By Dubai has become a global hub for business, finance, and commerce, attracting tourists, entrepreneurs, and investors from around the world. The city offers outstanding business opportunities in a diverse, multicultural environment. Its unique investment-driven visa program allows investors to reside legally in the UAE, supporting their business endeavors and enabling a secure future for their families and enterprises.
Who Can Apply for an Investor Visa?
Individuals aged 18 or above can become investors, entrepreneurs, or shareholders in any company in Dubai and throughout the UAE, qualifying them for a UAE residence visa. Renewal of the investor visa requires a medical test, medical insurance, and Emirates ID renewal every three years.
Benefits of an Investor Visa
- Three-Year Validity: Automatically qualifies for a Dubai residence visa.
- Family Sponsorship: Ability to sponsor immediate family members (spouse, children, and parents).
- Ease of Travel: Facilitates travel to GCC countries for business or leisure.
- Extended Residency Outside UAE: Allows up to one year of continuous residence outside the UAE without losing residency status.
- Golden Visa Eligibility: Enhances eligibility for a 10-year UAE Golden Visa.
How to Obtain an Investor Visa
Investors can secure a Dubai investment visa through property investment, company investment, or a retirement visa.
Property Investment:
- Invest in residential properties valued at AED 1 million or more.
- The property must be solely owned, with no more than 50% of its value under mortgage.
- Joint property investors qualify if each individual’s share is at least AED 1 million.
- Only residential properties are eligible; commercial and off-plan properties are not.
Company Investment:
- Invest in a business in Dubai’s mainland or free zones.
- Start a company with a minimum capital of AED 72,000 or have a share in a company with the same amount.
- Free zone businesses enjoy full ownership, tax exemptions, and no need for local partners.
Retirement Visa:
- Investors aged 55 and above can apply by investing in a residential property with a minimum value of AED 2 million.
Application Process for the Dubai Investor Visa
1. Apply for an Entry Permit Online:
- Submit an online application.
2. Apply for the Investor Visa:
- Apply at the General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs (GDRFA) in person or via the official GDRFA website.
3. Medical Fitness Test:
- Visit a government health center for the test.
4. Submit Required Documents:
- No objection letter from your bank
- Bank statement
- Good conduct certificate from the Dubai Police
- Purchase health insurance
5. Other Documents:
- Copy of passport
- Personal photo with a white background
- Trade license
- Bank statement for the last 6 months
- Immigration Establishment Card
- Typed application
- Memorandum Papers (MOA) as proof of share ownership
Alternative Method to Obtain an Investor Visa
Demonstrate existing investments in Dubai to the Dubai Municipality, which will initiate your file with the Economic Department. Upon obtaining a No Objection Certificate (NOC) from the Dubai Municipality, present it to the immigration department.
Validity of an Investment Visa
- Property Investment: 3 to 5 years, depending on the property value.
- Company Investment: 3 years.
- Retirement Visa: 5 years (renewable).
Costs of the Dubai Investor Visa
- Entry Permit: AED 1,175 for UAE residents, AED 525 for non-residents.
- Change of Status: AED 675 (not required for non-residents).
- Visa Stamping: Approximately AED 870
- Emirates ID: AED 500
- Medical Tests: AED 350
- Additional Costs: Immigration establishment card fees and trade license charges from the Dubai Economic Department.
Dubai Investor Visa for Free Zone Companies
- Free Zones: Offer tax exemptions and 100% foreign ownership.
- Dubai Partner Visa: Application process and costs vary based on the free zone’s location and business nature.
Long-Term Investor Visas: 5-Year and 10-Year
10-Year Visa Eligibility:
– Public investments of at least AED 10 million in UAE-based investment funds, establishing a company, or becoming a partner in a company.
– Investment conditions include financial solvency for up to AED 10 million, and the investment amount should not be a loan.
5-Year Visa Eligibility for Real Estate:
– Buy property worth at least AED 2 million, which can be financed through specific local banks.
– Property retention for a minimum of two years.
– Invest in one or more off-plan properties from approved real estate companies.
5-Year Visa Eligibility for Entrepreneurs:
– Invest at least AED 500,000 in an existing project or a project approved by an accredited business incubator.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Application Process Duration: Several weeks to months, depending on investment type and application efficiency.
- Multiple Investor Visas: Typically, individuals cannot hold multiple investor visas simultaneously.
- Real Estate Investment by Foreign Nationals: Yes, foreign nationals can apply if they invest significantly in Dubai real estate.
- Family Sponsorship: Yes, an investor visa allows sponsoring immediate family members.
- Check Visa Validity: Use ICA Smart Services for UAE visa checks by passport number.
Dubai’s policies make it an attractive destination for investment, offering a blend of business opportunities and a luxurious lifestyle characterized by innovation and cultural richness.
