Put money into property, a company, or an approved fund, and you could earn a UAE investor visa along with long-term residency. The type of investment you make decides which visa you qualify for. Keep reading to find the route that suits your business goals.
Did you know? According to the Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs and Port Security, the UAE Golden Visa gives you 10 years of renewable residency, and AED 2 million is its main investment benchmark.
One wrong move can cost you months and money, and that’s where DiamondRock comes in. Our team stays with investors from the first document to the final stamp.
Investor Visa Types in the UAE
The UAE gives investors a few main residency paths. Each one fits a different budget and goal.
| Visa Type | Validity | Core Requirement | Best For |
| Golden Visa | 10 years | About AED 2 million in property, funds, or company capital | Long-term investors |
| Green Visa | 5 years | At least AED 1 million in paid company capital | Active business partners |
| 2-Year Property Visa (Dubai) | 2 years | Qualifying Dubai property | Smaller property buyers |
| Company-Based Investor Residence | 2 to 3 years | Company shares and a valid trade license | New business owners |
Golden Visa for Property and Fund Investors
The Golden Visa is the top choice for serious investors. You can qualify in four ways:
- Own property worth AED 2 million or more
- Deposit AED 2 million or more with an approved investment fund
- Hold company capital of AED 2 million or more
- Own a company that pays at least AED 250,000 in federal tax every year
Mortgaged property has become easier to use in Dubai. Since February 2026, applications are based on the property’s value instead of the amount you’ve already paid. That means a mortgaged or off-plan property valued at AED 2 million or more by the Dubai Land Department can qualify, although you’ll still need a bank NOC and your title deed. Sources differ on how the federal ICP route treats mortgaged property, so confirm the current wording with both ICP and DLD before you buy.
Green and Company-Based Visas for Business Owners
Not everyone has AED 2 million sitting around, and a smaller company stake can still get you in. The Green Visa runs for five years and needs at least AED 1 million in paid company share value. Company-based investor residence lasts two or three years and is tied to your trade license. The exact terms depend on your emirate and license type, so check them before you commit.
The Dubai 2-Year Property Visa
The rules for the 2-year property visa changed in April 2026. Dubai dropped the AED 750,000 minimum property value for sole owners. If you’re buying jointly, each owner now needs a share worth at least AED 400,000. For smaller buyers, that’s a real opening.
Investor Visa Cost: What You Will Actually Pay
Most readers ask about the investor visa UAE cost first, and it’s a fair question. Official fees depend heavily on the route, and the property route in particular costs more than many people expect. The medical test, Emirates ID, and service fees come on top.
| Route | Official fee (approx.) | Typical add-ons |
| Golden Visa, property | AED 6,000 to 7,200 per applicant; DLD lists about AED 9,985 for the 10-year visa | Medical, Emirates ID |
| 2-Year Property Visa (Dubai) | Roughly AED 10,200 to 10,550, depending on the source | Medical, Emirates ID |
| Golden Visa, fund or company | Set by ICP or GDRFA; differs by channel and by whether you apply inside or outside the UAE | Medical, Emirates ID, license costs |
| Green Visa | Set by GDRFA or ICP; differs by channel | Medical, Emirates ID, license costs |
| Company-Based Investor Residence (free zone) | Around AED 9,999 to 21,000 for a free zone license plus 1 residence visa, depending on the zone | Medical, Emirates ID, Establishment Card |
These figures are approximate, and fees change often, so confirm the current amounts on the official ICP, GDRFA, and DLD fee pages before you apply. Free zone figures are indicative and depend on your activity, visa count, and the free zone’s current tariff. Contact DiamondRock for an exact quote.
Hidden Costs in the Visa Process
Set aside money for these before you apply:
- Medical fitness test and Emirates ID: around AED 800 to 1,200 per person
- Establishment Card (Immigration Card): around AED 1,500 to 2,000, required before the visa is issued
- Trade license and office space
- Consultant or typing center fees
Totals change from one emirate and package to another, so get a written quote every time.
Requirements to Get an Investor Visa in the UAE
The basics of a UAE investor visa stay much the same from route to route. Your chosen category just adds its own proof on top.
- A passport valid for at least six months
- Recent passport-size photos
- Proof of investment, such as a title deed, fund letter, or company papers
- A valid trade license and company documents
- A medical test and Emirates ID biometrics
- UAE health insurance
- Presence in the UAE when you apply (generally required for property Golden Visa applicants)
Pro Tip: Book your medical test and Emirates ID slot early. Even small delays here can stall the whole timeline.
Step-by-Step Visa Application Process
- Choose your visa route and investment type.
- Complete your property purchase or company setup.
- Collect and attest your documents.
- Submit your application through ICP, GDRFA, or DLD.
- Finish the medical test and Emirates ID.
Processing usually takes a few weeks, provided your papers are complete.
How Business Setup Supports Your Residency Goals
Your company often decides your visa, so where and how you set it up matters more than most people think. Our UAE investor visa services page explains how this works in practice.
Mainland vs Free Zone Company Setup
A properly planned new business setup in the UAE gives you the license that supports your visa. Mainland company setup lets you trade across the local market, while free zone firms work under simpler rules. Read our guide to business setup in UAE free zones for a closer comparison.
If you want the lowest cost for a license plus one residence visa, here is what free zones typically charge (all figures are around, per year):
- Fujairah Creative City: about AED 9,999 to 11,500
- Ajman Free Zone: about AED 11,000 to 13,000
- SPC Free Zone (Sharjah): about AED 12,500 to 13,500
- SHAMS (Sharjah): about AED 13,000 to 14,000
- RAKEZ (Ras Al Khaimah): about AED 12,500 to 14,000
- Meydan (Dubai): about AED 15,500 to 18,500
- IFZA (Dubai): about AED 18,000 to 21,000
A residence visa issued from any Northern Emirates free zone lets you live anywhere in the UAE, including Dubai. Choose a Dubai free zone if you need a Dubai trade license and address.
Free Zone Company Setup in Abu Dhabi
Plenty of founders pick a free zone business setup in Abu Dhabi for 100% foreign ownership and tax benefits. Many zones don’t ask for any upfront share capital either. Remember that your visa quota often depends on your office space.
Offshore Companies and Residency Limits
Some investors go for UAE offshore company formation to hold assets. Setup is quick and private. The catch is that offshore companies generally cannot trade locally or sponsor residence visas, so choose carefully. If you’re setting up any company, it also helps to arrange a corporate bank account early. For the full process, read our step-by-step guide to offshore company setup in the UAE.
Secure Your UAE Residency Today!
Ready to take the next step? Get expert support remotely, from the first document to the final stamp. DiamondRock checks your eligibility and handles business registration, paperwork, and government approvals.
FAQs
1. How much money do you need for a UAE investor visa?
That depends on which route you take. For the Golden Visa, you’re looking at around AED 2 million. Planning to put in less? You could still be eligible for the Green Visa, which starts at AED 1 million, or for a shorter-term visa. Rules get updated often, so check with ICP, GDRFA, or DLD before you commit any money.
2. Can I get an investor visa without buying property?
You can. Putting money into a company, placing a deposit with an approved fund, or running a business that pays enough federal tax all count. Property is just one of several ways in.
3. How long does the visa process take?
When your paperwork is complete, most applications wrap up in a few weeks. Certain Golden Visa routes can be quicker, though it depends on the authority handling your case and the type of visa.
4. Can I sponsor my family on an investor visa?
Usually, yes. Most holders can sponsor a spouse and children. The rules and fees change with the visa type, so it’s worth confirming the details with ICP or GDRFA before you apply.
5. What is the difference between a Golden Visa and a company-based investor visa?
The Golden Visa is valid for 10 years and requires a larger investment. A company-based investor residence runs for two to three years and stays closely linked to your trade license.
