UAE Investor Visa — Complete Guide 2026
The UAE investor visa is issued to owners of UAE companies and is the most common visa for free zone business owners. Here is the 2026 guide.
In this guide:
What Is the UAE Investor Visa?
- Definition: A UAE residency visa issued to a business owner (investor/partner) in a UAE company
- Duration: 2-3 years; renewable as long as company is active
- Sponsored by: Your UAE company or free zone
- Benefits: Full UAE residency; Emirates ID; family sponsorship; driving licence eligibility
Who Qualifies for UAE Investor Visa
- Free zone company owner (FZE or FZCO shareholder): Eligible immediately upon company registration
- Mainland DED company owner: Eligible as partner or owner
- Share value: Many free zones require a declared minimum share value (AED 1,000 is sufficient at most)
Investor Visa Process
- Step 1: Register UAE company (free zone or mainland)
- Step 2: Request investor visa application from free zone or PRO service
- Step 3: Entry permit issued (to enter UAE or for status change if already in UAE)
- Step 4: Medical fitness test in UAE
- Step 5: Emirates ID biometrics appointment
- Step 6: Visa stamped in passport
- Step 7: Emirates ID card issued (5-10 working days)
Investor Visa Costs (2026)
- Entry permit: AED 1,500-2,000
- Status change (if in UAE): AED 1,000-1,500
- Medical test: AED 300-700
- Emirates ID: AED 100-370
- Visa stamping: AED 500-1,000
- Total: AED 3,500-5,000 first time