An investor visa in Dubai is a renewable UAE residence permit for people who invest in Dubai property or own a licensed Dubai company. There are four main routes: a 2-year property investor visa, a 2-year company investor visa, a 5-year Green Visa and a 10-year Golden Visa. The right one depends on how much you invest and where the money goes.
The rules changed this year, and many guides still quote old figures. This guide covers the types, the Dubai investor visa new rules, costs, processing time and application steps.
Key takeaways:
- Since April 2026, a sole owner of a completed Dubai property can apply for the 2-year investor visa with no minimum property value. Joint owners need a share of at least AED 400,000 each.
- DLD lists the fee for a new 2-year property investor visa at AED 10,545, with renewal at AED 8,215.
- The company route has no fixed federal capital minimum. The visa portion typically costs AED 3,500 to AED 7,000, on top of licence and setup costs.
- The Golden Visa needs AED 2 million, lasts 10 years and has no limit on time spent abroad.
- Property-route applications are usually processed in 10 to 15 working days once documents are complete.
What Is an Investor Visa in Dubai?
A Dubai investor visa is a residence permit linked to your investment rather than to an employer. You either own property in Dubai, or you are an owner or shareholder of a company licensed in the emirate. It lets you live in the UAE, hold an Emirates ID and sponsor your family.
People often call it a Dubai investment visa, a business visa or a partner visa. The names overlap, but the route you choose decides the length, the cost and the conditions you must meet.
Types of Investor Visas in Dubai
Here is how the four routes compare at a glance.
| Visa | Validity | Investment Needed | Basis of Eligibility |
| 2-Year Property Investor Visa | 2 years, renewable | Sole owner: no minimum. Joint owners: AED 400,000 each | Completed Dubai property with a DLD title deed |
| 2-Year Company Investor Visa | 2 years, renewable | No fixed federal minimum; capital must suit the licensed activity | Owner or partner in a licensed company |
| 5-Year Green Visa | 5 years, renewable | About AED 1 million contributed to a UAE business | Investor or partner in an approved company |
| 10-Year Golden Visa | 10 years, renewable | AED 2 million in property, a company stake or public investment | Qualifying investment, self-sponsored |
1. 2-Year Property Investor Visa
This is the simplest route for buyers. If you own a completed property in Dubai, you can apply for the 2-year investor visa through DLD. Since April 2026, sole owners no longer need to meet the old AED 750,000 threshold. Properties registered in other emirates or in DIFC are not accepted.
2. 2-Year Company Investor Visa
If you set up a mainland or free zone company, you can obtain an investor or partner visa as its owner or shareholder. Validity is typically two years and renewable. This route suits entrepreneurs who want to run a business, not just hold an asset.
3. 5-Year Green Visa
The Green Visa gives longer residence to investors and partners who commit larger capital to a UAE business. Confirm current criteria with the authorities before planning around it.
4. 10-Year Golden Visa for Investors
The 10-year Golden Visa is open to investors who put at least AED 2 million into Dubai property, a UAE company or a qualifying fund or deposit. Owners of companies that pay at least AED 250,000 a year in federal tax can also qualify. If the property is mortgaged or bought from a developer, you will need a bank NOC or a developer statement of account.
Investor Visa Dubai New Rules in 2026
The biggest change is the April 2026 update to the 2-year property visa. In short:
- The minimum property value for sole owners has been removed.
- For jointly owned property, each owner must hold a share of at least AED 400,000.
- Applicants must still hold a completed property with a DLD title deed.
- Golden Visa thresholds remain at AED 2 million.
- Older articles still mention AED 750,000. Rules can shift again, so check with DLD or a licensed adviser before committing funds.
Investor Visa Dubai Requirements
Property route: documents
- Dubai title deed (not from other emirates or DIFC)
- Passport valid for more than six months
- Previous Emirates ID, if you have one
- Digital photo that meets ICP specifications
- UAE health insurance
- Certificate of good conduct from Dubai Police, addressed to DLD
- Bank NOC or developer payment statement, if the property is mortgaged or developer-financed
Your name must match exactly across every document and your passport. Only the applicant may submit; power-of-attorney representatives are not accepted.
Company route: documents
- Valid trade licence and establishment card
- Memorandum of Association or Local Service Agent agreement, where applicable
- Passport copy, photo and entry permit or status-change papers
- Medical fitness test, Emirates ID application and health insurance
Investor Visa Cost in Dubai
The Dubai investor visa cost depends on the route. Here is a realistic breakdown for the main applicant.
| Route | New Visa | Renewal | Notes |
| 2-Year Property Visa (DLD) | AED 10,545 | AED 8,215 | Cancellation: AED 1,239 |
| 2-Year Company Visa | AED 3,500–7,000 (visa portion) | Varies by profile | Plus licence and setup costs |
| 10-Year Golden Visa (Property) | About AED 9,985 | About AED 9,520 | Cancellation: about AED 191 |
The 2-year investor visa Dubai price for a property owner is AED 10,545 in DLD fees, while the company route usually costs less for the visa itself but adds licence and setup costs. Either way, the fee covers the visa process only. Family visas carry their own fees per dependant. Figures are indicative, so confirm them when you apply.
Investor visa renewal fee in Dubai:
For the 2-year property visa, DLD lists the renewal fee at AED 8,215. Company-route renewals usually run lower, with some providers quoting AED 1,750 to AED 5,000 depending on insurance and Emirates ID status. Keep your title deed or licence, insurance and passport current to avoid delays.
Dubai Investor Visa Processing Time
For the property route, the residence visa is usually issued within 10 to 15 working days, depending on document completeness and approvals. For the company route, allow roughly two to three weeks from licence issuance to visa stamping, since medical, Emirates ID and insurance steps follow the status change.
How to Apply for a Dubai Investor Visa
The application process depends on whether you are investing in a business or property.
Property route
- Confirm that your title deed is for a completed Dubai property.
- Gather documents, including a Dubai Police good conduct certificate.
- Submit the application online through DLD Cube.
- Complete the medical test and Emirates ID biometrics.
- Receive your residence visa and Emirates ID.
Company route
- Choose your jurisdiction and business activity.
- Register the company and obtain the trade licence and establishment card.
- Apply for an entry permit if you are outside the UAE, then complete the status change after arriving.
- Complete the medical test and apply for your Emirates ID.
- Arrange health insurance and have the visa stamped.
Benefits of an Investor Visa in Dubai
An investor visa can offer several practical advantages for eligible business owners and investors.
1. Live in the UAE
A valid residence permit allows you to establish your residence in the UAE while managing your eligible investment or business.
2. Run and manage your business
An eligible business investor can oversee company operations, build local relationships and explore commercial opportunities, subject to the company’s licence and applicable laws.
3. Sponsor eligible family members
Depending on the visa category and sponsorship conditions, residents may be able to sponsor their spouse and children. Additional documentation and financial requirements may apply.
4. Access everyday resident services
Eligible residents can apply for an Emirates ID and access services that require UAE residency, subject to the relevant provider’s requirements.
5. Choose a suitable residency duration
Depending on eligibility, investors may consider a renewable two-year residence route, a five-year Green Visa or a qualifying long-term investment programme.
6. Build a long-term business presence
Residency can make it easier to coordinate business operations, meet clients and plan personal and professional commitments in the UAE.
Investor Visa vs Partner Visa
The two terms are often used interchangeably. In practice, an investor visa usually refers to residence for the owner of a company or property, while a partner visa refers to residence for a shareholder in a company with several owners. Benefits are broadly similar; the difference is your ownership structure and the documents requested.
Get Help with Your Investor Visa in Dubai
Choosing the right investor visa starts with understanding your investment, business structure and residency goals. Applying under the wrong category can lead to unnecessary costs or delays. Shuraa Business Setup can help you explore suitable company formation options, understand the relevant documentation and navigate the business setup and visa application process.
Planning to invest or establish a business in Dubai? Contact Shuraa Business Setup for guidance on the suitable investor visa route, requirements and estimated costs for your situation.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. How much is an investor visa in Dubai?
The UAE investor visa cost depends on the route. A new 2-year property investor visa costs AED 10,545 in DLD fees. A company-route visa typically costs AED 3,500 to AED 7,000 for the visa portion, plus licence costs.
2. What is the minimum investment for a Dubai investor visa?
Sole property owners have no minimum value since April 2026. Joint owners need AED 400,000 each. The Golden Visa requires AED 2 million.
3. Can I get an investor visa if I buy property in Dubai?
Yes. A completed property with a DLD title deed can qualify you for the 2-year investor visa, or the Golden Visa if the value reaches AED 2 million.
4. How long does the investor visa take?
Property applications are usually completed within 10 to 15 working days. Company-route timelines are typically two to three weeks from licensing.
5. Can I sponsor my family?
Yes. You can sponsor a spouse and children, and parents under separate conditions. Each dependant has their own fees.
6. Is an investor visa the same as a Golden Visa?
No. The Golden Visa is the 10-year long-term option for AED 2 million or more. Standard investor visas run for two years.
7. Can I apply from outside the UAE?
Property applicants must be inside the UAE during the process. Company-route applicants can request an entry permit first, then complete the status change after arriving.
Disclaimer: The information in this post is for general guidance only and may change due to updates in government policies or regulations.
