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Investor visa processing in Dubai
Investor Visa

Investor Visa in Dubai

Obtain UAE residency through your Dubai company. Full support for investor visa applications, renewals, and family sponsorship for business owners and shareholders.

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An investor visa is the residency permit issued to shareholders and business owners who have established a company in Dubai or the UAE. It is one of the most common routes to UAE residency for international entrepreneurs and gives you the right to live and work in the UAE, open a personal bank account, obtain a UAE driving licence, access resident healthcare, and sponsor qualifying family members for dependent visas. The investor visa is closely linked to your trade licence — it is sponsored by your company and remains valid as long as your company and its trade licence are in good standing. Understanding the eligibility requirements, the process, the documents needed, and the key differences between an investor visa and other UAE residency options is important for planning your move to Dubai. For long-term residency not tied to a trade licence, explore the UAE Golden Visa programme. Our team manages the complete investor visa process — from confirming eligibility and preparing your document file to coordinating the medical examination, Emirates ID application, and final visa stamping. Contact us to get started.

Investor Visa Process

1

Eligibility Confirmation

We review your shareholding, trade licence status, and any outstanding requirements to confirm your eligibility and identify the correct visa category for your situation.

2

Entry Permit Application

If you are outside the UAE, we apply for an entry permit (mission visa or investor entry permit) that allows you to enter the UAE for visa processing. If you are already in the UAE on a visit or short-stay visa, we process a status change instead.

3

Medical Fitness Test

We arrange your appointment at a DHA-approved medical centre for the mandatory medical fitness test, which includes a blood test and chest X-ray. Results are typically available within 24–48 hours.

4

Emirates ID Application

We submit your Emirates ID application and arrange your biometric appointment (fingerprinting and photo) at an ICP typing centre. The Emirates ID typically takes 5–10 working days after biometric completion.

5

Health Insurance

We advise on and facilitate appropriate health insurance coverage that meets UAE residency requirements before finalising the visa application.

6

Visa Stamping

Once medical, Emirates ID, and insurance requirements are met, we submit the final residency visa application and arrange your passport for stamping. The residence visa is stamped directly in your passport.

Investor Visa Requirements

  • Valid trade licence — must be current and in good standing
  • Memorandum of Association or company incorporation documents confirming shareholding
  • Valid passport with minimum 6 months remaining validity
  • Passport-size photographs (white background, recent)
  • Existing UAE visa copy — if currently in the UAE
  • Medical fitness certificate — from DHA-approved medical centre
  • Health insurance policy — valid and meeting UAE minimum requirements
  • Emirates ID application and biometric appointment

Indicative Costs

Costs are indicative. Government fees are subject to change. Health insurance premiums vary by age, coverage level, and insurer. Contact us for a current, all-inclusive cost estimate for your visa requirements.
Item Cost
Entry permit (outside UAE) / status change (inside UAE) AED 500–1,200
Medical fitness test (DHA-approved centre) AED 320–500
Emirates ID application and biometrics AED 370–570
Investor visa stamping — 3-year (government fees) AED 4,000
Investor visa stamping — property route AED 12,000
Investor visa renewal (2–3 year) AED 1,750–2,500
Health insurance (basic UAE-compliant, annual) AED 700–2,500
Health insurance (comprehensive, annual) AED 3,000–10,000+
Our processing fee per visa application AED 1,500–2,500
Dependent / family visa (per person, government fees) AED 1,500–3,000
Security deposit (per dependent, if applicable) AED 1,500

Frequently asked questions

How long is an investor visa valid in Dubai?
The standard investor visa is typically valid for 2–3 years, depending on the issuing authority (DED or free zone). Renewal is required before expiry and follows the same process as the initial application, provided your trade licence remains active.

Can I sponsor my family on an investor visa?
Yes. As an investor visa holder, you can sponsor your spouse and children (under 18, or up to 21 for full-time students in some cases) for dependent residency visas. Adult daughters may also be eligible for sponsorship in certain circumstances. Parents can sometimes be sponsored subject to specific conditions. Each dependent requires their own health insurance.

What happens to my visa if I close my company?
Your investor visa is linked to your company's trade licence. If the company is closed or deregistered, the investor visa must be cancelled and your residency status in the UAE ends unless you have another valid residency basis (another company, employment, or a Golden Visa). Planning a company closure should include timing the visa transition carefully.

Can I work for another company while holding an investor visa?
An investor visa allows you to operate your own company. Working as an employee for a third-party employer while holding only an investor visa is not straightforward — most employment arrangements require a separate work permit and employment visa from the employer company. However, as a business owner, you can contract through your own company.

How long does the investor visa process take?
The complete investor visa process — from entry permit or status change through medical, Emirates ID, and visa stamping — typically takes 2–4 weeks. The Emirates ID issuance is usually on the critical path, as the residence visa stamping is often scheduled after the Emirates ID is confirmed.

What is the minimum shareholding required for an investor visa?
Requirements vary by authority. The DED does not impose a strict minimum shareholding percentage for investor visa eligibility — any shareholder listed on the MOA may apply. Free zones typically allow any shareholder to apply, but specific conditions may apply depending on the zone. We confirm the applicable requirements for your specific setup during the initial consultation.

Can I get an investor visa before my company is fully operational?
The investor visa can be applied for as soon as your trade licence is issued and your shareholding is confirmed. You do not need to wait until the company has clients or revenue — the visa is based on the existence of the registered company and your listed shareholding.

What is the difference between a 2-year and 3-year investor visa?
The 2-year investor visa is typically issued by certain free zone authorities (particularly entry-level zones). The 3-year visa is standard for mainland DED-sponsored companies and some free zones. Both carry the same entitlements — the difference is the renewal cycle. A 3-year visa is generally preferable as it reduces renewal frequency and associated costs.

How much does an investor visa cost in Dubai in 2026?
Government fees for a standard 3-year investor visa are approximately AED 4,000 (excl. entry permit and Emirates ID). A property-route investor visa carries higher fees of approximately AED 12,000 due to DLD processing. Renewal of a standard investor visa costs approximately AED 1,750. These figures exclude our professional service fee.

How long does the investor visa process take?
The complete investor visa process — from entry permit or status change through medical, Emirates ID, and visa stamping — typically takes 15–20 working days. The Emirates ID issuance is often on the critical path, taking 5–10 working days after biometric completion.
The information on this website is for general guidance only and does not constitute professional advice. Regulations in the UAE may change. Please contact us or consult a licensed professional for specific advice tailored to your situation.