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How to Get an Investor Visa

Dubai has remained one of the world’s most desirable destinations for business and investment alike. With its no-tax environment, well-developed infrastructure, and strategic placement in the world, Dubai is a perfect place for entrepreneurs and investors. The Investor Visa is the 1st step you can consider for creating a successful, long-term business footprint in the UAE.

What is an Investor Visa in Dubai?

A Dubai Investor Visa is basically a residence visa given to a foreign nationals who is either investing or establishing a business in the UAE. It entitles the holder to live, work, and manage their investments within Dubai with almost all legal rights available to Emirati residents.

The visa is issued under several categories, depending on the type of your investment: ownership of a company, participation in a free zone company, or even real estate investment. It also provides the flexibility to sponsor your family and dependents, making it ideal for long-term business living in the UAE.

Types of Investor Visas in Dubai

Dubai provides a number of routes for investors, offering flexibility depending on your business goals and scale of investment.

Type of Visa	Investment Area	Validity
Mainland Investor Visa	For shareholders or partners in mainland companies	3 years
Free Zone Investor Visa	For investors in UAE free zones	2–3 years
Property Investor Visa	For individuals investing AED 1 million+ in property	3–5 years
Golden Investor Visa	For investors with AED 2 million+ investment	10 years

Each category has its own set of privileges: for instance, free zone visas usually entail simplified registration and 100% ownership, while the Golden Visa comes with extended residency and exclusive investor perks.

Eligibility Criteria for Dubai Investor Visa

To apply for an Investor Visa, you have to meet certain financial and legal requirements:

Holding company shares worth at least AED 72,000 (for mainland investors).
Owning or investing in a UAE-registered company or property.
Having a clean criminal record and valid health insurance.
Evidence of a viable business plan or active investment.
Demonstrating adequate financial capacity to support operations.

Free zones may have additional eligibility depending on the nature and scale of your business.

Step-by-Step Process to Get an Investor Visa in Dubai

Step 1: Choose Your Investment Type

Determine whether you will invest in a mainland business, free zone company, or property. Each of these options has its own governing authority and requirements.

Step 2: Get Your Business Licence

Apply for a trade licence from the Department of Economy and Tourism (DET) or the respective free zone authority. This acts as proof of your investment.

Step 3: Apply for Entry Permit

Once your business license is approved, apply for an entry permit, which is valid for 60 days. This document will enable you to enter the UAE in order to finalize your visa.

Step 4: Complete Medical and Emirates ID

Undergo a medical fitness test, register for an Emirates ID, and purchase health insurance as mandatory parts of residency.

Step 5: Submit Final Application

After passing the medical test, submit all your documents to the General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs (GDRFA). Once approved, your Investor Visa will be stamped in your passport to give you official residency status.

Documents Required for Investor Visa in Dubai

Here’s what you’ll need to prepare for your application:

A valid passport with a minimum of six months’ validity
Passport-size photos (white background)
Company trade licence and Memorandum of Association (MOA)
Bank statement for the last 6 months
Proof of investment – Share Certificate or Deed of Property
Medical fitness certificate
Emirates ID registration and entry permit copy

Benefits of an Investor Visa in Dubai

Holding a Dubai Investor Visa opens the door to innumerable personal and professional advantages:

3 to 10-year residency (depending on the type of visa)
100% business ownership in most sectors
No income or corporate taxes
Ability to sponsor family and staff visas
Easy access to UAE banking and financial services
Eligibility to upgrade to a Golden Visa
Freedom to travel within GCC countries

In addition, investors will have access to Dubai’s world-class infrastructure, its secure environment, and its diverse business ecosystem.

Golden Visa for Investors

The Golden Visa is one of the best choices for investors who seek extended security and flexibility. This is a 10-year residency program available for people who:

Invest AED 2 million or more in the UAE (business or property), and
Must keep reinvestment for at least three years.

Golden Visa holders can sponsor their families, enjoy long-term residency even while living abroad, and are exempt from the need for a local sponsor.

Why Dubai Is the Best Place to Invest

Dubai has everything an investor could ask for: economic stability, global connectivity, zero tax policies, and an innovation-driven government. Its modern infrastructure, strategic location between East and West, and transparent legal framework have made it a global magnet for investors in technology, logistics, finance, and real estate.

At E-startup, we specialize in helping entrepreneurs and investors navigate the UAE visa and business setup process with ease. From trade licence registration to visa documentation and approvals, our experts handle every step so you can focus on growing your investment.

Whether you’re applying for a mainland, free zone, or Golden Investor Visa, we ensure your application is compliant, fast-tracked, and hassle-free.

Official website of uae visa – https://u.ae/en/information-and-services/visa-and-emirates-id/residence-visas/residence-visa-for-doing-business-in-the-uae