Dubai is a global hotspot for living and working, offering unmatched growth, technological advancement, and a high standard of living. With its constant progress and focus on economic growth, it’s easy to see why so many want to call this vibrant city home. One of the most straightforward ways to gain Dubai residency is through an investor visa in Dubai.
The UAE, especially Dubai, is popular with foreign investors and entrepreneurs eager to explore a thriving market for their ventures. Dubai’s growth-centric policies make it an attractive choice, with new laws and regulations that favor economic and social development. These rules translate directly into Dubai investor visa policies that encourage entrepreneurs and investors.
What is an Investor Visa in Dubai, UAE?
An investor visa in Dubai, also known as a business visa, is a residency permit that allows foreign nationals to live in the United Arab Emirates for the purpose of establishing or owning a business. This visa is part of the UAE’s initiative to attract international entrepreneurs and investors, fostering economic growth through various business activities.
The UAE offers multiple investor visa options, such as the 2-year, 5-year visa or 10-year visa, depending on the level of investment. Investor visas come with a range of benefits, including the ability to sponsor family members, access to business-friendly resources, and the opportunity to fully immerse in the UAE’s dynamic and rapidly expanding economy.
Lifetime Investor Visa in Dubai
Did you know? Dubai offers a long-term residency visa, often referred to as a “Lifetime Investor Visa,” renewable every 10 years. It’s ideal if you’re seeking stable residency without frequent renewals, as long as you continue to meet the investment requirements.
Types of Investor Visas in UAE
Dubai offers several types of investor visas, each with unique benefits and eligibility requirements. Here’s a quick overview of the available options:
1. Investor Visa for 2 Years
The 2-Year Investor Visa in Dubai is a type of residency visa that offers foreign nationals the opportunity to live and work in the UAE by investing in a local business. With an investment of AED 12,500 to AED 25,500, individuals can secure a residency visa for two years, allowing them to live, work, and manage their business operations in Dubai. The investor can renew this visa every two years by maintaining their investment, ensuring a stable pathway for long-term residency in the UAE.
2. Investor Visa for 5 Years
The 5-Year Investor Visa in Dubai caters specifically to individuals who make substantial investments in the UAE’s real estate sector. To qualify, you must invest at least AED 2 million in property. The investor must fully fund the investment (without using a loan) and maintain it for at least three years.
3. 10-Year Investor Visa for Long-Term Residency
Dubai offers the 10-Year Investor Visa to individuals who commit to significant financial investments in the UAE. To qualify for this “Golden Visa,” investors need to allocate a minimum of AED 2 million towards public sector investments or hold shares worth at least AED 10 million in an existing UAE firm. The investor must not borrow these funds and must maintain the investment for at least three years to meet eligibility requirements.
Additional Opportunities for Talented Professionals: The UAE government extends this visa to individuals demonstrating exceptional skills in vital sectors such as science, healthcare, and advanced technology, recognizing their potential to contribute to the country’s development.
Each of these visas offers unique advantages for entrepreneurs, business owners, and professionals looking to establish a presence in Dubai.
Requirements for Investment Visa in UAE
Securing a UAE investor visa involves meeting specific requirements, which vary slightly based on the type of investment:
- Minimum Real Estate Investment: A property investment of AED 750,000 is required.
- Mortgaged Property: At least 50% of the property’s value or AED 750,000 must be paid to the bank, along with a no-objection letter.
- Shared Property for Married Couples: If a couple jointly owns a property worth AED 750,000, they can apply together.
Family Residency Permit Requirements:
- No-Objection Letter from Father: If the mother is the sponsor, a no-objection letter from the father, notarized by a notary, is necessary.
- Unmarried Daughters Over 18: Proof of marital status must be provided through Dubai Courts.
- Other Documentation:
- Sponsor’s original passport and ID
- Recent personal photo (as per General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs standards)
- Health insurance
- Certified marriage and birth certificates
- IBAN number
Parents’ Residence Permit (1-Year)
1. Sponsor’s original passport and ID
2. Certified dependency certificate from the consulate
3. Recent photo
4. Health insurance
5. Bank statement for the last three months
6. Certified birth certificate
7. IBAN number
Important Note: Only the applicant may attend in person to apply. Representatives and escorts are not allowed.
These requirements offer clear pathways to securing a Dubai investor visa and other residency options, providing flexibility for investors and their families seeking to establish a long-term presence in the UAE.
Documents Needed for Investor Visa in Dubai
To apply for an investor visa in Dubai, make sure to gather these essential documents:
- Passport (original and valid)
- E-Certificate of Title or Title Deed (property ownership proof)
- Personal Photo (as per UAE standards)
- Health Insurance Coverage
- Emirates ID (if issued previously)
- Any current UAE visa (if applicable)
- Certificate of Good Conduct (issued by Dubai Police)
Having these documents ready will ensure a smooth application process.
Investor Visa vs. Partner Visa in Dubai
People sometimes confuse the terms “investor visa” and “partner visa.” Here’s the difference:
- Investor Visa: Issued for sole proprietorships, where the entrepreneur is the single owner.
- Partner Visa: Issued for businesses with multiple shareholders, like an LLC.
Despite this distinction, both visas offer similar benefits regarding residency and business operations.
Benefits of an Investor Visa in UAE
Starting your own business in Dubai as an investor has numerous perks:
- Residency: Qualifies you for a 3-year residency visa.
- Family Sponsorship: You can sponsor your immediate family members as residents of the UAE.
- Ease of Travel: Traveling to GCC countries for business or leisure is easier with an investor visa.
- Outside Country Visa Validity: You can live outside the UAE for up to a year without risking visa cancellation.
- Long-Term Visa Opportunities: Successfully building your business in Dubai could qualify you for the UAE Golden Visa.
How to Get an Investor Visa in Dubai?
To get a Dubai investor visa or anywhere else in the UAE, there are two primary ways:
1. New Company Incorporation
Company registration on the mainland of Dubai is the easiest way to get an investor visa in Dubai. When you form your company in Dubai, you become either the owner or shareholder of the company, depending on the legal structure of your business.
To apply for your investor visa, you must first form your company and then submit the following documents to the Dubai immigration department:
- Trade license copy
- Copy of legally attested company Memorandum of Association (for partnership) or Local Service Agent Agreement (for sole proprietorship)
- Company establishment card copy
- Cancellation document of existing visa (if you have an existing employment or Dubai residence visa, you must cancel it)
- If you have a visit or tourist visa, a copy of it
Applying For Dubai Investor Visa
Those who want to apply for an investor visa in Dubai must follow these steps:
- Registering your company with the Dubai Economic Department (DED)
- Applying for your company’s establishment card
- Applying for your entry permit to the UAE (if you are outside the country), entering the UAE, and undergoing in-country status change for your visa
- If you are already in the UAE, undergoing in-country visa status change
- Performing your medical test
- Applying for your Emirates ID
- Getting suitable health insurance coverage
- Investor visa stamping in your passport
Dubai Investor Visa Processing Time
The time required to process your UAE investor visa is between 15-20 working days, including time for company registration, licensing, visa application, and visa stamping.
2. Proof of Existing Investments
The other means of acquiring an investor visa in Dubai is separate from incorporating a new company. It only requires you to present proof of your investments in Dubai to the Dubai Municipality.
If your request meets the eligibility criteria set by the UAE Government, the Dubai Municipality will create your file with the Economic Department. The Economic Department will then issue you a reference file number based on which you will receive an NOC (No Objection Certificate) from the Dubai Municipality. You must present this NOC to the immigration department to apply for your Dubai investor visa.
However, you must remember that the approval or rejection of your request is at the discretion of the government agencies screening your eligibility.
Duration an Investor Visa Holder Can Stay Outside the UAE
Investor visa holders in the UAE enjoy flexibility for extended stays abroad. Unlike other visa types, a 10-year investor visa allows holders to remain outside the UAE for more than six months without risking visa cancellation. This benefit makes it easier for investors to manage their international commitments while maintaining active residency in the UAE.
Additionally, Dubai provides a safe and secure environment for investors, making it a trusted base for long-term residency and investment.
Cost of Investor Visa in Dubai
The Dubai Investor visa cost starts at AED 4,000*, with a renewal fee of AED 1,750*. The cost of a 2-year investor visa Dubai can vary depending on the chosen documentation and procedures. For example, a property investor visa starts from AED 12,000*.
Cheapest Residence Visa in UAE
The cheapest residence visa in UAE varies depending on the visa’s duration and additional services like medical insurance. A one-year residence visa starts at approximately AED 3,990*, making it the most affordable option. For a two-year residence visa in Dubai, costs are around AED 3,500 without medical insurance and AED 4,200 with insurance.
Dubai Investor Visa Application Steps
The process to apply for a Dubai investor visa consists of the following steps:
- Apply for an entry permit online
- Register for an investment visa either in person or online through the General
- Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs (GDRFA)
- Provide a good conduct certificate issued by the Dubai Police
- Secure health insurance as part of your visa application
- To get a medical fitness test, go to the government health centre
- Get a no-objection letter from your bank
- Submit a bank statement as required
Requirements for Sponsoring Family Members
As an investor, you can sponsor your family members to become residents of the UAE. Once your UAE investor visa 2024 gets stamped in your passport, you can approach the immigration department to apply for your family’s Dubai residence visa.
To sponsor your family members, you must submit the following:
- House tenancy contract. The minimum house requirement is a 2BHK
- Attested marriage certificate if sponsoring spouse
- Attested birth certificate(s) if sponsoring child/children
- AED 1,500* refundable deposit for each family member being sponsored (to help entrepreneurs during the pandemic, the original deposit amount of AED 3,000 has been reduced to AED 1,500)
As a business setup services provider, we have been helping entrepreneurs form their companies in the UAE for over 23+ years. We regularly introduce offers to help entrepreneurs start their dream of owning a business. With our exclusive Lifetime Investor Visa package, starting from only AED 18,500*, you get your Dubai mainland license and investor visa, but we also cover the cost of your investor visa renewal for life.
Whether you are looking to start a professional or commercial company, you can benefit significantly from our new offering. We aim to help reduce the cost of your new business setup in Dubai and to offer you complete support during and after the company registration process.
For further information about how to get your investor visa in Dubai or to get assistance with your new company registration in Dubai or anywhere across the UAE, speak with our legal corporate advisors. Book your FREE consultation with them today! Call them on +97144081900 or WhatsApp them on +971507775554. You can also send us an email at [email protected].
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1. Can I get a visa if I buy property in Dubai?
Yes! You can get a visa by owning a property in Dubai worth AED 1 million qualifies you for residency.
Q2. What’s the investor visa cost in Dubai?
An Investor visa cost in Dubai is AED 4000*, with a renewal fee of AED 1750*. A two-year investor visa costs vary based on the documentation and procedures chosen. For instance, a property investor visa starts from AED 12,000*.
Q3. What are the benefits of a UAE investor visa?
Dubai Investor Visa holders benefit from a tax-free environment. Immigrants with visas and locals are exempt from paying taxes. In addition, the UAE has signed over 70 double tax accords with various countries. In addition, goods and services are of excellent quality. A visa holder can access all of Dubai’s facilities, including transportation and communications.
Q4. Who qualifies for the UAE investor visa?
Individuals can be qualified for the UAE investor visa with property or business assets over AED 2 million qualify, including those with a “Golden Visa” for a 10-year residency.
Q5. What is the AED 750,000 property visa?
The AED 750,000 property visa offers a two-year option for investors who commit at least AED 750,000 (around $204,000) in real estate within Freehold Zones. This visa caters to those seeking a more temporary investment than the longer 10-year Golden Visa.
Q6. What income is required for an investor visa in Dubai?
To be eligible, applicants must show a monthly income of AED 15,000, maintain AED 1 million in a fixed deposit for three years, or have property in Dubai valued at no less than AED 1 million.
Q7. How long can investor visa holders stay outside the UAE?
Investor visa holders can stay within the UAE while keeping their visas active. With the 10-year investor visa, you can be abroad for more than six months without needing to return within that period, unlike other visa types that require a return within six months.
Q8. What is the process for cancelling an investor visa in Dubai?
If you cancel your UAE investor visa, you can do so in person at an Amer Service Center or through the ICP website or ICP app.
Q9. Am I eligible for a visa if I own property in the UAE?
Yes, you can apply for a residence visa upon purchasing property in the UAE. This visa remains valid for up to two years and can be renewed as long as you maintain ownership of the property and visit the country at least once every 180 days.
Q10. What’s the grace period for an investor visa?
After expiry, there’s a 30-day grace period to complete procedures or exit the UAE.
