UAE Investor and Partner Visa via Company Formation (2026)
Every company formed in the UAE has the ability to sponsor a residence visa for its founders, shareholders, and partners. That visa, known as the investor visa UAE or partner visa Dubai depending on the company structure and emirate, is the legal mechanism through which the individual who owns the company becomes a UAE resident through their business rather than through employment. It is the single most important practical benefit of company formation for international entrepreneurs and investors who want to live, work, and operate a business in the UAE without being dependent on an employer.
The framework for the investor visa UAE changed significantly following Federal Decree-Law No. 29 of 2021 on Entry and Residence of Foreigners and Cabinet Resolution No. 65 of 2022. The previous standard 2-year investor residence visa has been replaced by the Green Visa for investors, a 5-year self-sponsored residence permit that applies to investors establishing or participating in commercial activities in the UAE. As confirmed on the UAE Government Portal (u.ae), the Green Visa for investors replaces the previous residence visa that was valid for 2 years only. For investors with larger capital positions, the 10-year Golden Visa remains available at the AED 2 million investment threshold.
This guide covers everything a founder or investor needs to know about obtaining an investor visa UAE or partner visa Dubai through company formation in 2026: the types of visa available, who is eligible, the conditions for mainland and free zone companies, the step-by-step process through ICP and GDRFA, the official government fees, the family sponsorship rules, and the key differences between the Green Visa and the Golden Visa. All data is sourced exclusively from the UAE Government Portal (u.ae), the Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs and Port Security (icp.gov.ae), and the General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs Dubai (gdrfad.gov.ae).
What is a UAE investor visa and partner visa obtained through company formation?
What exactly is an investor visa UAE?
An investor visa UAE is a residence permit issued to a foreign national who owns a share or investment stake in a UAE-registered company. The UAE Government Portal categorises it under the Residence Visa for Doing Business in the UAE, which covers investors and business partners. The visa is sponsored by the company itself, through the company’s Establishment Card, rather than by an employer. This is the fundamental distinction from an employment visa: the investor visa UAE is issued because the person owns part of the business, not because a third party has employed them. As a result, the holder’s UAE residence is not affected by leaving a job or having an employment contract cancelled. The visa remains valid for as long as the investment in the company continues to meet the applicable conditions.
What is a partner visa Dubai and how does it differ from an investor visa?
A partner visa Dubai refers to the same type of residence permit, viewed through the lens of the mainland LLC company structure. In a Dubai mainland Limited Liability Company (LLC), the shareholders are legally referred to as partners, and the company’s foundational document is the Memorandum of Association (MoA). When a partner in a mainland LLC applies for UAE residency through their company, the GDRFA Dubai service catalog formally describes the product as the Green Residence Permit (investor/partner), confirming that both the investor visa UAE and the partner visa Dubai are the same official permit category. In free zones, company shareholders are typically called investors, and the same visa category applies. In practice, the terms investor visa UAE and partner visa Dubai are used interchangeably across the UAE and describe the same residency pathway obtained through business ownership.
How does company formation enable investor and partner visa sponsorship?
A UAE company, whether mainland or free zone, can sponsor an investor visa UAE or partner visa Dubai for each of its shareholders through two primary mechanisms:
- Establishment Card: the company must first obtain an Establishment Card, which registers the company with the UAE immigration authority (GDRFA for Dubai, or ICP for other emirates) as an entity with an immigration file. The Establishment Card is a prerequisite for the company to sponsor any visa, including the investor visa UAE. Without an Establishment Card, a company cannot initiate any visa applications.
- Trade licence and shareholder documentation: the company’s valid trade licence and the MoA (or equivalent for free zone companies) serve as the primary evidence of the shareholder’s ownership stake, confirming their eligibility for the investor visa UAE or partner visa Dubai.
The number of investor or partner visas a company can sponsor is determined by the licensing authority. For mainland companies, the visa quota is linked to the size of the registered office space. For free zone companies, the quota is typically set by the free zone authority’s package tier. Source: UAE Government Portal (u.ae); GDRFA Dubai (gdrfad.gov.ae); ICP (icp.gov.ae).
Who is eligible for an investor visa UAE or partner visa Dubai via company formation?
What are the eligibility conditions for the Green Visa for investors?
The UAE Government Portal (u.ae) confirms that the Green Visa for investors is given to investors establishing or participating in commercial activities in the UAE, and that it replaces the previous residence visa that was valid for 2 years only. The eligibility requirements for the Green Visa investor/partner include:
- Approval of the ICP on the investment as per the investors rating system applied: the ICP assesses the investor’s profile and investment against its internal rating criteria to confirm eligibility.
- Proof of the investment: if the investor or partner holds more than one licence, the total invested capital across all licences is calculated in aggregate for the purposes of the eligibility assessment.
- Approval of the competent local authorities: the UAE Government Portal confirms that approval from the relevant emirate-level authority is a required condition for the Green Visa investor category, in addition to the ICP rating approval.
For mainland companies specifically, the GDRFA Dubai service catalog for the Issuing Green Residence Permit (investor/partner) adds the following conditions:
- The company must be in one of the following legal forms: public shareholding company, private joint stock company, limited liability company, simple recommendation company, or solidarity company.
- Upon incorporation or contribution, the investor’s or partner’s share cannot be less than AED 1,000,000 (one million paid Dirhams) or its equivalent in other currencies.
Source: UAE Government Portal (u.ae), Green Visa for investors page; GDRFA Dubai, Issuing Green Residence Permit (investor/partner) service page (gdrfad.gov.ae).
What documentation is required for an investor visa UAE application?
The GDRFA Dubai service catalog for the Green Visa investor/partner and the entry permit for investor/partner category confirms the following required documents for a standard investor visa UAE application:
- A valid passport with a minimum of 6 months’ remaining validity.
- A personal photograph (white background, passport-standard format).
- The partnership or investment contract: for mainland companies, the notarised MoA; for free zone companies, the Memorandum and Articles of Association or equivalent free zone founding document.
- The company’s valid trade licence (issued by DED/DET for mainland companies or the relevant free zone authority for free zone companies).
- Proof of UAE health insurance (mandatory for all UAE visa holders).
For the Golden Visa investor (10-year), additional documents include a certified financial report from a UAE-accredited audit firm confirming the company value and the investor’s share, a company bank statement, tax registration receipts, and, for free zone investors, a certificate from the free zone authority confirming the company’s capital and the investor’s share. Source: GDRFA Dubai, Issuing Golden Residence Permit (investors) (gdrfad.gov.ae).
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How do the investor visa UAE, partner visa Dubai, Green Visa, and Golden Visa compare?
| Feature | Green Visa (Investor/Partner) | Golden Visa (Public Investment Investor) | Golden Visa (Entrepreneur) |
| Visa Duration | 5 years; renewable on same conditions | 10 years; renewable on same conditions | 5 years (per UAE Government Portal/ICP) or 10 years (nominated via GDRFA Dubai / Dubai Future Foundation route); renewable. Note: a genuine discrepancy exists between the UAE Government Portal and the GDRFA Dubai service catalog — applicants should verify with the relevant authority at the time of application. |
| Official Name | Investor/Partner Green Residence Permit (replaces former 2-year investor visa) | Golden Residence Permit (investors) | Golden Residence Permit (entrepreneurs) |
| Minimum Investment (mainland) | Investor/partner share: at least AED 1,000,000 paid Dirhams (GDRFA Dubai) | AED 2,000,000 in company capital (certified by UAE auditor); or AED 2,000,000 in property; or AED 250,000 annual tax contribution | Project value: at least AED 500,000 certified by licensed UAE auditor; plus approval from emirate authority and accredited incubator |
| Key Documents (company) | Passport, trade licence, MoA/investment contract, ICP investor rating approval | Passport, certified financial report (UAE auditor), trade licence with partners appendix, bank statement, tax registration receipts | Passport, auditor letter (AED 500,000+), emirate authority approval, incubator approval letter |
| Self-Sponsored | Yes: no employer sponsor needed | Yes: no employer sponsor needed | Yes: no employer sponsor needed |
| Family Sponsorship | Yes: spouse, children, domestic staff | Yes: spouse, children, domestic staff (long-term) | Yes: spouse, children (long-term) |
| Outside UAE Stay | Standard rules apply (must return before visa expires) | Can stay outside UAE for more than 6 months without losing visa validity | Can stay outside UAE for more than 6 months without losing visa validity |
| GDRFA Dubai Fee (residence permit) | AED 1,040 for a 5-year permit (AED 500 permit fee + AED 10 + AED 10 + AED 500 + AED 20) | AED 2,280 total (AED 1,100 permit + AED 10 + AED 10 + AED 500 + AED 20 + additional) | AED 2,280 total (same structure as investor golden) |
| Application Channels | ICP Smart Services; GDRFA Dubai portal; Amer Service Centres | ICP Smart Services; GDRFA Dubai portal; Amer Service Centres | ICP Smart Services; GDRFA Dubai portal; Amer Service Centres |
| Best Suited For | Investors/partners in mainland LLCs (AED 1M+) or free zone companies via free zone-managed visa | Investors with AED 2M+ company stake, real estate, or annual tax contribution of AED 250K+ | Entrepreneurs with technology/innovation projects valued AED 500K+ and approved by incubator |
How do investor visa UAE conditions differ between free zone and mainland companies?
How does the mainland company investor visa UAE process work?
For a mainland Dubai company, the investor visa UAE or partner visa Dubai is processed through the GDRFA Dubai or, for investors in other emirates, through the ICP. The mainland company must first obtain an Establishment Card from the DET, which registers the company with the immigration authority and creates the immigration file through which investor visas are sponsored. All mainland company visa applications must be linked to this Establishment Card. The GDRFA Dubai service catalog specifically names the Green Residence Permit (investor/partner) as the product for mainland investors and partners, confirming the AED 1 million minimum share requirement and the valid legal form requirement (LLC, shareholding company, etc.). The mainland company’s physical Ejari-registered office is the registered address for all visa-related correspondence.
How does the free zone company investor visa UAE process work?
For a free zone company, the investor visa UAE is managed through the free zone authority’s own immigration process rather than directly through the GDRFA or ICP. Each free zone authority operates its own Establishment Card system and coordinates visa sponsorship on behalf of its registered companies. The Establishment Card fee (typically AED 1,825 at DMCC per the DMCC Schedule of Charges, or similar at other free zones) is the first step, after which the free zone authority facilitates the investor visa application through GDRFA Dubai or ICP depending on which emirate the free zone is located in.
Free zone investor visa quota is determined by the package type chosen at the time of company formation. Standard free zone packages typically include 1 to 6 investor visa slots depending on the tier. At DMCC, for example, the Basic Biz Package at AED 35,484 all-inclusive includes one investor visa. The AED 1 million minimum share requirement that applies to mainland Green Visa applications is specific to the GDRFA Dubai mainland product; free zone visa quotas and requirements are set by each free zone authority individually. Source: DMCC Schedule of Charges (dmcc.ae); GDRFA Dubai (gdrfad.gov.ae).
What are the main differences between mainland and free zone investor visas in the UAE?
| Aspect | Mainland (DET) Investor/Partner Visa | Free Zone Investor Visa |
| Establishment Card authority | DET Dubai (via DED system) or relevant emirate DED | Free zone authority (e.g. DMCC, IFZA, Meydan, RAKEZ) |
| Minimum share requirement (Green Visa) | AED 1,000,000 minimum paid share per GDRFA Dubai | Set by free zone authority’s own requirements and package tier; varies by zone |
| Visa quota | Linked to office size; typically expandable by leasing larger premises | Fixed per package tier; upgrades available at additional cost |
| Visa process channel | GDRFA Dubai (for Dubai applicants); ICP for other emirates | Free zone coordinates with GDRFA Dubai or ICP on behalf of the investor |
| Establishment Card fee | AED 2,000 to 3,500 per year (mainland DET) | AED 1,825 at DMCC (dmcc.ae); varies by free zone |
| Office/address requirement | Physical Ejari-registered office mandatory | Flexi-desk or virtual address accepted in most free zones |
| Entry permit for investor | Business entry visa (60 days); applied through GDRFA/ICP | Typically the same entry permit process via free zone coordination |
| Best for | Investors with AED 1M+ company share; UAE domestic market access required | International entrepreneurs, SMEs, start-ups; most free zone packages include investor visa |
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What is the step-by-step process to obtain an investor visa UAE via company formation?
Step 1: Complete the company formation and receive the trade licence
The investor visa UAE process cannot begin until the company has a valid trade licence. The licence confirms the company’s legal existence and the investor’s shareholder status in the UAE regulatory system. For a mainland company, the trade licence is issued by the DET. For a free zone company, it is issued by the relevant free zone authority. The trade licence, together with the Memorandum of Association or equivalent founding document, forms the core of the investor visa UAE application file.
Step 2: Obtain the Establishment Card for the company
Before any investor visa UAE can be sponsored, the company must have an active Establishment Card (also called the company’s immigration file or Company Establishment Card). This card registers the company with the immigration authority and links the trade licence to the immigration system. For mainland companies, the Establishment Card is obtained through the DET and GDRFA Dubai. For free zone companies, it is obtained through the free zone authority. Without a valid Establishment Card, the company cannot submit any investor visa UAE or employee visa applications.
Step 3: Apply for the business entry visa for the investor/partner
If the investor is outside the UAE at the time of application, an entry permit must be obtained before they can travel to the UAE to complete the residency process. The GDRFA Dubai service catalog describes this as a business entry visa for the partner/investor category, which entitles the holder to remain in the country for 60 days from entry until the necessary processes for issuing residency have been completed. The entry permit application is submitted through the GDRFA Dubai portal or via ICP Smart Services (icp.gov.ae) using a UAEPass account. Required documents at this stage are the passport copy, personal photograph, trade licence, and the partnership or investment contract.
Step 4: Travel to the UAE to complete in-person requirements
For investors applying from outside the UAE, the entry permit is the travel document that allows them to come to Dubai or the relevant emirate to complete the remaining investor visa UAE steps. The medical fitness test, Emirates ID biometric enrolment, and visa stamping must all be completed inside the UAE. The 60-day validity of the business entry visa provides sufficient time to complete these steps for most applicants, provided the documentation is ready and the appointments are scheduled promptly upon arrival.
Step 5: Complete the medical fitness test
A medical fitness examination at an ICP-approved or GDRFA-approved medical centre is mandatory for all UAE residence visa applications, including the investor visa UAE and partner visa Dubai. The test screens for communicable diseases and general health fitness. The test must be completed at a centre specifically approved by the relevant immigration authority in the emirate where the visa is being processed. The passport, visa or entry permit, and Emirates ID application receipt must be presented at the medical centre.
Step 6: Submit Emirates ID application and complete biometric enrolment
After the medical test, the investor must apply for a UAE Emirates ID through ICP Smart Services or the ICP UAE app. Biometric data (fingerprints and facial photograph) must be collected in person at an ICP Customer Happiness Centre or approved typing centre. The Emirates ID for a 5-year Green Visa investor/partner costs AED 500 (AED 100 per year of residence validity × 5 years) plus a service fee of AED 100 when applying online. A digital Emirates ID is made available through the ICP UAE app immediately following biometric enrolment, before the physical card is ready for collection or delivery. Source: ICP (icp.gov.ae).
Step 7: Receive the Green Visa residence permit and Emirates ID
Once all steps are approved, the investor visa UAE residence permit (Green Visa for investor/partner) is stamped in the passport or issued as a digital residence permit, and the Emirates ID is delivered or collected. The GDRFA Dubai lists the fee components for issuing the Green Residence Permit (investor/partner) as: residence permit fee (base AED 200, increasing by AED 100 per year for each year the residency exceeds 2 years), Knowledge Dirham (AED 10), Innovation Dirham (AED 10), inside-country processing fee (AED 500), and delivery (AED 20). For a 5-year Green Visa, the permit fee component is AED 500 (AED 200 base + AED 300 for years 3–5), making the total GDRFA fee AED 1,040. Note that this GDRFA fee is the permit issuance fee; the entry permit, medical test, and Emirates ID are separate fees paid at the relevant stages. Source: GDRFA Dubai, Issuing green residence permit (partner investor) (gdrfad.gov.ae).
What does an investor visa UAE or partner visa Dubai cost via company formation?
The following cost breakdown is based on official fee schedules from the GDRFA Dubai service catalog (gdrfad.gov.ae) and the ICP (icp.gov.ae). All fees shown are the government fees at each stage; professional service fees (typing centres, PRO services) are additional.
| Cost Component | Approximate Fee (AED) | Notes / Source |
| Business entry permit (investor/partner, for applicants outside UAE) | Enquire with GDRFA or ICP at application | 60-day entry permit to enter UAE and complete residency; apply via gdrfad.gov.ae or icp.gov.ae |
| Green residence permit issuance (GDRFA Dubai fee) | 1,040 total for a 5-year permit (AED 500 permit fee + AED 10 + AED 10 + AED 500 + AED 20); base permit fee is AED 200, increased by AED 100 per additional year beyond 2 years (AED 300 for years 3–5) | GDRFA Dubai service: Issuing green residence permit (partner investor); inclusive of Knowledge Dirham, Innovation Dirham, inside-country fee, delivery |
| Medical fitness examination | 300 to 700 | At an ICP-approved or GDRFA-approved medical centre; cost varies by emirate and centre |
| Emirates ID (5-year Green Visa) | 600 (AED 500 card fee at AED 100 per year × 5 years + AED 100 service fee, online) | Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs and Port Security; ICP fee is AED 100 per year of residence validity (per icp.gov.ae); online service fee AED 100 extra |
| Health insurance (mandatory, annual) | 800 to 1,500 per year | Mandatory for all UAE visa holders under DHA/SEHA regulations; varies by plan and provider |
| Typing centre and administrative fees | 150 to 300 | For document processing, form completion, and service centre assistance |
| Establishment Card (annual company fee, mainland) | 2,000 to 3,500 | Required before any investor visa UAE can be issued; varies by company structure and emirate |
| Establishment Card (annual, DMCC free zone) | 1,825 | Per DMCC Schedule of Charges (dmcc.ae); includes free zone visa sponsorship capability |
| Estimated total per investor/partner (Green Visa, first year) | AED 4,500 to 7,500 | Indicative range; includes entry permit, medical test (AED 300–700), Emirates ID (AED 600 for 5-year), health insurance (AED 800–1,500), and GDRFA permit fee (AED 1,040 for 5-year); excludes Establishment Card (company cost) |
| Golden Visa investor (10-year, GDRFA Dubai) | 2,280 (residence permit fee only) | GDRFA Dubai, Issuing golden residence permit (investors): AED 1,100 permit + AED 10 + AED 10 + AED 500 + AED 20; plus separate medical, Emirates ID, health insurance |
What ongoing costs apply after the investor visa UAE is issued?
After the investor visa UAE or partner visa Dubai is issued, the following annual and periodic costs apply:
- Health insurance renewal: mandatory annually; AED 800 to AED 1,500 per year for a basic plan. Health insurance must remain active throughout the visa validity period.
- Establishment Card renewal: the company’s Establishment Card must be renewed annually. The fee varies by company type and emirate.
- Trade licence renewal: the company’s trade licence must be renewed annually. If the trade licence lapses, the Establishment Card and all company-sponsored visas are at risk of becoming invalid.
- Visa renewal (at end of visa period): the Green Visa investor/partner is renewed at the end of the 5-year period on the same conditions, provided the investor’s share and company structure still meet the eligibility requirements. A new medical fitness test and Emirates ID renewal are required.
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What are the key benefits of an investor visa UAE obtained through company formation?
Why is an investor visa UAE independent of employment?
The fundamental advantage of an investor visa UAE or partner visa Dubai obtained through company formation is that it is self-sponsored. Unlike an employment visa, which is tied to a specific employer and lapses if employment ends, the investor visa UAE is sponsored by the company that the investor owns. This means the visa holder can change business strategies, wind down one product line, onboard new partners, or take a period of reduced activity without their UAE residence being affected. The residence remains valid as long as the company’s trade licence is current, the Establishment Card is active, and the investor’s share continues to meet the applicable threshold. This independence is particularly valuable for entrepreneurs, freelancers, and investors who operate through their own business entities rather than working for a third party.
Who can an investor visa UAE holder sponsor as family members?
An investor visa UAE or partner visa Dubai holder who has a valid UAE residence permit can sponsor dependant residence visas for their immediate family members. As confirmed by the UAE Government Portal and ICP, the primary holder of an investor visa UAE can sponsor:
- Spouse: the primary holder may sponsor their legal spouse for a UAE dependent residence visa. The sponsor must maintain valid UAE health insurance for the sponsored spouse.
- Children: dependent children of the primary investor visa UAE holder may be sponsored for UAE residence. Sons can be sponsored up to 25 years of age (the Green Visa raised this from the previous 18-year limit); daughters of any age may be sponsored as dependants. Children of determination (special needs) may be sponsored regardless of age. Source: UAE Government Portal (u.ae); GDRFA Dubai (gdrfad.gov.ae).
- Domestic staff: the investor visa UAE holder can sponsor domestic staff such as household workers, subject to meeting the income and housing requirements set by the relevant authority.
Each sponsored family member requires their own visa application, medical fitness test, Emirates ID, and health insurance. The family member does not need to be a shareholder or director of the company; they are sponsored purely on the basis of the primary holder’s investor visa UAE status. Source: UAE Government Portal, General Provisions for the Residence Visa (u.ae); ICP (icp.gov.ae).
What UAE financial and banking benefits does the investor visa UAE provide?
Holding an investor visa UAE or partner visa Dubai unlocks access to a range of UAE financial services that are not available to visitors or to individuals without a valid UAE residence:
- UAE personal bank account: most UAE banks require a valid Emirates ID and active residence visa before opening a personal current account. The investor visa UAE satisfies this requirement, enabling the holder to open a personal UAE bank account for salary transfers, personal savings, and daily transactions.
- Corporate banking: the investor visa UAE and Emirates ID are among the core KYC documents required when opening a corporate bank account for the UAE company. A shareholder with an active investor visa UAE simplifies the corporate account application process.
- UAE driving licence: a UAE residence visa is required to apply for a UAE driving licence. The investor visa UAE satisfies this requirement for all seven emirates.
- Property ownership: while property can be purchased in designated areas without a UAE residence visa, holding an investor visa UAE simplifies property transactions, financing applications, and service setup in the UAE.
What mobility rights come with an investor visa UAE?
A standard investor visa UAE or partner visa Dubai holder (Green Visa, 5 years) must return to the UAE before the visa expires to maintain its validity. If the holder stays outside the UAE for more than 6 months continuously, the standard visa may become invalid. However, as confirmed by the UAE Government Portal, holders of the Golden Visa and Green Visa residency are exempt from this restriction: ‘Holders of golden visa and green residency do not need to apply for this service, as they can enter the country directly at any time as long as their residency is valid.’ This confirms that both the Green Visa investor and the Golden Visa investor can travel internationally for extended periods without losing their UAE residency, as long as the visa itself has not expired. Source: UAE Government Portal, General Provisions for the Residence Visa (u.ae).
When should an investor upgrade from the Green Visa to the UAE Golden Visa?
What are the Golden Visa conditions for investors in UAE companies?
The UAE Golden Visa for investors is available to holders who meet a minimum AED 2,000,000 threshold in one of the following categories, as confirmed on the UAE Government Portal and the GDRFA Dubai Golden Visa service page:
- Investing in Companies (Public Investment): an investor or partner in a UAE company with a share value of at least AED 2,000,000. Requirements include a certified financial report from a UAE-accredited audit firm proving the share value, a valid trade licence with the partners appendix, a company bank statement, and tax registration with tax receipts for the prior year. For free zone companies, a certificate from the free zone authority confirming the company’s capital and the investor’s share is additionally required.
- Real estate investment: ownership of one or more UAE properties with a total value of at least AED 2,000,000. The GDRFA Dubai confirms that mortgaged property is acceptable, provided the total property value meets the threshold. A property status statement certificate from the Dubai Land Department is the primary confirming document for Dubai properties.
- Tax contribution: a letter from the Federal Tax Authority confirming annual tax contributions of at least AED 250,000 to the UAE government; a valid trade licence with partners appendix is also required.
- Financial deposit: proof of ownership of a financial deposit of at least AED 2,000,000 in a local UAE bank (which may be in the form of local sukuk or investment bonds), confirmed by an official bank certificate stating that the deposit has been frozen for a period of no less than two years; withdrawal of the deposit is not permitted throughout the 10-year Golden Visa period; plus proof of housing in the relevant emirate.
What additional benefits does the Golden Visa provide over the Green Visa?
The UAE Golden Visa for investors provides several advantages over the 5-year Green Visa investor/partner visa:
- Duration: the Golden Visa is valid for 10 years compared to 5 years for the Green Visa, reducing the frequency of renewal and the associated documentation and compliance work.
- Extended stay outside UAE: as confirmed by the UAE Government Portal, Golden Visa holders can stay outside the UAE for more than 6 months without losing their residency validity, just as Green Visa holders can.
- Long-term family sponsorship: the UAE Government Portal confirms that family members of Golden Visa holders may remain in the UAE until the end of their permitted duration even if the primary holder passes away, which is a specific benefit not available to standard visa holders.
- Prestige and banking relationships: for UAE corporate banking applications, holding a Golden Visa is generally viewed more favourably by bank compliance teams, as it demonstrates a higher verified investment threshold and long-term residency commitment.
How does an investor apply for the Golden Visa after already holding a Green Visa?
An investor who currently holds an investor visa UAE or Green Visa and whose company value has grown to meet the AED 2,000,000 threshold can apply to upgrade to the Golden Visa. The application is submitted through ICP Smart Services (icp.gov.ae) or the GDRFA Dubai portal. The process requires obtaining a fresh certified financial report from a UAE-accredited auditor confirming the current company value and the investor’s share, submitting the supporting documentation listed above, and paying the applicable fees. The Golden Visa can also be applied for concurrently with the Green Visa application if the investor meets both thresholds from the outset. The Golden Visa residence permit fee at GDRFA Dubai is AED 2,280 total. Source: GDRFA Dubai, Issuing golden residence permit (investors) (gdrfad.gov.ae).
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Practical tips for getting an investor visa UAE or partner visa Dubai via company formation
- Obtain the Establishment Card before applying for the investor visa UAE. The Establishment Card is the prerequisite for any visa sponsorship from a UAE company. It must be active and issued before the GDRFA Dubai or ICP will accept an investor visa UAE or partner visa Dubai application. Apply for the Establishment Card immediately after the trade licence is issued.
- Ensure the trade licence is valid and current at every stage of the investor visa UAE process. If the trade licence expires at any point during the visa application process or the visa validity period, the Establishment Card and all company-sponsored visas are at risk. Set a calendar reminder 60 days before the trade licence expiry date to initiate renewal, and do not allow the licence to lapse.
- For the mainland Green Visa investor, confirm that your company’s paid-up share capital meets the AED 1,000,000 minimum before applying through GDRFA Dubai. The share value reflected in the Memorandum of Association and confirmed in the company’s founding documents must be at least AED 1,000,000. If the share capital at incorporation was below this threshold, an amendment to the MoA may be required before the investor visa UAE application can proceed.
- Schedule the medical fitness test appointment immediately upon arriving in Dubai. The medical test is a mandatory step in the investor visa UAE process and cannot be done remotely. Delays in scheduling the test can push the entry permit validity close to expiry. Booking the appointment on the first or second day after arrival is the best practice to ensure sufficient time to complete all remaining steps.
- Apply for family member visas at the same time as the primary investor visa UAE where possible. Submitting the investor visa UAE application and the dependent family visa applications simultaneously reduces the overall processing timeline and avoids the scenario where the primary holder has received their investor visa UAE but family members are still waiting. Each family member requires their own medical fitness test, Emirates ID, and health insurance policy.
How can BusinessSetupHQ help you obtain your investor visa UAE?
Obtaining an investor visa UAE or partner visa Dubai through company formation involves coordinating between the trade licensing authority, the company’s immigration file (Establishment Card), the GDRFA Dubai or ICP visa portal, medical centres, and the Emirates ID registration system. Any gap or delay at any stage can push the entire timeline back by weeks.
BusinessSetupHQ is a licensed UAE company formation and residency services provider with over 22 years of combined experience. Our visa team manages investor visa UAE and partner visa Dubai applications across mainland and free zone structures, including Establishment Card setup, entry permit applications, GDRFA Dubai and ICP submissions, medical appointment coordination, and Emirates ID facilitation. We also support Green Visa to Golden Visa upgrades when investors cross the AED 2 million threshold.
Contact BusinessSetupHQ at businesssetuphq.com for a free consultation. Our team will confirm your eligibility category and provide a complete visa application roadmap within 24 hours.
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Frequently asked questions about the investor visa UAE and partner visa Dubai
The current investor visa UAE, now formalised as the Green Visa for investor/partner, is valid for 5 years and is renewable on the same conditions. This replaces the previous 2-year investor residence visa. The 10-year Golden Visa is available to investors whose company share, real estate, or annual tax contribution meets the AED 2,000,000 threshold. Source: UAE Government Portal (u.ae); GDRFA Dubai (gdrfad.gov.ae).
The GDRFA Dubai service catalog specifies that for a mainland company investor or partner to qualify for the Green Visa, the investor’s or partner’s share upon incorporation or contribution must not be less than AED 1,000,000 (one million paid Dirhams) or its equivalent in other currencies. This applies to mainland companies in the eligible legal forms (LLC, shareholding companies, etc.). The total invested capital is calculated across all licences if the investor holds more than one. Source: GDRFA Dubai, Issuing green residence permit (partner investor) (gdrfad.gov.ae); UAE Government Portal (u.ae).
The AED 1,000,000 minimum share requirement stated by GDRFA Dubai applies specifically to the mainland investor/partner Green Visa product. Free zone companies operate under their own immigration frameworks, and each free zone authority sets its own conditions for investor visa sponsorship. Most free zone packages include an investor visa at a much lower cost and capital threshold than the mainland requirement. For example, DMCC’s Basic Biz Package at AED 35,484 includes one investor visa with no AED 1 million capital requirement. Free zone investor visa conditions should be confirmed directly with the relevant free zone authority.
Yes. Both mainland and free zone company shareholders can obtain an investor visa UAE or partner visa Dubai through their companies. The process and requirements differ: mainland company investors apply through GDRFA Dubai or ICP and face the mainland-specific conditions, while free zone investors apply through their free zone authority’s coordinated immigration process. In both cases, a valid Establishment Card linked to an active trade licence is the prerequisite for any investor visa UAE application.
Yes. The investor visa UAE is sponsored by the company in which the investor holds a share, not by an employer. This means the visa does not depend on any employment contract. The investor can change the company’s activities, take time off, or even leave the UAE for extended periods (as Green Visa and Golden Visa holders can do, per the UAE Government Portal) without their UAE residency being cancelled. The only conditions for maintaining the investor visa UAE are keeping the trade licence active, maintaining the Establishment Card, and ensuring the shareholder’s investment continues to meet the applicable threshold at renewal time.
An employment visa is sponsored by an employer and is directly tied to the employment contract. If the employee leaves their job or the employer cancels the visa, the residence permit is cancelled and the individual must leave the UAE or find an alternative sponsor within a specified period. An investor visa UAE is sponsored by the company the investor owns, giving the holder full control over their UAE residency. The holder is not subject to any employer’s decisions and can change businesses, start new ventures, or take breaks without affecting the visa. This independence is the defining practical advantage of an investor visa UAE over an employment visa.
Yes. An investor visa UAE or partner visa Dubai holder can sponsor UAE residence visas for their spouse and children as dependants. Domestic staff can also be sponsored subject to the holder meeting the income and housing requirements. Each family member requires their own visa application, medical fitness test, Emirates ID, and health insurance. The UAE Government Portal confirms that family members of Golden Visa holders may remain in the UAE until the end of their permitted duration even if the primary holder passes away. The same benefit applies to Green Visa investors who hold family members under their sponsorship. Source: UAE Government Portal (u.ae); ICP (icp.gov.ae).
An investor becomes eligible for the 10-year Golden Visa when their company share (confirmed by a UAE-accredited auditor’s certified financial report) reaches at least AED 2,000,000, or when they own UAE property worth at least AED 2,000,000, or when the Federal Tax Authority confirms annual tax contributions of at least AED 250,000. Investors who currently hold a Green Visa can apply for the Golden Visa upgrade at any point once the threshold is met, without waiting for the Green Visa renewal date. The application is submitted through ICP Smart Services or the GDRFA Dubai portal. Source: GDRFA Dubai (gdrfad.gov.ae); ICP (icp.gov.ae).
