Investor & Partner Visa in Dubai – Business Residency for Foreign Nationals

To be eligible for a partnership visa in the UAE, a foreign national must hold paid-up shares in a company registered under an approved legal structure. Accepted company types include Limited Liability Company (LLC), Private Joint Stock Company, Public Shareholding Company, Simple Recommendation Company, and Solidarity Company. There is no fixed minimum capital requirement, but the applicant must provide official proof of shareholding and be named on the trade licence and investment agreement. EGSH assists applicants in verifying company eligibility, legal structure, and shareholding compliance before submission.

For a standard 2-year investor visa, there is no fixed minimum investment requirement. However, the applicant must provide official proof of legal shareholding in a licensed UAE company — typically through the Trade Licence and Memorandum of Association (MOA). The AED 1,000,000 capital threshold applies only to Golden Visa applicants. In some cases, notarised documents may be required depending on the issuing jurisdiction. EGSH carefully verifies investment documentation to ensure compliance before initiating the visa process.

While the entry permit base fee is AED 200, the total cost of obtaining a partner visa in Dubai typically ranges from AED 3,000 to AED 7,000 or more, depending on the applicant’s status, medical requirements, Emirates ID issuance, and selected GDRFA processing channel. Additional government fees may include: Knowledge Dirham: AED 10 Innovation Dirham: AED 10 In-country processing fee: AED 500 EGSH provides a full cost breakdown before submission and ensures all documents and payments are aligned with current GDRFA procedures.

The main difference lies in the legal form of the business and the applicant’s role. An investor visa is typically issued to individuals holding shares in capital-based entities such as LLCs or Private Joint Stock Companies. A partner visa is issued to applicants who share ownership in legal entities that allow multiple partners, such as LLCs or partnership structures. Both visa types grant a standard 2-year residency upon proof of legal shareholding in a licensed UAE company, supported by the Trade Licence and MOA. The AED 1,000,000 threshold applies only to Golden Visa applicants.

Family members can be sponsored under a valid partnership visa in Dubai, provided the residency has been issued and all regulatory requirements are met. Eligible dependents include the applicant’s spouse, children, and parents. As per GDRFA regulations, the sponsor must meet the financial criteria and submit supporting documents such as a tenancy contract, a salary certificate (if applicable), and proof of relationship. Family sponsorship under the investor visa and the partnership visa follows the same procedures and conditions. EGSH assists in preparing and submitting all required documents for dependent visa applications.

A medical fitness test is mandatory for all applicants for a partnership visa in Dubai. The test must be completed after the entry permit is issued and before residency visa stamping. The test includes a blood screening and chest X-ray, conducted in accordance with Dubai Health Authority (DHA) requirements.

A business partnership visa in Dubai is typically issued for a validity period of two years, subject to GDRFA approval and continuous compliance with residency and commercial regulations. To maintain the visa, the applicant must remain an active shareholder in a licensed company and ensure timely renewals. Changes in ownership or company status may affect visa validity. EGSH assists with visa renewals to ensure uninterrupted legal residency.