The UAE investor visa (also called the residence visa for investors or establishment owners) allows company owners to live and work in the UAE as a resident. Here is the complete requirements guide for 2025.
Who Qualifies for the UAE Investor Visa?
The UAE investor visa is available to: sole shareholders (100% owners) of UAE free zone or mainland companies, majority shareholders of UAE companies, and partners in UAE companies holding a qualifying ownership percentage. Unlike the UAE Golden Visa (which requires AED 2M+ investment), the standard investor visa does not have a minimum capital requirement — it is available to any UAE business owner who holds an active UAE trade licence.
UAE Investor Visa Requirements
- Valid UAE trade licence with the applicant listed as owner/partner/shareholder
- Establishment card (if mainland company) or free zone company registration certificate
- Valid passport (minimum 6 months validity)
- Passport-size photograph (white background)
- UAE entry permit or current UAE residence visa (if applying from inside UAE)
- Health insurance (mandatory for UAE residency visa — minimum Daman Basic plan AED 650/year)
- For mainland companies: no-objection letter from DED
Process for UAE Investor Visa
Step 1: Entry permit application (if outside UAE) or status change application (if inside UAE). Entry permit issued within 3–5 business days. Step 2: Medical fitness test at an approved UAE medical centre. Results in 1–3 business days. Step 3: Emirates ID biometrics application (same day as medical test at most typing centres). Step 4: Visa stamping in passport. Takes 3–7 business days after medical clearance. Step 5: Emirates ID card delivery. Mailed to UAE address within 5–7 business days of visa stamping. Total timeline: 2–4 weeks from entry permit to Emirates ID receipt.
UAE Investor Visa Duration and Renewal
Standard UAE investor visa: 2 years (for most free zones and mainland companies). Some free zones (DMCC, DIFC) offer 3-year investor visas. Renewal: submit renewal application with updated trade licence 30–60 days before expiry. Renewal requirements are the same as initial application.