A complete guide to investor visa in Dubai
Dubai’s thriving economy and business-friendly policies continuously attract international investors and entrepreneurs. To support this, the UAE offers the Dubai Investor Visa, available to those investing in or starting a business in the mainland or free zones. Here’s 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 visa for investors in Dubai is ideal for foreign nationals who want to start a business or invest in an existing business. With this visa, they can also live, work and sponsor family members. Want to apply for an investor visa in Dubai? Let’s take a look at different types of investor visas.
- Property Investor Residency (Taskeen) via the Dubai Land Department (DLD) for property owners meeting the minimum value threshold.
- Golden Visa (10-year) for investors in real estate, company/public investment, bank deposits, or high tax contribution, subject to specific criteria.
- Green Residency (5-year, self-sponsored) 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.
INVEST IN A PROPERTY
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! Lets explore the real estate investor visa and its requirements.
Property Investor Residency (Dubai Land Department – DLD)
This is the standard DLD route for property owners applying for investor residency.
DLD REAL ESTATE INVESTOR VISA REQUIREMENTS
- If you’re a real estate investor who owns property in the UAE valued at AED 750,000 or more at the time of purchase, you may be eligible for the 2-year property investor visa.
- As per the Dubai investor visa requirements, if the property is mortgaged, you’ll need proof that at least 50% has been paid or that the paid amount equals AED 750,000, along with a bank no-objection letter (NOC) and your mortgage account statement.
- A husband and wife can jointly own one property and apply, as long as the property meets the minimum value and a certified marriage contract is provided.
- You can’t apply for a residency visa if you invest in an off-plan project/property; it should be a freehold property.
For more information about Dubai investor visa requirements, check the Investor Residence Application page on DLD.
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.
INVEST IN A BUSINESS/COMPANY
Are you looking to open or invest in a business in Dubai’s free zones or the mainland? The right answer is to apply for a 3-year investor visa in Dubai.
This visa option could be ideal for you if you want to start a company with a minimum capital of AED 72,000 or invest that amount in shares of an existing company.
Another benefit of opening a business in the free zone is that you may get tax exemptions, such as Value-Added Tax (VAT), Income Tax, Corporate Tax and Customs. Business owners in the free trade zones in Dubai have 100% ownership of their businesses.
However, it’s essential to note that VAT is governed by Federal Decree Law No. 8 of 2017 and its Executive Regulations and special VAT treatment in Designated Zones is limited and transaction-specific.
Designated Zones are treated in the same way as services supplied in the rest of the UAE. Corporate Tax is governed by Federal Decree Law No. 47 of 2022 and while a Qualifying Free Zone Person may benefit from a 0% rate on Qualifying Income, the conditions and definitions are set out in the law and supporting Cabinet decisions, including Cabinet Decision No. 100 of 2023.
Furthermore, 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 application process might vary depending on the free zone location and your chosen business activity.
APPLY FOR A GOLDEN VISA
10-YEAR GOLDEN VISA
The government has also introduced the UAE long-term golden visa, including the property investor visa, which allows investors to stay for 5 or 10 years.
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:
GOLDEN VISA FOR REAL ESTATE INVESTMENT
- The investor should find a property with a purchase value of AED 2 million or more in Dubai.
- Mortgaged properties are accepted, provided you submit the required bank letter confirming the paid amount and balance.
- Off-plan purchases can also qualify when purchased from approved local companies, provided the total value is at least AED 2 million.
GOLDEN VISA THROUGH CAPITAL INVESTMENT
- If you are applying through public investment, the investment amount should be a minimum of AED 2 million such as having a deposit of at least AED 2 million, establishing a company with capital of at least AED 2 million, or being a partner with a share of at least AED 2 million.
- One key distinction to note is that for public investment routes, the invested capital is required to be wholly owned by the investor and not a loan, based on the official requirements for public investments.
5-YEAR GOLDEN VISA
The UAE also offers a 5-year Golden Visa option for certain categories, including entrepreneurs and property investors, under the broader long-term residency framework.
This route is ideal for individuals who want to build a business or invest in innovative projects in the UAE with greater stability and flexibility. It’s hassle-free as you won’t need to manage a business operation.
To receive a 5-year investor visa, make sure you follow these 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.
Entrepreneurs who have invested AED 500,000 in an existing project are also eligible for a 5-year investor visa in Dubai.
However, some conditions are necessary for you to gain both the 5-year and 10-year investor visa:
- You should be able to keep your business for three years.
- You must have total ownership of your investment amount.
- If you’re investing in real estate, it shouldn’t be through loans.
APPLY FOR A RETIREMENT VISA
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!
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.
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 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.
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!
