How To Get A Dubai Investor Visa?

UAE’s business-friendly environment makes it an ideal region for investment. Its business and investment rules are transparent, so millions of investors trust this region with their capital.

Those who play a constructive role in the UAE's economy can obtain an investor visa, which offers many perks. But how to get a Dubai investor visa? If you have the same query, you have reached the right place.

In this blog, we will discuss the ins and outs of getting a Dubai investor visa so you can make an informed decision.

What is the Dubai Investor Visa?

The investor visa in Dubai (UAE) allows you to stay, work, and invest in this region. This visa opens the door to a world of opportunities for you. You can invest in real estate, the tourism industry, technology, or any field of business. Simply put, you will be exposed to various investment opportunities. The investor visa has multiple categories. These include the 10-Year Golden Visa, 5-Year Investor Visa, 2-Year Investor Visa, Partner Visa, and Retirement Visa.

Eligibility Criteria for a Dubai Investor Visa

The eligibility criteria for the investor visa are simple. Depending on the visa type you wish to obtain, you need to invest a certain amount in Dubai. The minimum investment amount starts from AED 1 million, and other visa types require higher investment capital. Consider the table below for a detailed investment breakdown of each visa type.

Types of Investor Visas in Dubai

Visa Type Investment Requirements Benefits 10-Year Golden Visa

• AED 10 million investment in real estate or a company.
• AED 5 million investment + 5 employees.
• Investment in a startup with AED 10 million valuation.
• Investment in funds or projects in the UAE.
• 10-year residency.
• Flexibility to live and work in the UAE.
• Can sponsor family.
• No minimum stay requirement. 5-Year Investor Visa
• AED 5 million investment in real estate or a company.
• 5-year residency.
• Flexibility to live and work in the UAE.
• Can sponsor family.
• No minimum stay requirement. 2-Year Investor Visa
• AED 1 million investment in real estate or a company.
• 2-year residency.
• Flexibility to live and work in the UAE.
• Can sponsor family.
• No minimum stay requirement. Partner Visa
• Partnership in a company with a net worth exceeding AED 2 million.
• 2-year residency.
• Flexibility to live and work in the UAE.
• Can sponsor family.
• No minimum stay requirement. Retirement Visa
• AED 700,000 in a bank deposit or investment fund.
• 5-year residency.
• Flexibility to live in the UAE.
• Can sponsor family.
• No minimum stay requirement.

How To Get A Dubai Investor Visa?

You need to follow a few steps to obtain an investor visa in Dubai. These steps ensure that the process is smooth and follows all rules. There are three main ways to get an investor visa. Choose the one that best suits your situation.

1. Starting a New Company

One way to get an investor visa is to start a new company in Dubai. Foreign nationals can register a company quickly. What makes Dubai unique is its flexible approach. You don’t need a UAE national as a partner or shareholder. You can own 100% of your business and control it fully. Another big plus—there’s no minimum capital needed to start a company. This makes Dubai attractive to entrepreneurs. You simply need to cover the setup costs. Then, you're eligible for an investor visa. You can also choose where to set up your company, whether on the mainland of Dubai or in a free zone. Each location has its benefits. The process is straightforward. First, register your company. Then, get the licenses and submit the required documents to the immigration office.

2. Proof of Existing Investments

Another option for getting an investor visa is through existing investments. This is known as the Golden Visa. If you own shares in a UAE company with a net worth of over AED 2 million, you qualify for a 10-year visa. To apply, you need to collect key documents. These include your passport, current visa, Emirates ID, and six months of recent bank statements (both personal and company). You also need audited financial statements and a net worth certificate from a UAE auditor. Once you have these documents, submit them through a consultant who handles Golden Visa applications.

3. Fixed Deposit or Property Investment

The third option involves either making a fixed deposit of AED 2 million in a UAE bank or investing in property worth more than AED 2 million. Using the fixed deposit method, you must open an account with a local bank. Then, create a fixed deposit account and get a confirmation letter. Submit this letter with your visa application. Alternatively, you can invest in property. Buy an apartment, villa, land, or commercial unit worth over AED 2 million. After purchasing the property, you can apply for the 10-year Golden Visa. You must get the title deed and submit your application to the land department. These options give investors flexibility, allowing them to contribute differently to Dubai's growing economy.

Steps to Apply for a Dubai Investor Visa

Defining Your Investment Plan

You will first have to conduct a thorough market research. This is crucial because it gives you insight into current investment trends. You can seek help from professional investment consultants who will help you define your investment goals and strategies.

Choosing the Right Business Model

Next, you will have to decide on a suitable business model, such as a mainland company, free zone entity, or offshore setup. Each has unique advantages, limitations, and working procedures.

Meeting Financial Requirements

This step involves meeting the financial requirements and making the minimum investment to become eligible for the investment visa.

Submitting Documentation

All the required documents must be submitted with zero errors so your visa processing can be initiated swiftly. Otherwise, you may face delays in obtaining your visa.

Applying for the Visa

Then, you will have to submit your visa application to the relevant authority. For instance, the Department of Economic Development (DED) is responsible for free zone companies.

Medical Examination

You will be required to submit a medical clearance certificate that is under the UAE’s immigration policies.

Receiving Visa Approval

Once all the requirements are satisfied, your visa process will be initiated, and you will receive your visa within a week.

Costs Involved in Getting a Dubai Investor Visa

Additional costs, such as administrative fees, medical tests, and visa stamping, are mandatory for a Dubai investor visa. When applying, the costs vary depending on whether you’re inside or outside the UAE. Type of Charges Applicant Inside the UAE Applicant Outside the UAE Entry Permit AED 1,250 AED 650 Change of Status AED 750 N/A Medical Exam (VIP - 30 mins) AED 800 AED 800 Medical Exam (Regular - 24 hrs) AED 370 AED 370 Emirates ID AED 420 AED 420 Visa Stamping AED 850 AED 850

Process Time

If you register a new company in the UAE, seeking an investor visa generally takes 2-5 working days. This short processing time shows the UAE’s economic efficiency and commitment to fostering a friendly business environment. On the other hand, the processing time for a golden visa will be different. In such cases, it may even go up to 15 days. A crucial factor here is the accuracy of your application process, where you must submit multiple documents. With experienced consultants, the chances of error in your visa application are almost zero, and you can obtain your visa quickly.

Validity

The validity of your investor visa, again, depends on the type of visa you have obtained. The 2-year investor visa is valid for 2 years, whereas the golden visa is valid for 10 years. The retirement visa is valid for 5 years. Pros and Cons of Dubai Investor Visa Pros Cons Long-Term Residency (2, 5, or 10 years) High Investment Requirement (AED 1M–10M) Business Opportunities in a thriving market Additional Costs (administrative fees, medical tests) Family Sponsorship (spouse, children) Economic Risk (real estate/business market fluctuations) No Minimum Stay Requirement Ongoing Financial Commitments (for visa renewal) Access to World-Class Infrastructure Limited Employment Opportunities (restricted outside own business) Tax Advantages (no personal income tax) Residency Tied to Investment (visa revoked if investment decreases) Easy Visa Renewal Process

Conclusion

Many people around the world trust the UAE with their investments. Thanks to the UAE’s investment-friendly economic policies, businesses that run on investment thrive. As a token of appreciation, the UAE’s government allows investors to seek an investor visa to live in this region and supervise their investments. These factors make the UAE an ideal place to invest and expand new and established businesses.

What is the cost of an investor visa in Dubai?

An investor visa in Dubai costs around AED 4000, and the renewal fee is estimated to be AED 1750. These prices may vary.

Will I get a visa if I buy property in Dubai?

Purchasing real estate does not guarantee you a visa. Your property must be worth at least AED 750,000 to be eligible for a residence visa.

What is the validity of a Golden Visa?

A golden visa in UAE is valid for 10 years. This visa allows foreign talents to live, work, and study in the region and enjoy multiple benefits.