Dubai is a thriving hub of innovation and investment, attracting countless entrepreneurs seeking to establish a business presence in this vibrant city. If you’re one of the many foreign nationals considering relocating to the United Arab Emirates, you need to know about the Partner Visa Dubai, which is sometimes also known as the Investor Visa.
This comprehensive guide will walk you through the ins and outs of securing this valuable residency permit and all the perks it has to offer. From distinguishing between Investor and Partner Visas to understanding the eligibility criteria and application process, this guide has got you covered. Dive in and discover how the Partner Visa can help you and your family enjoy a stable, tax-free environment in Dubai, granting you access to the city’s exceptional amenities and lifestyle.
Grasping the Concept of Partner Visa in Dubai
Investor Visa: What’s the Buzz?
An Investor Visa, often dubbed as a Partner Visa Dubai, is a special kind of residency permit designed for foreign nationals who have their sights set on starting or investing in an existing business in Dubai. This visa opens the door for individuals to live and work in Dubai while also having the privilege to sponsor their family members.
To be eligible for an Investor Visa, one must either acquire shares in an existing company worth a minimum of AED 10 million or establish a company with the same capital investment value.
Investor Visa vs. Partner Visa Dubai: Spot the Difference
Although the terms Investor Visa and Partner Visa are frequently used as synonyms, it’s crucial to identify the subtle distinctions between the two. In a nutshell, an Investor Visa is tailored for entrepreneurs who set up a single-owner company. In contrast, a Partner Visa is designed for those who are part of a company with multiple owners or shareholders.
Who’s the Right Fit for an Investor Visa in Dubai?
Any individual aged 18 or above can apply for an Investor Visa in Dubai, provided that they meet the necessary eligibility criteria. The Investor Visa comes with a validity of three years and can be renewed upon expiration. Some of the key perks of securing this visa include a 3-year residency, the ability to sponsor immediate family members, smoother travel to GCC countries, and the possibility of being granted a UAE Golden Visa.
To apply for an Investor Visa, you’ll first need to set up your company and then submit the required documents to the relevant department. The processing time for this visa usually varies from 15 to 20 working days. Besides sponsoring themselves, investors can also sponsor their family members for residency in the UAE by submitting the required documents and fulfilling specific requirements.
There are four types of Investor Visas available in Dubai and the UAE: Property investment, Company investment, Retirement Visa, and Golden Visa. These cater to various investment scenarios, such as investing in property with a minimum value of AED 1 million, opening or investing in a business with a minimum capital investment of AED 72,000, or retiring in Dubai with an investment in a residential property worth at least AED 2 million.
The cost of obtaining a UAE Investor Visa hinges on the chosen method, with property Investment Visas costing around AED 13,000, company Investment Visas estimated at AED 1,035, and Golden Visas ranging from AED 650 to 1,150. Some of the benefits offered by the Dubai Investor Visa include stable residency in the UAE, a tax-free environment, access to social services and government-provided benefits, and the ability to sponsor family members.
The required documents for a Dubai Investor Visa application include:
- The Bank Account IBAN Number of the sponsor,
- Establishment Card
- Memorandum of Agreement Papers (MOA)
- A photograph with a white background
- The partner’s current UAE visa (if applicable)
- The partner’s passport copy
- The sponsor’s original Emirates ID and
- Trade license copy
Lastly, it’s worth mentioning that the validity of the Dubai Investment Visa depends on the respective categories: Property Investment (3 to 5 years), Company Investment (3 years), Golden Visa (5 to 10 years), and Retirement Visa (5 years).
Incorporating a New Company in Dubai
During the formation of a mainland company, you’ll need to provide specific documents such as a six-month bank statement, an Immigration Establishment Card, Memorandum Papers (MOA), a passport copy, and a typed application copy.
For those considering a free zone company in designated areas, you can also apply for a partner visa, with the free trade zone acting as your sponsor. Note that the application process and associated costs will depend on the specific free zone, the nature of your business, and other factors.
Navigating the Application Process
The application procedure involves several steps, starting with an online entry permit application. You’ll then visit the General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs (GDRFA) to apply for the visa itself. Afterwards, undergo a medical fitness test at a government health centre and obtain a no-objection letter from your bank, a bank statement, and a good conduct certificate from the Dubai Police. Health insurance is also mandatory for the visa application process.
When applying through an Amer centre, the associated costs include entry permit fees (AED 1,175 for individuals in UAE and AED 525 for individuals outside UAE), change of status fees (AED 675), visa stamping fees (approximately AED 870), Emirates ID fees (AED 500), and medical test fees (AED 350).
Anticipating the Processing Time
The duration of the application process depends on the nature of the investor’s business and the specific free zone. Generally, once all required documents are submitted and fees are paid, the process can be completed within a few weeks.
It’s worth noting that the UAE government introduced 5 year and 10 year Investor Visas in Dubai for eligible investors. To qualify for a 10-year Investment Visa, you must meet certain criteria, such as investments of at least AED 10 million in areas like UAE-based investment funds or establishing a company in the UAE with a capital of AED 10 million. For a 5-year Investor Visa, you’ll need to fulfil requirements like purchasing a property with a minimum value of AED 2 million and retaining it for at least two years or investing in off-plan properties from approved real estate companies.
Obtaining an Investor Visa in Dubai presents a valuable opportunity for those looking to establish a business presence in this vibrant city, as it allows you to sponsor your spouse and children to live with you in Dubai. By comprehending the various requirements and processes involved, you can take the first step towards creating a successful business in the thriving hub of the Middle East.
Unveiling the Extended Validity and Additional Perks of the Partner Visa Dubai
The Dubai Investor Visa, frequently referred to as the Partner Visa, offers a 3 year validity period, requiring renewal every three years to maintain residency. This duration allows investors ample time to develop and grow their investments in the region.
One of the most significant advantages of the Dubai Investor Visa is the tax-free environment it provides, enabling investors to maximize their returns. Additionally, visa recipients can access social services and government-provided benefits, ensuring an enhanced quality of life during their UAE stay. Furthermore, the Investor Visa facilitates travel to GCC countries, which can be beneficial for business expansion.
The UAE government, recognizing the importance of attracting foreign investment, has introduced 5-year and 10-year Investor Visas for eligible investors, granting increased stability and security for those looking to make long-term commitments in the region.
To be eligible for the 10-year Investment Visa, applicants must invest in specific sectors such as UAE-based investment funds or establish a company in the UAE with a capital of AED 10 million. This extended visa option appeals to individuals seeking a substantial investment in the UAE economy.
On the other hand, the 5-year Investor Visa requires investors to purchase a property worth at least AED 2 million and fulfil other specific criteria, making it a suitable option for those interested in the thriving UAE property market. Furthermore, entrepreneurs pursuing the 5-year Investor Visa must invest a minimum of AED 500,000 in an existing or approved project by an accredited business incubator, making it an attractive choice for startup founders and business innovators.
In summary, the Dubai investor visa offers foreign nationals a wealth of benefits and opportunities when investing in the UAE. The availability of 5-year and 10-year investor visas further enhances Dubai’s appeal as an innovation and investment hub, providing greater stability and security for those aiming to make a lasting impact on the UAE economy.
Eligibility and Costs for Different Types of Investor Visas
5-year Visa Eligibility for Real Estate Investors
To qualify for a 5-year investor visa related to real estate, you must invest at least AED 2 million in a property. This investment can be made through loans from local banks. However, you must retain the property for at least two years and invest in off-plan properties from approved real estate companies to be eligible for this visa type.
5-year Visa Eligibility for Entrepreneurs
If you’re an entrepreneur interested in obtaining a 5-year investor visa, you must invest a minimum of AED 500,000 in an existing or approved project by an accredited business incubator. This is an excellent opportunity to make your mark in Dubai’s thriving market.
Dubai Investor Visa Costs
When applying for a Dubai investor visa, prepare for some expenses. Entry permit fees are AED 1,175 for UAE-based applicants and AED 525 for those outside the UAE. Additionally, UAE-based applicants should budget AED 675 for a change of status, AED 870 for visa stamping, AED 500 for an Emirates ID, and AED 350 for medical tests. The total cost will vary depending on individual circumstances and requirements.
Investor Visa for Free Zone Companies
Investing in or establishing a free zone company in designated areas also allows you to apply for a Dubai partner visa, with the free trade zone serving as your sponsor. The application process and cost for a Dubai Investor Visa for free zone companies depend on factors such as the specific free zone, the nature of your business, and other elements.
Sponsoring Your Family with a Dubai Investor Visa
Embarking on a business or investment venture in Dubai becomes even more appealing when you can bring your family along. The Dubai investor visa, also known as the partner visa, enables foreign nationals to sponsor their loved ones while living and working in Dubai.
Sponsorship Requirements for Family Members
The Dubai investor visa allows holders to sponsor their spouse and children, allowing the entire family to reside together in this dynamic city. This residence visa permits individuals to live and work in Dubai as investors, creating an attractive opportunity for those looking to relocate their family to the region.
Several advantages accompany a Dubai investor visa, such as stable residency in the UAE, a tax-free environment, access to social services and government-provided benefits, and the ability to sponsor parents, spouses, and children.
It’s essential to recognise that the duration of the Dubai Investment Visa is contingent on the specific categories: Property Investment (3 to 5 years), Company Investment (3 years), Golden Visa (5 to 10 years), and Retirement Visa (5 years).
The Dubai Investor Visa presents an ideal solution for foreign nationals who wish to establish a business or invest in Dubai while sponsoring their family members. By meeting the necessary requirements and selecting the appropriate visa type, entrepreneurs can enjoy a stable, tax-free environment in Dubai, providing their families with access to the city’s exceptional amenities and lifestyle.
Embark on a Fruitful Venture with the Partner Visa Dubai
With the extensive array of benefits and opportunities offered by the Dubai iInvestor Visa or Partner Visa Dubai, foreign entrepreneurs can confidently embark on a thriving business venture in this dynamic city. The ability to sponsor family members allows investors to fully immerse themselves in the UAE lifestyle while building a successful enterprise.
Understanding the eligibility requirements, costs, and application process associated with different investment options is crucial to making informed decisions and maximizing the potential of your business in Dubai. By selecting the most suitable visa type and adhering to the necessary procedures, you can secure a stable, tax-free environment, and enjoy the incomparable advantages of doing business in the heart of the Middle East.
Don’t let this valuable opportunity pass you by. Start your journey today and explore the exciting world of possibilities with a Partner Visa Dubai, and watch your business flourish in the vibrant and prosperous UAE market.