Investor Visa in UAE

A UAE Investor Visa is a category of long-term residence permit issued to foreign nationals based on a qualifying investment within the country. Officially, this visa allows an individual to reside in the UAE without requiring an employment contract or a national sponsor, which is typical for other types of Visa Services.

The updated eligibility now includes a wider range of professionals and investment options, aligning with the UAE’s projected 4.5 %+ non-oil sector growth.

The legal basis for this visa is to attract foreign capital and talent, thereby stimulating economic activity. It encourages investments in areas like real estate, companies, and public funds, among others. This framework positions the visa holder as a direct contributor to the UAE’s economic development, affording them the right to live in the country and manage their investments.

Holding a UAE Investor Visa comes with a wide array of benefits that make living and doing business in the country highly attractive.

• Long-Term Residency: Enjoy the stability of residing with a 10-year Investor Visa UAE, with straightforward renewal options.
• 100% Business Ownership: In most business sectors, especially in free zones, you can own your company entirely without a local partner.
• Family Sponsorship: You can sponsor residence visas for your spouse, children, and even parents, allowing your family to live with you.
• Tax-Free Environment: The UAE boasts zero personal income tax, meaning you retain all of your earnings.
• Access to a Global Market: The UAE’s strategic location makes it a perfect gateway to markets in the Middle East, Europe, Asia, and Africa.
• Safety and Security: Live in one of the safest countries in the world with a very high standard of living.
• Banking Facilities: Easily open personal and corporate bank accounts, securing your financial operations.

The UAE offers different Investor Visas based on the investment amount and type.

• Real Estate Investor Visa

Granted, if you purchase a property worth at least AED 750,000. If the property is mortgaged, at least 50% of the value must be paid off. The Real Estate Investor Visa validity is commonly 2 years (AED 750,000 investment) and 10 years (Golden Visa at AED 2M).

• Company Investor Visa

This is for investors who start or own shares in a company in the UAE. The required investment amount typically starts from around AED 50,000- 72,000 in company shares. Validity may range from 2–3 years, depending on the jurisdiction (mainland vs. free zone).

• Property Investor Visa

The property must be ready for handover (completed), not under construction. Leasing and mortgaged properties are allowed if the equity value meets the minimum.

• The 5-Year Green Visa

A newer category for investors who establish or participate in a commercial business with an investment of at least AED 500,000. This is a self-sponsored visa.

• The 10-Year Golden Visa

This prestigious visa is for significant investments. To be eligible, you must either:

• Invest at least AED 2 million in an accredited local investment fund.
• Be a partner in a company with a capital of at least AED 2 million.
• Own a company that pays a minimum of AED 250,000 in federal tax annually.
• Invest at least AED 2 million in real estate.

Getting an Investor Visa in the UAE is possible for anyone who is willing to invest in the country. It’s like becoming a partner in the UAE’s growth.

There are two main ways you can become eligible:

1. By Investing in a Business

This path is perfect for entrepreneurs and businesses. You can qualify if you:

• Start your own company: You can set up a new business in the UAE mainland or in one of the many free zones.
• Become a partner in an existing company: You can buy shares in a company that is already running in the UAE.

The investment amount for this can be as low as AED 72,000, which makes you a partner and qualifies you for a standard 2-year Investor Visa (may vary as per emirate). For larger investments, you might be eligible for a longer-term visa. Free zones may allow lower thresholds, but the Investor Visa is typically tied to significant ownership.

2. By Investing in Property

If you prefer real estate, this is the most straightforward way to get an Investor Visa. Your eligibility depends on the value of the property you buy.

• For a 2-Year Visa: You need to buy a property worth at least AED 750,000.
• For a 10-Year Golden Visa: You need to buy a property worth at least AED 2 million.

The property must be in your name and ready to live in. It cannot be a plot of land or a property that is still under construction. Mortgages are allowed but only if 50% of the property value (or at least AED 750,000 in equity) is paid to the bank.

Basic Investor Visa UAE Requirements for All Investors

No matter which path you choose, you will also need to:

• Be over 18 years old.
• Pass a medical fitness test in the UAE.
• Get approval from the UAE’s security authorities.
• Insurance is mandatory in some emirates (like Dubai) when applying for residence.

Essentially, if you are an adult with the funds to invest and a clean record, you have a very good chance of being eligible for a UAE Investor Visa.

To apply for an Investor Visa, you must prepare a set of essential documents. The exact list can vary based on the visa type and the emirate.

General Document Checklist:

• Passport: A copy of your valid passport (with at least six months of validity).
• Photograph: A recent passport-sized photograph with a white background.
• Proof of Investment:
  • For company investors: A copy of the company’s Trade License, Memorandum of Association (MOA), and shareholder certificate.
  • For real estate investors: A copy of the property’s Title Deed.
• Immigration Establishment Card: A copy of your company’s establishment card.
• Bank Statements: A six-month bank statement for the company or individual.
• Entry Permit or Current Visa: A copy of your entry permit or existing tourist/residence visa.
• Medical Fitness Test: A passed medical exam from a government-approved health center in the UAE.
• Emirates ID Application: The confirmation of your application for an Emirates ID.
• No Objection Certificate (NOC): If changing visa status from employer-sponsorship, in some cases.
• Ejari/Tenancy Contract: This may be required for address proof in Dubai.
• Utility Bill: Sometimes requested as residency proof.

Getting an Investor Visa in the UAE is a straightforward process if you follow the correct steps. Here is a simple guide to help you understand how it works.

Step 1: Choose Your Investment Path

First, you need to decide how you want to invest in the UAE. There are two main paths:

• Start a Business: You can set up your own company in the UAE mainland or in one of the many free zones. This is a common way for entrepreneurs to get an Investor Visa.
• Buy a Property: You can purchase a house or an apartment. The property must be worth a certain amount to qualify, for example, at least AED 750,000 for a 2-year visa.

Step 2: Get Your Initial Documents Ready

Once you have made your investment, you need to get the main document that proves it.

• For Business Investors: This will be your company’s Trade License and other registration papers.
• For Property Investors: This will be the title deed for your property.

You will also need your passport and a few passport-sized photographs with a white background.

Step 3: Apply for an Entry Permit

With your investment proof and passport, the next step is to apply for an entry permit. This is a temporary visa that allows you to enter the UAE to complete the rest of the visa process. If you are already in the UAE on a Tourist Visa, you will apply for a “change of status.”

Step 4: The Medical Test

After you have the entry permit or your status has been changed, you must undergo a medical fitness test at a government-approved health center in the UAE. This test usually includes a blood test and a chest X-ray to check for any communicable diseases.

Step 5: Apply for Your Emirates ID

At the same time as your medical test, you will need to apply for an Emirates ID card. This involves visiting a designated center to have your photo and fingerprints taken. The Emirates ID is a mandatory identification card for all residents in the UAE.

Step 6: Get Your Visa Stamped

This is the final step. Once your medical test results are out and you have applied for your Emirates ID, all your documents are submitted to the immigration department. After approval, your passport will be stamped with the investor residence visa.

UAE Investor Visa Rules and Legal Considerations

As an Investor Visa holder, it’s important to adhere to the UAE’s rules and regulations to maintain your visa status.

• Stay Requirement: For most 2-year visas, you cannot stay outside the UAE for more than 180 consecutive days. The Golden Visa offers more flexibility and does not have this requirement.
• Business Compliance: Ensure your company remains active and compliant with all local laws, including license renewals and auditing requirements.
• Investment Maintenance: For long-term visas, you must maintain your investment for the required duration (e.g., at least 3 years for some Golden Visa categories).

Ensure you remain compliant with all visa rules and legal considerations.

Contact Safe Ledger today for expert guidance on maintaining your investment and securing your residency status in the UAE.

The total cost of a UAE Investor Visa is composed of several fees. While costs can vary, here is a general breakdown of what to expect:

Visa-Related Government Fees

Business License & Company Setup Fees

The license setup fees may vary depending on the emirates and other aspects:

• Free Zone License Fees

License costs vary based on type and jurisdiction:

• • Commercial/Professional License: AED 10,000–25,000 per year.
  • Some free zones (like IFZA) offer packages starting at AED 12,900 (zero-visa) up to AED 20,900+ with multiple visa slots.

• Registration & Trade Name Approval

One-time charges typically range from AED 5,000–15,000, and trade name registration/initial approvals may add AED 500–3,000.

• Office Space (Required for Free Zones)
  • Virtual/Flexi Desk: AED 5,000–15,000/year.
  • Shared Office: AED 10,000–20,000+.
  • Private Office: AED 25,000–50,000+ annually, depending on size and location.
• Establishment Card Fee

Applicable in many free zones (e.g., IFZA): AED 2,000 first year, renews at AED 2,200/year.

3. Additional Administrative and Third-Party Fees

• PRO Service Fees
  • PRO Service for handling documentation, visa applications, and renewals: typically AED 2,000–8,000 per year.
• Document Attestation & Translation
  • Notarization, MOFA attestation, embassy/legal translation may incur AED 1,000–4,000+, depending on document volume and origin.
• Bank Account Setup
  • Some banks require initial account-opening fees or minimum deposits of  AED 2,000–5,000, with minimum balances ranging from AED 25,000–500,000.

4. Total First-Year Cost Estimate (Investor Visa + Free Zone Setup)

Estimated Total (First Year): Approximately AED 26,000 – 110,000+, depending on free zone, office type, number of visas, and value-added services.

• Validity: UAE Investor Visas are issued for 2, 5, or 10 years, depending on the investment.
• Renewal: The renewal process is typically straightforward, provided you continue to meet the eligibility criteria. You will need to undergo a new medical test and renew your Emirates ID. It is advisable to start the renewal process at least one month before your current visa expires.
• Long-Term Stability: The 5-year Green Visa and the 10-year Golden Visa are excellent long-term options. They provide stability for you and your family, solidifying your presence in the UAE and making it feel like a second home. These long-term visas reduce administrative burdens and offer greater peace of mind.

You can work on an Investor Visa in the UAE, but it’s important to understand the specific rules. The visa is designed with a primary purpose in mind.

• Working in Your Own Company

The main reason for getting an Investor Visa is to allow you to establish and run your own business. Under this visa, you are fully entitled to work within the company you have invested in. This typically means you can act in a managerial capacity, such as:

• A Director
• A Managing Partner
• A General Manager

Your role is to actively manage your investment and oversee the operations of your business. This is the core function and right granted by the investor or partner visa.

• Working for a Different Company

This is where the rules get specific. An Investor Visa does not automatically give you the right to take up salaried employment in a different company. The UAE Labour Law requires individuals to have a valid work permit, which is typically sponsored by the employer.

If you hold an Investor Visa and wish to work for another company, you have a few legal pathways:

1. Obtain a Work Permit: The company that wants to hire you can apply for a separate work permit from the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation (MOHRE). This usually requires a No Objection Certificate (NOC) from the company your Investor Visa is tied to (which is your own company). This permit allows you to work for another employer without having to cancel your Investor Visa.
2. Switch to an Employment Visa: The most straightforward option is to cancel your Investor Visa and have the new employer sponsor a standard employment visa for you. This makes the new company your official sponsor.
3. Utilize the Golden Visa: The 10-year Golden Visa offers much greater flexibility. Holders of a Golden Visa can live, work, and study in the UAE without needing a specific sponsor. This means you can work for your own company, take up employment with another company, or even freelance without needing additional permits.

Contact our experts today and take the first confident step.