Your guide to an investment visa in Dubai

Dubai is a land of opportunities and if you are a business person, then an investment visa can be the passport to make your dreams a reality. An investment visa, also known as a partner visa, can help set up your business in Dubai’s mainland or one of its free zones. But remember one thing, the process and regulations to get an investment visa in the UAE may differ from one emirate to another.

So, instead of much ado, let us have a look at the ways you can apply for and get an investment visa in Dubai.

What are the different types of investment visas in Dubai?

There are four types of investment visas:

• Property investor
• Investor in a company
• Retirement visa
• Golden visa

• Property investor: Under this criterion, you can get an investment visa when you invest in a property in Dubai. Here are certain instructions that one must keep in mind while applying for this type of investment visa:
• In case you want to buy a property, its value must not be less than AED 1 million with not more than 50% of it coming from a home loan
• In the event you want to buy a property in partnership with another person, then the minimum share of each individual must not be less than AED 1 million
• The property you want to invest in should be residential and not a commercial entity
• Moreover, the property should be freehold
• This criterion enables you to get a visa for 3 to 5 years, depending on the value of the property

• Investor in a company: This type of investment visa is for one who wants to invest in or start a business in Dubai’s mainland or one of its free zones. Here’s what to keep in mind before you opt for this type of visa:
• Your minimum capital investment to start a company should not be less than AED 72,000. The same rule applies in case you want to buy a share in a company
• You won’t need a local partner if you intend to set up your business in one of the free zones in Dubai. What’s more, you don’t have to pay taxes and can have complete ownership of your business
• But keep in mind that the process of getting an investor visa may vary as per location and the type of business
• The duration of this type of investment visa is 3 years

• Retirement visa: For those above the age of 55 and looking to spend the rest of their lives in the tranquillity of Dubai, one should opt for this type of investment visa. This is a long-term visa which is renewable online and is applicable to spouse and children as well.
• One can get a retirement visa when one invests in a residential property that is worth at least AED 2 million and does not involve a bank loan
• The tenure of this type of visa is 5 years and renewable

• Golden visa: In this type of investment visa an investor can stay for 5 to 10 years if the person meets certain conditions. One needs a minimum amount of funding to be eligible for this type of visa.

What are the conditions for 5-year and 10-year golden visas?

• You should have invested at least AED 10 million in a project in Dubai
• You should have set up your company with a minimum capital investment of AED 10 million
• In case of a partnership in a company, you should have invested at least AED 10 million
• Lastly, your minimum investment should not be less than AED 10 million, with not more than 40% in the real estate sector.

• To be eligible for a 5-year golden visa, your investment in a property should not be less than AED 5 million

For both types of golden visas, there are some additional list of things you must keep in mind:

• Your business should be running for at least three years
• You should have total control on the amount you invest
• In case of investment in real estate, the money should not come by way of loans
• Additionally, you can get a golden visa if you are an entrepreneur with a minimum capital investment of AED 500,000 in an existing project

What are the documents required for an investment visa?

Here is a checklist for each type of investment visa:

• For property investor or golden visa
• The property’s title deed
• A copy of your passport
• A copy of your existing visa status
• 6 passport size photos
• A certificate of good conduct
• Bank statement
• Health insurance
• Utility bill

• For an investor in a company
• Copy of your passport
• Profile photograph with a white background
• Trade licence
• Last 3 months’ bank statement
• A partnership contract between you and your local sponsor
• Immigration establishment card
• Memorandum of association which shows that you have invested at least AED 72,000 in the company

• For retirement visa
• A copy of your current UAE visa
• A copy of your Emirates ID
• A copy of your marriage certificate (in case you intend to sponsor your spouse)
• A copy of the passport
• A copy of the title deed in a residential property

What are the steps you need to follow to apply for different types of investment visas?

• For property or golden visa
• Go to the Dubai Land Department to get an investment visa
• Once there, show your original passport, a copy of your existing visa and the original title deed of your property
• Here you must request for a reference letter to hand it over to the Dubai police
• Once such a letter is issued by the Dubai Land Department, you will need a good conduct certificate from the Dubai police
• Next, you will have to get hold of a trade licence from Dubai Economic Department (DED)
• Once the licence is issued, head to the General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs (GDRFA) where you must submit all documents and apply for a Dubai investment visa

• For an investor in a company
• Head to the nearest Amer Centre to begin the registration process for an investment visa. You can find an Amer Centre in the following locations:
• Dubai Festival City
• Al Karama
• Ibn Battuta Mall
• Al Jafiliya
• Al Quoz

• For a retirement visa
• First up, send an email to retireindubai@dubaitourism.ae with your application and attach all documents required
• You will be sent a link to pay a non-refundable fee of USD 25 (AED 92 approximately) as processing fee and application cost
• After the payment is received, your documents will be verified
• Once your documents are cleared, your application will be sent to an authorised entity after its approval at Dubai Tourism

How much does it cost to apply for an investment visa?

The price varies in each case. Here is a lowdown:

• As a property investor, you will have to pay approximately AED 13,000 to apply for an investment visa
• For one trying to get a visa by investing in a company, you will have to pay around AED 1,035 to apply for it
• As for a golden visa, the cost is AED 650 to apply for a 5-year golden visa and AED 1,150 for a 10-year golden visa

What are the benefits of an investment visa?

The benefits of an investment visa are manifold. Here’s a quick check:

• It enables you a stable residency in the UAE
• During the visa period, you can travel outside the UAE as and when you wish
• While you will be required to pay taxes in the UAE, you may not be required to pay taxes in your home country. But this will depend on your home country’s rules and regulations
• You will be eligible to apply for an Emirates ID and driving licence
• You can open a personal bank account
• You can sponsor your parents, spouse and children to come to the UAE
• You can get a local phone number and a house phone as well

UAE to grant citizenship by investment and special merit.

The UAE passport, which is ranked as one of the best in the world for mobility, will be offered to select foreigners and professionals including “investors, doctors, specialists, inventors, scientists, talents, intellectuals, artists, and their families,” according to the announcement

The UAE says it will grant citizenship to foreign residents for the first time, providing they add value to the Gulf state.

 Who Can Get the UAE Nationality?

Expats who can apply for UAE citizenship can be categorized as follows:

• Investors
• Doctors
• Specialists
• Inventors
• Scientists
• Talents
• Intellectuals
• Artists.