Key takeaways
- Your company must have a valid trade license and an active establishment card before your application starts.
- GDRFA Dubai's Green investor route needs a paid share of AED 1 million or more and lasts up to five years.
- GDRFA Dubai asks for a photo, a passport valid for six months, the MOA or partnership agreement, and the trade license.
- GDRFA Dubai lists AED 200 for the Green investor residence permit and 48 hours to issue it.
- The residence rests on your shareholding, so selling shares or closing the company affects it.
Two routes: standard partner visa and Green investor visa
| Standard partner or investor visa | Green investor visa | |
|---|---|---|
| Who it's for | Shareholders in a UAE company | Investors and partners with a paid share of AED 1 million or more |
| Company forms | Set by the authority | LLC, joint stock company or another listed form |
| Term | Set by the authority for your company | Up to 5 years, renewable on the same terms |
| Sponsor needed | Your company sponsors you | No employer or guarantor needed |
| Grace period after expiry or cancellation | By category | 180 days |
Below AED 1 million, the standard route through your own company is usually the option. Its term depends on the company and its license, so it's worth confirming before you spend on applications.
Company requirements
- A valid trade license, with time left before renewal.
- An active immigration establishment card. See our establishment card guide.
- Approval from the competent authorities for the activity, and your authorisation to practise it, which GDRFA Dubai lists in its terms.
- For the Green route, evidence that the share capital has been paid, not just declared.
Personal requirements and documents
For the Green investor route, GDRFA Dubai asks for:
- A personal photo.
- A passport copy valid for at least six months.
- The partnership agreement, memorandum of association (MOA) or investment contract.
- The company's trade license.
After the entry permit or change of status, you complete a medical fitness test (if you're 18 or over) and Emirates ID biometrics. Health insurance is needed for residence. Names, share figures and dates must match across every document; a different spelling between the MOA and the passport is a common delay. See MOA drafting.
Fees and timing
| GDRFA Dubai fee (Green investor residence) | Amount |
|---|---|
| Residence permit | AED 200 |
| Knowledge and Innovation fees | AED 10 each |
| Applying from inside the UAE | AED 500 |
| Delivery | AED 20 |
| Each year beyond two | AED 100 |
GDRFA Dubai lists an expected completion time of 48 hours. The overall time also depends on whether you need an entry permit first and how soon the medical test and biometrics can be booked.
If you own property instead
If your UAE property has a purchase value of AED 2 million or more, compare the Golden visa. The Dubai Land Department describes a 10-year renewable residence that isn't tied to a company, covering the spouse, children and parents. See UAE golden visa benefits and our visa options for business owners.
Keeping the visa valid
Your residence depends on the company. Renew the trade license and establishment card on time, update the MOA when partners join or leave, and plan before changing your shareholding, because a change in ownership can mean a fresh application. In Dubai, keep health insurance current for everyone you sponsor: the Dubai Health Authority's fine is AED 500 per person per month.
We check your company file and shareholding, prepare the application and follow it through. See our investor visa service.
Sources
- GDRFA Dubai: Green residence for investors
- UAE government portal: Green visa
- ICP: renewal of residency permits
- UAE government portal: residence visa for family members
- UAE government portal: general provisions for the residence visa
- Dubai Land Department: Golden visa for property investors
Official sources checked on 7 November 2026. This guide explains published rules in plain English and is not legal or tax advice. Rules change; we check the current position for your case before you act.