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Investor Visa Dubai & UAE: Cost, Eligibility, Validity, Requirements, & More

The UAE is known as the “land of gold,” and it is a prospering state for companies worldwide wishing to expand or establish operations there. Entrepreneurs and investors from all over the world flock to the United Arab Emirates because of the country’s booming economic climate and favorable business environment.

Dubai welcomes and fosters international investment by creating a one-of-a-kind investment-driven visa scheme that allows investors to lawfully remain in the UAE and build a secure future for their families and enterprises.

If you are looking to invest in UAE one option is to apply for an Investor Visa. This visa offers a number of benefits, including being able to live and work in the UAE as well as enjoying certain tax exemptions. Here we will take a look at some of the cost and eligibility criteria associated with the Investor’s Visa.

investor visa uae

Investor Visa UAE at a Glance:

A UAE Investor Visa is available to foreign nationals who wish to make investments in UAE real estate or already existing businesses. In some locations, it is referred to as the UAE Partner Visa. The visa is valid for three years.

The holder of a visa to the United Arab Emirates may enter and leave the country at any time before the expiration of the visa for any reason. Unlike a passport, an investor visa gives investors access to a wide range of commercial opportunities.

The UAE investor visa allows the holder to live and work in the United Arab Emirates for the period of the visa. The bearer of a UAE Investor Visa becomes a UAE tax resident and is not taxable in their home country, but this is subject to the investor’s home country’s restrictions.

It is possible to create a bank account, subscribe to the Etisalat and Du Mobile home packages, and get a UAE identification card and a UAE driving license with the UAE Investor Visa. You can sponsor your parents, children, and spouse for a UAE relocation if you have an Investor Visa.

1. Mainland

In the past, the person with the most shares had to be a citizen of the UAE or an agent who could act as a link between the company and the government. On the other hand, recent regulation changes have allowed foreigners to fully own land in UAE. Now, a company does not need an Emirati majority shareholder in order to partake in various sorts of commercial and industrial activity.

2. Free Zone

Dubai fosters economic activity and foreign investment by constructing free zones, also known as free trade zones, within the emirate. Some taxes, such as the Value-Added Tax (VAT), are excluded for businesses operating in business zones, and non-citizens can own 100 percent of the business. Individuals who develop or engage in a free zone enterprise in one of these designated regions are eligible to apply for a Dubai partner visa, with the free trade zone serving as their sponsor.

There are restrictions on the number of visas that can be given to a single company in most free zones. Businesses can increase their visa quota by moving to larger offices or by requesting an increase, which must be approved by the authorities in control of the free zone.

Also, know the difference between Free Zone and Mainland for business setup

investor visa documents requirements

Required Documents For Investor Visa UAE

Following is a list of documents required when you apply for an Investor Visa in UAE:

  1. A copy of your passport
  2. A passport-sized photo for Entry Visa Application
  3. Bank statement for the past 6 months
  4. A copy of the Memorandum of Association (for an LLC)
  5. A copy of your Company Trade License
  6. A copy of the Partnership Contract (if applicable)
  7. A list and IDs of partners, if any
  8. A copy of the Immigration Establishment Card.
  9. A Typed Application

Application Procedure for Investor Visa in UAE

In order to start the application process for the UAE Investor Visa, follow these steps:

  1. Apply for an entry permit at the immigration department, a local typing center, or one of the city’s government subsidiary centers.
  2. Complete a medical fitness test at a government health center.
  3. Get your Emirates ID application from your nearby typing center and submit it to a Federal Authority for Identity and Citizenship center. If you’re applying for an Emirates ID for the first time, you’ll also need to give biometric information.
  4. As part of your visa application, purchase appropriate health insurance.
  5. Visit any Amer Centre that is supervised by the GDRFA to alter your visa status to an investor resident visa in UAE.
cost for investor visa in uae

How Much Does It Cost to Get an Investor Visa in UAE?

The following is an estimate of the cost of applying for an investment visa in UAE:

  1. Entry permit: Individuals within the UAE pay AED 1,175 and those outside the UAE pay AED 525.
  2. Change of status: The fee is around AED 675.
  3. Visa stamping: The fee is approximately AED 870
  4. Emirates ID: The fee is around AED 500.
  5. Medical Tests: The fee is around AED 350.
  6. Request for family sponsorship: The fee is around AED 320.

The cost of a Dubai investor visa varies depending on duration, investment, application centers, and a variety of other considerations.

UAE Investor Visa Eligibility Criteria

The UAE government issues long-term investor visas with validity ranging from three to ten years. However, many types of UAE investor visas each have its own eligibility restrictions. You must invest at least AED 10 million in the UAE’s public sector or invest at least AED 5 million in a property to obtain an Investor Visa in UAE or anyplace else in the UAE.

1. Visa by Means of Investing in Residency

AED 1 million or more in residential property with a mortgage covering no more than 50% of the total value of the property qualifies as a qualifying investment for this tax break for UAE nationals. Investment property ownership is required to maintain the validity of the visa, which is suitable for three to five years.

2. Visa Through Investing In a Company

People who start or invest in a business on UAE’s mainland or one of the city-free state’s zones are eligible for this benefit. UAE’s economy currently offers more than 2,100 types of business licenses to anyone who wants to open a firm on the mainland. If you are starting a new business or possess shares in an existing firm valued at least 72,000 AED, you can apply for this visa.

3. Long-Term Residency Visa

Investors who meet the requirements of this newly granted visa may be eligible for residency in the country for a period of five or ten years, depending on the amount of money invested. A 10-year residency visa is available to investors who invest at least 10 million UAE Dirhams.

4. Retirement Visa

This visa category was designed specifically for investors over the age of 55 who desire to spend their golden years in UAE rays. In order to qualify for this 5-year visa, individuals must invest at least AED 2 million, have acquired a wealth of at least AED 1 million, or get an active monthly income of at least AED 20,000.

Eligibility for 6 months multiple entry Visa

This is a short-term visa that is quite comparable to a tourist visa. The validity of a six-month multi-entry visa permits the holder to enter UAE an unlimited number of times during that time. Those who own or invest in properties worth more than one million UAE Dirhams in any Emirates are also included in the scope of the application. This visa is issued by the UAE immigration authority.

Eligibility for 3 years

The visa is valid for three years and can be renewed for a small fee before or after it expires. The minimum financial criterion for applying for a three-year investor visa has been reduced from AED 1,000,000 (USD 272,300) to AED 750,000, according to the Dubai Land Department (DLD) (USD 205,000).

​​This visa offer is only valid when purchasing a ready-to-move-in residential home. If you’re thinking about buying an off-plan property, you’ll only be able to get a 3-year visa once all of the building work is finished and the property is ready to move into.

Eligibility For 5 years Visa

You can apply for a five-year Dubai property visa if you have invested at least AED 5 million in properties (The 5 million AED amount can be split and spent on two properties just to clarify) and have no mortgage on any of them. You do not need to make any further investments, unlike the 10-year visa.

This is a resident visa, which means you and your family are not permitted to work while on it. If you or a member of your family wants to work, your visa status must be, modified, and the company offering the employer must issue a sponsoring visa.

Eligibility for 10 years Golden Visa

Any individual who invests at least AED 10 million in the UAE qualifies for a Golden visa. A maximum of forty percent of the investment, or AED 4 million, can be in real estate, according to the rules. This can be split up to three times for a total of AED 4 million in value. The remaining sixty percent of the investment must be made in other industries. The candidate may be granted a six-month multiple-entry visa, which can be utilized to expedite the process of attaining a golden residence. This visa can be extended to help you finish the process faster.

Perks of Having an Investors Visa in UAE

There are several benefits of having an investor visa in UAE, some of which are as follows:

  1. Freedom to open bank accounts.
  2. Be eligible to enroll your kids in public and private schools.
  3. Be able to run a business or get employed.
  4. Freedom to travel to some countries where visas are not required or where visas can be obtained on arrival.
  5. Be able to apply and obtain a driving license.
  6. Be able to obtain personal and corporate loans in the UAE.
  7. Be eligible to receive government health care and health insurance.

FAQs about Investor Visa in UAE

How long does it take to renew an investor visa for Dubai?

Visa renewals typically take five business days if your application is complete and correct at submission. Moreover, a visa renewal through VIP can be completed in as little as several hours.

Can I get a driving Abu Dhabi license if I have a Dubai investor visa?

Yes, anyone holding an investor visa can apply for a driving license.

Can I get employed in another firm after starting my own business on an investor visa in UAE?

Getting a job has nothing to do with the visa you hold. Instead, it is determined by your talents and work experience in your chosen profession. If you have an investment visa and you are offered a job that matches your qualifications, you must terminate your investor visa and obtain an employment visa from your employer.

Conclusion

The Investor Visa UAE is an opportunity for business people and their families to reside in the city of Dubai.

The visa offers a number of benefits, including access to education and healthcare services, as well as residency visas for family members.

There are a few eligibility criteria that applicants must meet in order to be considered for the Investor Visa UAE, including having a valid passport, proof of income, and sponsorship from a local company or individual.

The application process is relatively straightforward and can be completed online. The cost of the visa is also affordable when compared to other investment visas around the world.

Overall, the Investor Visa UAE is a great opportunity for those looking to leverage the country’s booming economic climate.