Sub-service · Residence visas · 2026
Investor visa in the UAE
An investor visa is the residence visa a shareholder obtains through their own UAE company. In the snapshot it appears in 2,047 license packages — 44% of the catalog across 15 providers — almost always right after the establishment card step.
Updated September 2026 · market data verified methodology
- Packages include it
- 2,047 44% of the catalog
- Providers
- 15 free zones + mainland
- Position in process
- step 3 after license and establishment card
- Typical bundle
- license + card + visa + bank 1,833 packages
UAE residence · general
Benefits and requirements of a UAE residence visa
Benefits
- Legal UAE residency for the route's term — renewable while conditions hold
- Family sponsorship: spouse, children and, on many routes, parents
- 0% personal income tax on salary and earnings
- UAE bank account, credit cards and a local driving licence
- Multiple entries with no travel restrictions while the visa is active
- Access to insurance-based private healthcare and government centres
Requirements
- Passport valid for at least 6 months
- Medical insurance accepted in the UAE
- Entry permit with a change of status, in country or abroad
- Medical fitness test at a UAE health centre
- Emirates ID registration with biometrics
- Route-specific proof of eligibility and a clean immigration record
General rules for UAE residence visas — each route and emirate applies its own conditions, and this page covers this visa’s specifics below.
Process
How the investor visa process goes
-
Visa quota
with licenseThe company obtains its visa allocation — the number of residence visas tied to the license package.
-
Entry permit (e-visa)
1–3 daysAn entry permit / e-visa is applied for the shareholder through the e-channel system.
-
Status change
if applicableIf the applicant is already inside the UAE, their status is changed to residence; otherwise the entry permit is used to enter.
-
Medical fitness test
1–2 daysA medical fitness test is scheduled at a approved medical center.
-
Emirates ID application
same visitThe Emirates ID application is submitted together with the medical file.
-
Biometrics
1 dayBiometric data is submitted at an ID center; the medical test is completed.
-
Resident visa issued
2–5 daysThe UAE resident visa is issued electronically and stamped in the passport.
-
Emirates ID received
5–10 daysThe physical Emirates ID card is delivered — the process is complete.
Typical package sequence in the snapshot: License registration → Establishment card → Investor visa → Corporate bank account (1,833 of 2,047 packages follow this order).
Zones
Where packages include the investor visa
| Provider | Packages with investor visa | License price from |
|---|---|---|
 IFZA (Dubai) | 549 | from AED 9,120* |
 Dubai DET (mainland) | 548 | from AED 15,665* |
 DUQE (Dubai) | 328 | from AED 9,635* |
 Jafza (Jebel Ali) | 256 | from AED 5,171* |
 DMCC (Dubai) | 117 | from AED 6,143* |
 SPC Free Zone (Sharjah) | 95 | from AED 6,345* |
 SHAMS (Sharjah) | 81 | from AED 5,760* |
 Meydan Free Zone (Dubai) | 65 | from AED 7,670* |
* Market reference as of September 2026, exact quote on request. Market data, Sep 2026.
Frequently asked questions
Frequently asked questions
What is an investor visa in the UAE?
It is a residence visa obtained through your own UAE company: the company allocates a visa from its quota to the shareholder. In the snapshot, 2,047 license packages (44%) include this step.
How much does the investor visa step cost?
Visa fees are billed separately from the license. Packages that include the investor visa start from AED 5,171* (Jafza) to AED 15,665* (DET) for the license itself — visa stamps, medical and Emirates ID are additional line items.
How long does the whole visa process take?
The license is issued first (from 3–6 days depending on the zone), then the establishment card, and only then the visa steps: entry permit, medical, biometrics and ID — typically 2–3 weeks in total after the license.
Does an investor visa require me to be in the UAE?
The company registration is remote, but the visa itself requires entry: the entry permit is used to enter (or the status is changed if you are already in the UAE), and biometrics and the medical test are done on site.
Planning an investor visa for your company?
We match the license package to your visa plan — quota, family sponsorship and bank account in one scope.