Unlock Investment Opportunities with the UAE Investor Visa
Secure your place in the thriving economy of the UAE with CoHub’s streamlined investor visa services. Enjoy exclusive benefits, residency privileges, and the ability to sponsor your family as you embark on your business journey in one of the world’s most dynamic markets.
Investor Visa in Dubai
An investor visa in Dubai is granted to individuals who make significant financial investments within the UAE. This visa can be obtained through investments in business ventures, startups, or real estate. It allows investors to participate actively in the country’s economic activities, providing them with an opportunity to live and work in Dubai.
Eligibility Criteria for a Dubai Investor Visa
To qualify for a Dubai investor visa, applicants must meet specific eligibility criteria. According to UAE investor visa regulations, this visa is granted to those who:
- Invest in Shares: Hold shares in an existing company with a minimum value of AED 10 million.
- Start a New Company: Establish a new company with a capital investment of at least AED 10 million.
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Documents Required for Mainland Businesses
For those planning to invest in or start a company on Dubai’s mainland, the following documents are needed for the UAE investor visa application:
- Bank statements from the last 6 months
- Immigration Establishment Card
- Memorandum of Association (MOA) as proof of share ownership
- Copy of Passport
- Dubai Trade License Copy
- One passport-sized photograph with a white background
Recent regulatory changes now allow full foreign ownership of mainland companies in Dubai, eliminating the previous requirement for a UAE national or agent to be the majority shareholder.
Difference Between Investor Visa and Partner Visa
While the terms “investor visa” and “partner visa” are often used interchangeably, there are structural differences between the two:
- Investor Visa: Issued to an entrepreneur who establishes a sole proprietorship in Dubai. This type of business has a single owner structure with no shareholders or partners. For instance, if you form a mainland company in Dubai with a professional trade license and as a sole establishment, your visa will read "Investor Visa UAE."
- Partner Visa: Issued to an entrepreneur whose business setup in Dubai mainland includes more than one owner or shareholders. For example, if you incorporate a Limited Liability Company (LLC) in mainland Dubai, you are required to partner with a local sponsor, as per UAE law. In this case, you receive a "Partner Visa" because your business has multiple shareholders.
Despite these structural differences, both visas offer the same legal rights and benefits.
Who Can Apply for An Investor Visa in Dubai?
Anyone aged 18 or above can legally become an investor, entrepreneur, or shareholder in any company in Dubai and across the UAE. This eligibility allows for obtaining a UAE residence visa.
Validity of the Visa
The Dubai investor visa is valid for two (2) years. After this period, you must renew your visa, which includes undergoing a medical test, renewing your medical insurance, and updating your Emirates ID.
Dubai & UAE Investor Visa Benefits
Starting your own company in Dubai and becoming an investor comes with numerous benefits, including:
- Residency: The investor visa is valid for 3 years, automatically qualifying you for a 3-year Dubai residence visa.
- Sponsor Family: The visa allows you to sponsor your immediate family members, including your spouse, children, and parents, for UAE residency.
- Ease of Travel: An investor visa facilitates easier travel to GCC countries for business or leisure.
- Outside Country Visa Validity: You can reside outside the UAE for up to one (1) year without losing your residency status, unlike employment or dependent visas, which only allow up to six (6) months.
- Long-Term Visa: Successfully building a business in the UAE can increase your eligibility for the UAE Golden Visa, a 10-year residency visa.
How to Get an Investor Visa in Dubai?
To obtain a Dubai investor visa, you can:
- New Company Incorporation: Establish a new company in Dubai mainland, becoming either the owner or a shareholder, depending on your business’s legal structure.
- Proof of Existing Investments: Provide proof of your investments in Dubai to the Dubai Municipality.
Investor Visa Processing Time
The processing time for an investor visa is typically 15-20 working days, covering the registration of a new business setup in Dubai, obtaining the trade license, and completing the visa application process.
Dubai Investor Visa Cost
The cost of an investor visa starts at AED 4,000*, with a renewal fee of AED 1,750*. For specific types of investor visas, such as a property investor visa, costs may begin from AED 12,000*.
Dubai Investor Visa Application Steps
To apply for a Dubai investor visa, follow these 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 Dubai Police.
- Secure health insurance.
- Undergo a medical fitness test at a government health center.
- Obtain a no-objection letter from your bank.
- Submit the required bank statement.