Dubai Investor Visa
Dubai’s dynamic economy, tax-free lifestyle, and world-class infrastructure make the city an excellent choice for international investors seeking long-term residency.
Thanks to recent visa reforms, obtaining an investor visa in Dubai will be easier and more attractive than ever by 2025.
Whether you are an entrepreneur looking to start your next business venture or invest in Dubai’s booming real estate market, the Green Residence Investor Visa and Property Investor Visa offer tailored residency solutions with attractive benefits.
In this guide, we explain everything you need to know: from eligibility requirements and the application process to costs and benefits. We also explain how you can later upgrade to the prestigious 10-year Golden Visa.
What Is An Investor Visa?
A Dubai Investor Visa is a residency permit for individuals who make significant investments in the UAE by starting a business or purchasing real estate.
Designed to attract international investors, these visas offer long-term residency, flexibility, family support, tax-free living and access to Dubai’s world-class infrastructure.
Dubai Green Residency for Investors
The Dubai Green Residence Investor Visa is a long-term visa designed to encourage business investment in the UAE.
It offers qualified investors and business partners a five-year, self-funded residency permit and replaces the previous two-year investor visa.
The green visa, introduced as part of the UAE visa reform in 2022, reflects the government’s strategy to support entrepreneurs and investors with greater flexibility and long-term stability.
Who is eligible for a Green Residence Investor Visa?
To be eligible, applicants must:
- Invest in or establish a company in the United Arab Emirates (mainland or free zone).
- Be listed as a shareholder or partner in the company’s legal documents (e.g. MOA).
- Hold a valid marketing authorization from the competent authority.
- You must be at least 18 years old.
- Provide proof of investment with a capital contribution of AED 1 million or more.
- Obtain permits from relevant authorities to conduct business.
- Pass a medical fitness test in the United Arab Emirates.
- You must have a valid passport that is valid for at least 6 months.
Required Documents For A Green Residence Investor Visa
To apply, you need the following:
- Copy of passport (valid for at least 6 months).
- Passport photo.
- Copy of the marketing authorisation.
- Company or partnership agreement.
- Entry permit (if you are coming from a country outside the United Arab Emirates).
- Immigration card (for mainland businesses).
- Report on the medical fitness test.
- Valid health insurance.
- Emirates ID application form.
- Proof of residence in the UAE (e.g. rental agreement).
- Proof of capital investment of AED 1 million (e.g. share certificates or bank statements).
- Additional permits from relevant local authorities (if required).
- Certificate of good conduct (VOG).
- Tax residency certificate (required in some cases to confirm investor’s tax residency status in the UAE).
What Is An Investor Visa?
A Dubai Investor Visa is a residency permit for individuals who make significant investments in the UAE by starting a business or purchasing real estate.
Designed to attract international investors, these visas offer long-term residency, flexibility, family support, tax-free living and access to Dubai’s world-class infrastructure.
Dubai Green Residency for Investors
The Dubai Green Residence Investor Visa is a long-term visa designed to encourage business investment in the UAE.
It offers qualified investors and business partners a five-year, self-funded residency permit and replaces the previous two-year investor visa.
The green visa, introduced as part of the UAE visa reform in 2022, reflects the government’s strategy to support entrepreneurs and investors with greater flexibility and long-term stability.
Who is eligible for a Green Residence Investor Visa?
To be eligible, applicants must:
- Invest in or establish a company in the United Arab Emirates (mainland or free zone).
- Be listed as a shareholder or partner in the company’s legal documents (e.g. MOA).
- Hold a valid marketing authorisation from the competent authority.
- You must be at least 18 years old.
- Provide proof of investment with a capital contribution of AED 1 million or more.
- Obtain permits from relevant authorities to conduct business.
- Pass a medical fitness test in the United Arab Emirates.
- You must have a valid passport that is valid for at least 6 months.
Required Documents for a Green Residence Investor Visa
To apply, you need the following:
- Copy of passport (valid for at least 6 months).
- Passport photo.
- Copy of the marketing authorisation.
- Company or partnership agreement.
- Entry permit (if you are coming from a country outside the United Arab Emirates).
- Immigration card (for mainland businesses).
- Report on the medical fitness test.
- Valid health insurance.
- Emirates ID application form.
- Proof of residence in the UAE (e.g. rental agreement).
- Proof of capital investment of AED 1 million (e.g. share certificates or bank statements).
- Additional permits from relevant local authorities (if required).
- Certificate of good conduct (VOG).
- Tax residency certificate (required in some cases to confirm investor’s tax residency status in the UAE).
Visa For Real Estate Investors In Dubai
Dubai’s booming real estate sector offers a special residency program to foreign property buyers. The Dubai Property Investor Visa (IMV) allows qualified investors to obtain a renewable residency permit by purchasing residential property above a certain value.
This visa is ideal for retirees, international entrepreneurs, and anyone seeking a second home in the UAE.
Who Is Eligible For A Dubai Property Investor Visa?
To qualify for a property investment visa in 2025, you must:
- Buy a property in Dubai worth at least AED 750,000.
- You must have at least AED 750,000 in equity (if the property is mortgaged).
- Own a finished house in a detached area.
- Register the property in your personal name (not in a company name).
- Pass a medical fitness test in the United Arab Emirates.
- You have valid health insurance.
- If necessary, you can present a certificate of good conduct.
- You must be able to support yourself financially in the United Arab Emirates.
Please note: In the case of joint ownership, each party must have a minimum of AED 750,000 to qualify individually.
Documents Required For A Real Estate Investor Visa
To apply, you need the following:
- Title deed (from Dubai Property Authority) proving the property’s value and ownership.
- Copy of passport (valid for at least 6 months).
- Passport photos.
- Mortgage Number (NCO) and proof of payment (if applicable).
- Marriage certificate (if owned jointly with spouse).
- Bank statement or proof of income (DLD may require proof of monthly income of AED 10,000).
- Certificate of good conduct (addressed to DLD).
- Valid health insurance in the United Arab Emirates.
- Emirates ID card application and medical report.
How To Apply For A Property Investor Visa In Dubai
- Buy a qualifying property
If you are buying a completed property worth AED 750,000 or more, make sure the title deed is issued by the Dubai Land Department (DLD).
- Prepare necessary documents
Collect your proof of ownership, identity documents, health insurance certificate and any NOCs from mortgage lenders.
- Apply via DLD Cube Centre or online
You can apply in person at the Cube Centre in Al Manara Centre on Sheikh Zayed Road in Dubai, and submit your application and documents there. Alternatively, you can easily apply online via the Dubai Land Department’s e-services platform or the Invest in Dubai portal.
Fill out the investor visa application form, upload the required documents and proceed to the next step.
- Pay the fees and wait for approval
Pay the required government fees and service charges. DLD will process your application and coordinate with GDRFA (Immigration and Naturalisation Service) to approve your stay. It may take between 2 and 14 days.
- Change of entry permit or status
- If you are outside the United Arab Emirates, you will receive an entry permit to travel to Dubai.
- If you are in the United Arab Emirates, complete a status change in the country itself.
- Medical fitness test and Emirates ID
Complete your medical examination and apply for an Emirates ID. This process involves biometric fingerprinting and takes a few days.
- Final visa issuance
Once your residency permit (usually valid for three years) is approved, it will be issued electronically. You will receive your Emirates ID by post, or you can collect it in person.
The entire process usually takes 2 to 3 weeks from the time the title deed and documents have been submitted.
Cost Of A Real Estate Investor Visa (2025)
| Cost component |
Amount (AED) |
| Processing fee for the DLD visa — payable to Dubai Land Department |
3,800 |
| Accommodation / GDRFA (visa issuance, admin, innovation/knowledge costs) |
2,000 – 3,000 |
| Medical examination & Emirates ID (valid 3 years) |
1,000 |
| Service / writing fees (optional) |
300 – 600 |
| Estimated total (excl. ownership transfer & optional PRO services) |
7,500 – 10,000 |
Additional costs:
- Deposit: AED 1,000, refundable (varies on a case-by-case basis).
- 4% transfer fee: To be paid upon purchase of the property.
The main benefits of a real estate investor visa
- Residence permit for 3 years: Renewable residence permit for you and your family.
- Multiple entry rights: Unlimited entry and exit to Dubai.
- Live in your own home: Make yourself comfortable in the home you have invested in.
- Family sponsorship: Bring your partner and children.
- No work requirement: perfect for retirees or non-working residents.
- Upgrade Path: If your property is worth AED 2 million or more, you may be eligible for a 10-year Golden Visa.
How To Switch From An Investor Visa To A Golden Visa: A Practical Example
Example: Khaled, a 46-year-old investor from Egypt, purchased two apartments in Dubai in 2022. His total investment in both properties was just over AED 2 million.
Since the title deeds were in his name, Khaled was granted a three-year Dubai Property Investor Visa.
After learning about the updated Golden Visa rules in early 2025, Khaled realised that, thanks to his real estate investments, he now met the criteria for a 10-year visa.
In support of his application for a Golden Visa, Khaled submitted the following:
- A valuation letter from the Dubai Land Department confirming the property’s value: AED 2 million+.
- Copies of both title deeds.
- Proof of mortgage deductions for one property and equity for the other.
- Passport, Emirates ID card and current photos
- Health insurance.
- Medical fitness test completed.
Within three weeks, Khaled’s application was approved by the GDRFA. He was granted a 10-year Golden Visa and a Gold Emirates ID, allowing him to stay in Dubai long-term with added security.
The same visa category also allowed him to sponsor his wife and two adult children.
Key point: Real estate and business investors who reach the AED 2 million threshold may be eligible for an upgrade to a 10-year Golden Visa.
Whether it’s for real estate, business ownership or tax purposes, proper documentation and working with experienced advisors like G12 can make the transition smooth and efficient.
Apply For Your Dubai Investor Visa Today With G12
Thanks to the emirate’s investor-friendly policies, it has become significantly easier to obtain an investor visa in Dubai by 2025.
Whether you are interested in the 5-year Green Residence Investor Visa for business projects or the 3-year Property Investor Visa for real estate, G12 simplifies your path with expert business start-up support, dedicated visa consultation and comprehensive PRO services.
With clear upgrade options to the prestigious Golden Visa, G12 ensures you continue to benefit from your investments as they flourish in Dubai’s dynamic market. Contact us today for a free consultation.
Get In Contact with G12. Today to Get Started
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I work for another company in Dubai with an investor visa?
With a Dubai investor visa, you can work for your own company. However, to work for another company, you will need to apply for a separate work permit sponsored by that employer.
Does a Dubai investor visa lead to citizenship?
No, an investor visa entitles you to a longer stay in Dubai, but does not automatically grant you citizenship. Citizenship in the UAE is subject to certain criteria and generally cannot be obtained through investment alone.
Are there age restrictions for getting an investor visa in Dubai?
The minimum age for first-time investors is 18. There is no upper age limit, making these visas particularly suitable for retirees and older investors.
Can I sponsor domestic workers with my investor visa in Dubai?
Yes, Dubai Investor Visa holders are eligible to sponsor domestic workers. They must meet certain income and residency requirements set by the UAE immigration authorities.
What happens if the value of my property drops below AED 750,000 after the visa is issued?
If the value of your property decreases after your visa has been granted, this will generally not affect the validity of your current visa. However, if you extend your visa, the property will again need to meet the mandatory valuation criteria.
Can my partner work in Dubai with my investor visa?
Your spouse can live in Dubai with your investor visa as a sponsor, but will need their own work permit from the sponsoring employer if they want to work there.