Investor Visa in the UAE: Eligibility, Benefits, and Application Process

Dubai is a city eminent in innovation, business, and growth for investors, thus attracting investors internationally. Thanks to the stable economy, liberal infrastructure, and high quality of life, the UAE is a popular place to develop businesses and invest money. Notably, one of the most effective means of establishing a stake in this burgeoning city is through a UAE Investor Visa. This visa not only assists the investor in living in Dubai but also paves the way for new business prospects and future earnings.

Investor Visa Types in Dubai

Different types of investor visas are available in Dubai, depending on the amount and duration of the investment.

2-Year Investor Visa

This process especially benefits those planning to start their own businesses. The visa costs AED 750,000 and can be renewed for two years. It allows the holder to pursue permanent residency.

5-Year Investor Visa

This visa is for property investors. It is implemented when an individual has invested a minimum of AED 72,000 in an inverse property owned for over 3 years.

10-Year Investor Visa

The UAE Golden Visa is a 10-year residency program for investors, entrepreneurs, and talented individuals.  

• Investors: Invest at least AED 2 million in public investments or property.  
• Entrepreneurs: Own an innovative project valued at a minimum AED 500,000.
• Specialised Talents: Achieve high expertise in science, technology, engineering, medicine, arts, or culture.  

The Golden Visa allows you to live and work in the UAE without a sponsor, bring your family, and enjoy flexible travel.

The United Arab Emirates Investor Visa Requirements

To apply for a UAE Investor Visa, you’ll need to submit the following documents to the Dubai immigration department: This includes:

• Copies of documents such as title deeds for property investments or businesses within Dubai.
• Bank statements or investment portfolios to evidence your ability to pay.
• A medical examination has to be taken to check the health suitability for residency.

The documents that may be needed when investing in a company may differ from those that are needed when investing in a property.

Documents Required for the Dubai Investor Visa

Here’s a detailed list of documents needed to apply for your Dubai Investor Visa:

• A scanned copy of a clear image of your valid passport.
• The best photo is a white background.
• If so, company investors should receive a Memorandum of Association annually.

Immigration Establishment Card: For Mainland Companies.

• ANY business license to operate a business to show that the business is planning to operate legally.
• Correspondingly, the Memorandum of Association between the partners is notarised.
• Affidavit of means in the form of original bank statements for the last three months.
• The document shows that the visa was cancelled for applicants who transferred from the previous visa.
• If any, you must bring a Visit or tourist visa copy from your entry into UAE.
• Local Service Agent Agreement for sole proprietorships.

How to Apply for a Dubai Investor Visa for Mainland Companies

If you wish to invest in a mainland company, the Dubai Economic Department (DED) is the authority to approach. The process involves:

• The best advice and recommendation for any business establishment to receive and act on is registering your business with the DED.
• Get your company’s establishment card before applying.
• Obtain an entry visa if you are not in the UAE or need to change your status.
• Undergo a medical check-up.
• Get health insurance and ask for Emirates ID.
• As much as possible, bring an actual copy of your investor visa and go to the embassy to have it stamped on your passport.

How to Get a Free Zone Investor Visa in Dubai Without a Service Fee

Free Zones are also widely popular among investors, as they are tax-free and fully owned by foreigners. The investor visa UAE fee and requirements will also depend on the Free Zone from which one operates. You must apply directly with the Free Zone authority.

Investor Visa Costs in Dubai

The fee for the UAE Investor Visa varies depending on whether the application is made inside or outside the UAE, the duration of stay, and the fees for the medical exam. Here’s an overview of the typical fees:

Entry Permit:

• Inside UAE: AED 1,035 – AED 1,070
• Outside UAE: AED 365
• Change of status: AED 580
• Visa stamping: AED 600 – AED 800
• Medical testing: AED 300
• Emirates ID: AED 370

These expenses are required to attain the investor visa for residency in Dubai.

Minimum Investment of Capital for Issuance of Investor Visas

The investment amount required varies based on the type of visa:

• 3-Year Investor Visa: It has capital requirements of a minimum of AED 750,000.
• 5-Year Investor Visa: Any person must invest at least AED 2 million.
• 10-Year Investor Visa: It should be a new company with a minimum investment of AED 10 million.

Benefits of Investor Visa in Dubai

Holding an Investor Visa in Dubai comes with numerous advantages:

• You will not be made to pay corporate taxes to the government, so you will retain as much profit as you desire.
• Foreign investors can transfer funds to their investments and profits, free from any constraints.
• People possessing a visa can quickly get employees from other countries to support their business.
• Visa validity is variable depending on the nature of the investor's investment.
• Any Visa holders can open a corporate bank account in Dubai.
• An investor visa gives the holder an Emirates ID, which is important for accessing services within the UAE.

Getting a Dubai Investor Visa

There are two primary ways to apply for an investor visa which are:

1. Mainland incorporation with the Dubai Economic Department is relatively easy if starting a new business. Everything will require registration of your company, getting some documents, and the visa procedure.
2. Documents showing such investments will be needed for those who already have investments in Dubai when applying for the residence visa. The relevant department issues a No Objection Certificate (NOC) that you must produce to immigration to finalise the process.

Conclusion:

In conclusion, the UAE investor visa is a tool for business development and immigration, depending on the investment amount. Investors worldwide can benefit from a stable business investment through tax advantages, improved economic circumstances, and simplified application procedures.

Read more: Exploring the latest UAE Visa Rules in 2024