UAE business owners who hold a UAE company licence can apply for a UAE investor visa — a residence visa that does not require an employer sponsor. Here is the complete guide for 2025.
UAE Investor Visa Overview
The UAE investor visa (also called a partner visa or shareholder visa) allows UAE company shareholders to reside in the UAE under the sponsorship of their own company. It is the primary visa route for entrepreneurs, freelancers, and business owners who set up a UAE company specifically to obtain a residence visa. Key features: 2–3 years validity (renewable), allows employment from the same company, and can sponsor family members (with salary requirements).
UAE Investor Visa Requirements
To qualify for a UAE investor visa: you must hold at least 1 share (or 100% if a sole owner) in a UAE mainland or free zone company, the company must have a valid trade licence, and in some emirates (Dubai), you must demonstrate a minimum investment value (AED 72,000 capital in the company — this is the minimum share capital, not a deposit requirement). Documents needed: valid company trade licence, memorandum of association or company structure document showing your shareholding, passport, passport photo, health insurance valid in UAE. For free zone companies: use the free zone’s own visa application process (each free zone has its own AMER/ICP-linked portal).
Dubai vs Other Emirates: Investor Visa Minimum Investment
Dubai: AED 72,000 minimum investment value recorded in the company MOA. Abu Dhabi: AED 72,000 or shareholding in a company with AED 100,000+ capital. Sharjah: standard company shareholding (no explicit minimum beyond the company’s registered capital). Free zones: each free zone has its own investor visa process (DMCC, JAFZA, DIFC process this in-house).