Dubai Investor Visa
The thriving economy and favorable business environment in the UAE continue to attract individuals from across the globe, enticing them with investment prospects and entrepreneurial ventures. To cater to these aspiring business moguls, the UAE offers a distinct visa category known as the Dubai Investor Visa, or alternatively, the Partner Visa.
For those interested in investing or establishing businesses in the mainland or free zones of Dubai, the opportunity to apply for a visa awaits. However, it’s important to note that the application process may vary depending on the emirate you select. In this article, we will provide an overview of the Dubai Investor Visa, shedding light on the documentation process, application fees, and more.
Introducing the Dubai Investor Visa
The Dubai Investor Visa, also referred to as the Dubai Partner Visa, is tailored for foreign nationals seeking to venture into business in Dubai or invest in existing enterprises. This visa not only grants them the right to reside and work in Dubai but also enables them to sponsor family members.
To be eligible for an investor visa in Dubai, applicants must adhere to the following Dubai investor visa rules: they must either purchase shares in an existing company valued at a minimum of AED 10 million or establish a new company with a capital investment of the same amount.
Required Documents for Dubai Investor Visa for Mainland Companies
For individuals investing in or establishing companies in Dubai’s mainland, certain documents are imperative for the Dubai investor visa application:
- A bank statement covering the past six months.
- An Immigration Establishment Card.
- Memorandum Papers (MOA) serving as proof of ownership shares.
- A passport copy.
- A copy of the Trade License Dubai.
- A typed visa application.
Previously, foreign investors were required to have a UAE national or an agent who acted as the majority shareholder. However, recent regulatory changes now allow complete foreign ownership in Dubai’s mainland.
The Application Process for a Dubai Investor Visa
To apply for a Dubai Investor Visa, individuals should follow these steps:
- Initiate the application for an entry permit online.
- Apply for the investor visa in person at the General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs (GDRFA) or apply via the official GDRFA website.
- Undergo a medical fitness test at any government health center. When filling out the entry permit form, you will need to specify the health center you intend to visit.
- Obtain a “no objection” letter from your bank.
- Present your bank statement.
- Provide a good conduct certificate from the Dubai Police.
- Purchase health insurance as part of the visa application.
The cost of the Dubai Investor Visa varies when applying through an Amer center. Here is a breakdown:
- Entry permit: AED 1,175 for individuals within the UAE and AED 525 for individuals outside the UAE.
- Change of status: AED 675 (not applicable for individuals entering from outside the UAE).
- Visa stamping: Approximately AED 870.
- Emirates ID: AED 500.
- Medical tests: AED 350.
Please note that additional charges may apply for the immigration establishment card required for this visa. These costs do not include trade license charges issued by the Dubai Economic Department.
Alternatively, investors can apply for an investor residence visa in Dubai through the online E-government Directorate of Naturalisation and Residency Department (eDNRD) portal, which allows companies and establishments in Dubai to submit visa applications.
Dubai Investor Visa for Free Zone Companies
Dubai warmly welcomes foreign investment and promotes economic activity by introducing free zones or free trade zones within the emirate. Companies operating in these zones enjoy tax exemptions, including Value-Added Tax (VAT), and foreign nationals can own 100% of their businesses. Individuals who invest in or establish free zone companies in these designated areas are also eligible to apply for the Dubai Partner Visa, with the free trade zone acting as their sponsor.
However, it’s important to note that the application process and costs may differ for owners and investors of free zone companies. These variations are influenced by factors such as the specific free zone in which the company is located, the nature of the business, and other relevant considerations. A comprehensive list of free zones in Dubai catering to various sectors, including media, healthcare, and manufacturing, is also available for reference.
5-Year and 10-Year Investor Visas in Dubai
The UAE government has introduced long-term visas, including the property investor visa.
Eligibility for the 10-Year Visa
To qualify for the 10-year investment visa, specific conditions must be met, including making public investments of at least AED 10 million. Interested parties can invest in the following areas:
- UAE-based investment funds.
- Establishing a company in the UAE with a capital of AED 10 million.
- Becoming a partner in a new or existing company with a share value of a minimum of AED 10 million.
Regarding investment conditions, it’s important to note:
- The invested amount should not be in the form of a loan.
- Financial solvency for up to AED 10 million.
- The AED 10 million investment must be divided into real estate and non-real estate investments.
Talented Individuals
This category encompasses a diverse range of talented individuals, including scientists, cultural and artistic creators, inventors, elite individuals, and executive managers.
Eligibility for the 5-Year Visa for Real Estate
To qualify for a 5-year investor visa in Dubai, individuals must meet the following conditions:
- The investor must purchase property with a minimum value of AED 2 million.
- This amount can be financed through a loan from select local banks.
- A minimum retention period of two years for the property.
- The investor must invest in one or more off-plan properties from approved real estate companies.
Eligibility for the 5-Year Visa for Entrepreneurs
Entrepreneurs seeking a 5-year investor visa in Dubai must satisfy the following conditions:
- The individual should invest at least AED 500,000 in an existing project or a project that has been approved by an accredited business incubator.
High Achieving Students
High-achieving students are those who have attained an exceptional grade point average, representing at least 95%, in their General Secondary Education Certificate or its equivalent, from either government or private schools. University students, whether from within or outside the country, are eligible with a cumulative GPA of no less than 3.75 or its equivalent, specifically in designated scientific disciplines as determined by the authority.
Source: bayut.com
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