Obtaining a UAE Investor Visa
To secure an Investor Visa in Dubai or elsewhere in the UAE, you need to meet specific investment criteria. One option is to invest a minimum of AED 10 million in the public sector of the UAE or at least AED 5 million in real estate.
Types of Investor Visas in Dubai
If you’re considering how to obtain an investor visa in Dubai, there are four avenues to explore:
Property Investment
Investing in property is a pathway to securing an investor visa. Owning real estate in Dubai not only offers property ownership benefits but also qualifies you for residency. Here are key requirements for property investment:
- For sole ownership, the property value must be AED 1 million or more, with a maximum mortgage of 50%.
- In case of joint ownership, each individual’s share must be at least AED 1 million.
- This option is applicable for residential properties only, not commercial.
- Residency visas are not granted for investments in off-plan properties; the property should be freehold.
Additionally, real estate investors owning properties valued at AED 750,000 or more may qualify for a 2-year property investor visa, extendable upon renewal. This visa allows sponsorship of spouse and children. For further details, refer to the Investor Residence Application page on DLD.
Business/Company Investment
Planning to establish or invest in a business within Dubai’s free zones or mainland? Consider applying for a 3-year investor visa. This option suits those initiating a company with a minimum capital of AED 72,000 or investing this amount in existing company shares.
Advantages of setting up a business in a free zone include exemption from various taxes such as VAT, Income Tax, Corporate Tax, and Customs duties. Free zone business owners also enjoy 100% ownership of their enterprise.
Moreover, individuals investing in or forming a free zone company in these designated areas can apply for the Dubai partner visa, with the free trade zone acting as their sponsor.
Note that application procedures may vary based on the chosen free zone location and business activity.
Investing in the Public Sector (10-year UAE Visa)
To qualify for a 10-year UAE visa through investment, you must commit at least AED 10 million to the country’s public sector. This can be achieved by:
- Making a deposit into an investment fund
- Establishing a new company in the UAE with a capital of at least AED 10 million
- Acquiring a partnership stake in an existing company, with shares valued at no less than AED 10 million
Moreover, your investment must meet the following conditions:
- It must not be in the form of a loan
- You must retain the investment for a minimum of three years
Real Estate Investment (5-year UAE Visa)
Alternatively, you can obtain a long-term visa by investing in property valued at a minimum of AED 5 million. The invested funds cannot be borrowed, and you must maintain ownership of the property for at least three years.
10-Year UAE Visa for Individuals with Specialized Talents
Individuals possessing specialized talents can qualify for a 10-year UAE visa based on their expertise. This includes professions such as doctors, investors, specialists, scientists, and those in cultural and artistic fields. However, eligibility for the 10-year UAE visa for specialized talents is subject to specific criteria:
For Scientists: Accreditation by the Emirates Scientists Council or possession of the Mohammed Bin Rashid Medal for Scientific Excellence is required.
For Artists: Accreditation by the Ministry of Culture and Knowledge Development is necessary.
Inventors: A valuable patent accredited by the Ministry of Economy, contributing to the UAE’s economy, is essential.
For Doctors and Specialists: Eligibility requires meeting at least one of the following conditions:
- Holding a PhD from one of the top 500 universities worldwide.
- Possessing a PhD and a decade of professional experience in the field.
- Having received an award or certificate of recognition related to the field.
- Membership in a relevant professional organization.
- Publication of articles or books in renowned publications within the field.
- Specialization in an area of priority for the UAE.
Executives: Being the head of a leading, internationally recognized company is required.
For Exceptional Talents: For other outstanding talents, having research published in a world-class journal or holding a patent are qualifying factors.
FAQs from Indian Investors Interested in UAE
Yes, holders of a UAE Investor Visa can bring their family members, including spouses and children, with them. Additionally, the visa can be extended to include one executive director and one advisor.
The fee for applying for a Golden Visa in the United Arab Emirates has been AED 150 since February 2023.
Yes, multiple business partners can apply under a single UAE Investor Visa. However, each business partner must individually invest at least AED 10 million; the investment cannot be split among partners.
Typically, foreigners applying for visas in the UAE require sponsorship from a UAE-based entity, such as an employer (for a work visa) or a school (for a student visa). However, for long-term residence visas in the UAE, you can apply independently without a sponsor.
- For a UAE Investor Visa, the registered company acts as your sponsor.
- For a UAE Property Visa, the property you purchase or invest in serves as your sponsor.
To apply for a 2-Year Investor Property Visa in the UAE, you need to meet the following requirements:
- Ownership of a property in the UAE valued at a minimum of AED 750,000.
If the property is mortgaged, the following additional documents are required:
- A No Objection Certificate (NOC) from the bank or developer.
- The property mortgage statement, specifying the total amount paid and the outstanding balance.
In case property is jointly owned by a husband and wife, the property shares must be equal between both parties. If the shares are not equal:
- The party with the higher share can apply as the primary visa holder and then sponsor the other party (spouse) for the visa.
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