Dubai investor visas in 2026 require AED 50,000–250,000 share capital deposited in a Dubai or mainland free zone company, governed by UAE Cabinet Resolution 57/2020. Investors receive 3-year renewable visas or fast-track to 10-year Golden Visas. Family sponsorship costs range AED 4,000–5,000 annually once salary thresholds are met.
What Is the Dubai Investor Visa 2026?
The Dubai investor visa is a residency permit for foreign entrepreneurs who establish or partner in UAE companies. Under Cabinet Resolution 57/2020 and refreshed guidance for 2026, UAE investor visa holders receive 3-year renewable residency, with no employment letter required. The scheme is administered by the Department of Economy and Tourism (DET) and the General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs (GDRFA). Free zones including JAFZA, RAK FTZ, and Ajman FTZ issue visas directly; mainland licences require separate GDRFA referral.
DBS has helped 80,000+ entrepreneurs navigate investor visa rules since 2009—get clarity in a free 20-minute call.
Share Capital Minimums by Free Zone (2026)
Free zones enforce tiered share capital requirements:
| Free Zone / Sector | Minimum Share Capital (AED) | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Jebel Ali Free Zone (JAFZA) | 50,000–100,000 | Trading, manufacturing, services |
| RAK Free Trade Zone | 50,000–75,000 | General + offshore structures |
| Ajman Free Zone | 50,000 | Lowest entry for free zone visa |
| Dubai South (Logistics) | 100,000–250,000 | Sector-specific; higher for tech/pharma |
| Mainland (DET-licensed) | 150,000–500,000 | No visa guarantee; requires GDRFA sponsorship |
Share capital must be deposited in a UAE bank account registered to the company before visa application. DET and free zone authorities verify proof of funds.
3-Year vs. 10-Year Golden Visa: Which Path in 2026?
The 3-year investor visa 2026 remains the standard pathway. However, Cabinet Resolution 57/2020 allows fast-track upgrade to a 10-year Golden Visa if your investment meets higher thresholds (typically AED 250,000+ share capital plus demonstrated business turnover). Golden Visa holders enjoy indefinite residency renewal without employment conditions. Many investors start with a 3-year visa to test market fit, then upgrade. Dubai free zone setup costs are separate from visa processing fees (AED 3,500–6,500 per investor).
Talk to DBS: Which visa path fits your 2026 goals? WhatsApp +971 54 332 2846.
Family Sponsorship: Salary & Visa Costs 2026
Once your investor visa is approved, you may sponsor family members (spouse, children under 25) if you meet salary thresholds:
- AED 4,000/month minimum for spouse + 1 child
- AED 5,000/month minimum for spouse + 2+ children
- Family visa processing: AED 1,500–3,000 per person (GDRFA fees)
- Annual family sponsorship (visa renewal): AED 200–400
These thresholds are set by the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation (MOHRE) and enforced by GDRFA. Self-employed investors must provide audited financial statements or bank statements proving consistent income. Salary deposits must clear before visa issuance.
Investor Visa Fees & Processing Timeline
Total cost to obtain a 3-year investor visa in 2026 ranges as follows:
- Visa processing (DET/GDRFA): AED 3,500–6,500 per investor
- Free zone licence annual fee: AED 2,500–15,000 (depends on sector and zone)
- Document attestation & notary: AED 500–1,500
- Total setup + visa: AED 6,500–23,000 (excluding share capital deposit)
Processing typically takes 15–30 days from final document submission. Free zones like JAFZA and RAK FTZ operate dedicated investor visa windows and can issue visas within 7–10 days if all papers are complete. Mainland licences through DET take 20–30 days due to additional GDRFA checks.
DBS handles all paperwork to keep timelines tight—book your free scoping call today.
Cabinet Resolution 57/2020 & Partner Visas Explained
Cabinet Resolution 57/2020 governs both investor visas (ownership-based) and partner visas (shareholding in existing companies). Key rules for 2026:
- Investors must hold ≥5% ownership stake (minimum AED 50,000 for free zones)
- Partner visas require equity stake + business registration proof
- Visa renewable every 3 years; no employment contract needed
- GDRFA retains final approval authority for mainland partnerships
- Free zone authorities issue visas independently (faster route)
The Cabinet resolution explicitly permits investors to reside in the UAE without a local employment sponsor, distinguishing them from salaried employees. This is why Dubai business setup via free zones is popular—you own the business and the residency.
Does AED 50,000 Share Capital Really Need to Be Deposited?
Yes. DET and free zone authorities require proof of bank transfer showing the full minimum share capital (AED 50,000 for most zones) credited to the company’s UAE bank account before visa approval. The funds remain locked in the company’s account; they are not returned and typically become the company’s operational capital. Some investors mistakenly believe share capital is temporary—it is not. If you close the company, share capital may be withdrawn only after all liabilities are settled and free zone/DET clearance is obtained. For 2026, no exceptions to this rule exist. Document everything with IBAN confirmations and bank statements for GDRFA file.
Unsure about share capital rules? DBS can clarify before you commit funds—WhatsApp today.
Frequently asked questions
What share capital do I need for a Dubai investor visa in 2026?
Minimum AED 50,000–100,000 for most free zones (JAFZA, RAK, Ajman); AED 100,000–250,000 for Dubai South; AED 150,000–500,000 for mainland companies. The amount depends on sector and location. All must be deposited in a UAE bank account registered to your company before visa approval. DET and zone authorities verify proof of deposit.
Is the 3-year investor visa still issued in 2026?
Yes. The 3-year renewable investor visa remains the standard offering under Cabinet Resolution 57/2020. You can upgrade to a 10-year Golden Visa if your investment exceeds AED 250,000 and demonstrates business activity. The 3-year visa is renewed every three years by GDRFA upon proof of continued business and fund availability.
How do I upgrade a 3-year investor visa to a 10-year Golden Visa?
Submit a request to DET or your free zone authority before your 3-year visa expires, showing increased share capital (typically AED 250,000+) and audited financial statements or business turnover evidence. GDRFA approves the upgrade if criteria are met. Processing takes 20–30 days. DBS can manage the application; contact us for details.
How much does family sponsorship cost in 2026?
Initial family visa processing: AED 1,500–3,000 per person. Annual renewal: AED 200–400. You must earn a minimum AED 4,000/month (spouse + 1 child) or AED 5,000/month (spouse + 2+ children) per MOHRE rules. Salary must be credited to a UAE bank account and verified by GDRFA before approval.
Which free zones issue investor visas fastest?
JAFZA (Jebel Ali) and RAK Free Trade Zone are fastest, issuing visas in 7–10 working days if documentation is complete. Ajman FTZ also operates quickly. Mainland companies licensed by DET take 20–30 days because they require separate GDRFA sponsorship review. Free zones have dedicated investor visa desks and pre-vetted checklists.
Does AED 50,000 share capital actually need to be deposited?
Absolutely yes. DET and free zone authorities require proof of bank transfer showing the full minimum share capital credited to the company’s UAE bank account before visa issuance. The funds remain in the company account as operational capital; they are not refunded. This is non-negotiable under 2026 Cabinet rules and GDRFA verification protocols.
What is the total cost to set up and get an investor visa in 2026?
Visa processing (DET/GDRFA): AED 3,500–6,500 per investor. Free zone licence (annual): AED 2,500–15,000. Document attestation: AED 500–1,500. Total: AED 6,500–23,000 (excluding the share capital deposit, which is locked in the company). Mainland setups cost more due to additional GDRFA fees.
Get expert help in 20 minutes
Need clarity on your Dubai setup? Talk to DBS Documents Clearing LLC — 80,000+ entrepreneurs served since 2009. WhatsApp +971 54 332 2846 or email inquiry@dubaibusinessservices.com for a free 20-minute scoping call.
Ready to proceed? DBS handles the full setup — see our Investor & Partner Visa service, or get a free quote on WhatsApp +971 54 332 2846.
