Want to start a business in the UAE? The Dubai Partner Visa is one of the easiest and most reliable ways to do it. This visa gives you legal residency for 3 years, allows you to sponsor your family, and makes it easier to travel across GCC countries. It’s made for entrepreneurs and investors who want to become partners in a UAE-based company. You can even sponsor yourself under your own company licence. To qualify, you need to invest at least AED 1 million and have a valid trade license.
This visa is perfect if you’re planning to grow your business in Dubai and want long-term stability. It also opens the dooe to bigger benefits like the UAE Golden Visa. Plus, you get access to a tax-free environment, a growing market, and global business opportunities.
In this blog, Shuraa Business Setup explains everything you need to know in simple terms—what the Dubai Partner Visa is, eligibility criteria, what documents you need, how much it costs, how to apply. Whether you’re just getting started or ready to apply, we’ll guide you every step of the way.
What is a Partner Visa in Dubai?
A partner visa in Dubai is a 2- to 3-year residency permit granted to individuals who hold shares in a UAE-based business. This visa is specifically customised for entrepreneurs or investors who enter into a formal partnership with a company in the emirate. By obtaining a Dubai partner visa, individuals can legally reside in the UAE and actively contribute to the company’s operations and strategic direction.
The partner visa Dubai is typically issued based on the applicant’s shareholding or ownership structure within the business. It also enables the holder to sponsor immediate family members, making it a valuable route for those planning to settle and grow their business presence in Dubai.
Whether you are establishing a new company or joining an existing one as a shareholder, securing a partner visa in Dubai opens the door to long-term residency, greater business flexibility, and potential pathways to the UAE Golden Visa in the future.
What are the Benefits of a Partner Visa in the UAE?
Whether you’re an investor, entrepreneur, or stakeholder in a company, the partnership visa Dubai option offers both flexibility and long-term security. Here are some additional benefits to consider:
- Ability to Sponsor Immediate Family Members: Holders of a partner visa in Dubai can sponsor their spouse, children, and in some cases, even their parents. This enables you to build a stable family life while managing your business operations in the UAE.
- Easier Travel to GCC Countries: With a Dubai partner visa, you’ll experience fewer restrictions when travelling to other GCC countries, promoting more effortless regional mobility, cross-border business expansion, and strategic partnerships.
- Possibility of Obtaining the UAE Golden Visa: Suppose your investment exceeds AED 2 million in property or bank deposits. In that case, your partnership visa in Dubai can become a steppingstone to the prestigious UAE Golden Visa, which is valid for up to 10 years and offers even greater stability.
- Access to UAE Services: A partner visa in Dubai enables you to access essential services, including banking, telecommunications, medical care, and education for children, as well as the opportunity to lease or purchase residential and commercial properties.
- No Tax on Personal Income: With a Dubai partner visa, your income from dividends or profit shares is exempt from personal income tax, allowing for greater wealth accumulation and reinvestment opportunities.
- Active Role in Business Operations: As a visa holder, you can legally manage day-to-day business activities, sign contracts, open corporate bank accounts, and operate fully as a shareholder or managing partner of your company in the UAE.
- Long-Term Residency Stability: Unlike short-term work permits, the partner visa Dubai offers longer residency durations (up to 3 years, renewable), reducing the stress of frequent visa renewals and promoting a stable business environment.
- Open Bank Accounts & Apply for Credit: Having a partnership visa in Dubai enables you to open both personal and corporate bank accounts, apply for loans or credit cards, and build a solid financial profile within the UAE banking system.
- Educational Opportunities for Children: You can enroll your children in UAE-based schools and universities, giving them access to international curricula, world-class facilities, and a multicultural educational environment.
- Freedom to Rent or Buy Property: With a partner visa in Dubai, you are eligible to rent or even purchase real estate in designated areas, supporting long-term settlement or property investment strategies.
- Eligibility for Driving License and Utility Registrations: Visa holders are entitled to apply for a UAE driving license and register utilities, such as DEWA (Dubai Electricity and Water Authority), under their name, which is crucial for personal mobility and a comfortable living experience.
What are the Eligibility Requirements for the Partner Visa in Dubai?
To apply for a partner visa in Dubai, applicants must meet certain conditions set by the UAE government. These requirements are designed to ensure that the applicant holds a legitimate stake in a UAE-based company and is actively involved in its operations. Below are the key partner visa requirements UAE applicants must fulfil:
- Business Ownership or Partnership: The applicant must own a minimum share in a UAE-registered company, typically 25% or more. If not the majority shareholder, a partnership agreement reflecting significant involvement in the company is required.
- Valid Trade License: The company must have a valid Dubai trade license, either under mainland or free zone jurisdiction. The type of business activity listed must be aligned with the applicant’s role.
- Memorandum of Association (MOA): A copy of the Memorandum of Association (MOA) is required, clearly stating the applicant’s role and ownership percentage in the company.
- Financial Investment Proof: Depending on the jurisdiction, proof of a minimum capital investment (e.g., AED 50,000 to AED 300,000) might be necessary.
- Immigration Establishment Card: The company must possess an active establishment card issued by the General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs (GDRFA).
- Good Conduct and Health: The applicant must pass a medical fitness test and present a certificate of good conduct if required by authorities.
- No Objection Certificate (NOC): In some instances, a No Objection Certificate from relevant authorities or business partners may be required.
Meeting these Dubai partner visa requirements ensures a smoother application process and successful issuance of the visa. To navigate the steps accurately, many entrepreneurs and investors rely on consultants familiar with partner visa requirements UAE and local company laws.
How to Get a Partner Visa in Dubai, UAE
Follow this step-by-step list to navigate the process of obtaining your partner visa in Dubai.
1. Establish a Company in Dubai
The foundational requirement for a partner visa is a legitimate business entity. You must be a registered shareholder or legal partner. Your primary options for company setup are:
- Mainland (via the Department of Economy and Tourism – DET): Recent reforms now allow 100% foreign ownership for most business activities, removing the need for a local sponsor. This offers the freedom to operate anywhere in the UAE and bid on government contracts.
- Free Zone: These zones have always offered 100% foreign ownership, along with tax exemptions and a streamlined setup process. The main consideration is that your business operations are generally confined to the free zone, and trading directly in the mainland requires a local distributor.
2. Secure Your Trade License
After your company is formally registered with the DET (for mainland) or the respective Free Zone Authority, you will be issued an official trade license. This document is critical as it serves as proof of your business’s legitimacy and is required for all subsequent visa applications.
3. Apply for an Entry Permit
With a valid trade license, you can apply for an entry permit. This is essentially a temporary visa that is valid for 60 days, allowing you to enter the UAE (if you are overseas) and begin the process of converting your status to a resident.
4. Complete the Medical Fitness Test
All residency visa applicants must undergo a mandatory medical fitness test at an approved government health centre. The test typically includes a blood test for infectious diseases like HIV and hepatitis, and a chest X-ray to screen for tuberculosis.
5. Register for an Emirates ID
The Emirates ID is a mandatory biometric identification card for all UAE residents. You must visit an authorized typing centre or an Amer centre to provide your biometric data (such as fingerprints and a photograph) and complete the application. This ID is linked to all your government services.
6. Finalize Your Residency Visa Stamping
The last official step is to submit your passport to the General Directorate of Residency and Foreign Affairs (GDRFA) for the residency visa stamp. Once approved, your passport will be stamped with the partner visa, formally granting you residency. The validity period depends on your company’s jurisdiction: typically, 2 years for mainland companies and 1 to 3 years for free zone entities.
7. Sponsor Your Family Members
Once your own partner visa is active, you become eligible to sponsor your immediate family members, including your spouse, children, and in some cases, parents. This process is subject to meeting specific eligibility criteria, including minimum salary requirements and accommodation standards.
Read more: UAE Family Visa
Navigating legal procedures and documents can be a complex process. Partnering with Shuraa Business Setup can help you fast-track the process and ensure compliance with all UAE laws.
Document Required for Partner Visa in Dubai
To ensure a smooth application process, have the following documents ready:
- A clear copy of your passport
- Recent passport-sized photographs with a white background
- A certified copy of your company’s trade license
- The Memorandum of Association (MoA) for your company
- The establishment card and immigration card from your company
- The original entry permit
- The medical fitness test clearance certificate
- The application receipt for your Emirates ID
What is the Cost of a Partner Visa in UAE?
The partner visa cost in Dubai 2025 typically starts from AED 4,000*, depending on whether the business is set up in the mainland or a free zone, and the specific services availed during the application process.
What is the Processing Time of a Partner Visa in Dubai?
The processing time of a partner visa in Dubai is generally 5 to 15 working days, provided that all necessary documents are accurately submitted, and essential steps—such as the medical fitness test and Emirates ID registration—are completed promptly.
The UAE partner visa processing time may vary depending on the emirate, the completeness of the documentation, and the workload at the immigration authority at the time of application. Providing accurate information and planning can significantly expedite the visa issuance process.
Get your Partner Visa with Shuraa Business Setup!
In summary, acquiring a partner visa in Dubai involves a well-defined and organised process, accompanied by distinct requirements and associated costs. A clear understanding of the eligibility criteria is essential for a seamless application experience.
The substantial benefits of obtaining a partner visa in Dubai include the opportunity for partners to reside, work, and enjoy the dynamic lifestyle of this vibrant city together. For business setup in Dubai, you can contact Shuraa by phone at +971 4 4081900, via WhatsApp at +971 50 7775554, or by emailing info@shuraa.com.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. What is a 2-year investor visa in Dubai?
A 2-year investor visa in Dubai is a residency permit issued to individuals who invest in a business or company registered in the United Arab Emirates (UAE). This visa permits the holder to reside, work, and sponsor dependents in the UAE for two years. It’s renewable and commonly granted through either mainland or free zone company ownership.
2. How to cancel a partner visa in Dubai without a sponsor?
To cancel a partner visa without the sponsor’s involvement, you typically need:
- A company liquidation certificate
- Clearance from relevant authorities (immigration, labour, etc.)
- A no-objection certificate (NOC) if applicable
You can approach an authorised PRO service or business setup consultant, such as Shuraa, to handle the cancellation process professionally.
3. What are the rules for a UAE partner visa?
Key rules for a partner visa in UAE include:
- A minimum capital shareholding (usually AED 72,000 or more)
- A valid trade license under your name
- Medical fitness and Emirates ID registration
- Renewal every 2 or 3 years, depending on the permit and jurisdiction
- Possibility to sponsor immediate family members
4. How to cancel a partner visa in Dubai?
To cancel a partner visa in Dubai:
- Cancel the trade license or remove the partner from the license
- Obtain immigration clearance
- Submit a cancellation request via GDRFA or a typing centre
- Return the original Emirates ID and passport for visa stamping out
- Professional assistance is advised to avoid delays.
Read more: How to Cancel Partner Visa in Dubai
5. Can I work with a partnership visa in UAE?
Yes, you can work under a partnership visa, but only within the company in which you have made an investment. If you wish to work elsewhere, you will need a proper employment visa, or a labour contract approved by the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation (MOHRE).
6. What is a 3-year partner visa in Dubai?
A 3-year partner visa is a residency visa issued to individuals who own or partner in a Dubai-based business. It offers:
- 3 years of renewable residency
- Work rights within your business
- Family sponsorship capability
7. What is a couple’s visa for Dubai?
A couple visa typically refers to a residence visa sponsored by one partner for the other. This is different from a partner (business) visa and is governed by family sponsorship rules.
8. How long can a UAE partner visa holder stay outside the UAE?
A partner visa holder can stay outside the UAE for up to 180 days (six months) continuously. Staying abroad for an extended period can result in visa cancellation, unless exemptions apply, such as due to medical conditions or official permits.
9. What is the age limit for a UAE partner visa?
There is no official upper age limit; however, applicants must be at least 18 years old. Senior applicants may be required to demonstrate additional medical fitness or provide proof of insurance coverage.
10. What is the entry validity of a UAE partner visa?
Once issued, the UAE partner visa has an entry validity of 60 days, within which the applicant must enter the UAE and complete visa stamping, medical tests, and Emirates ID processes.
11. What is the difference between an investor visa and a partner visa in the UAE?
Both are business-related visas, but:
- Investor Visa: Typically applies to single-owner companies (sole proprietorships or companies with 100% ownership).
- Partner Visa: Issued to shareholders or multiple partners in a company.
The documentation and capital requirements may slightly differ depending on the business structure and licensing authorit
12. Does a UAE partner visa expire if the trade license it is associated with is revoked or expires?
Yes, a partner visa is linked to the company’s trade license. If the license is not renewed or gets cancelled, the visa becomes invalid and must be either cancelled or transferred accordingly.
13. How to renew a partner visa in Dubai?
To renew a partner visa in Dubai:
- Renew the business trade license
- Submit the updated tenancy contract (Ejari)
- Undergo a new medical fitness test
- Renew Emirates ID
- Pay visa renewal fees via the GDRFA or an authorised typing centre
Disclaimer: The information in this post is for general guidance only and may change due to updates in government policies or regulations.
