Understanding How Investor and Partner Visas Work in the UAE is essential for entrepreneurs, business owners, and foreign investors aiming to establish themselves in the Emirates. These visa categories provide a robust pathway to live, work, and operate legally in the UAE based on company ownership. The structure of your company ownership determines whether you receive an investor visa or a partner visa.
Whether you’re a sole shareholder or part of a multi-partner business, these visas unlock unique opportunities to build long-term security, expand your business, and access Dubai’s world-class lifestyle and infrastructure.
Issued to individuals who are sole owners or majority shareholders of a UAE-licensed company.
Issued to individuals who share ownership in a company alongside one or more partners.
📌 Both visas offer identical residency rights, work privileges, and family sponsorship options. The only difference is the shareholding structure.
The UAE Investor Visa is designed for business owners who:
Fully own a UAE company, or
Hold the majority of shares in a registered UAE business.
This visa is perfect for entrepreneurs who want full control over their business while establishing residency in the UAE.
Investor visa holders enjoy:
Full legal residency in the UAE
Permission to work and run their business
Ability to sponsor spouse, children, and domestic staff
Eligibility to obtain Emirates ID
Access to UAE banking (personal + corporate)
Ability to sign leases, contracts, and official documents
Freedom to travel in and out of the UAE
These privileges make the investor visa one of the most powerful residency options available.
The UAE Partner Visa is ideal for individuals who co-own a business with other shareholders. It suits partnerships, startups with multiple founders, or businesses with distributed ownership structures.
Partner Visa holders receive the same benefits as investor visa holders:
Residency in Dubai/UAE
Ability to work and run their business
Sponsorship of immediate family
Access to utilities, services, and banking
Full Emirates ID privileges
The two visas differ only in the shareholding percentage — not the benefits.
Investor Visa → Sole owner or majority shareholder
Partner Visa → Shared ownership among multiple partners
Meydan states the typical validity is:
2–3 years in most cases
Up to 5 years depending on the licensing authority
Both visas are renewable as long as the business and its documents remain active and compliant.
Both visas offer a wide range of advantages that support business growth and personal stability.
Visa holders can:
Live in the UAE
Work legally in their registered company
Manage day-to-day operations
Participate in government and digital services
Holders can:
Open UAE bank accounts
Apply for loans and credit facilities
Sign tenancy agreements
Register utilities
Access business, immigration, tax, and licensing portals
You can sponsor:
Spouse
Children
Domestic workers
This makes the UAE an ideal location for families seeking long-term stability.
Meydan Free Zone outlines a clear, structured workflow for obtaining either visa.
The company must have:
A valid trade licence
An active establishment (immigration) card
Updated shareholder documentation
Applicants outside the UAE receive an entry permit.
Applicants inside the UAE apply for an in-country status change.
All applicants must complete:
A blood test
A chest X-ray
This confirms health eligibility for UAE residency.
Applicants must provide:
Fingerprints
Facial photo
These are required for Emirates ID issuance.
Once approved, the residency visa is released, and the Emirates ID card is issued.
Passport
Passport-size photo
Entry permit or status-change request
Medical fitness certificate
Emirates ID biometrics
Health insurance
Residency stamping request
Proof of shareholding
Valid trade licence
Establishment card
Memorandum of Association (LLC)
Share certificate (free zones)
Partners list
Updated business activity list
The UAE Golden Visa offers 10-year renewable residency for qualifying investors who meet the criteria.
No local sponsor required
Self-sponsorship
Sponsor spouse & children of any age
Sponsor unlimited domestic workers
Residency remains valid even if you stay outside the UAE for more than 6 months
Strong long-term security
Incorrect details can delay or cancel your application. Always ensure your records match across all platforms.
Free zones such as Meydan offer streamlined and fully digital processes that simplify setup and visa issuance.
According to UAE government regulations, standard residency visa holders must enter the UAE at least once every 6 months, or the visa may become invalid.
This rule does not apply to Golden Visa holders, giving them greater flexibility.
To ensure compliance, applicants are encouraged to work with authorized business setup specialists.
Yes, but only in terms of ownership structure. Benefits are identical.
Meydan states typical validity is 2–3 years, and in some cases up to 5 years.
Yes, you can sponsor your spouse, children, and domestic workers.
Yes, all applicants must pass a UAE medical fitness exam.
Yes, investor and partner visa holders are eligible to open personal and corporate accounts.
Yes — standard visa holders must enter every 6 months.
Golden Visa holders are exempt.
Understanding How Investor and Partner Visas Work in the UAE helps investors make confident decisions about business formation and residency. Meydan’s clear structure shows that both visas are powerful tools, offering full residency rights, business privileges, family security, and access to Dubai’s world-class environment.
Our expert team can guide you through every step — from company formation to fast, hassle-free visa approval.
Contact us today to start your UAE business journey with complete confidence.
