United Arab Emirates Dubai Investor Visa

Settling in the emirate of Dubai is possible through the investor visa programs offered by the United Arab Emirates. Since Dubai is one of the seven emirates that make up the UAE, the general application process is similar throughout the country. However, the main difference is that applications for residency in Dubai are made directly to the General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs (GDRFA) offices in Dubai.

Types and Conditions of Dubai Long-Term Residence Visa (Golden Visa)

Dubai offers two different long-term residence visas, valid for 5 and 10 years, for investors, professionals, and special talents. Here are the eligible individuals and the basic criteria for these visas:

10-Year Dubai Residence Visa

If you fall into one of the following categories, you are eligible to apply for a 10-year visa:

• Investors: Those who make an investment of at least AED 10 million in the public sector (Details below under the Dubai Investor Visa heading).
• Special Talents: Doctors, scientists, inventors, and engineers specialized in fields like science, medicine, IT, electronics, and biotechnology, as well as talented individuals in culture and arts.

5-Year Dubai Residence Visa

The categories eligible for the 5-year visa are as follows:

• Real Estate Investors: Those who own property in Dubai (also known as the Dubai Property Visa).
• Entrepreneurs: Those who have a project in the UAE with a capital of at least AED 500,000.
• Outstanding Students:
  • Graduates from public or private high schools with a minimum grade of 95%.
  • Graduates from universities within or outside the UAE with a GPA of at least 3.75.

What are the Required Documents for a Long-Term Visa Application?

The application process consists of two stages, and different documents are required at each stage.

Stage 1: Documents Required for Entry Permit Application:

• A copy of your passport
• Passport-sized photo
• Bank statement for the last 6 months
• Copy of the company's Trade License (if applicable)
• Copy of the Partnership Agreement (if applicable)
• ID of other partners (if applicable)
• Copy of the Memorandum of Association (for LLC)
• Accreditation letter from the relevant Dubai authority (for special talents)
• Patent certificate (for inventors)

Stage 2: For Residence Visa After Entering Dubai:

• Your entry permit document
• Medical test results to be done in Dubai
• Your passport and photos
• Immigration Establishment Card
• All other relevant documents supporting your application purpose

Important Note: These lists are intended as a general guide. The required documents may vary depending on the application type. It is recommended to get confirmation from the relevant Dubai authorities before applying and to seek assistance from a legal advisor for this sensitive process.

Get Information on Obtaining an Investor Visa in Dubai

Dubai Investor Visa Investment Types

There are essentially two ways to obtain an Investor Visa in Dubai: by investing in the public sector or by purchasing real estate.

For a 10-Year Visa: Public Sector Investments

To qualify for a 10-year visa, you need to invest at least AED 10 million in the public sector in the UAE. This investment can be in the following forms:

• Depositing at least AED 10 million in an investment fund.
• Establishing a new company in Dubai with a capital of at least AED 10 million.
• Partnering in an existing company, provided your share value is no less than AED 10 million.

Conditions for this investment:

• The investment amount must not be obtained through a loan.
• The investment must be maintained for at least three years.

For a 5-Year Visa: Real Estate Purchase

For a 5-year long-term visa, it is sufficient to invest in a property with a gross value of at least AED 5 million. For this type of investment, the money invested must not be borrowed, and the property must be retained for at least three years.

Dubai Golden Visa Application Fees

As of February 2023, the application fee for the Golden Visa across the UAE has been updated to AED 150.

10-Year Dubai Visa for Individuals with Special Talents

Besides investment, you can also obtain a Dubai visa if you have a special talent. However, there are specific accreditation and achievement conditions for each category:

• Scientists: Must be accredited by the Emirates Scientists Council or be a recipient of the Mohammed Bin Rashid Medal for Scientific Excellence.
• Artists: Must be accredited by the Ministry of Culture and Knowledge Development.
• Inventors: Must have a valuable patent that contributes to the Dubai economy (accredited by the Ministry of Economy).
• Doctors and Specialists: Must meet at least one of the following conditions: hold a PhD from one of the top 500 universities in the world, have 10 years of professional experience in their field, have an award or certificate of appreciation in their field, or have published articles or scientific books in renowned publications.
• Executives: Must be the president of a leading, internationally recognized company.
• Exceptional Talents: Must have a scientific research paper published in a world-class journal or hold a patent.

Get Information on Opening a Company in Dubai

Can I Bring My Family with the Dubai Investor Visa?

Yes, as a holder of a Dubai Investor Visa, you are allowed to bring your family members, such as your spouse and children. Additionally, the visa can be extended to include an executive director and one advisor.

Can I Apply for the Dubai Investor Visa with My Business Partner?

Yes, multiple business partners can apply under a single Dubai Investor Visa. However, this does not mean the investment amount can be divided among the partners; each business partner must individually meet the AED 10 million investment requirement.

How to Apply for the Dubai Investor Visa?

Unlike other visa types (such as work or student visas), you can apply for a long-term residence visa directly yourself without needing a sponsor. In this process, your investment takes on the role of the sponsor:

• For the Dubai Investor Visa, the company you establish or partner with is considered your sponsor.
• For the Dubai Property Visa, the property you purchase is considered your sponsor.

Step-by-Step Application Process:

1. Entry Permit Application: The first step is to obtain a Dubai Entry Permit, which is valid for six months and allows for multiple entries. This application can be made online according to your investment type (Investor, Entrepreneur, Special Talent, etc.).
2. Residence Visa Application: After entering Dubai with the entry permit, you must go to the General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs (GDRFA) of the respective emirate to request the Long-Term Residence Visa. At this stage, you will be required to undergo a medical test to prove your medical fitness.