UAE thriving economy and favourable business environment attract investors and entrepreneurs from all over the world. Investing in Dubai allows investors to construct a secure future for their families and their businesses through a one-of-a-kind visa program.
What is Dubai Investor Visa?
Dubai investor visas allow investors to live and work in Dubai. Dubai investor visas require a significant investment in a business or real estate in Dubai. Dubai investor visa requirements can differ depending on the type of investment and the laws and regulations of the United Arab Emirates (UAE).
An investor visa in Dubai is ideal for foreign nationals who want to start or invest in a business in Dubai. The Dubai investor visa allows holders to live, work, and sponsor family members in the UAE.
Moreover, Dubai was previously expected to introduce a new set of policies to simplify the licensing and permit process and reduce the processing time for various bureaucratic processes. Special economic zones will be established to attract specific types of foreign investment, including technology, manufacturing, and financial services.
Eligibility for Dubai investor visa
To qualify for a Dubai investor visa, individuals must provide documentation demonstrating their investment in Dubai, as well as proof of their financial stability and sufficient funds to support themselves while living in Dubai. The individual may also need to pass a medical exam and obtain a police clearance certificate from their home country.
UAE investor visa categories
Here are the four types of Dubai & UAE investor visas.
Property investment
A significant investment in real estate can be used to obtain a Dubai investor visa. In order to qualify for a Dubai investor visa through real estate investment, one typically needs to purchase a property worth a specific amount of money. Below are the rules and conditions that must be met:
- With a mortgage of at least 50% of the property value, you can invest in a property worth at least AED 1 million
- The minimum share of each individual should be AED 1 million when investing in a property through a partnership
- A residential property must be invested in (not a commercial property).
- A visa can only be obtained for freehold properties, so off-plan properties are not allowed
The three-year investment visa is available to those who have invested in a property worth AED 1 million or more. The five-year investment visa is available to those who have invested in a property worth AED 5 million or more.
Company investment
Available for individuals wishing to open or invest in a business in Dubai’s mainland or free zones. The minimum investment/capital amount is AED 72,000. Individuals having a share in a company with the same amount are also included.
Dubai free zone companies do not require local partners. Additionally, free zone companies are exempt from taxes, and 100% ownership of the business is possible.
There are, however, various factors that can affect the process of getting a visa, such as the location of the free zone and the type of business.
Retirement visa
Individuals over 55 investing in Dubai are also eligible for investor visas. After investing in a residential property worth at least AED 2 million, a retirement visa can be obtained.
Alternatively, the 5-year visa applies to individuals over 55 who:
- An investment worth AED 2 million has been made in a property
- One million AED worth of accumulated savings
- At least AED 20,000 in active monthly income
Golden visa
There are several categories eligible to obtain the golden visa, some of which are listed below. They are entitled to a 5 or 10-year residency, provided they meet the requirements.
Golden visa for real estate investors
The golden visa is available to real estate investors who meet one of the following criteria:
- Invest in a property worth at least AED 2 million,
- A loan from a local bank can be used to purchase a property, or
- Purchase at least one completed or off-plan property worth at least AED 2 million from one of the approved local real estate companies
There has been an extension of 90 days for property owners in the UAE to renew or cancel their residence visa. Therefore, expats now have 6 months to either amend their status and get another residence visa or leave the country. Fines do not apply during the grace period.
An entrepreneur’s golden visa
It is now possible for startup investors to obtain a golden visa if they register their company in the UAE. The company needs to be categorized as a small and medium enterprise (SME) with an annual revenue of AED 1 million or above. Moreover, the Golden Residence for Entrepreneurs can also be obtained by:
- The person is a founder or one of the founders of an entrepreneurial project that was sold for a total amount of not less than AED 7 million (USD 19,05,850.80).
- To implement a project or come up with an idea, the Ministry of Economy or the competent local authorities must approve it.
How to Apply for UAE Investor Visa
Follow these steps to apply for UAE investor visa
- Visit the “ICP Smart Service“ website.
- Click on “Golden Service” tab.
- Enter the “Request Information” for investor visa.
- Attach required “Information”.
- Review and pay application fees.
UAE Investor Visa CostsÂ
The expense of acquiring a UAE investor visa varies depending on the chosen method. For instance, investing in Dubai properties typically costs around AED 13,000, while investing in a company may require approximately AED 1,035. Moreover, obtaining a golden visa ranges from AED 650 to 1,150.
Benefits of Investor Visa in Dubai & UAE
The Dubai investor visa offers several advantages:
- Secure residency in the UAE.
- Travel freedom outside the UAE during visa validity.
- Tax-free environment.
- Access to social services and government benefits.
- Participation in the city’s thriving economy.
- Ability to sponsor parents, spouse, and children.
Required Documents for Dubai & UAE Investor Visa
For those investing in or establishing a company in Dubai’s mainland, the following documents are necessary for the visa application:
- Sponsor’s bank Account IBAN Number.
- Establishment card.
- Memorandum Papers (MOA) demonstrating ownership shares.
- One photograph with a white background.
- Partner current UAE visa (if applicable).
- Partner passport copy.
- Sponsor original Emirates ID.
UAE Investor Visa Validity
Dubai investment visas are valid for the following periods of time, based on the respective categories:
- Property investment: 3 to 5 years
- Company investment: 3 years
- Golden visa: 5 to 10 years
- Retirement visa: 5 years
Read Also
- ICP Smart Service
- Emirates ID Fine Check
- UAE Overstay Fine Check
- Apply for a New Emirates ID Card
- UAE Visa Cancellation
- Emirate ID Card Status
FAQs About UAE Investor Visa
What is the minimum amount for investor visa in UAE?
The Dubai investor visa requires meeting certain eligibility criteria. The Dubai investor visa is granted to individuals who either: Invest in existing shares of a company with a value of at least AED 10 million. Create a new company with a capital investment of AED 10 million.
How much is the 3-year investor visa in UAE?
An applicant for a 3-year investor visa must pay the required fees at the Cube Centre at the DLD main office. The total service fee for a 3-year investor visa is about AED 15,000 (USD 4,100).
What is the age limit for investor visa in UAE?
An investor visa can be obtained by anyone over the age of 18 who wants to start a company in Dubai or anywhere in the UAE. In Dubai and the UAE, investor visas have different validity dates, namely: Property investment visas are valid for 3 to 5 years, investor/partner visas for 2 years.
ConclusionÂ
Investing in Dubai offers a pathway to a secure future for families and businesses, facilitated by its unique investor visa program. With a thriving economy and various visa categories catering to diverse needs, Dubai continues to attract entrepreneurs and investors globally, fostering growth and prosperity.
