Dubai Investor Visa: How to get, Requirements, Cost & More
Investor Visa in Dubai: Your Path to Residency
Dubai has earned global recognition as one of the most desirable cities to live and work in. Its remarkable progress, technological advancements, thriving economy. This is exceptional quality of life make it an appealing destination for individuals seeking residency. Obtaining a Dubai residence visa is relatively straightforward, with one of the easiest routes being through an investor visa.
Entrepreneurs and foreign investors are drawn to the UAE, particularly Dubai, due to its growth-oriented approach. The government of Dubai continuously updates and introduces policies and regulations that foster economic and social development. Consequently, the laws and regulations pertaining to Dubai investor visas are designed to encourage and support entrepreneurs and investors.
Understanding the Investor Visa
The UAE Government issues various types of visas based on the purpose of your visit. Among these is the Investor Visa, also referred to as the Dubai partner visa or business visa. This visa category is granted to investors or entrepreneurs who have established their businesses in the UAE.
Differentiating Investor Visa from Partner Visa
While some may consider the terms investor visa and UAE partnership visa synonymous, there is a structural distinction between the two.
The Dubai investor visa is granted to entrepreneurs who establish a sole proprietorship in Dubai. This type of company operates with a single-owner structure, without any shareholders or partners. For instance, if you form a mainland company in Dubai with a professional trade license and establish it as a sole establishment, your visa will be categorized as an investor visa UAE.
On the other hand, the Dubai partner visa is issued to entrepreneurs whose business setup in Dubai mainland involves multiple owners or shareholders. If you choose to incorporate a Limited Liability Company (LLC) in mainland Dubai, UAE law requires you to have a local sponsor as a partner. In this case, you will be granted a Partner Visa since your business will have more than one shareholder.
Despite the structural differences and terminology, both the investor visa and partnership visa in the UAE share the same legal status and offer similar benefits. Embark on your journey to Dubai residency through the investor visa program, benefiting from the city’s dynamic opportunities, vibrant business environment, and promising future.
Eligibility and Benefits of Dubai Investor Visa
Applying for an investor visa in Dubai is open to individuals who are 18 years of age or above and wish to become investors, entrepreneurs, or shareholders in companies across the UAE. This qualification enables them to obtain a UAE residence visa.
Visa Validity
The Dubai investor visa has a validity period of three (3) years. To renew your investor visa, you must undergo a medical test, renew your medical insurance, and update your Emirates ID every three years.
Benefits of Dubai & UAE Investor Visa
Starting your own company in Dubai and becoming an investor brings several advantages. Here are some of the benefits of the UAE investor visa:
- Residency: The investor visa grants a three-year Dubai residence visa automatically upon approval.
- Family Sponsorship: With an investor visa, you can sponsor your immediate family members, including your spouse, children, and parents, to become residents of the UAE.
- Ease of Travel: Holding a Dubai investor visa facilitates easy travel to any GCC country for business or leisure. The investor status expedites the process of obtaining travel visas for these regions, which may not be guaranteed with an employment visa.
- Extended Visa Validity Outside UAE: With a Dubai investor visa, you can reside outside the UAE for up to one (1) year continuously without canceling your residency. This flexibility is not available with employment or dependent visas, which only allow a maximum of six (6) months outside the UAE before the UAE residence visa becomes nullified.
- Long-Term Visa Opportunity: Obtaining an investor visa and establishing a successful business venture in the UAE can enhance your chances of qualifying for the UAE Golden Visa. Introduced in 2019, the Golden Visa is a 10-year residency visa aimed at fostering business development and rewarding investors and entrepreneurs for their contributions to the country’s economic growth.
How to Obtain an Investor Visa in Dubai?
To acquire a Dubai investor visa, or a visa anywhere else in the UAE, there are two main pathways:
- New Company Incorporation: Setting up a new company in the UAE and fulfilling the necessary requirements.
- Proof of Existing Investments: Providing evidence of existing investments made in the UAE.
By following these processes, you can fulfill the criteria for obtaining an investor visa and benefit from the advantages it offers in Dubai and the UAE.
1. Obtaining an Investor Visa in Dubai through Company Incorporation
The most straightforward method to acquire an investor visa in Dubai is through company registration in Dubai mainland. When you establish your company in Dubai, you become either the owner or shareholder, depending on the legal structure of your business.
To apply for your investor visa, you need to complete the following steps:
Company Formation: Form your company in Dubai and ensure all legal requirements are met.
Document Submission: Submit the following documents to the Dubai immigration department:
- Copy of the trade license
- Copy of the legally attested Memorandum of Association (for partnership) or Local Service Agent Agreement (for sole proprietorship)
- Copy of the company establishment card
- Cancellation document of any existing visa (if applicable, such as employment or Dubai residence visa)
- Copy of visit or tourist visa (if applicable)
Steps to Apply for Dubai Investor Visa:
- Company Registration: Register your company with the Dubai Economic Department (DED).
- Establishment Card Application: Apply for your company’s establishment card.
- Entry Permit Application: If you are outside the UAE, apply for an entry permit to enter the country and undergo the in-country status change for your visa. If you are already in the UAE, proceed with the in-country visa status change.
- Medical Test: Undergo the required medical test.
- Emirates ID Application: Apply for your Emirates ID.
- Health Insurance Coverage: Obtain suitable health insurance coverage.
- Investor Visa Stamping: Complete the process by obtaining the investor visa stamp in your passport.
Processing Time:
The processing time for an investor visa is approximately 15-20 working days. However, covering the entire process from registering your new business setup. Moreover, obtaining the trade license, applying for the visa, and once the residency is approved. The applicants will be able to download a copy of their e-Residence.
2. Alternative Method: Proof of Existing Investments
There is an alternative approach to obtaining an investor visa in Dubai, which does not involve establishing a new company. Instead, it requires providing evidence of your investments in Dubai to the Dubai Municipality.
If your application meets the eligibility criteria established by the UAE Government. The Dubai Municipality will create a file for you with the Economic Department. The Economic Department will then assign a reference file number to your application. Based on this number, you will receive a No Objection Certificate (NOC) from the Dubai Municipality. It is necessary to present this NOC to the immigration department when applying for your Dubai investor visa.
On the other hand, it is important to note that the approval or rejection of your application. It is ultimately determined by the government agencies responsible for assessing your eligibility.
Seek Expert Guidance for Investor Visa and Company Registration
If you need more information regarding the process of obtaining your investor visa in Dubai or require assistance with company registration in Dubai or any other location within the UAE, our team of experienced legal corporate advisers is here to help. To book your consultation, you can reach out to our advisers by calling +971 4 589 2828 or sending a WhatsApp message to +971 50 105 4241. Alternatively, you can also send us an email at info@markef.com. Take advantage of this opportunity to gain valuable insights and expert advice on navigating the procedures for obtaining your investor visa and ensuring a smooth company registration process. Don’t hesitate to contact us and take the first step towards realising your business goals in Dubai or anywhere across the UAE.
