An investor visa, also known as a partner visa, is issued to individuals who hold shares in a UAE company and wish to reside in the UAE. It is distinct from an employment visa and provides residency linked to the shareholding rather than to an employment contract. Understanding the eligibility criteria, documentation, and process is essential for any entrepreneur or investor establishing a presence in the UAE.
Eligibility for an Investor Visa
To be eligible for an investor visa, the applicant must hold shares in a UAE mainland or free zone company with a valid trade licence. The minimum share value required varies by emirate: Dubai DED requires a minimum investment of AED 72,000 in the company's share capital, while other emirates have lower thresholds. For free zone entities, each free zone authority sets its own investor visa allocation per licence type. Applicants must be at least 18 years old and pass a medical fitness test.
Documents Required
The investor visa application requires: the company's valid trade licence, Memorandum of Association showing the applicant's shareholding, passport copy and recent photograph, entry permit (if applying from outside the UAE), and medical fitness certificate. For mainland companies, the application is submitted through the DED and ICP. For free zone companies, the relevant free zone authority coordinates the process. Attested educational certificates are generally not required for investor visas.
Investor Visa vs Golden Visa
The standard investor visa is valid for two or three years and is renewable as long as the shareholding in the company is maintained. The UAE Golden Visa provides a ten-year renewable residency for qualifying investors who meet higher investment thresholds. Golden Visa eligibility includes investment of AED 2 million or more in UAE property, AED 2 million in a UAE investment fund, or establishment of a company with AED 2 million paid-up capital and at least four Emirati employees. The Golden Visa is not sponsored through the company's trade licence but through the relevant emirate's investment authority.
Costs and Processing Timeline
Investor visa costs typically range from AED 3,500 to AED 6,000 per person inclusive of entry permit, status change where applicable, medical test, Emirates ID, and visa stamping. Processing takes approximately two to four weeks depending on the emirate and authority workload. Gulf Oasis Business Management manages the entire investor visa application process, including preparation and submission of all documents.