Foreign nationals can start their own business or invest in an existing business in Dubai

The UAE government has introduced a new immigration option for wealthy or highly qualified foreigners: the UAE Long-Term Residence Visa. This sort of visa is valid for 5-10 years, depending on the applicant’s eligibility category. Furthermore, if you qualify, you do not need a sponsor in the UAE to apply on your behalf; you can apply on your own.

The UAE Investor Visa is the most popular type of long-term residency visa given, and it requires the applicant to invest a significant amount of money in the UAE to qualify.

Who qualifies for a UAE Long-Term Residence Visa?

The UAE has two types of Long-Term Residence Visas, each with its own set of requirements and eligibility criteria.

10-year long-term residency visa in the UAE

If you fall into one of the following categories, you are eligible for the 10-year UAE long-term residence visa:

• You make at least AED 10 million in public sector investments (UAE Investor Visa –see below)
• You have a particular talent, such as being a doctor, scientist, inventor, specialist, or having a special talent in the field of culture and art; medical doctors, and also engineers of computer programming, electronics, electrical, and biotechnology.

5-year long-term residency visa in the UAE

If you fall into one of the following categories, you are eligible for a 5-year UAE long-term residence visa:

• You make an investment in real estate in the UAE (UAE Investor Visa, commonly known as the Property Visa UAE)
• You are an entrepreneur with a current project with a minimum capital of AED 500,000
• You are an exceptional student with:
  • A minimum grade of 95% in a public or private secondary school
  • A GPA of at least 3.75 in a university in or outside the country after you graduate

What do I need to apply for a long-term residency visa in the UAE?

When applying for a UAE long-term resident visa, you must have a number of documents to support your application.
You will require the following documents when applying for an admission permit:

• A copy of your passport
• Passport-size photographs
• A bank statement for the previous six months
• Any other documents relevant to your purpose:
  • Copy of the Company’s Trade License
  • Copies of the Partnership Contract (if applicable)
• ID of other partners (if applicable)
• A copy of the Memorandum of Association (for LLC)
• Evidence of accreditation from the relevant UAE authorities (for specialized talents)
• Patent evidence (for investors)

When applying for a long-term resident visa in the UAE, you must bring the following documents:

• Your entry permit
• Passport
• Photos
• Medical exam
• Immigration Establishment Card
• Any documentation connected to your travel purpose

Please keep in mind that this is not a full list of documents. The documents necessary vary by instance, and you may also need to seek approval from UAE officials before filing for the visa. Furthermore, due to the more delicate nature of this visa, you may need to seek the assistance of an attorney or other approved legal organization.

How can I obtain a UAE Investor Visa?

To obtain an Investor Visa in Dubai or elsewhere in the UAE, you must invest at least AED 10 million in the public sector or AED 5 million in real estate.

Investing in the public sector (10-year visa for UAE)

To obtain a 10-year UAE visa through investment, you must invest at least AED 10 million in the country’s public sector. This includes the following:

• Making a deposit in an investment fund
• Establishing a new company in the UAE with a minimum capital of AED 10 million
• Becoming a partner in an established company, providing your stake is worth at least AED 10 million.

Furthermore, when you invest the money, you must ensure that it is not loaned and that you keep the investment for at least three years.

Purchasing property (5-year visa for UAE)

By making an investment in a property with a gross value of at least AED 5 million, you may also be eligible for a long-term visa for the UAE. You must keep the investment for at least three years, and the money you invest cannot be lent to you.

10-year visa to the UAE for individuals with specialized talents

If you have a specific talent, you can potentially be able to obtain a UAE visa. For instance, if you have a talent for culture and art or if you are a doctor, investor, specialist, or scientist.
However, the following requirements must be met in order to qualify for the 10-year visa for the UAE for individuals with specialized talents:

• For scientists: You must hold a Mohammed Bin Rashid Medal for Scientific Excellence or be recognized by the Emirates Scientists Council.
• For artists: The Ministry of Culture and Knowledge Development must certify you.
• For inventors: You must have a valuable patent that benefits the economy of the United Arab Emirates (certified by the Ministry of Economy).
• For medical professionals: You must meet at least one of the requirements below.
  • You have a PhD from one of the top 500 universities in the world
  • You have a PhD and ten years of professional experience in your field
  • You have an award or certificate of appreciation related to your field
  • You are a member of a field-related organization
  • You have published articles or scientific books in renowned publications related to your field
  • You have specialized in a field that is important to the UAE
• For business professionals: You are the CEO of a renowned organization with a global reputation.
• For otherwise outstanding abilities: Either a patent or scientific research that has been published in a prestigious journal is required.

With a UAE Investor Visa, am I allowed to bring my spouse and kids?

You may bring your spouse and children with you if you hold an investor visa for the United Arab Emirates. Additionally, one executive director and one advisor may be added to the visa.

With a UAE Investor Visa, am I allowed to have a business partner?

Yes, one UAE Investor Visa may be used by several business partners. However, this does not imply that the investment can be divided in more than one way; rather, each company partner must put in their own AED 10 million.

How can I get an investor visa for the UAE?

Every foreigner applying for a visa to the UAE must typically have a sponsor in the country, such as their employer (for a work visa) or their place of education (for a student visa).
However, you do not need a sponsor to apply for a long-term residence visa for the United Arab Emirates.

• The registered company serves as your sponsor for the UAE Investor Visa.
• Your sponsor for a UAE Property Visa is the property you buy or invest in.

In Dubai, how can I obtain an investor visa?

Foreign nationals must apply for an Investor Visa for Dubai if they intend to settle in the emirate of Dubai. The procedure for applying for an investor visa for Dubai is the same as that described above because Dubai is primarily one of the emirates that make up the nation of the UAE. The main distinction is that you will submit your application to the GDRFA headquarters in Dubai directly rather than to one in another emirate, such as Abu Dhabi.