UAE Investor Visa from Free Zone Company 2026 — Complete Guide
The UAE investor visa is one of the most sought-after UAE residence visas for business owners. Free zone company formation automatically makes you eligible for a UAE investor visa. Here is the complete 2026 guide.
In this guide:
What Is the UAE Investor Visa?
The UAE investor visa (also called the Partner/Investor UAE residence visa) is a UAE residence visa issued to shareholders or owners of a UAE company. For free zone companies:
- Validity: 2 or 3 years (depending on free zone)
- Renewability: Renewable as long as your company trade licence is valid
- No salary requirement: Unlike employment visas, no minimum salary is required
- Family sponsorship: Can sponsor spouse and children
UAE Investor Visa Requirements (Free Zone)
- Valid UAE free zone trade licence with your name as shareholder
- Passport (valid for at least 6 months)
- Passport-sized photos
- Entry permit (if you are outside UAE — the free zone handles this as part of the visa package)
- Medical fitness test (completed in UAE once you arrive on entry permit)
- Emirates ID biometrics (completed in UAE)
UAE Investor Visa Process (Step-by-Step)
- Set up your UAE free zone company (includes investor visa eligibility)
- Free zone applies for your investor visa entry permit (you can be outside UAE at this stage)
- Entry permit issued — travel to UAE on this permit (or if already in UAE, it is a status change)
- In UAE: Complete medical fitness test at approved clinic (ASDAD, Prime Healthcare, etc.)
- UAE GDRFA (or free zone service centre) processes Emirates ID application
- Biometrics captured for Emirates ID
- UAE investor visa stamped in passport; Emirates ID issued
- Total timeline: 3-6 weeks from trade licence issuance
UAE Investor Visa Cost (Free Zone)
- Visa fees included in free zone package: Most free zones include 1 investor visa in their standard package
- Additional visa cost if not included: AED 3,000-5,000 typically
- Medical test: AED 320-600 (varies by clinic)
- Emirates ID: AED 100 (3-year validity) or AED 370 (10-year)