UAE Investor Visa Requirements 2026: Complete Guide

Introduction

The UAE investor visa remains one of the most practical pathways for entrepreneurs, shareholders, and foreign nationals seeking long-term residency in the Emirates. This residence permit allows investors to live, work, manage businesses, open bank accounts, and sponsor family members without requiring a local employer or sponsor.

In 2026, the UAE will have updated compliance requirements and expanded eligibility categories, making it essential for prospective investors to understand current regulations. This guide covers eligibility criteria, investment thresholds, document requirements, application procedures, costs, and family sponsorship rules for all investor visa categories.

What Is a UAE Investor Visa?

A UAE investor visa is a residence permit issued to individuals who invest in a UAE-based business or in qualifying real estate. The investment can be made through company ownership, shareholdings, or property acquisitions in designated freehold zones.

The visa functions as more than a residency permit. It serves as a strategic tool providing legal access to the UAE market, banking services, business operations, and government services typically reserved for residents.

Types of Investor Visas in 2026

The UAE offers multiple investor visa categories, each with distinct validity periods and investment requirements.

Eligibility Requirements

General Requirements

• Valid passport with a minimum of 6 months’ validity
• Clean criminal record (Good Conduct Certificate)
• Valid health insurance from a UAE-licensed provider
• Proof of investment meeting the minimum threshold
• Physical presence in the UAE during the application
• Medical fitness certificate from an approved center

Property Investor Requirements

• Property located in designated freehold zones
• Title deed or e-Certificate of Title in the applicant’s name
• For mortgaged properties: minimum 50% paid or AED 750,000 equity
• Bank NOC for mortgaged properties
• Joint ownership permitted for married couples (equal shares required)

Business Investor Requirements (2026 Update)

As of January 1, 2026, the UAE introduced updated compliance requirements for business investor visa renewals:

• Minimum individual share capital: AED 48,000
• Investor visa holders must be sole shareholders of the company
• Partner visas: a maximum of two per company
• Valid trade license from the mainland authority or the free zone
• Company bank statement showing 6 months of consistent transactions
• Valid office/unit lease agreement
• The latest utility bill in the visa holder’s name

Investment Thresholds by Visa Category

Required Documents

Property Investor Visa Documents

1. Valid passport (minimum 6 months validity)
2. e-Certificate of Title or Title Deed
3. Recent passport-size photograph (white background)
4. Valid health insurance policy
5. Current Emirates ID (if applicable)
6. Current residence or entry visa copy (if applicable)
7. Good Conduct Certificate addressed to the Dubai Land Department
8. Bank NOC and mortgage statement (for mortgaged properties)
9. Official property valuation certificate (for title deed holders)

Business Investor Visa Documents

10. Valid passport copy
11. Valid trade license with partners’ appendix
12. Memorandum of Association
13. Company bank statement (6 months)
14. Certified financial report from an accredited UAE auditor
15. Tax registration and receipts
16. Immigration establishment card
17. Office lease agreement
18. Medical fitness certificate
19. Health insurance documentation

Application Process: Step-by-Step

Property Investor Visa Application

20. Submit Application: Visit the Dubai Land Department (Taskeen) service center or apply online through the official portal.
21. Document Verification: Submit required documents and pay applicable fees
22. Medical Examination: Complete medical fitness test ata  DHA-approved center
23. Emirates ID Biometrics: Complete biometric registration through ICA channels
24. Security Clearance: Await background check completion by Dubai Police
25. GDRFA Approval: Application moves to the General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs
26. Visa Issuance: Electronic residence permit sent to registered email

Business Investor Visa Application

27. Company Formation: Establish a UAE company and obtain a trade license
28. Entry Permit: Apply for an entry permit through the typing center or the online portal
29. Status Change: Submit a change of status request and await GDRFA approval
30. Medical Typing: Complete medical typing appointment
31. Medical Examination: Attend the scheduled medical test at the authorized center
32. Emirates ID Processing: Complete biometrics and fingerprint authorization
33. Visa Stamping: Visit the authorized location for the final visa stamp

Incorporate a subsection highlighting common mistakes or delays encountered during the application process, along with tips to avoid them, enabling investors to navigate the process smoothly and increase approval chances.

Costs and Fees Breakdown

Note: Fees exclude health insurance premiums, document attestation, and agency service charges—budget for both business setup and residency costs when planning.

Family Sponsorship Rules

UAE investor visa holders can sponsor immediate family members for residency. Sponsorship eligibility and duration depend on the primary visa holder’s category.

Who Can Be Sponsored

• Spouse
• Children under 18 years
• Unmarried sons up to 25 years (Golden Visa holders)
• Unmarried daughters of any age (Golden Visa holders)
• Parents (10-year Golden Visa holders)
• Up to 3 domestic helpers/drivers (10-year visa holders)

Family Sponsorship Documents

• Certified marriage contract (MOFA attested, Arabic translation)
• Certified birth certificates for children
• Notarized NOC from father (if mother is the sponsor)
• Proof of unmarried status for children over 18 (from Dubai Courts)
• Sponsor’s original passport and Emirates ID
• Recent photographs (GDRFA requirements)
• Health insurance for all family members

Renewal Requirements (2026 Update)

Updated compliance requirements effective January 1, 2026, apply to investor and partner visa renewals:

• Maintaina  minimum share capital of AED 48,000
• Investor visa holders must remain sole shareholders
• Submit a corporate bank statement showing consistent transactions (6 months)
• Bank account maximum closing balance: AED 50,000
• Maintain a valid office/unit lease agreement
• Submit the latest utility bill in the visa holder’s name
• Renew the trade license before visa renewal
• Complete a new medical examination
• Update Emirates ID

Non-Compliance Consequence: Failure to meet renewal requirements results in mandatory visa cancellation. Affected individuals must apply for a regular employment visa or exit the country.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

34. Incomplete Documentation: Missing or improperly attested documents cause delays. Verify that all certificates are MOFA-attested and include Arabic translations.
35. Incorrect Investment Structure: Ensure the investment meets minimum thresholds and the ownership structure aligns with visa category requirements.
36. Expired Passport: The passport must have at least 6 months of validity at the time of application.
37. Applying from Outside the UAE: Most investor visa applications require physical presence in the UAE throughout the process.
38. Late Renewal: Begin renewal process at least 30 days before expiry to avoid overstay fines.
39. Dormant Bank Accounts: Company accounts must demonstrate genuine business activity to support investor visa renewals.
40. Property Value Miscalculation: Property value is verified at the time of renewal. Market valuation must meet the minimum threshold.

Frequently Asked Questions

Official Sources and Resources

• UAE Government Official Portal: u.ae/en/information-and-services/visa-and-emirates-id/residence-visas/golden-visa 
• GDRFA Dubai: gdrfad.gov.ae 
• Federal Authority for Identity and Citizenship (ICP): icp.gov.ae 
• Dubai Land Department: dubailand.gov.ae 
• Ministry of Economy: moet.gov.ae 
• ICP Smart Services Portal: smartservices.icp.gov.ae 

Disclaimer: This guide provides general information about UAE investor visa requirements as of January 2026. Visa regulations, fees, and procedures are subject to change. Always verify current requirements with official UAE government sources before applying.

Last Updated: January, 2026