UAE Residency for Business Owners
Own a UAE company? You qualify for a UAE investor residence visa — 2–3 years of legal residency, Emirates ID, health insurance eligibility, and the right to sponsor your family.
What Your Residency Gives You
- Legal UAE residency for 2–3 yearsLive and work in the UAE with full residency rights
- Emirates IDNational identification card required for banking, utilities, and government services
- Health insurance eligibilityAccess Dubai's world-class private healthcare system
- Family sponsorship rightsSponsor your spouse, children, and dependent parents
- UAE driving licence conversionConvert most international licences to a UAE licence
- UAE bank accountsOpen personal UAE bank accounts as a resident
Documents Required
- ✓Passport (valid 6+ months)
- ✓Trade license copy
- ✓MOA / share certificate
- ✓Passport-size photographs (white background)
- ✓Medical fitness test certificate
- ✓Emirates ID application receipt
- ~Proof of company address (Ejari/freezone lease)
- ~Personal bank statement (some freezones)
Investor Visa in 5 Steps
Eligibility Check
Confirm your company is active and your share percentage qualifies you for investor visa
Document Prep
We prepare and attest all required documents for GDRFA submission
Entry Permit
GDRFA issues entry permit — you can travel on this while stamping is processed
Medical & ID
Medical fitness test at approved centre, biometrics for Emirates ID
Visa Stamp
Visa stamped in passport; Emirates ID issued within 5–7 working days
Investor Visa FAQs
What percentage of shares do I need to qualify for an investor visa?
Typically you need to be listed as a partner or shareholder in your UAE company. For most freezone and mainland LLCs, ownership of any percentage qualifies you. Some authorities require a minimum investment of AED 72,000. Our advisors confirm the specific requirements for your company type.
How long is an investor visa valid?
Investor visas are typically valid for 2 years (mainland) or 3 years (most freezones) and are renewable. Renewal requires your company license to remain active.
Can my family join me on an investor visa?
Yes. Investor visa holders can sponsor their spouse, children under 18 (up to 21 if in higher education), and in some cases dependent parents. See our Family Visa page for full details.
Do I need to be in Dubai to get the investor visa stamped?
Yes. The medical fitness test and Emirates ID biometrics require physical presence in the UAE. However, Arab First can process all pre-stamping paperwork remotely so your time in Dubai is minimised.
Can I keep my investor visa if I leave the UAE for extended periods?
UAE residence visas become invalid if you stay outside the UAE for more than 6 consecutive months (except during specific grace periods). Golden Visa holders (10-year) are exempt from this restriction. If travel is a concern, the Golden Visa may be a better option.
How much does the investor visa cost?
Government fees for a UAE investor visa range from AED 3,500–6,000 depending on the emirate and visa duration. Arab First's investor visa service is included in all business setup packages, or available as a standalone service.
Apply for Your Investor Visa Today
Our visa team handles the complete process from documentation to stamping. Fill the form to get started.