All About Visa for Investors: Eligibility, Requirements, and More

October 03, 2022

The UAE highly appreciates the contribution of foreign investors to its thriving economy and achieving its diversification goals. Consequently, the government always ensures top-notch facilities and services for the business community investing in the ever-growing region — a prominent example of their commitment is the provision of UAE long-term visas.

The residency program is specially introduced for talented individuals, entrepreneurs, businessmen, and those who thrive on investing in real estate and other sectors. Long-term visa holders can enjoy a stress-free stay and bring along their business partners and family. Let's delve into the details of the types of visas. Find out who is eligible for an investor visa Dubai, the application process, and the advantages of having a property investment visa Dubai.

Types of Investor Visas in Dubai

The government introduced investor visa Dubai, including the Dubai Golden visa and Green visa, allowing property investors to make permanent roots in the country. Here is everything you need to know about the types of investor visas in Dubai.

UAE Investor Visa for Two Years

If you own a property in the UAE valued at a minimum of AED 750,000, you can get an investor visa for two years. You can apply for a 2-year property investor visa in the UAE by visiting the Cube Center in the Dubai Land Department. Alternatively, you can visit the DLD Cube website for residency by investment for two years.

What are the eligibility criteria for a 2-year investor property visa in the UAE?

Who is eligible for the investor visa in Dubai? The UAE investor visa rules for 2 years of residency are as follows:

  • You can buy property in Dubai and get a visa. Ownership of a property in the UAE with a minimum value of AED 750,000 is mandatory as part of the application criteria. 
  • If the property is mortgaged, you will need an NOC from the bank for the UAE residence visa for the property owner. It must show the total paid amount and the remaining amount. 
  • The NOC should be accompanied by the property mortgage statement, specifying both the total paid amount and the remaining balance.
  • When a husband and wife jointly own the property, both parties should have equal shares. If not, the primary visa application will only be for the highest shareholder.

Green Visa Dubai for Investors

The Dubai Green Visa enables individuals to secure a five-year residency permit. Tailored to draw in skilled professionals, entrepreneurs, and investors, the program aims to foster the city's economic growth. 

What are the eligibility criteria for a 5-year visa?

These are the stipulations to be fulfilled for the issuance of the Green Visa Dubai:

  • To get Dubai permanent residency by investment, the investor must invest in a property with a total value of not less than AED 2 million (approximately US$544,484).
  • The investor is expected to acquire one or more off-plan properties, each valued at no less than AED 2 million (approximately US$544,484).
  • Investments in real estate can include funds acquired through a loan from specific local banks.
  • The property must be held for at least two years for Dubai residency by investment.

Golden Visa Dubai for Investors

The investor-focused Golden Visa initiative in Dubai presents a route for international investors seeking long-term residency in the UAE. Eligibility for the Golden Investor Visa Dubai usually involves substantial investments in real estate, businesses, or other approved sectors.

The program's primary goals are attracting foreign investment, fostering economic growth, and positioning Dubai as an appealing hub for global investors. Beyond the advantages of residency, participants in the Properties Golden Visa program may also gain the privilege to reside, work, and engage in business activities within Dubai.

What are the eligibility criteria for a 10-year visa? 

To secure a 10 year investor visa Dubai, applicants must meet any of the following criteria:

  • Depositing a minimum of AED 2 million (approximately US$544,484) into an in-country investment fund.
  • Collaborating with an existing or new company with a share value of at least AED 2 million.
  • Establishing a company in the UAE with a capital of no less than AED 2 million.
  • Real estate investors should own one or more mortgage-free properties with a minimum value of AED 2 million.

The issuance of a visa is dependent on other conditions as well, which include that the invested amount must not be obtained through a loan and must be retained for a minimum of three years.

Also, note that Dubai has recently canceled the AED 1 million down payment previously required to qualify for the 10-year Golden visa residency by investment

Investor Visa Dubai

Documents Required for Residency by Investment

The necessary documents for an investor visa Dubai include the following.

2-Year Property Investor Visa UAE

  • You need a title deed issued for the property in Dubai, with a specified property value of at least 750,000 AED
  • A clear copy of the passport
  • A photo of the applicant that adheres to ICP specifications 
  • Health insurance from any insurance company in the UAE
  • A certificate of good conduct and behavior issued by the Dubai Police addressed to the Dubai Land Department

Green Investor Visa Dubai

  • Approval of the ICP on the investment as per the investor rating system applied
  • Proof of the investment (If the investor/partner has more than one license, the total invested capital will be calculated.)
  • Approval of the competent local authorities.

Golden Visa for Investors in Public Investments

  • A letter from an investment fund accredited in the UAE stating that the investor has a deposit of AED 2 million
  • A valid commercial license or industrial license and a memorandum of association stating that the investor’s capital is not less than AED two million
  • A letter from the Federal Tax Authority states that the investor pays the government no less than AED 250,000 (two hundred and fifty thousand) annually.

Golden Property Owner Visa Dubai

Dubai Golden visa requirements include a letter from the real estate registration department of the respective emirate to the Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs, and Port Security-ICP verifying the property value.

Golden Investor Visa Dubai Benefits in UAE
Now that you are aware of the various visa and permit categories and investor visa UAE requirements, let’s check out some of the golden investor visa benefits in the UAE:

  • Golden Visa holders can stay in the UAE longer, and the visa is renewable.
  • Expats with the Dubai Golden Visa are allowed to stay in the UAE without the support of a sponsor or an employer.
  • The Golden Investor Visa Dubai benefits family members and business partners.
  • If the Golden Visa holder dies, family members can remain in the UAE until the visa expires.
  • Golden visa holders can also sponsor an unlimited number of domestic workers.
  • If you are on an investor visa in Dubai, there is no restriction on the time you can spend outside the UAE. Unlike other visas, Dubai Golden visa holders can stay abroad for more than six months without any impact on the validity of their status.
Investor Visa Dubai

How to obtain an Investor Visa in UAE?

Wondering how to apply for investor visa in Dubai? The Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs, and Port Security-ICP has introduced a specialized online portal to apply for Golden Visa Dubai. If you are a real estate investor, you can apply for your Dubai Property Visa through the Cube Center, an integrated customer service center affiliated with the Land Department in the Emirate of Dubai. Moreover, long-term Golden Visa applications can be submitted at Typing Centers and Amer Centers in Dubai. In Abu Dhabi, you can apply for a visa for residency by investment through TAMM’s official website.

Dubai Investor Visa Cost

According to the DLD’s official website, the 10-year residency permit fee is AED 9,684.75, and the investor visa UAE cost for two years is AED 9,912.50. Whereas a green visa UAE costs about 2,280.

FAQS about Investor Visa Dubai

The minimum age of children who can be sponsored is 25 years (previously 18 years), with no age limit for unmarried daughters. Moreover, regardless of age, children of determination are granted a residence permit.

Green Residences holders are allowed to issue residence permits for their first-degree relatives. In all cases, the residency of family members shall have the same duration as that of the original holder of UAE residency by investment.

Under GDRFA regulations, having medical insurance is mandatory for all residence permit applications. 

Essentially, you cannot hold both an employment visa and an investor visa in the UAE.

Suppose you own a visa for residency by investment sponsored by either a family member or your employer, and you intend to leave the country permanently. In that case, it is imperative to cancel your residence visa officially. Typically, only the sponsor holds the authority to initiate the cancellation process.

Yes. Like the UAE residence visa for property owners, a retirement visa is also an excellent option for investing in real estate in Dubai.

The Esaad cards for Golden Visa Dubai holders are absolutely free. This loyalty program extends discounts and perks to various groups, including government employees, military and civilian retirees, recipients of social benefits, individuals with disabilities, and senior citizens residing in Dubai.

According to the regulations for Dubai investor visas, this visa is only available to individuals who acquire shares in an established company with a minimum value of AED 10 million.

To secure the investor visa, a minimum investment of two million AED (equivalent to about $550,000) is required.

The two-year investor residence visa Dubai costs about AED 9,912.50.

For more information, get in touch with us at Provident