Obtain UAE residency by owning or partnering in a business
The UAE Investor / Partner Visa allows foreign nationals to obtain UAE residency through ownership or partnership in a UAE-registered company. It is one of the most popular residency pathways for entrepreneurs, consultants, shareholders, start-up founders and small business owners who want control of their own visa sponsorship rather than relying on an employer.
This comprehensive guide to the UAE Investor Visa explains:
- What the UAE Investor / Partner Visa is
- Who qualifies and how eligibility is assessed
- Free zone vs mainland company formation pathways
- Shareholding and ownership requirements
- Required documents
- Step-by-step application process
- Costs and processing times
- Tax, banking and compliance considerations
- Family sponsorship rules
- Differences vs Golden Visa and Employment Visa
This article is written for:
- Entrepreneurs relocating to the UAE
- Founders establishing new companies
- Consultants and independent professionals
- Shareholders purchasing equity in UAE companies
- Existing expats switching from employment to investor residency
Primary Calls To Action
→ Explore company formation options in the Expat Planning Portal
→ Request assistance with Investor / Partner Visa setup
UAE Investor / Partner Visa FAQ
What is the UAE Investor / Partner Visa?
It is a residency permit issued to individuals who own or partner in a UAE company on the mainland or in a free zone.
How long is the Investor / Partner Visa valid?
Typically 2–3 years depending on emirate and issuing authority.
Is 100% ownership allowed?
Yes in most free zones and many mainland sectors, subject to activity rules.
Is an office required?
Yes in most cases, though flexi-desk or virtual office options exist in some free zones.
Can Investor Visa holders sponsor family members?
Yes, subject to income and housing criteria.
Is this the same as the Golden Visa?
No. The Investor / Partner Visa is linked to company ownership; the Golden Visa is long-term self-sponsored residency.
What is the UAE Investor / Partner Visa?
The Investor / Partner Visa is a residency pathway based on ownership of shares in a UAE-licensed company. Instead of being sponsored by an employer, the applicant’s own company becomes the sponsor.
The UAE Investor / Partner visa is typically linked to:
- A newly formed company
- Or shareholding in an existing company
The entity may be:
- Mainland company
- Free zone company
- Professional licence
- Commercial or service entity
A quick and accurate definition of the UAE Investor / Partner Visa?
The UAE Investor / Partner Visa is a residency permit issued to individuals who own or partner in a UAE-registered company, allowing them to live in the UAE and manage their business activities legally.
This pathway is attractive because it offers:
- Control over sponsorship
- Business operational flexibility
- Ability to employ staff
- Ability to issue visas to partners and employees
Mainland vs free zone Investor / Partner Visa options
Company formation determines the exact visa route taken.
Free zone Investor / Partner Visa
Free zones are special economic areas offering incentives to foreign investors.
Key characteristics:
- 100% foreign ownership permitted
- No requirement for local partner for most activities
- Simplified setup process
- Often lower capital requirements
- Ability to repatriate profits fully
- Industry-specific licensing environments
Typical free zones include:
- DMCC
- Dubai Internet City
- Dubai Media City
- DIFC and ADGM (financial centres)
- RAKEZ
- Sharjah Media City
- Ajman Free Zone
- Fujairah Creative City
Free zone Investor Visa holders may:
- Sponsor themselves via the free zone authority
- Operate within the licensed scope
- Conduct business inside the free zone and internationally
Mainland Investor / Partner Visa
Mainland companies are licensed by the Department of Economic Development (DED) of each emirate.
Advantages include:
- Ability to trade directly across the UAE
- Ability to work with government tenders and contracts
- Wider business activity range
- Physical office space within the emirate
Many activities now allow 100% foreign ownership, while some still require UAE national involvement depending on sector.
Who is eligible for the Investor / Partner Visa?
You may be eligible if you:
- Own a company in the UAE
- Purchase shares in an existing UAE company
- Are a named partner in the commercial licence
- Can provide proof of shareholding
General eligibility requirements include:
- Valid passport
- Clean immigration record
- Passing medical fitness test
- Valid company licence
Additional conditions may apply:
- Minimum share capital requirements
- Minimum paid-up capital in some jurisdictions
- Office space or flexi-desk agreement
Investor / Partner Visa vs Golden Visa vs Employment Visa
Investor / Partner Visa vs Golden Visa
| Feature | Investor / Partner Visa | Golden Visa |
|---|---|---|
| Validity | 2–3 years | 5–10 years |
| Sponsorship | Company-based | Self-sponsored |
| Ownership requirement | Yes | Not always |
| Renewal requirement | Company must remain active | Category dependent |
| Cost | Lower to moderate | Higher for many pathways |
Investor / Partner Visa vs Employment Visa
| Feature | Investor / Partner Visa | Employment Visa |
|---|---|---|
| Sponsor | Your own company | Employer |
| Control | High | Low |
| Work scope | Business owner / director | Employee |
| Job security dependency | Low | High |
| Conversion flexibility | High | Moderate |
Internal linking suggestions:
- Golden Visa guide
- Employment Visa guide
What you can do on an Investor / Partner Visa
With a valid UAE Investor / Partner Visa, you may:
- Live legally in the UAE
- Own and manage your company
- Register for utilities, telecom and housing
- Hire staff depending on licence type
- Sponsor family members
- Open personal and corporate bank accounts
You may not:
- Work outside your company without additional permits
- Operate unlicensed activities
- Allow your company licence to lapse
Required documents for the Investor / Partner Visa
Exact documents vary by emirate and free zone, but typically include:
Personal documents
- Passport copy
- Passport-size photographs
- Current visa copy if resident
- Emirates ID if applicable
Company documents
- Trade licence copy
- Memorandum of association or incorporation documents
- Share certificate or proof of ownership
- Establishment card
- Immigration file number
Compliance and supporting documents
- Bank statement in some cases
- Tenancy contract where required
- Medical fitness certificate
- Health insurance policy
Internal linking suggestions:
- Legal document attestation services
- Business banking guide
- Insurance services
Step-by-step UAE Investor / Partner Visa application process
The overall process typically includes both company formation and residence visa issuance.
Step 1 — Company formation or share acquisition
You must either:
- Establish a new company
- Or purchase shares in an existing company
Choosers must decide between:
- Free zone or mainland
- Activity and licence type
- Office or flexi-desk facilities
Step 2 — Obtain company immigration documents
This may include:
- Establishment card
- Immigration file opening
- Free zone or DED registration approvals
These allow the company to sponsor visas.
Step 3 — Apply for entry permit or status change
If outside the UAE:
- Entry permit is issued
If inside the UAE:
- In-country status change may be processed
Step 4 — Medical fitness test
Medical screening includes:
- Blood test
- Chest X-ray
- Communicable disease screening
Step 5 — Emirates ID biometrics
Applicants complete:
- Biometric fingerprinting
- Facial photograph
- Emirates ID application
Step 6 — Investor / Partner Visa issuance
Finally:
- Residence visa is issued (E-visa or passport sticker depending on emirate)
- Emirates ID card is printed and collected
Visa validity is usually:
- 2 or 3 years, renewable upon licence renewal
Costs of the UAE Investor / Partner Visa
Costs vary significantly depending on:
- Free zone vs mainland
- Emirate
- Office space requirements
- Number of shareholders
- Use of PRO or service providers
Typical cost elements include:
- Company formation fees
- Establishment card fee
- Entry permit or status change fee
- Medical fitness test
- Emirates ID
- Visa issuance
- Health insurance premium
- Typing / service charges
Indicative total cost ranges
Free zone Investor / Partner Visa (solo entrepreneur):
- AED 15,000 – AED 35,000+ all-in depending on free zone and facility type
Mainland company Investor Visa:
- AED 20,000 – AED 50,000+ including office lease and licence
What ia the range of costs I can expect to pay for establishing the UAE Investor / Partner Visa?
UAE Investor / Partner Visa costs typically range from AED 15,000 to AED 50,000+, depending on free zone vs mainland structure, licence type, office requirements and visa package.
Processing times
Typical timelines are:
- Company setup: 1–4 weeks depending on structure
- Entry permit or status change: 1–2 weeks
- Medical and biometrics: 1–2 weeks
- Final visa issuance: 1 week
Total average time:
- 3–8 weeks for full process
Banking and financial considerations
Investor Visa holders commonly need:
- Personal bank account
- Corporate bank account
- Accounting and bookkeeping arrangements
Banks typically require:
- Emirates ID
- Residence visa
- Company trade licence
- Shareholding proof
- Source of funds verification
Internal linking suggestions:
- Opening a business bank account in UAE
- Tax residency guide
- Corporate service partners
Tax residency and compliance
Important considerations include:
- UAE corporate tax regime applicability
- Economic substance requirements
- Accounting and reporting obligations
- Cross-border tax residency rules
- Double taxation treaties
Family sponsorship on Investor / Partner Visa
UAE Investor Visa holders may sponsor:
- Spouse
- Children
- Parents (subject to income thresholds)
Requirements include:
- Minimum income
- Valid tenancy contract
- Suitable accommodation
- Active health insurance
Internal linking:
- Family Sponsorship Visa Guide
Common reasons Investor / Partner Visa applications are refused
Frequent reasons include:
- Invalid or expired company licence
- Shareholding proof not accepted
- Missing establishment card
- Incomplete documents
- Failed medical fitness test
- Security or compliance flags
Many cases can be resolved by correcting deficiencies and reapplying.
Living in the UAE as an investor or shareholder
UAE Investor Visa holders benefit from:
- Entrepreneurial ecosystem and networking
- Zero personal income tax on UAE-sourced earnings (subject to home country rules)
- Strong banking infrastructure
- Access to global travel routes
- High quality of life and safety
Residents commonly base themselves in:
- Dubai
- Abu Dhabi
- Sharjah
- Ras Al Khaimah
- Ajman
- Fujairah
How PlanUAE supports Investor / Partner Visa applicants
PlanUAE assists entrepreneurs and investors by:
- Assessing Investor Visa eligibility
- Comparing mainland and free zone options
- Introducing vetted company formation service partners
- Helping evaluate costs, benefits and ongoing obligations
- Integrating personal financial planning and cash-flow modelling with relocation
Call to action
Build your business and residency in the UAE with clarity and confidence
- Independent practical guidance
- Access to trusted formation and immigration partners
- Integrated financial planning support
- Clear explanations of your options
→ Explore your Investor / Partner Visa options in the Expat Planning Portal
→ Request personal assistance from our team