Dubai has been constantly a land of prospects for investors from every corner of the world. With its favored business conditions, strategic location, and welcoming attitude toward overseas business people, Dubai has become one of the most demanding investment locations in the world. And in case you are thinking about investing in Dubai, you are lucky as an investor visa in Dubai makes it possible for you to do just that.
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With the investor visa for Dubai, you can reside in Dubai for a long time and conduct your business activities without any lawful obstacles. And that is only one of the significant edges of this amazing visa. So, if you are in search of making an investment in any business in this emirate, then this article is your comprehensive guide to an investor visa. From the process to documentation, we will define all the points that you have to understand to make your investment successful.
Understand Investor Visa in Dubai
An investor visa for Dubai is a kind of residence visa that enables a person to reside and conduct business in Dubai as an investor. To be eligible for an investor visa, an individual needs to usually make a considerable financial acquisition in a business or the real estate market of Dubai. The particular needs for getting an investor visa for Dubai can differ depending on the kind of acquisition being formed and the particular rules and regulations of the country.
The investor visa in Dubai is perfect for overseas citizens who wish to initiate a business in this emirate or make investments in any already running business. The investor visa enables holders to reside and conduct business in this country along with sponsor family members.
In addition, Dubai is anticipated to present a new set of guidelines meant to streamline the process for getting business licenses and approvals and reduce the processing duration for several bureaucratic formalities. One of the guidelines will form new economic zones to allure specific kinds of overseas acquisition, like manufacturing, technology, and financial services.
Eligibility Criteria for an Investor Visa in Dubai from India
To qualify for an investor visa in Dubai, applicants must meet certain eligibility criteria set by the government authorities. Dubai offers several types of investor visas, including the Dubai Investor Visa and the Dubai Golden Visa. Below are the general eligibility requirements for obtaining an investor visa for Dubai –
Investment Amount – Applicants must make a significant investment in Dubai. The specific investment amount may differ depending on the kind of investor visa for Dubai and the business sector. Generally, the acquisition should be substantial and support the economic expansion of Dubai.
Business Ownership – To be eligible for an investor visa, individuals must establish a business presence in Dubai. This can be achieved by placing up a new enterprise or cultivating a current business. The investor should hold a minimum percentage of ownership in the company, as stipulated by the authorities.
Business Plan – Applicants must provide a comprehensive business plan outlining their acquisition purposes, strategies, and financial projections. The plan should demonstrate the potential for growth, job creation, and positive economic impact in Dubai.
Good Standing – Investors should have a clean legal and financial record, both personally and about their business activities. Any previous legal issues or financial irregularities may negatively impact the visa application.
Industry Relevance – The proposed business activities should align with the sectors prioritized by the Dubai government. These sectors usually include technology, finance, healthcare, tourism, real estate, and manufacturing. The investment should contribute to the growth and diversification of Dubai’s economy.
Experience and Expertise – Applicants must have appropriate experience and specialization in the industry they plan to invest. This can be demonstrated through educational qualifications, professional certifications, previous business achievements, or industry recognition.
Job Creation – Investors are generally required to contribute to job creation for the local workforce. The specific number of jobs required may vary based on the investment amount and the nature of the business. Providing employment opportunities to UAE nationals is a priority for the government.
Financial Capability – Applicants must demonstrate their financial capability to invest and sustain business operations. This includes providing proof of funds, financial statements, bank statements, and other pertinent financial documents.
Residence Requirement – Some investor visas may require the investor to spend a minimum amount of time in Dubai each year. This ensures active participation and management of the business.
Categories of an Investor Visa in Dubai
Here are the four kinds of investor visas in Dubai –
1. Property Investment Visa
This is the potential to get an investor visa in Dubai by investing a considerable amount in real estate. To be eligible for an investor visa in Dubai through a real estate acquisition, a person usually demands to buy a property valued at a certain amount of capital. You have to follow some rules as well that comprise –
Investing in a property that is valued at around AED 1 million and with more than 50% of the property value under the mortgage. Investing in a property through a partnership is permitted, the minimum share of every person must be around AED 1 million.
The acquisition you want to make should be in the form of a sole residential property, commercial property will be not accepted.
It applies only to freehold properties, which means an off-plan property can’t be taken to get an investor visa in Dubai.
2. Company Investment Visa
This visa is unrestricted only for those people who have made investments in a business in the free zones or mainland of Dubai. The minimum fund of acquisition is around AED 72,000. People holding equity in a company with a similar amount are also comprised.
Those whose corporations are running in the free zones locations in the emirate don’t have any requirements for local sponsors. Further, free zones corporations are free from taxes and can hold full ownership of the business equity. Nevertheless, the procedure for obtaining an investor visa in Dubai might vary per several aspects such as the area of free zone and kind of business.
3. Retirement Visa
People aged more than 55 investing in Dubai are even qualified for an investor visa in Dubai. A retirement visa is available following the acquisition of a residential property with around AED 2 million. Optionally, the 5-year visa applies to people with age of 55 who –
Invested in a property of around AED 2 million.
Hold accumulated savings of around AED 1 million.
Hold an active monthly income of around AED20,000.
4. Golden Visa
Owners of the golden visa are permitted a 5 or 10-year residency, given their needs are met. Several classes qualify to get the golden visa, certain are as follows –
Golden Visa for real estate investors –
Buy a property with a value of around AED 2 million.
Buy a property with finance from specified domestic banks.
Buy one of the more finished or off-plan properties of around AED 2 million from a list of sanctioned local real estate corporations.
Please remember that the United Arab Emirates (UAE) government has made significant changes to the residence visa expiry or cancellation period for expatriates who own property in the country. Previously, ex-pats had 90 days to either amend their visa status, apply for another residence visa, or make arrangements to leave the UAE. However, the government has now extended this grace period for property owners to a generous 6 months.
Golden Visa for Entrepreneurs –
Startup owners are now able to get a golden visa in Dubai, by registering their business in the United Arab Emirates. This must come under the small and medium enterprises class with yearly earnings of around AED 1 million or more than 1 million. In addition, business people can also get golden residence if they follow some conditions that are –
The individual is an owner or one of the owners of a last entrepreneurial project that was sold with an overall amount of around AED 7 million.
The Ministry of Economy’s approval or competent local officials is needed for concepts or assignments.
The Cost of an Investor Visa in Dubai
The investor visa in Dubai cost differs depending on the selected way. For instance, this has been reported that making an investment in Dubai properties expenses around AED 13,000, while making an investment in a company can amount to around AED 1,035. Lastly, the charge of getting a golden visa is around AED 650 to 1,150.
Advantages of an Investor Visa in Dubai from India
An investor visa in Dubai gives several advantages to people who are keen on making an investment and living in the UAE. Some of the major advantages are –
1. Business Opportunities – The country is renowned for its vibrant and flourishing business climate, with a strong economy and valuable acquisition prospects. Having an investor visa in Dubai enables people to be involved in different business ventures, acquisition activities, and partnerships in the UAE.
2. Residency – The investor visa for Dubai gives residency for a long time in the country and enables investors and their families to reside, study, and conduct business in this nation for an expanded duration, which gives stability and protection for investors and their families.
3. Access to Local Markets – The country is a gateway to the broader Middle East region and gives remarkable market possibilities. An investor visa in Dubai enables people to establish and extend their business networks, get entry into local markets, and leverage from the strategic area of the United Arab Emirates.
4. Sponsorship Choices – Investor visa owners are able to sponsor their family members for dependent visas, the point that resides families together and gives entry to all the education and healthcare edges the nation offers.
5. Cutting-Edge Infrastructure – The United Arab Emirates boasts a great measure of residing and ultra-modern infrastructure, comprising modern infrastructure, top-class transportation systems, great healthcare facilities, and cutting-edge educational services.
6. Stability and Security – The country is renowned for its stable community and low crime ratio. Investors and their dependents can experience a secure atmosphere and top quality of life.
7. Residency for Retirement – The country gives retirement visas for investors with the age of 55 and, to relish their retirement years in the nation.
Documents for an Investor Visa in Dubai
When it comes to making an investment or setting up a company in the mainland of Dubai, you will require these vital documents as part of an investor visa for Dubai application –
The bank account IBAN number of the sponsor
Establishment card
Memorandum of Association as evidence of ownership’s shares
One photo with a white background
Latest UAE visa of the partner
Passport copy of the partner
Original Emirates ID of the sponsor
Copy of trade license
The Application Process for an Investor Visa in Dubai from India
The application process for obtaining an investor visa in Dubai involves several steps and requirements. While the specific details may vary depending on the type of visa and the business sector, below is a general overview of the application process for an investor visa in Dubai –
Determine Visa Type – Identify the specific type of investor visa for Dubai that aligns with your investment plans and objectives. This could be the Dubai Investor Visa or the Dubai Golden Visa, depending on your eligibility and investment criteria.
Consultation and Planning – Seek professional advice or consult with relevant government authorities to understand the specific requirements and procedures for the chosen investor visa. This step will help you plan your investment strategy and ensure compliance with the necessary regulations.
Business Setup – Establish a business presence in Dubai by either placing up a new enterprise or cultivating a current business. This involves selecting the appropriate legal structure, registering the business with relevant authorities, and obtaining any necessary licenses or permits.
Investment and Financial Documentation – Prepare the required investment and financial documents, which may include proof of funds, financial statements, bank statements, and a comprehensive business plan. These documents should demonstrate your financial capability, acquisition purposes, and the probable economic effect of your investment.
Application Submission – Submit your investor visa application along with the supporting papers to the established government authority responsible for processing investor visas. This is typically the Department of Economic Development (DED) or the Dubai Department of Tourism and Commerce Marketing (DTCM), depending on the business sector.
Application Review and Approval – The government authorities will check your application and papers to evaluate your eligibility and the viability of your investment. They may conduct background checks, verify the financial information, and evaluate the potential economic benefits of your proposed business.
Additional Requirements – Depending on the nature of your investment and the specific visa program, there may be extra conditions to fulfill. These can include demonstrating industry expertise, creating job opportunities for UAE nationals, or meeting specific sector-related criteria.
Visa Issuance and Collection – If your application is approved, you will receive an investor visa approval letter or a visa sticker in your passport. This document will permit you to lawfully reside in Dubai and engage in your investment activities.
The investor visa in Dubai shows a vast prospect for overseas investors who are keen to invest in the real estate market of the City. By getting an investor visa in Dubai, overseas investors can leverage the real estate market of Dubai and set up their residency. With favorable rules and tax incentives, Dubai has become an adorable terminus for real estate investors globally.
By following the policies highlighted in this guide, real estate investors can effortlessly navigate the application procedure and capitalize on Dubai’s probable for long tune capital earnings. Hence, the investor visa for Dubai works as a gateway for overseas real estate investors to get into one of the very appealing markets in the world.
Also Read: Dubai Company Setup: Complete Guide
