A complete guide to investor visas in Dubai, and how you can obtain one!

Planning to invest in the world’s most fabulous property market?

Who wouldn’t want to capitalise on the market’s most exceptional growth in Dubai, given it is home to the world’s most exclusive developments, most stunning attractions, and not to mention the best lifestyle?

But one of the most important things to know as an investor is just how easily investors can capitalise on their investor visas in the UAE.

What is an investor visa?

An investor visa in Dubai, also known as a business visa, allows foreign investors to live in the UAE to start or own a business. It can be obtained through investing in property too.

Who is eligible for an investor visa?

The eligibility criteria for an investor visa in Dubai is pretty simple.

Foreigners who start their own company in the UAE, invest in real estate projects in Dubai, or make a fixed deposit in a UAE bank can apply for an investor visa. The minimum amount for a property to obtain this visa is AED 2 million and can be done for mortgage buyers too. Although the minimum you need to put down is AED 1 million, which is 50% of the AED 2 million.

What are the rules for applying for investor visas?

1. For sole owners, if you are taking a mortgage, the property must be worth at least AED 2 million, with a maximum mortgage of 50%.

2. If you co-own, each partner's share must be at least AED 1 million. Totaling final share to AED 2 million.

3. This applies to residential properties only, not commercial ones.

4. You can't apply for a visa if you invest in off-plan properties; it must be a freehold property.

Not all investors need an AED 2 million investment though, since there are investor visas shorter than the 10-year period. Since many real estate investors who own property valued at AED 750,000 or more can apply for a 2-year property investor visa as well, which can be renewed. This visa allows you to sponsor your spouse and children as well.

For more details, you can always take a look at the Investor Residence Application on the DLD website to understand the rules of the application better.

What are the types of investor visas?

Business Investor

If you're looking to start or invest in a business in Dubai, then you can consider applying for a 3-year investor visa. This visa is ideal if you plan to start a company, although you will need to start with a minimum capital of AED 72,000 or invest this amount in shares of an existing company.

Business owners in Dubai’s free zones will also be able to benefit from tax exemptions and 100% ownership. If you fall under this category, you can also apply for a Dubai partner visa if you invest in or establish a company in these areas.

The application process varies based on the free zone and business activity.

Golden Visa

The Golden visa is a long-term residence visa which enables foreign talents to live, work or study in the UAE while enjoying exclusive benefits. Investors, entrepreneurs, scientists, outstanding students and graduates, humanitarian pioneers and frontline heroes are among those eligible for the Golden visa.

The UAE offers a long-term golden visa for property investors, allowing for 5 or 10 years of residency.

• For a 10-year visa, you need to invest AED 10 million in Dubai
• For a 5-year visa, you need to invest AED 5 million in property

For anyone planning to have a business in the UAE and acquire this visa, then there are specific conditions which include keeping your business for three years and ensuring the investment is not through loans. However, from recent changes, property investors can also acquire a Golden Visa for a property worth AED 2 million or more.

Retirement Visa

If you're over 55, you can apply for a retirement visa in Dubai by meeting one of these criteria:

• Be at least 55 years old or have lived in Dubai for 15 years
• Have a monthly income of AED 15,000 or have at least AED 1 million in savings in a 3-year fixed deposit
• Own property in Dubai worth at least AED 1 million

The retirement visa is valid for five years and can sponsor spouses.

How can you apply for an investor visa?

Applying for the investor visa is quite simple once you have ruled out the type of visa you’re after.

Property or Golden Visa

When you are applying for a property or associated golden visa, you need to start with:

1. Gathering documents: Collect your original passport, a copy of your current visa (if you have one), and the original property title deed - you’ll need this for your application. 2. Submit to DLD: Submit these documents to the Dubai Land Department, ahead of time. 3. Police reference letter: Request a reference letter from the Dubai Police, and share this with DLD as well. You will also need a Certificate of Good Conduct. 4. Trade licence: Apply for a trade licence from the Dubai Economic Department (DED) with the collected documents. 5. Apply for the visa: Submit all gathered documents, including the trade licence, to the General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs (GDRFA) and apply for your Dubai investment visa.

Investing in a business

You can apply for an investor visa through business ownership at any Amer Center in Dubai, such as:

• Dubai Festival City
• Al Karama
• Ibn Battuta Mall
• Al Jafiliya
• Al Quoz

For this kind of investment, you need to take your business’ trade license, and personal documents such as EID, Passport, and current visa copy to the Dubai Economic Department (DED) with the collected documents - this is where you can begin processing your visa.

Retirement visa

To apply for a retirement visa, follow these steps:

1. Email application: Send an email to retireindubai@dubaitourism.ae with the application, information, and attached documents. 2. Process fee: Pay a non-refundable USD 25 (around AED 92) process fee via the link provided by Dubai Tourism. 3. Document review: After payment, your documents will be reviewed. 4. Application approval: Once approved by Dubai Tourism, your application will be forwarded to the relevant entity.

How much does a Golden Visa cost?

Here's a breakdown of the cost of a 10-year golden visa:

• Medical examination: AED 700
• UAE Emirates ID (10 years): AED 1,153
• Residency permit confirmation (10 years): AED 2,656.75
• DLD fee: AED 4,020
• Administrative fee: AED 1,155

Total: AED 9,684.75

What documents do you need?

For your application, you will require a different set of documents depending on the visa type:

Business investor:

• Copy of your passport
• Applicant’s picture with a white background
• Copy of Trade Licence Dubai
• A statement from the bank for the last 3 months -The contract of partnership between you and the local sponsor
• Immigration Establishment Card
• Memorandum of Association

Golden Visa or property investor:

• Title deed for the property
• Copy of your passport
• Copy of your current visa status
• 6 passport photos
• A good conduct certificate
• Statement from the bank
• Health insurance
• Utility bill

Retirement visa:

• A copy of your current UAE visa
• Copy of your Emirates ID
• A copy of your marriage certificate (in case you will sponsor your husband/wife)
• Copy of your passport
• A copy of your title deed/proof of income/ or property ownership certificate

And there you have it!

If you are an investor looking to get a visa through your property investment, you can drop our in-house experts a line!