UAE investor visa types: 3-year investor visa — for company shareholders via establishment card (most common for business owners); 10-year Golden Visa — AED 2M+ property investment OR public investment OR skilled professional; 5-year entrepreneur visa — for founders of approved incubated startups. Cost: AED 3,000–5,000 (3-year visa); AED 4,000–7,000 (Golden Visa). Processing: 2–4 weeks.
UAE investor and business owner visa types
| Visa type | Validity | Eligibility | Approximate cost |
|---|---|---|---|
| Business owner / investor visa | 3 years | Shareholder of a UAE-licensed company (mainland or free zone) | AED 3,000–5,000 |
| Golden Visa — property | 10 years | AED 2M+ UAE property (completed, not off-plan; mortgage allowed) | AED 4,000–7,000 |
| Golden Visa — investment | 10 years | AED 2M+ UAE public fund investment or approved business investment | AED 4,000–7,000 |
| Golden Visa — skilled professional | 10 years | Doctors, scientists, engineers — sector-specific assessment | AED 4,000–7,000 |
| Entrepreneur visa | 5 years | Founder of approved UAE incubated startup (e.g., Hub71, Turn8) | AED 3,000–5,000 |
| Self-sponsored freelance | 3 years | Freelance permit from free zone (e.g., twofour54, DMCC) | AED 3,500–6,000 |
3-year investor visa — for company owners
1. Obtain the establishment card
Once your trade licence is issued, apply for the establishment card (company immigration card) from GDRFA (Dubai) or ICP (other emirates). This enables the company to sponsor visas. Processing: 3–7 business days. Cost: AED 500–1,500.
2. Apply for investor/shareholder visa
The shareholder applies for a residency visa through the GDRFA online portal (amer.ae) or the free zone authority’s HR portal. Documents required: passport, establishment card, trade licence, tenancy contract, Emirates ID application.
3. Medical fitness test
All visa applicants must complete a medical fitness test at a GDRFA-approved health centre. Cost: AED 200–400. Results: same day or next day.
4. Emirates ID biometrics
Visit a Federal Authority for Identity and Citizenship (ICA) centre for biometric enrollment. Emirates ID is issued within 5–7 business days. Cost: AED 370 for 3 years.
5. Visa stamping
Passport is stamped with the UAE residence visa — valid for 3 years. Total processing time from establishment card: 2–3 weeks.
UAE Golden Visa — 10-year residence
- Property investment: Purchase a completed UAE property valued at AED 2M or more — including mortgaged properties. The Golden Visa is linked to the property. If you sell the property, you must find an alternative qualifying investment within a grace period.
- Public investment: Deposit of AED 2M+ in approved UAE investment funds, bonds, or public investment vehicles designated by the Ministry of Economy.
- Skilled professionals: Doctors, engineers, scientists, and academics meeting sector-specific eligibility criteria set by the relevant UAE authority. Requires UAE employment or professional recognition.
- Entrepreneurs: Founders with a company valued at AED 500,000+ or who have received an approved incubator’s backing — subject to committee evaluation.
Need a UAE investor visa or Golden Visa for your business?
We handle establishment card, investor visa, Golden Visa, and family sponsorship applications. Fixed fee.
Frequently asked questions
Can a UAE investor visa holder sponsor family members?+
Yes — once a UAE investor visa is issued, the visa holder can sponsor family members (spouse and children under 18, or unmarried daughters of any age, and sons up to age 21 in education). Each family member requires a separate visa application (medical, Emirates ID). The establishment card is not required for family sponsorship — the investor visa holder is the sponsor.
What is the difference between a UAE investor visa and an employment visa?+
An investor visa is self-sponsored (sponsored through your own company’s establishment card) — you are both the employer and the employee. An employment visa is sponsored by a third-party employer. Investor visas are typically issued for 3 years; employment visas are also typically 3 years (but linked to the employment relationship). If you leave the company or close it, the investor visa must be cancelled within 30 days.
Does a UAE free zone company give the investor a UAE residence visa?+
Yes — a free zone company establishment card enables visa sponsorship, including investor visas for shareholders. The visa quota depends on the free zone and licence type (flexi-desk typically allows 1–6 visas; physical office allows more). The investor visa issued through a free zone company gives the same UAE residence rights as a mainland investor visa.
How long does a UAE investor visa take to process?+
From establishment card to visa stamp: typically 2–3 weeks (faster if all documents are in order and the medical test is done quickly). Golden Visa: 3–6 weeks (additional verification step). GDRFA and ICA processing times can vary — delays are common around peak periods (end of year, post-Eid).