A complete guide to investor visa in Dubai
Dubai is a global business hub thanks to its investor-friendly policies and world-class infrastructure. To further boost investment, the UAE offers the Dubai Investor Visa for those interested in starting a business or investing in real estate within the mainland or free zones. In a recent update, the Dubai Land Department simplified the qualification process by removing the minimum property value for sole owners. Here is an overview of the visa, including the documentation process, fees and more.
ABOUT THE DUBAI INVESTOR VISA
Also known as the Dubai partner visa, this option is ideal for those looking to start a new business or invest in an existing one. It allows you to live and work in Dubai and sponsor your family. There are a few different paths you can take:
- Property Investor Residency (Taskeen): Features updated eligibility rules via the Dubai Land Department (DLD) for property owners meeting the minimum value threshold.
- Golden Visa (10-year): Real estate investors, company/public investment, bank deposits, or high tax contribution, subject to specific criteria.
- Green Residency (5-year): This self-sponsored visa is for investors/business partners (plus other eligible groups like skilled workers and freelancers).
TYPES OF INVESTOR VISAS IN DUBAI
If you are wondering how to get an investor visa in Dubai, there are four ways to acquire it.
One way to acquire a visa for investors in Dubai is by buying a property. It is one of the biggest benefits of real estate ownership in Dubai! Let’s explore the real estate investor visa and its updated requirements to attract investors in sole ownership.
2-Year Investor Property Visa in UAE
This is the standard 2-year renewable visa issued through the DLD.
2-Year Investor Property Visa in UAE VISA REQUIREMENTS
Authorities have recently updated the rules for this visa via the Cube Centre:
- No Minimum Value for Sole Owners: If you are the only owner of a completed residential property, there is no longer a minimum purchase price required to apply.
- Joint Ownership Rules: If you own a property with others, each person must have a share worth at least AED 400,000 to qualify.
- Mortgages: If your property is mortgaged, you must show you have paid at least 50% of the value (or AED 375,000) and provide a bank NOC.
- Property Type: The property must be a finished freehold unit (apartments or villas). Off-plan properties do not qualify for this specific 2-year visa until they are handed over.
For more information about Dubai investor visa requirements, check the Investor Residence Application page on DLD.
2-YEAR PROPERTY INVESTOR VISA UAE FEES
- 2-Years New Property Investor Visa Dubai: AED 10,545
- 2-Years Property Investor Visa Renewal (2-years licence): AED 8,215
- 2-Years Property Investor Visa Cancellation: AED 1,239
GREEN RESIDENCY
The Green Residency (Green Visa) is a 5-year, renewable residency permit designed around self-sponsorship (no local sponsor required).
Green Residency can be granted to:
- Skilled workers
- Freelancers / self-employed
- Investors and business partners
INVESTORS AND BUSINESS PARTNERS
For Dubai, GDRFA’s Green Visa issuance route for investor/partner states:
- The investor/partner’s share, upon incorporation or contribution, cannot be less than AED 1,000,000 paid (or equivalent in other currencies).
- The company must be in one of the listed legal forms (for example, LLC, public/private joint stock, etc.)
This makes Green Residency a strong “middle lane” option for investors who want:
- A longer-term residency than short renewals and
- A self-sponsored structure without necessarily going straight to the Golden Visa.
ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA FOR GREEN VISA IN DUBAI
SKILLED WORKERS
- Must hold a valid employment contract within the UAE.
- Classified under skill levels 1 to 3 in accordance with the Ministry of Human Resources & Emiratisation’s occupational categories.
- Must possess a minimum educational qualification of a bachelor’s degree.
- Must meet the minimum monthly salary threshold of AED 15,000 (or the equivalent in foreign currency).
FREELANCERS AND THE SELF-EMPLOYED
- Must hold a valid freelancing or self-employment permit issued by the Ministry of Human Resources & Emiratisation.
- Must possess a minimum qualification of a bachelor’s degree, a specialised diploma, or an equivalent credential.
- Must provide evidence of stable annual income or financial solvency for the duration of the residency period.
- Annual income from freelancing must have been at least AED 360,000 (or the equivalent in foreign currency) over the previous two years.
INVESTORS AND BUSINESS PARTNERS
- Must provide proof of an investment or partnership in a project based in the UAE.
- Must hold all necessary licences and approvals from the relevant authorities.
GREEN RESIDENCY DUBAI FEES
- Residence permit fee: AED 200
Extra charges:
- Knowledge Dirham: AED 10
- Innovation Dirham: AED 10
- Fee inside the country: AED 500
- Delivery charges: AED 20
Please note that the issuance fee increases by AED 100 annually whenever the residency is over two years.
5-YEAR RETIREMENT VISA IN DUBAI
Perfect for those over 55, a retirement visa in Dubai grants residency based on meeting one of four financial criteria:
- The applicant must be 55 years of age or older or have lived in the country for at least 15 years.
- The applicant must have AED 15,000 monthly income or AED 1 million in savings in a three-year fixed deposit or at least AED 1 million worth of property in Dubai.
- A combination of income and savings valued at least AED1 million in a 3-year fixed deposit and a property worth AED 500,000.
The retirement visa in Dubai is valid for five years. International applicants must get their bank letters attested.
If you are an expat near retirement and want to continue living in the city, check our guide on expats retiring in Dubai for more information!
5-YEAR RETIREMENT VISA FEES
- 5-year New Retirement Visa: AED 7,084.75
- 5-year Retirement Visa Renewal: AED 6,519.75
- 5-year Retirement Visa Cancellation: AED 190.75
10 Year Golden Visa in Dubai
The government has the UAE long-term golden visa, including the property investor visa, which allows investors to stay 10 years.
To secure the DLD 10-year property investor visa in Dubai, a minimum real estate investment of AED 2 million is required. This programme provides a UAE residency permit for the investor and their immediate family, valid for a decade. A significant advantage is that the visa is renewable for another 10-year term, provided the investment criteria continue to be met.
Investors may also apply through the General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs (GDRFA) property investor programme. While originally centred on real estate, this initiative has expanded to encompass business establishment and various other investment pathways. Below are the specific eligibility requirements for these categories.
Notably, properties with an existing mortgage are still eligible for the Golden Visa Dubai. In such cases, you must provide an official bank letter confirming that at least AED 2 million has been paid toward the purchase price.
Ready to unlock a 10-year residency visa in Dubai through investment? There’s a minimum investment requirement, but you have some flexibility in meeting it. Let’s explore your options:
ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS FOR THE 10-YEAR INVESTOR VISA
- The property must have a minimum value of AED 2 million and be wholly owned by the applicant.
- For mortgaged properties, a No Objection Certificate (NOC) from the bank is required, confirming they have no objection to the visa issuance; this letter must detail both the paid and outstanding balances.
- You can now qualify for the 10-year Golden Visa with a mortgaged property regardless of the down payment amount, provided the property’s valuation is at least AED 2 million.
- The invested capital can be financed through mortgages from local UAE-based banks.
- Married couples can qualify using a single shared property, provided a valid marriage certificate is submitted.
- The investor is committed to retaining ownership of the property for a minimum of two years.
DOCUMENTS REQUIRED FOR THE 10-YEAR INVESTOR VISA
- Original Title Deed of the property must be situated in Dubai with a minimum value of AED 2 million as indicated on the deed (Title deeds from other Emirates or DIFCA are currently not eligible).
- A clear copy of a valid passport (validity must be at least six months).
- The applicant’s previous Emirates ID must be included.
- A high-quality digital photo compliant with Federal Authority for Identity and Citizenship specifications.
- Applicants from Pakistan, Iran, Iraq, Libya, or Afghanistan must provide a copy of their national identity card.
- Proof of valid health insurance from a UAE-authorised provider.
DUBAI INVESTOR VISA COST
Are you wondering what is the investor visa cost in Dubai? Here’s a breakdown of the cost when you apply for a 10-year golden visa:
- 10-year Property Investor Golden Visa: AED 9,984.75
- 10-Year Property Investor Golden Visa Renewal cost: AED 9,519.75
- 10-year Property Investor Golden Visa cancellation cost: 190.75
10 years residency permit
- Medical examination: AED 700
- UAE Emirates ID (10 years): AED 1,153 UAE ID (10 years)
- Confirmation of residency permit (10 years): AED 2,856.75
- DLD fee: AED 4,020
- Administrative fee: AED 1,155
- The total is AED 9,884.75
Family residence permit for 10 years
- AED 5,774.50
- AED 318.75 fee for opening a family sponsorship file
A residence permit for the parents for 10 years
- AED 5,774.50 fee for 10 years
Please note that the immigration establishment card needed for this visa incurs additional charges. These costs exclude the trade licence charges issued by the Dubai Economic Department.
DOCUMENTS REQUIRED TO APPLY FOR DUBAI INVESTOR VISA
Obtaining a Dubai investor visa requires specific documentation, which varies depending on your chosen investment path (property, business, retirement). Here’s a breakdown of the general categories:
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
- Memorandum of Association (shows that your company’s capital amounts to AED 72,000)
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 copy of your marriage certificate (in case you will sponsor your husband/wife)
- Copy of your passport
- A copy of your title deed
Earlier, a UAE national or an agent who liaises with government departments was needed as the majority shareholder. However, recent changes in rules allow complete foreign ownership in Dubai mainland.
HOW TO APPLY FOR FOR AN INVESTOR VISA
Ready to embark on your Dubai investment journey? Obtaining an investor visa is a relatively streamlined process. Here’s a breakdown of the key steps to follow, as outlined by Dubai’s investment visa regulations:
PROPERTY OR GOLDEN VISA
- Submit your original passport, a copy of your current visa (if applicable) and the original property title deed to the Dubai Land Department (DLD).
- Request a reference letter from Dubai police.
- Once the DLD issues the reference letter, use it to obtain a certificate of good conduct.
- Apply for a trade license from the Dubai Economic Department (DED) with the documents collected.
- Submit all gathered documents, including the trade licence, to the General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs (GDRFA) and apply for your Dubai investment visa.
INVESTING IN A BUSINESS
The good news is that applying for an investor visa through business ownership can be done conveniently at any Amer Centre in Dubai, including:
- Dubai Festival City
- Al Karama
- Ibn Battuta Mall
- Al Jafiliya
- Al Quoz
RETIREMENT VISA
To apply for a retirement visa, you need a laptop or a computer to complete the following steps:
- Send an email to retireindubai@dubaitourism.ae that includes the application, all the information and attached documents.
- They will send you a link to pay a non-refundable USD 25 (around AED 92). This is the process fee and the total application price of the retirement visa for an investor in Dubai. However, it doesn’t ensure your approval.
- After approving the payment, the documents will be revised.
- The application will then be directed to the noted entity after being approved by Dubai Tourism.
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.
FAQS ABOUT INVESTOR VISA IN DUBAI
WHAT ARE THE BENEFITS OF AN INVESTOR VISA IN DUBAI?
Dubai investor visa benefits can be outlined in a few points, such as:
- Numerous business opportunities
- Tax advantages (no personal income tax and low corporate tax)
- The investor visa grants long-term residency in the UAE
- Access to regional markets
- Being able to sponsor family (spouse and children)
- Outstanding infrastructure
- Growing economy
- Stable community and low crime rates
- Retirement visa options for investors aged 55 and above
WHAT ARE THE RULES FOR OPENING A BUSINESS IN DUBAI?
If you are applying for an investor visa to establish 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.
WHAT IS THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN AN INVESTOR VISA AND A PARTNER VISA IN DUBAI?
While the terms investor visa and partner visa are often used interchangeably in the UAE, there is a subtle distinction between them. Both offer similar benefits and legal status but cater to different business structures.
An investor visa is ideal for those who choose to establish a sole proprietorship company in the UAE. This type of company has just one owner, with no partners or shareholders involved. A partner visa, on the other hand, is suited for individuals who establish a company with multiple owners or shareholders.
HOW CAN I CHECK THE VALIDITY OF MY INVESTOR VISA?
You can use ICA Smart Services to check your UAE visa by passport number.
HOW MUCH DOES A DUBAI PARTNER VISA COST?
A standard partner visa costs AED 4,000 in Dubai, with a renewal fee of AED 1,750. However, the cost of a 2-year Partner visa can vary depending on the specific documentation and procedures required.
That concludes our guide to the requirements for the Dubai investor visa. If you are sponsoring your family, please review our guide on things to consider before moving to Dubai with your family. It covers visas and paperwork, the cost of living, the job market and more.
Those who want to open a business in the capital city can learn all about the golden investor visa in Abu Dhabi via our post.
For more information on investor visas and their requirements in other emirates, subscribe to MyBayut!
