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    Partner Visa UAE

    Residency for co-founders and business partners

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

    Overview

    A partner visa is essentially an investor visa issued to a co-founder or shareholder who isn't the primary owner. The process is identical — the key difference is that the partner must be formally added to the trade licence and share structure before visa processing can begin. In free zones, adding a partner may require amending the licence; on mainland, it requires updating the MOA with the DED.

    Who this is for

    • Co-founders joining an existing UAE company
    • Business partners with shareholding
    • Minority shareholders who need UAE residency

    Requirements

    • Valid trade licence with partner listed as shareholder
    • Updated share certificate or MOA
    • Partner's passport with 6+ months validity
    • Passport-sized photographs
    • Medical fitness test
    • Emirates ID biometrics
    • NOC from existing sponsor (if changing visa status in-country)

    Process — step by step

    1

    Add partner to trade licence

    Amend your licence to include the new shareholder. This requires board resolution and updated share documents.

    2

    Apply for entry permit

    Submit entry permit application for the new partner through your free zone or DED.

    3

    Enter UAE & medical test

    Partner enters UAE and completes medical fitness examination.

    4

    Emirates ID & visa stamping

    Register biometrics and stamp residence visa in passport.

    Key cautions

    Adding partners may change your visa quota allocation — check with your free zone
    Partner removal requires formal licence amendment and may trigger visa cancellation
    Some zones charge amendment fees of AED 1,000–3,000 to add shareholders

    Frequently asked questions

    Does my partner need minimum shareholding?
    In free zones: any share percentage qualifies. On mainland: typically 1%+ shareholding, though requirements vary by activity.
    Can a partner get a Golden Visa?
    Yes, if the company meets minimum capital or revenue thresholds. Partners qualify under the same investor Golden Visa criteria.
    What if my partner is already in the UAE on another visa?
    They'll need to cancel their existing visa first (or obtain a status change), then process the new partner/investor visa under your company.

    Related

    Investor visa guideFree zone comparisonTalk to an advisor

    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.