring real estate in the UAE. Having a real estate asset in UAE brings you the most valuable property benefit. The eligibility criteria to pursue property investment include:
- People who own property themselves need to buy properties worth at least AED 1 million* and limit their mortgage payments to 50%.
- If you purchase property in partnership, the Dubai investor visa needs you or your business partner to own at least AED 1 million* in each block.
- The program applies solely to buying residential homes and does not allow business properties.
- The immigration system does not permit investing in pending construction projects for residency status applications. Properly owned freehold properties qualify for the system.
- People who invest in real estate in the UAE must hold property valued at AED 750,000* or more and gain access to the 2-year property investor visa. The program permits residents to stay in UAE for two years plus renewal options. You must have a family to request this visa.
- Invest In A Business/Company
Do you aim to launch or put money into businesses in UAE’s free trade areas or Dubai mainland? Applying for a 3-year investor visa makes the right choice for becoming a UAE national.
A company investment visa is beneficial if you want to establish a business with AED 72,000* minimum capital or put the same amount into existing company stocks.
Starting a business in the free zone offers total exemption from all tax types like VAT, income tax, corporate tax and customs taxes. Owners of businesses operating in Dubai’s free trade areas receive full control over their companies.
You may receive UAE partner visa sponsorship after registration as a free zone company owner at identified locations. Free zone offices have unique application rules based on the selection of free trade zones and business types.
Option A: 10-year Golden Visa
The government now offers investors the UAE long-term golden visa covering property investors who get to stay in the country for five or 10 years.
You can obtain a 10-year UAE residency visa through investing. You can still apply in different ways to reach this minimum requirement. Let’s explore your options:
- The investor needs to bring at least AED 10 million* to start a project in Dubai.
- Your company needs to invest at least AED 10 million* of funds into operations.
- The partnership in a current company requires you to own at least AED 10 million* worth of shares.
- You need to invest a total mix of AED 10 million* from various options.
- Buying Dubai property lets you earn an investor visa status in the area.
- People who own property with a UAE market value of AED 5M* through specific programs can now live in the city for 5 years.
Option B: 5-Year Golden Visa
You can obtain a 5-year golden visa through a property investment of AED 5 million*, while a 10-year residency visa requires an investment of AED 10 million*. People choosing this option avoid running business operations because there are no related requirements.
The UAE issues 5-year investor visas subject to meeting these rules:
- To qualify for the investor visa program, an individual must purchase property valued at least AED 2 million*.
- People can obtain this sum through lenders approved by local banks.
- A minimum two-year period for property retention.
- The investor must put money into off-plan properties from official real estate companies in multiple transactions.
- Business owners qualifying for this offer need to bring AED 500,000* into a registered project, and they will receive a 5-year investor visa.
To qualify for both a 5-year and 10-year investor visa in UAE, you need to meet specific requirements:
- To qualify for this option, you need to maintain your business structures for three years.
- You should fully control all funds you put into investment.
- When you buy real estate, you need to maintain complete ownership without borrowing funds.
- Apply for a Retirement Visa
Senior citizens aged 55 and older can live in UAE with a retirement visa using one of these four financial rules.
- People who want this visa must reach 55 years old or stay in the country continuously for at least 15 years.
- The candidate needs to show either AED 15,000* monthly income or proof of AED 1 million* in three-year fixed deposit savings plus one million dirhams of real estate property in Dubai.
- An applicant must deposit AED 1 million* in fixed savings for 3 years alongside owning real estate valued at AED 500,000*.
Documents Required to Submit for Investor Visa Application
Getting an investor visa in the UAE demands different official documents based on your selected investment route, such as property, business, or retirement. Here are the main documents needed for UAE visa stamping:
Investment In a Company
- Copy of your passport
- Applicant’s picture with a white background
- Copy of trade licence Dubai
- A statement from the bank for the last 3 months
- The contract of partnership between you and the local sponsor
- Immigration Establishment Card
- Your company holds AED 72,000* worth of capital, as shown in the Memorandum of Association document.
Property or Golden Visa
- Title deed for the property
- Copy of your passport
- Copy of your current visa status
- 6 passport photos
- A good conduct certificate
- Statement from the bank
- Health insurance
- Utility bill
Retirement Visa
- A copy of your current UAE visa
- Copy of your Emirates ID
- A document showing proof of marriage is needed when you plan to sponsor your husband or wife.
- Copy of your passport
- A copy of your title deed
How to Apply for an Investor Visa in UAE?
Let’s move on to the main question: How to get an investor visa in UAE? The UAE investment visa system includes these official requirements according to their latest rules:
Property or Golden Visa
- Send your unaltered passport as well as a copy of your recent visa (when applicable), and keep your original land ownership documentation in your submission to the Dubai Land Department.
- Apply for a recommendation from UAE police authorities.
- The certificate of good conduct arrives after receiving the reference letter from DLD.
- Submit your license application to the Dubai Economic Department with all collected documents.
- Turn in your trade license and application materials to GDRFA after you submit the required documents.
Investing In a Business
You can apply for your investor visa by business ownership at any Dubai Amer Center through these locations:
- Dubai Festival City
- Al Karama
- Ibn Battuta Mall
- Al Jafiliya
- Al Quoz
Retirement Visa
To get a retirement visa, you require either a laptop or a computer so that you can follow these steps:
- Email retireindubai@dubaitourism.ae with your application plus all the needed documents and information.
- A notification with a payment link will arrive that requires you to pay an AED 92* nonrefundable fee. The payment of AED 92* covers both the service charge and all costs to obtain the investor retirement visa in Dubai. The payment does not guarantee your application will be accepted.
- The authentication team will modify the documents once payment gets accepted.
- Once Dubai Tourism approves the application, it will be sent to the noted entity.
Final Words
Knowing how to get an investor visa in UAE will help people looking to invest, launch businesses or purchase property in this thriving country. You can find the right visa option for your target goals by meeting eligibility requirements and having the proper documents through real estate investments, launching your company, or applying for golden or retirement visas. Through an investor visa, you obtain tax benefits while maintaining long-term residency and access to the growing UAE economy, plus access to compelling business and lifestyle possibilities.
Are you prepared to continue your UAE investment journey worry-free? Partner with Xpert Advisory as your trusted advisor. We assist investors through comprehensive visa services while maintaining smooth government liaison and corporate restructuring solutions to guide them throughout the entire process. So, reach out to us right now to begin your journey with confidence.
FAQs
How Long Does It Take to Get a UAE Investor Visa?
Getting your investor visa takes 2 to 4 weeks but can take longer based on your investment type and paperwork.
Do Investors Need Local Sponsors to Obtain UAE Visa Approval?
No, a typical investor can serve as their sponsor throughout the application process.
Is It Possible to Shift from a Visit Visa to an Investor Visa Status Within the UAE?
Yes, you can switch your visa type inside the United Arab Emirates, although specific rules and expenses must be satisfied.
Note – above is for information purpose only and the requirements can change depending on Immigration. This shoudl not be construed as legal advise and all requirements to be reconfirmed prior
