What Is a UAE Investor Visa?
The UAE investor visa grants full UAE residency rights to foreign nationals who own a stake in a UAE business (mainland or free zone). As a UAE resident, you can:
- Open a personal UAE bank account
- Obtain a UAE driving license
- Enroll children in UAE schools
- Sponsor family members for UAE residency
- Access UAE government services
- Travel in and out of the UAE without a separate entry visa
Investor Visa Options
2-Year Investor Visa
Standard investor residency for business owners with a UAE mainland or free zone trade license. Renewable every 2 years. Most common choice for SME owners.
Requirements:
- Valid UAE trade license (mainland or free zone)
- Shareholder registration showing minimum 50% ownership (or as specified by authority)
- Ejari or free zone office address
- Valid passport (6+ months validity)
- Medical fitness test
- No criminal record
5-Year Long-Term Investor Visa
Extended residency for investors in specific categories:
- Minimum share capital investment of AED 500,000+ in a UAE mainland company
- Free zone investors with equivalent investment value
- Multiple license holders
Requirements are the same as the 2-year visa with additional proof of investment value.
Process
Step 1 — Establishment Card
We obtain your company's MOHRE Establishment Card (if not already issued), which is required to sponsor any visa including your own investor visa.
Step 2 — Entry Permit
An investor entry permit is applied for through GDRFA. If you are already in the UAE on another visa, we process a status change instead.
Step 3 — Medical Fitness & Emirates ID
You complete a medical fitness test at an approved health center, then enroll for your Emirates ID at an ICP center. Both can be scheduled for the same day.
Step 4 — Visa Stamping
The investor residency visa is stamped in your passport, completing the process.
Total timeline: 10–20 working days
Investor Visa vs. Golden Visa
| Feature | Investor Visa | Golden Visa |
|---|---|---|
| Duration | 2 or 5 years | 10 years |
| Investment Required | UAE trade license ownership | Property AED 2M+ / business AED 2M+ / talent |
| Self-Sponsorship | Yes | Yes |
| Family Inclusion | Yes | Yes (+ unlimited domestic workers) |
| Renewal | Required | Every 10 years |
| Cost | Lower | Higher |
If you qualify for the Golden Visa, we advise whether it is the better long-term option for your situation.
Sponsoring Family Members
Once you have an investor visa, you can sponsor:
- Spouse (husband/wife)
- Children under 18 (or older if unmarried and dependent)
- Daughters of any age if unmarried
- Parents (subject to minimum salary of AED 20,000/month)
We handle all family visa applications after your investor visa is issued.
Renewal
Investor visas must be renewed before expiry. For renewal:
- Your trade license must be active and valid
- Ejari must be current
- No MOHRE compliance violations
We manage renewals and send reminders at 60, 30, and 14 days before expiry.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need to be physically present in the UAE to get an investor visa? No — you can apply for an entry permit from outside the UAE and complete the remaining steps after arrival.
Can I get an investor visa for a free zone company? Yes — DMCC, JAFZA, DAFZA, IFZA, Meydan, and all major free zones issue investor visas to their license holders. The process varies slightly by free zone.
Does the investor visa allow me to work in the UAE? An investor visa allows you to work in and manage your own company. If you also want to work for a different employer, a separate employment visa from that employer is required.
Can I sponsor a domestic worker on an investor visa? Yes, investor visa holders can typically sponsor 1 domestic worker (maid/driver). The Golden Visa allows unlimited domestic workers.
+971 50 380 7565 | support@hashmibusinessconsultant.com