Live in Dubai: Get Residency Through Business or Property
April 16, 2025
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Dubai's vibrant economy continues to beckon entrepreneurs and investors from across the globe, offering a dynamic environment to launch and grow businesses 
[4]
[7]. If you're looking to establish your venture and gain residency in this thriving hub, understanding the visa options beyond the high-profile Golden Visa is crucial. This guide focuses specifically on the Investor and Partner Visas – practical pathways linked directly to setting up or investing in a Dubai-based company, offering a solid foundation for your business journey 
[3][4]
[6]. We'll explore mainland versus free zone setups, eligibility hurdles, application steps, and the benefits you can expect, all based on current regulations 
[11]
[17]
[26]. Let's get you started on navigating the process for securing your business residency in Dubai.
Understanding Dubai's Investor & Partner Visas (Non-Golden)
So, what exactly are these Investor and Partner Visas? Think of them as residency permits tied directly to your involvement in a UAE company – either as an owner or a partner [4][6]. They differ significantly from employment visas, which link your stay to a specific employer, giving you, the business owner, much more flexibility [3]. These visas are also distinct from the Golden Visa program, which typically requires a much higher investment threshold for longer-term residency 
[2]
[35]. Investor and Partner visas usually offer residency for two to three years and are renewable, allowing you to sponsor yourself through your own established company [3]
[16]
[19]
[25]. It's also worth noting the 5-year Green Visa for Investors/Partners, another valuable long-term option if you meet specific investment criteria, like investing AED 1 million 
[1]
[15].
Choosing Your Business Setup Path: Mainland vs. Free Zone
Setting up on the Dubai Mainland means you're governed by the Dubai Economy and Tourism (DET) [17]
[34]. The major advantage here is the freedom to trade directly within the wider UAE market [17]. Good news – 100% foreign ownership is now possible for most business activities, though some strategic sectors might still need local involvement 
[13][17]. You'll need a specific Trade License (like Commercial or Professional), choose a legal structure (LLC is common), and secure a physical office with an Ejari (lease registration) [17][26][13]. For professional licenses, a Local Service Agent (LSA) is often required 
[8]. Setup costs typically range from AED 20,000 to AED 40,000+, and sometimes a capital amount (like AED 50,000) needs mentioning in your company's founding documents (MOA) [6][11]
[33].
Alternatively, Dubai Free Zones are designated economic areas, each managed by its own authority (think DMCC, DAFZ, or IFZA) 
[23]. They offer attractive benefits like 100% foreign ownership, potential tax exemptions, and full profit repatriation [13][33]. You'll need a Free Zone Trade License and choose a structure like an FZE (single owner) or FZCO (multiple owners) [23][26][33]. Office requirements are often more flexible, ranging from flexi-desks to physical spaces, sometimes linked to how many visas you need [11][13]. Capital requirements vary wildly – from AED 1,000 in DAFZ to AED 50,000 in DMCC, with setup costs anywhere from AED 10,000 to over AED 50,000 [1][11]
[20][23][33]. The main limitation? Free zone companies generally face restrictions trading directly on the mainland market [11][17].
Key Investor & Partner Visa Pathways (Excluding Golden Visa)
Beyond the setup location, several specific visa pathways exist for investors and partners, not including the Golden Visa program. The most common is the Standard Partner/Investor Visa, obtained by becoming a shareholder or partner in either a Mainland or Free Zone company [3][25]. You'll need to hold shares, potentially meeting minimums like 25% ownership or having AED 50,000 mentioned in the MOA, or simply setting up the company with costs starting around AED 12,000* [3][4][6][8]
[9]. These visas typically last 2-3 years and are renewable [16][19]
[27].
Another popular route is the 2-Year Property Investor Visa. This requires owning property in Dubai valued at AED 750,000 or more at the time of purchase 
[36]. The key document is your Title Deed from the Dubai Land Department (DLD) 
[10]
[31]. If the property is mortgaged, you'll need an NOC from the bank and proof that at least AED 750,000 (or 50% of the value, if higher) has been paid off [10]
[32][36]. This visa is renewable every two years [16][36].
Don't forget the Green Visa (Investor/Partner Category). This 5-year renewable visa is for those making a significant investment, specifically AED 1 million, with proof required [1]. Lastly, while an E-Trader License allows online business, it doesn't automatically grant residency; you'd need to apply for a visa separately based on that activity 
[12].
Are You Eligible? Key Requirements Checklist
Wondering if you qualify? Here’s a quick checklist for most standard Investor/Partner visas:
•
Have sufficient financial means to support yourself and the business [3].
Your Step-by-Step Application Guide (Company-Based Visa)
Ready to apply for an Investor/Partner visa through your company? The process generally unfolds in two main phases. First comes the Company Setup. This involves getting initial approvals and reserving your trade name from DET or the relevant Free Zone authority [17]
[22][26]. Then, you'll draft and notarize your Memorandum of Association (MOA) or Local Service Agent (LSA) agreement [6][26]. Securing office space and getting the Ejari (lease registration) is crucial for mainland setups [13][26]. Finally, you submit all documents and fees to obtain your official Trade License [17][20][26].
Phase two is the Immigration Process. Once your license is issued, your company needs an Establishment Card from immigration (GDRFA/ICP) [4][9]
[18]. Next, you apply for your Investor Entry Permit if you're outside the UAE, or request a 'change of status' if you're already inside on another visa [6][18]. You'll then undergo the mandatory medical fitness test and apply for your Emirates ID, which includes providing biometrics [3][9][18]. Securing mandatory health insurance is a must before the final step [2][4][18][36]. Lastly, submit everything for visa stamping – although increasingly, your Emirates ID serves as proof of residency [1][18]. You can manage these steps via online portals (GDRFA/ICP), Amer Centers, typing centers, or with the help of consultants [4][19]
[21][22][25].
Essential Documentation Checklist
Getting your documents in order is critical. Here’s a rundown of what you'll likely need:
General Documents (All Applicants):
•
Completed Application Form [8]
For Company Investor/Partner Visa:
•
NOC from previous sponsor (if applicable) [20]
For 2-Year Property Investor Visa:
For Family Sponsorship (Dependents):
Benefits of Your Dubai Investor/Partner Visa
Securing an Investor or Partner visa unlocks numerous advantages. Primarily, it grants you legal residency in the UAE, typically for 2-3 years initially, with the option to renew [3][6][16][19][27]. This allows you to legally operate and manage your business, tapping into Dubai's thriving economy [3][4][7]. A major perk is the ability to sponsor your immediate family – spouse and children (up to age 25 for unmarried sons) – for residency too [2][3][6][7][11][20]. Sponsoring parents is also often possible under certain conditions [2][6][12][18]. You gain travel flexibility with multiple entry rights, though standard visas usually require you don't stay outside the UAE for more than 180 consecutive days [3]
[28]. Plus, you can open bank accounts, get a driving license, access healthcare, and enjoy the UAE's tax advantages, like no personal income tax [3][4][6][7]. It all adds up to stability and security in a pro-business environment [2][7].
Keeping Your Visa: Renewal Conditions
Your Investor or Partner visa isn't a one-time deal; it needs renewal, usually every 2-3 years [19][25]. The absolute key is maintaining the foundation of your visa: your business must remain active with a valid, annually renewed Trade License, or you must continue to own the qualifying property [16][25][26]. For renewal, you'll need updated documents like your passport, Emirates ID, the renewed license or Title Deed, and possibly recent company financials [3][25]. A renewal medical test and continuous, valid health insurance coverage are mandatory [3][25]. Don't forget the physical presence rule – for standard visas, avoid staying outside the UAE for more than 180 consecutive days [28]. The renewal process involves submitting an application (online or via Amer centers) before expiry, paying government fees (often around AED 4,000-6,000+), and getting the updated visa/ID [3][25]. There's usually a grace period after expiry, but overstaying leads to fines [1][25].
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