Complete Dubai Investor Visa Guide 2024

People worldwide are attracted to the UAE because of its strong economy and friendly business environment. Dubai, in particular, has created a special visa program to encourage investment and help people build a better future for themselves and their businesses.

Imagine living in Dubai, one of the most exciting cities in the world, while also making smart financial investments. If you want to know how to apply for an investor visa in the UAE, keep reading!

You can live and do business in the city with a Dubai investor visa. You must usually invest significant money in a Dubai property or company to qualify. The requirements may vary depending on the type of investment and UAE laws.

Overview of the Dubai Investor Visa

The Dubai Investor Visa allows foreign investors to reside in Dubai to invest in property and run a business. You must invest at least AED 5 million in property or a UAE business to qualify.

Investment Options

There are two main options to obtain this visa:

1. Purchase property worth at least AED 5 million. The property can be residential or commercial. You must retain ownership of the property for at least 3 years.
2. Invest at least AED 5 million in an existing UAE company or establish your own company. The investment must be maintained for at least 3 years. Cash, equipment, stocks, or shares can be used to meet the minimum investment amount.

The initial Dubai Investor Visa is valid for up to 3 years and can be renewed provided you maintain the investment. It allows multiple entries into the UAE and does not require a sponsor or local partner.

Requirements to Apply for the Dubai Investor Visa

To qualify for the Dubai Investor Visa, you must meet the following requirements:

• Be at least 21 years of age.
• Have a valid passport.
• Provide proof of funds to invest in Dubai. You must deposit AED 10 million in an escrow account to obtain the 2-year investor visa.
• Obtain health insurance coverage for Dubai.
• Provide a detailed business plan outlining your proposed investment in Dubai. This could include establishing a company and purchasing property, stocks, bonds, or other approved investments.
• Pass a medical exam.
• Pay required visa fees, currently AED 15,000, for a 2-year investor visa, including health insurance and medical tests.

Meeting these criteria will allow you to obtain an initial 2-year investor visa to enter Dubai. You can then apply to renew your visa in 2-year increments as long as you maintain the minimum investment amount. The investor visa allows you and your dependents to reside, work or study in Dubai.

How to Apply for the Dubai Investor Visa?

To apply for the Dubai Investor Visa, you will need to follow a step-by-step process:

Ensure you meet the eligibility criteria, including investing at least AED 5 million in Dubai.

Prepare the required documents, which include the following:

1. Proof of investment, such as a property purchase agreement or business license
2. Bank statements for the last 6 months
3. Passport copy with minimum 6 months validity
4. Health insurance for UAE
5. Passport photo
6. Application form

Submit your documents to the General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs (GDRFA) or an authorized typing center. They will review your application and documents.

1. Undergo a medical test at an authorized medical center in Dubai. The medical report must be submitted to the GDRFA.
2. If your application is approved, the GDRFA will contact you to provide your original passport and Emirates ID. Your investor visa will be stamped in your passport.
3. Once you have the investor visa, you can enter Dubai. You must then undergo further medical tests and apply for a residency permit.
4. Apply for dependents’ visas for your spouse and children (if any) once you have obtained the investor visa. Dependents also need to meet the standard eligibility criteria.

Following these steps carefully and ensuring you have all the requirements in order will facilitate obtaining the Dubai Investor Visa. Do note that the overall timeline can take 3 to 4 months.

Dubai Investor Visa Costs

You must pay certain fees and costs to obtain an Investor Visa for Dubai. The main costs for a Dubai Investor Visa are:

• Application fee: AED 1,000. This is a one-time fee paid when submitting your initial Investor Visa application.
• Medical insurance: AED 1,200 per year. Medical insurance is mandatory for all Dubai residence visas, including Investor Visas. You will need to maintain coverage for the duration of your visa.
• Visa deposit: AED 100,000. This refundable deposit is held for the duration of your Investor Visa. It is returned when your visa is cancelled.
• Property expenses (optional): If investing in property, additional fees such as transfer fees, maintenance fees, utilities, and taxes may apply. Property investment is not required for an Investor Visa but can be a popular option.

You can expect to pay around AED 102,200 in required fees for a standard 3-year Investor Visa in Dubai. The exact total will depend on the specifics of your application and investment. Additional costs may apply for dependents or deciding to invest in Dubai property. But with the potential benefits and opportunities, the initial investment in a Dubai Investor Visa can be well worth it for the right applicant.

5-Year And 10-Year Investor Visas In Dubai

To qualify for a 5-year or 10-year investor visa in Dubai, you must invest a minimum amount in property, business, or a combination of both. For a 5-year investor visa, the minimum investment is AED 5 million. For a 10-year investor visa, the minimum investment is AED 10 million.

The investment amount can be allocated in the following ways:

• Purchase of residential or commercial property (at least 51% of the total investment)
• Establish a new company or partner in an existing company (at least 51% ownership)
• A combination of property (at least AED 2 million) and business (at least AED 3 million) investment for a total of AED 5 million

The initial 5-year or 10-year investor visa can be renewed for another 5 or 10 years as long as you maintain the minimum investment amount. Additional dependents, including spouses, children, parents, and domestic staff, can be sponsored under your investor visa.

Benefits of Dubai Investor Visa

The Dubai Investor Visa offers many benefits for entrepreneurs and business owners looking to expand to the UAE market. Some key benefits include:

Easy business setup

Once you obtain the investor visa, you can easily register a company in Dubai and start operating. There are no restrictions on business activities or sectors.

100% ownership

You can fully own your registered company in Dubai without needing a local partner.

Tax benefits

There is a zero percent corporate and personal income tax rate in Dubai.

Convenient location

Dubai’s strategic location and well-developed infrastructure make it easy to do business regionally and globally.

Access to funding

Dubai has a thriving business environment with access to investors, banks, and funding options.

High living standards

Dubai offers world-class amenities, healthcare, education options and a pleasant lifestyle for you and your family.

Fast visa processing

The investor visa application process is largely online and can be completed in 2-4 weeks.

The investor visa provides an easy pathway for high-net-worth individuals and families to obtain long-term UAE residence. The minimum investment amounts are lower than most other countries offering residency by investment programs.

FAQS

As an investor visa applicant, you likely have several questions about the process. Here are some of the most frequently asked questions:

What is the minimum investment amount?

The minimum investment is AED 5 million. This can comprise cash, assets, shares, bonds, or a combination.

How long is the visa valid for?

The validity of an investor visa in Dubai and the UAE varies based on the visa category. There are three categories: property investment visa, which is valid for three to five years; investor/partner visa, which is valid for two years; and golden visa, which is valid for ten years.

Can my family join me?

Your spouse and children under 18 can be included on your investor visa.

Do I need to live in Dubai?

No, there is no minimum stay requirement. You can live in Dubai part-time or visit whenever you like.

Is a bank deposit required?

No bank deposit is required for the investor visa. Your investment can be in any approved asset class.

Is there a processing time?

Investor visa applications are typically processed in 3 to 4 weeks. The entire process, including establishing your investment, usually takes 2 to 3 months.

Refer to the official government website for an overview of the Dubai investor visa requirements and application process. They provide comprehensive details on the documents needed and the step-by-step application procedure.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the Dubai Investor Visa offers significant opportunities if you have the financial means to invest in real estate or an existing business in the UAE. With proper planning and advice from immigration professionals, the process can go smoothly. The benefits are plentiful, from residency to tax incentives.

However, do thorough research and due diligence before making this major commitment. Consider both the short and long-term goals for your investment. With the right preparations, the Dubai Investor Visa can provide you and your family an optimal environment to live, work, and thrive.