A Dubai investor visa through your company is a 2-year residence permit costing AED 6,000–9,000 all-in. You must own a registered business (licence from DET), pass medical screening (MOHRE-approved clinic), and obtain an Emirates ID. Sponsor family from AED 4,000/month salary (parents require AED 20,000/month).
What Is a Dubai Investor Visa Through Your Company?
A Dubai investor visa through company is a 2-year residence visa issued by the UAE Ministry of Human Resources & Emiratisation (MOHRE) to business owners and partners. You must be the registered shareholder or partner of an active company, whether in the mainland or a Dubai free zone company formation structure. The visa allows you to reside legally, work, sponsor family members, and renew indefinitely. Unlike the Golden Visa (10-year), the investor/partner visa is ideal for active traders who want annual flexibility or who don’t qualify for larger minimum investment thresholds.
Get a fully itemised cost breakdown: WhatsApp +971 54 332 2846 or email inquiry@dubaibusinessservices.com.
All-in Cost Breakdown: Investor/Partner Visa 2026
Below is a real itemised cost table for a 2-year investor/partner visa in Dubai (2026 rates). All fees are AED; convert at today’s mid-market rate for your home currency.
| Item | Cost (AED) | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Flexi-desk / Registered Office Address (1 year) | 900–1,500 | DMCC / Ras Al Khaimah (RAK) / other free zones |
| Trade Licence (mainland or free zone, 1 year) | 1,200–2,000 | DET, free-zone authority, or trade department; renewal annual |
| Investor/Partner Visa (2 years, MOHRE) | 1,800–2,500 | Processing via PRO/consultant; includes typing & submission |
| Medical Screening & Lab Tests | 500–800 | MOHRE-approved clinic; includes blood, X-ray, vaccination check |
| Emirates ID (Issuance, 2 years) | 150–250 | Federal Authority for Identity & Citizenship (ICP) |
| Health Insurance (mandatory, 1 year) | 800–1,500 | Minimum coverage ~AED 1,500–3,000; includes GP, hospital access |
| Estimated All-In Total | AED 6,000–9,000 | Spread across 1–2 years; payable monthly or annually |
Indicative at current rates — convert at today’s rate; rates move. For your home currency equivalent, apply the current AED/USD, AED/GBP, or AED/EUR mid-market rate. Example: USD 1,600–2,450 or GBP 1,280–1,960 (approximate; verify with your bank).
Step-by-Step Timeline: Investor Visa in 7 Days
Here’s a realistic day-by-day setup schedule (assumes company already registered with DET or free-zone authority):
| Day | Action | Responsible |
|---|---|---|
| Day 1–2 | Secure flexi-desk; pay registration fee (AED 900–1,500). Open PRO/consultant support ticket. | You + Consultant |
| Day 3–4 | Book MOHRE-approved clinic; attend medical screening. Results emailed same day or next. | You |
| Day 5 | PRO submits visa application + medical report to MOHRE & General Department of Residency & Foreigners Affairs (GDRFA). | Consultant |
| Day 6–7 | Visa approval (e-notification via GDRFA portal). Arrange Emirates ID appointment at ICP. Pay insurance premium. | You + ICP |
| Days 8–14 | Collect Emirates ID (biometric scan at ICP centre). Activate health insurance online. | You |
What You Need: Banking & Documents Checklist
To approve your investor/partner visa application, MOHRE, GDRFA and your financial institution require these documents:
- Company Registration & Ownership: Trade licence (certified copy), company registration certificate, proof of shareholding (commercial registry extract), memorandum & articles of association.
- Financial Proof: Bank statement (last 6 months) showing company account with AED 100,000+ average balance, or audited financials (if turnover > AED 1M/year). A letter from your bank confirming business account status and credit facility (if held).
- Personal Identity & Health: Valid passport (minimum 6 months validity), medical report (from MOHRE-approved clinic, dated within 30 days), completed visa application form (DED 401 or GDRFA form).
- Accommodation & Insurance: Tenancy contract or property ownership document (for visa address), proof of health insurance quote or active policy number.
- Sponsorship (if family visa required): Original marriage certificate, birth certificates (children), parent ID/passport, completed dependant visa form (GDRFA form).
DBS provides a full document pack: email inquiry@dubaibusinessservices.com for your checklist.
Salary Thresholds for Family Sponsorship in 2026
Once you hold the investor/partner visa, MOHRE allows you to sponsor family members at these minimum monthly salary thresholds (as of 2026):
- Spouse: AED 4,000/month (gross salary documented in employment contract, bank statements).
- First Child: AED 4,000/month (no additional cost per child).
- Additional Children (2nd onwards): AED 1,500/month increment per child (total: AED 5,500 for 2 children, AED 7,000 for 3).
- Parents: AED 20,000/month (significantly higher threshold; requires bank proof and medical insurance for parents).
- Maids/Domestic Workers: AED 4,000/month salary threshold; separate visa process via MOHRE.
Your salary is verified via trade licence income statement (for business owners), employment contract, and 6-month bank salary deposits. Family visa fees typically range AED 300–800 per dependent; processing time 5–10 working days.
Golden Visa vs. Investor/Partner Visa: Key Differences
Many investors ask whether to pursue a 10-year Golden Visa or a renewable 2-year investor/partner visa. Here’s the comparison:
| Feature | Golden Visa (10-year) | Investor/Partner Visa (2-year) |
|---|---|---|
| Minimum Investment | AED 2M (real estate, cash, company equity) | Active trade licence (no set AED threshold) |
| Government Fees | AED 4,695–10,140 (includes medical, Emirates ID, visa) | AED 1,800–2,500 (visa only; medical/ID separate) |
| Real Estate Rule (Feb 2026) | Mortgaged & off-plan property now qualify (old 50% upfront rule removed) | N/A |
| Renewal | Renewable for 10 years if investment maintained | Annual or 2-yearly renewal (simple, low-cost) |
| Business Flexibility | No active business required | Company must remain active & licensed |
Myth to Correct: There is no AED 100,000 “lifetime” Golden Visa. The UAE Ministry of Interior & Federal Authority for Identity (ICP) publicly denied this in July 2025. All Golden Visas require at least AED 2M investment and are renewed every 10 years. If you’ve heard otherwise, it’s outdated or false. Always verify with the official portal (u.ae) or a licensed PRO.
Green Visa & Alternative Residence Options
If you don’t meet the investor/partner visa criteria, consider the UAE’s Green Visa (5-year renewable residence):
- Skilled Workers: Minimum monthly salary AED 15,000 (verified employment contract + bank proof).
- Freelancers: Annual income AED 360,000+ (self-employed; requires trade licence & business bank account).
- Company Investors/Partners: Shareholding worth AED 1M+ in a UAE-registered company (not including real estate).
Green Visa processing typically takes 5–7 working days; medical & Emirates ID costs are the same as investor visa. Total all-in cost: AED 5,500–8,000 (similar to investor/partner visa). Contact DBS to determine which visa category suits your profile.
How to Get Started: Your Next Step
Ready to secure residency through your Dubai business? Business setup in Dubai starts with a registered trade licence, company bank account, and medical clearance. DBS provides end-to-end support: company formation, PRO sponsorship, visa filing, and family sponsorship.
Talk to DBS on WhatsApp +971 54 332 2846 or email inquiry@dubaibusinessservices.com for a free, fully itemised cost breakdown in your currency. We’ll provide a day-by-day timeline, document checklist, and real AED/USD/GBP/EUR costs based on your situation.
Frequently asked questions
How do I get residency through my Dubai company?
Register an active trade licence with DET (mainland) or a free-zone authority (DMCC, RAK, etc.). As a registered shareholder/partner, you apply for a 2-year investor/partner visa via MOHRE. You’ll need company registration docs, a bank statement showing AED 100k+ company account balance, medical clearance, and a health insurance policy. Processing takes 7–10 working days.
What does the investor/partner visa cost?
All-in cost is AED 6,000–9,000, covering flexi-desk (AED 900–1,500), trade licence (AED 1,200–2,000), visa processing (AED 1,800–2,500), medical (AED 500–800), Emirates ID (AED 150–250), and health insurance (AED 800–1,500). Costs vary by free zone or mainland setup and insurance provider. Email inquiry@dubaibusinessservices.com for a bespoke quote.
How long is it valid and can I renew?
The investor/partner visa is valid for 2 years and is fully renewable indefinitely as long as your trade licence remains active and your company stays compliant. Renewal is typically simpler and cheaper than initial issuance (approximately AED 2,000–4,000 for year 2 onwards). Renewal applications can usually be filed 60 days before expiry.
What salary do I need to sponsor my spouse, children or parents?
Spouse and first child require AED 4,000/month gross salary (verified by employment contract and bank deposits). Each additional child adds AED 1,500/month. Parents require a significantly higher threshold of AED 20,000/month and must have health insurance and medical approval. All figures are 2026 MOHRE requirements; verify with your PRO.
Do I need to keep a minimum balance in my company account?
Yes. MOHRE and banks typically require a minimum company account balance of AED 100,000 to support your visa and business credibility. Some free zones may require AED 50,000–100,000 minimum. The balance must be maintained for visa approval and renewal. Speak to DBS to understand your specific zone’s requirements.
What’s the difference between Golden Visa and investor visa?
Golden Visa (10-year) requires AED 2M investment in real estate, deposits, or company equity; government fees ~AED 4,695–10,140. Investor/partner visa (2-year) needs only an active trade licence; all-in cost AED 6,000–9,000. Golden Visa doesn’t require active business; investor visa does. Both renew indefinitely. Choose based on capital available and business plans.
Is there a lifetime Golden Visa for AED 100,000?
No. There is no AED 100,000 ‘lifetime’ Golden Visa. The UAE Ministry of Interior and Federal Authority for Identity publicly denied this in July 2025. All Golden Visas require AED 2M+ investment and renew every 10 years. If you hear otherwise, it’s outdated or false. Always verify on u.ae or with a licensed PRO.
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Talk to DBS on WhatsApp +971 54 332 2846 or email inquiry@dubaibusinessservices.com for a free, fully itemised cost breakdown in your currency.
