What is a Partner (Investment) Visa?

A UAE Investor Visa (also called a Partner Visa) is a scheme to allow foreign nationals to invest in an existing business or start their own business in the Emirates. The partner investment visa gives the holder the right to reside in the UAE and operate a business. Visas are granted for five or ten years.

Who Can Get Partner Visa?

A UAE Partner Visa is available for wealthy investors, highly skilled workers, or outstanding students. Depending on the length of your visa, you can apply for residency if you meet any of the following criteria:

  • Invest in a property with a minimum value of AED 5 million
  • Invest at least AED 10 million in the public sector
  • Become a partner in a UAE company if your share is at least AED 10 million
  • You are a person with a specialised talent — scientist, doctor, engineer, electronics, or biotechnology specialist
  • You are an entrepreneur with at least AED 500,000 capital and an existing project
  • You are an outstanding student with a minimum grade of 95% or a GPA of at least 3.75

Documents Required for Investor Visa in UAE

Anyone applying for a UAE Partner Visa must prove their eligibility. Whether you are applying as an investor, entrepreneur, or student, you should have proof of contract, investment, property ownership or the relevant accreditation. Typically, applying for a UAE investor visa requires the following documents:

  • Passport copy
  • Passport-size pictures
  • Bank statements for the previous six months
  • The relevant documents to prove eligibility. For example, copy of LLC registration, accreditation from the appropriate UAE agency for specialised talents, copy of partnership contract or copy of company trade license.
  • Medical certification (after you are in the UAE)

Investment in a Company

Called the UAE Golden Visa scheme, an investment visa allows eligible investors to apply for a five- or ten-year residency visa. Investors starting a company worth at least AED 500,000 can get a five-year residency permit. An investor who invests AED 10 million can apply for a ten-year visa.

Investment in Residential Property

Buying a residential property also allows you to apply for a visa in the UAE. For example, if you make a substantial investment of at least AED 5 million in real estate, you can get a five-year residency visa. In all cases, you must hold the investment for at least three years.

Long Term Residence

Long-term residence in the UAE is available for wealthy investors, individuals with specialised skills and talents, or those who excel at university. For specialised skills, the relevant government department of the UAE must accredit the talents. Or, if the application is a doctor, they must have a PhD degree from a recognised top university.

How to Get a Partner Visa

You can obtain a partner visa by investing in an existing UAE company with a minimum investment of AED 10 million. You will then need to provide the relevant document with your application showing proof of sponsorship and investment value.

How Long Does It Take to Get a UAE Partner Visa?

It takes between two and three months to process a Partner Visa in the UAE. The first step is to obtain a six-month multiple entry visa. Then, you will need to submit the relevant documents when you are in the UAE. After your application has been accepted, you can obtain your resident visa.

Successfully applying for a UAE investor visa or partner visa can be challenging. At Charterhouse Lombard, we have experience in helping investors obtaining residency in the UAE. Please get in touch with our team to receive the assistance you require to apply for a UAE partner visa.