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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.
The UAE offers different Investor Visas based on the investment amount and type.
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).
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).
The property must be ready for handover (completed), not under construction. Leasing and mortgaged properties are allowed if the equity value meets the minimum.
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.
This prestigious visa is for significant investments. To be eligible, you must either:
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:
This path is perfect for entrepreneurs and businesses. You can qualify if you:
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.
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.
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.
No matter which path you choose, you will also need to:
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:
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.
First, you need to decide how you want to invest in the UAE. There are two main paths:
Once you have made your investment, you need to get the main document that proves it.
You will also need your passport and a few passport-sized photographs with a white background.
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.”
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.
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.
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.
As an Investor Visa holder, it’s important to adhere to the UAE’s rules and regulations to maintain your visa status.
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.
| Component | AED Range |
|---|---|
|
License + Registration |
10,000 – 35,000 |
|
Office Space |
5,000 – 50,000 |
|
Visa Processing + Entry |
3,500 – 4,750 |
|
Medical + Emirates ID |
820 – 1,260 |
|
Health Insurance |
992 – 2,500 |
|
Establishment Card |
2,000 |
|
PRO + Admin Fees |
2,000 – 8,000 |
|
Document Attestation |
1,000 – 4,000 |
|
Bank Setup |
2,000 – 5,000 |
Estimated Total (First Year): Approximately AED 26,000 – 110,000+, depending on free zone, office type, number of visas, and value-added services.
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.
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:
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.
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:
Contact our experts today and take the first confident step.
A mainland Investor Visa allows business operations across all UAE markets, including working with government clients. A free zone Investor Visa typically limits activity to within the specific free zone and international markets. Free zones offer tax benefits, but you may need a local agent to trade on the mainland.
You don’t need to live full-time in the UAE, but for most Investor Visas, you must enter the country at least once every 180 days to keep the visa valid. The UAE Golden Visa offers more flexibility and doesn’t require regular entry to maintain its validity.
Yes, cost-effective Investor Visas are available, especially through low-cost free zones in emirates like Sharjah or Ajman. Costs vary based on business activity, license type, and office requirements. A business setup consultant can help you select the most budget-friendly option that meets your goals and visa eligibility.
Investor Visas typically remain valid for 2 to 3 years, depending on the emirate and business structure. Renewal requires maintaining the business license and lease agreement, plus completing medical fitness and Emirates ID procedures. Some free zones may offer 5-year or even 10-year visas, based on qualifying investments and compliance.
Yes, investors can sponsor immediate family members (spouse and children below 18 or 25, depending on the emirate and free zone). You must meet:
Each emirate has slightly different documentation rules.
An Investor Visa allows you to manage your own company, but working for another employer typically requires a new work permit or visa sponsorship. Under specific free zone policies, you may apply for dual employment permission. Always check regulations with your free zone authority or mainland immigration.
Investor Visa costs vary by emirate, free zone, and company setup type. Major expenses include license fees, office lease, medical examination, Emirates ID, and visa stamping charges. Certain free zones offer budget-friendly packages, while specialized zones may set higher fees for specific business activities.
Yes, you can transfer your residency from a work visa to an Investor Visa by establishing or investing in a company under your name. The process includes license registration, medical and ID procedures, and visa stamping. Check eligibility and sponsorship requirements in your chosen emirate or free zone.
Yes, you need a valid lease agreement or a virtual office recognized by the Free Zone or mainland authority. Some free zones accept flexi-desk options, while mainland setups require a minimum physical office. The tenancy contract is mandatory for visa issuance and Emirates ID processing.
Yes, investors may qualify for extended visas:
These visas depend on investment size, business activity, and compliance records, offering more residency stability and family sponsorship flexibility.
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