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    Investor Visa UAE

    The visa tied to company ownership — most common for founders

    Typical costAED 3,500–7,000
    Processing7–15 business days
    Validity2–3 years (renewable)

    Overview

    The investor visa is issued to company owners and shareholders. It's the most common visa type for founders entering the UAE. It grants full residency rights and the ability to sponsor family members. Free zone investor visas are typically faster and simpler; mainland investor visas may require additional approvals depending on the activity.

    Who this is for

    • Founders setting up their own company
    • Shareholders with 51%+ ownership (mainland) or any share (free zone)
    • Entrepreneurs seeking long-term UAE residency

    Requirements

    • Valid trade licence (free zone or mainland)
    • Share certificate showing ownership
    • Passport with 6+ months validity
    • Passport-sized photographs
    • Medical fitness test (in UAE)
    • Emirates ID biometrics
    • Proof of accommodation (Ejari or tenancy contract)

    Process — step by step

    1

    Obtain your trade licence

    Your company must be fully registered with a valid trade licence before visa processing begins.

    2

    Apply for entry permit

    Submit entry permit application through the relevant authority (free zone or DED). If you're outside the UAE, this allows legal entry for processing.

    3

    Enter the UAE

    Travel to the UAE on your entry permit (if applying from abroad) or change status if already in-country on a visit visa.

    4

    Medical fitness test

    Complete a medical examination at an approved health centre. Results typically take 2–3 business days.

    5

    Emirates ID biometrics

    Visit an ICP centre to register biometrics for your Emirates ID card.

    6

    Visa stamping

    Your residence visa is stamped in your passport. You're now a UAE resident.

    Key cautions

    If your company licence is cancelled, your investor visa is also cancelled
    You must renew your visa before expiry — overstaying incurs daily fines
    Some free zones require a minimum visa package purchase with the licence

    Frequently asked questions

    Can I get an investor visa without living in the UAE?
    You need to visit for medical testing and Emirates ID biometrics, but you don't need to live in the UAE full-time. You must enter at least once every 180 days to keep the visa active.
    What's the difference between an investor visa and a Golden Visa?
    An investor visa is standard (2–3 years, tied to your company). A Golden Visa is a 10-year residency for qualifying investors, entrepreneurs, or specialised talent — with no sponsor requirement.
    Can I sponsor my family on an investor visa?
    Yes. Once your investor visa is stamped, you can sponsor your spouse, children, and in some cases parents.

    Related

    Family visa sponsorshipEstimate setup costsFind the right free zone

    Sources & methodology

    This guide is compiled from official UAE government immigration sources — the Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs & Port Security (ICP), the General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs (GDRFA), and the Ministry of Human Resources & Emiratisation (MOHRE). Visa categories, eligibility, and fees are set by these authorities and can change; always confirm the current requirements directly.

    Last updated: February 2026

    Disclaimer: This guide is educational only. Visa requirements and fees are subject to change. Always verify current information with the relevant authority or a licensed immigration advisor.