What is an Investor Visa?
Dubai’s Green Residence Investor Visa
Dubai’s Green Residence Investor Visa is a long-term visa category designed to encourage business investment in the UAE. It offers a 5-year self-sponsored residency for qualifying investors and company partners, replacing the older 2-year investor visa model. Introduced under the UAE’s 2022 visa reforms, the Green Visa reflects the government’s strategy to support entrepreneurs and investors with greater flexibility and longer-term stability.
Who is Eligible for a Green Residence Investor Visa?
To be eligible, applicants must:
- Be investing in or launching a UAE-based business (mainland or free zone).
- Be listed as a shareholder or partner in the company’s legal documents (e.g., MOA).
- Hold a valid trade licence issued by the relevant authority.
- Be 18 years or older.
- Provide proof of investment, with a capital contribution of AED 1 million or more.
- Obtain approval from competent authorities to engage in the business activity.
- Pass a UAE medical fitness test.
- Hold a valid passport with at least 6 months’ validity.
Documents Required for a Green Residence Investor Visa
To apply, you will need:
- Passport copy (minimum 6 months validity).
- Passport-sized photo.
- Trade licence copy.
- Memorandum of Association (MOA) or partnership contract.
- Entry permit (if applying from outside the UAE).
- Immigration Establishment Card (for mainland companies).
- Medical fitness test report.
- Valid health insurance.
- Emirates ID application form.
- Proof of accommodation in the UAE (e.g. tenancy contract).
- Proof of capital investment of AED 1 million (e.g. share certificate or bank statement).
- Additional approvals from relevant local authorities (if required).
How to Apply for a Green Residence Investor Visa in Dubai
1. Company Incorporation
Set up a UAE-based company or acquire a share in an existing business. Ensure your name is listed in the trade licence and MOA.
2. Entry Permit Application
If you are outside the UAE, apply for an entry permit through the General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs in Dubai (GDRFA) portal. The entry permit is typically valid for 60 days.
3. Change of Status (if inside the UAE)
If you are already in the UAE on a tourist or visit visa, apply for a status change through GDRFA to begin the residency process.
4. Medical Fitness Test
Undergo a medical fitness test at a government-approved medical centre. A passing result is required to proceed.
5. Emirates ID Application and Biometrics
Apply for your Emirates ID through GDRFA and complete biometric fingerprinting at an authorised service centre.
6. Health Insurance and Proof of Accommodation
Purchase valid UAE health insurance and provide proof of accommodation, such as a tenancy contract.
7. Residency Visa Stamping
Submit all documentation to GDRFA. If approved, you will receive an electronic 5-year Green Residence Visa. Physical passport stamping is no longer always required.
Processing time typically ranges from 2 to 15 working days. Entry permits may be approved in as little as 2–5 days.
Green Residence Investor Visa Costs (2025)
| Cost Component | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Residence Permit Fee | 200 AED | Standard fee for visa issuance. |
| Value-Added Tax (VAT) | 10 AED | 5% of the permit fee. |
| Knowledge Dirham | 10 AED | Applicable for applications made inside the UAE. |
| Innovation Dirham | 10 AED | Applicable for applications made inside the UAE. |
| Fee Inside the Country | 500 AED | For an in-country status change. |
| Delivery Fee | 20 AED | Document delivery. |
| Medical Fitness Test | 300 – 500 AED | Varies by service speed and centre. |
| Emirates ID (5 years) | 1,000 – 1,200 AED | Includes application and processing. |
| Health Insurance | 700 – 1,500 AED | Varies based on provider and coverage. |
| Typing/Service Fees | 500 – 1,000 AED | Application processing and support. |
| Additional Residency Fee | 100 AED/year | For residencies exceeding two years. |
Estimated Total: AED 3,200 – 3,500
Note: Costs vary depending on your circumstances and chosen service providers. Always confirm with GDRFA or with us at Virtuzone.
Key Benefits of the Green Residence Investor Visa
5-Year Residency: Long-term renewable visa offering greater stability for investors and their families.
Self-Sponsored: No need for a local sponsor or employer – your investment qualifies you.
Family Sponsorship: Sponsor your spouse, children (sons up to 25, unmarried daughters of any age), and even parents.
180-Day Grace Period: Generous time allowance after visa expiry or cancellation to regularise your status.
Business Freedom: Legally run your own company, access bank accounts, lease property, and enjoy Dubai’s tax-free environment.
Employment Flexibility: Work in your own business and hire staff; to work elsewhere, a separate work permit is required.
Dubai Property Investor Visa
Dubai’s thriving real estate sector offers a dedicated residency option for foreign property buyers. The Dubai Property Investor Visa allows qualifying investors to obtain a renewable residency visa by purchasing residential real estate above a certain value. This visa is ideal for retirees, global entrepreneurs, or anyone seeking a second home in the UAE.
Who is Eligible for a Dubai Property Investor Visa?
To be eligible for a property investor visa in 2025, you must:
- Purchase property worth at least AED 750,000 in Dubai.
- Hold at least AED 750,000 in equity (if the property is mortgaged).
- Own a completed residential property in a freehold area.
- Hold the property in your personal name (not under a company).
- Pass a UAE medical fitness test.
- Have valid health insurance.
- Provide a police clearance certificate if required.
- Be able to support yourself financially in the UAE.
Note: For jointly owned property, each party must own at least AED 750,000 to qualify individually.
Documents Required for a Property Investor Visa
To apply, you’ll need:
- Title deed (from Dubai Land Department) showing property value and ownership.
- Passport copy (with a minimum of 6 months’ validity).
- Passport-sized photos.
- Mortgage NOC and payment proof (if applicable).
- Marriage certificate (if jointly owned with a spouse).
- Bank statements or income proof (DLD may ask for proof of AED 10,000/month income).
- Police clearance certificate (addressed to DLD).
- Valid UAE health insurance.
- Emirates ID application and medical test report.
How to Apply for a Property Investor Visa in Dubai
1. Purchase Qualifying Property
Buy a completed residential property worth AED 750,000 or more. Ensure the title deed is issued by the Dubai Land Department (DLD).
2. Prepare Required Documents
Gather your title deed, identification documents, proof of health insurance, and any NOCs from mortgage lenders.
3. Apply Through DLD’s Cube Centre or Online
You can apply in person by visiting the Cube Centre located at the Al Manara Centre on Sheikh Zayed Road, Dubai, where you can submit your application and documents directly. Alternatively, apply conveniently online via the Dubai Land Department’s e-services platform or through the Invest in Dubai portal.
Complete the investor visa application form, upload the required documents, and proceed to the next steps.
4. Pay Fees and Await Approval
Pay the required government and service fees. DLD will process your application and coordinate with the GDRFA (immigration authority) for residency approval. This may take a few days to two weeks.
5. Entry Permit or Status Change
- If you are outside the UAE, receive an entry permit to travel to Dubai.
- If you are inside the UAE, perform an in-country status change.
6. Medical Fitness Test & Emirates ID
Undergo your medical test and apply for an Emirates ID. This process includes biometric fingerprinting and takes a few days.
7. Final Visa Issuance
Once approved, your residency visa (typically valid for 3 years) will be issued electronically. You’ll receive your Emirates ID by post, or you can collect it.
The entire process usually takes 2 to 3 weeks after submitting the title deed and documents.
Property Investor Visa Costs (2025)
| Cost Component | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| DLD Visa Processing Fees | 3,800 AED | Paid directly to Dubai Land Department. |
| GDRFA Residency Fees | 2,000 – 3,000 AED | Includes visa issuance, admin, innovation/knowledge fees. |
| Medical Test & Emirates ID | 1,000 AED | ID valid for 3 years. |
| Service/Typing Fees | 300 – 600 AED | Optional for application assistance. |
| Total Estimated Fees | 7,500 – 10,000 AED | Excludes property transfer and optional PRO services. |
Additional costs:
- Security deposit: Refundable AED 1,000 (varies by case).
- 4% property transfer fee: Paid at the time of property purchase.
Key Benefits of the Property Investor Visa
3-Year Residency: Renewable residency for yourself and your family.
Multiple Entry Privileges: Freely travel in and out of Dubai.
Live in Your Own Property: Settle into the home you’ve invested in.
Family Sponsorship: Bring your spouse and children.
No Work Obligation: Ideal for retirees or non-working residents.
Upgrade Path: If your property is worth AED 2 million or more, you may qualify for a 10-year Golden Visa.
How to Upgrade from an Investor Visa to a Golden Visa: A Real-Life Example
Example: Meet Khaled, a 46-year-old investor from Egypt who purchased two residential apartments in Dubai in 2022. His total investment across both properties was just over AED 2 million. With the title deeds issued in his name, Khaled was granted a 3-year Dubai Property Investor Visa.
In early 2025, after learning about the updated Golden Visa rules, Khaled realised he now met the eligibility criteria for a 10-year visa through property investment.
To support his Golden Visa application, Khaled submitted:
A valuation letter from the Dubai Land Department confirming the AED 2M+ property value.
Copies of both title deeds.
Proof of mortgage clearance on one unit and equity in the other.
Passport, Emirates ID, and recent photographs.
Health insurance policy.
Completed medical fitness test.
Within three weeks, Khaled’s application was approved by the GDRFA. He was issued a 10-year Golden Visa, along with a Gold Emirates ID, allowing him to live in Dubai long term with enhanced residency security. He was also able to sponsor his wife and two adult children under the same visa category.
Key Takeaway: Property and business investors who reach the AED 2 million threshold may be eligible to upgrade to a 10-year Golden Visa. Whether through real estate, business ownership, or tax contribution, maintaining proper documentation and working with experienced consultants like Virtuzone can make the transition smooth and efficient.
Apply For Your Investor Visa in Dubai Today With Virtuzone
Securing an investor visa in Dubai in 2025 has become significantly more accessible thanks to the emirate’s investor-friendly policies. Whether you’re interested in the 5-year Green Residence Investor Visa for business ventures or the 3-year Property Investor Visa for real estate, Virtuzone simplifies your journey with expert business setup assistance, dedicated visa guidance, and comprehensive PRO services.
With clear pathways for upgrading to the prestigious Golden Visa, Virtuzone ensures that you continue to benefit as your investments flourish in Dubai’s dynamic market. Contact us today for a free consultation.
FAQs
Can I Work for Another Company on an Investor Visa in Dubai?
If you hold an investor visa in Dubai, you can work in your own business. However, to work for another company, you must obtain a separate work permit sponsored by that employer.
Does Obtaining an Investor Visa in Dubai Lead to Citizenship?
No, an investor visa grants long-term residency in Dubai but does not automatically lead to citizenship. UAE citizenship involves specific criteria and is generally not accessible through investment alone.
Are There Age Restrictions For Obtaining a Dubai Investor Visa?
The minimum age requirement is 18 years old for primary investors. There are no maximum age restrictions, making these visas particularly suitable for retirees and older investors.
Can I Sponsor Domestic Workers on My Investor Visa in Dubai?
Yes, holders of investor visas in Dubai are eligible to sponsor domestic workers. You must meet specific income and accommodation requirements set by the UAE immigration authorities.
What Happens if the Value of My Property Drops Below AED 750,000 After Visa Issuance?
If your property value decreases after visa issuance, this generally does not affect your current visa validity. However, at the time of renewal, the property will need to meet the required valuation criteria again.
Can My Spouse Work Under My Investor Visa Sponsorship in Dubai?
Your spouse can live in Dubai under your investor visa sponsorship, but they will need their own work permit from a sponsoring employer if they wish to be employed.
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