Investor Visa · Residency in Dubai and UAE
2-year residency linked to a real economic investment in the Emirates: company formation, shareholding or real estate investment, with Spanish-speaking support throughout. Renewable indefinitely as long as you maintain your activity.
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Three ways to access the Investor Visa.
Set up a company in Dubai.
Incorporate a new company in a Free Zone, Mainland or Offshore structure. An active trade licence qualifies you as an investor and allows you to apply for residency linked to your company.
Join as a partner.
Become a shareholder or partner in an existing Emirati company. This requires a corporate amendment and update of the commercial register before applying for the visa.
Real estate investment.
Purchase of property in Dubai above specific minimum thresholds. For the Golden Visa the minimum is 2M AED; for standard residency lower-value options are available.
How we process your investor visa.
Eight clear steps: from defining the investment route to actively maintaining the visa year after year.
- 01
Define the investment route
We analyse which option suits you best: forming a new company, joining an existing one as a partner, or making a real estate investment.
- 02
Incorporate or join
We register your company and obtain the trade licence, or formalise your entry as a partner in an existing company.
- 03
Gather documentation
Valid passport, corporate documents (MOA, trade licence, commercial register), UAE health insurance.
- 04
Visa application
We submit the formal application to the free zone or immigration authority. Includes an entry permit if you are outside the UAE.
- 05
Medical examination
Blood test and chest X-ray at an authorised centre. A standard requirement for all UAE residency visas.
- 06
Emirates ID
Biometric capture and issuance of the Emirati identity card. Required for all official procedures.
- 07
Fee payment and approval
We settle the government fees. Once everything is complete the visa is issued with a 2-year validity.
- 08
Keep visa active
Maintain your company active and your licence up to date. Renewal schedule with advance notice 2 years ahead.
Advantages over an employment visa.
Control and independence
Greater control over your residency: it depends on your own investment, not on a third-party employer.
Live and manage
Ability to reside in the UAE while managing your business. Compatible with the day-to-day operations of your company.
Predictable renewal
Clear, predictable renewal every 2 years as long as the investment or company remains active.
Family visas
Access to dependent visas for spouse, children and, in certain cases, parents.
Lower employment risk
You do not depend on an employer's decisions: your residency is maintained as long as your business activity is alive.
Gateway to Golden Visa
If your investment reaches the Golden Visa thresholds (2M AED), you can convert your status without leaving the UAE.
Investor Visa vs Golden Visa.
Comparison of visa types
| Criterion | Investor Visa (standard) | Golden Visa |
|---|---|---|
| Duration | 2 years, renewable | 5 or 10 years, renewable |
| Minimum capital | No fixed minimum in many cases | 2 million AED (investment or property) |
| Sponsor | Own company | None (independent) |
| Maximum time abroad | 6 months | No limit |
| Family sponsorship | Yes (dependants) | Yes (dependants + domestic staff) |
| Ideal for | Entrepreneurs with an active company | Investors with significant capital or high-impact profiles |
Required documentation.
Personal documentation
- Passport
- Valid with at least 6 months remaining.
- Photograph
- Passport-size, white background, digital format.
- Health insurance
- UAE coverage throughout the residency period.
- Proof of address
- Ejari contract or recent utility bill in the UAE.
- Emirates ID
- Biometrics and card issued after medical examination.
Corporate documentation
- Trade licence
- Valid, with no outstanding fines or renewals.
- Memorandum (MOA)
- Confirming your status as a partner or shareholder.
- Commercial register
- Recent extract from the relevant Emirati register.
- Certificate of Incorporation
- Company incorporation certificate.
- Fee receipts
- Proof of payment for licence and active contributions.
Investor Visa with LorcaBase.
We process your investor visa in parallel with the incorporation or restructuring of your company. A single provider for company, banking and visa.
Integrated approach
Company + visa + banking + compliance. We eliminate friction between providers and wasted time.
Right Free Zone
We recommend the most cost-effective free zone for your profile and required visa package.
Remote processing
Almost the entire process handled remotely. You only travel for biometrics and certain banking procedures.
Renewal calendar
Automatic notification of visa and licence expiry dates 45 days in advance.
Path to Golden Visa
If your investment grows, we guide you through the upgrade to Golden Visa once the thresholds are met.
Native Spanish speakers
Contracts, explanations and documentation in your language. No approximate translations.
Prefer a different option?
Golden Visa.
10-year residency for a 2M AED investment, specialist talent or accredited achievements. No local sponsor required.
Discover → XV · EmploymentEmployment Visa.
If you prefer to be an employee rather than an investor, the sponsoring company processes the visa on your behalf.
Discover → VII · Free ZoneFree Zone Company.
Incorporate the company that gives you access to the investor visa in the right free zone.
Discover → XII · CorporateCorporate services.
Comprehensive services: banking, compliance, NOCs and annual retainer for your Emirati company.
Discover →Key terms of the Investor Visa in Dubai.
Quick reference of the concepts you will encounter during the Investor Visa process: pathways, UAE authorities, documents and key figures.
Investor Visa▸
2-year residence visa linked to a company or investment in the UAE. Renewable while the activity is active. Lower economic threshold than the Golden Visa.
Golden Visa▸
10-year residence visa for investors with property ≥2M AED, entrepreneurs, qualified professionals and specialised talent. Long-duration alternative to the Investor Visa.
Partner Visa▸
Investor Visa modality for partners in an existing UAE company. Requires documentation evidencing shareholding.
Free Zone▸
Special economic zone with tax benefits and 100% foreign ownership. Each Free Zone issues its own Investor Visas for partners and directors.
Mainland▸
Territory outside Free Zones. A Mainland-registered company (via DET in Dubai) can operate freely across UAE and issue Investor Visas for partners.
Trade License▸
Mandatory commercial licence. Its validity is a key requirement to keep the Investor Visa active.
MOA▸
Memorandum of Association. Founding legal document defining partners, share capital, share distribution and company activity. Key document to evidence investment.
Entry Permit▸
60-day entry permit issued before residency. Activates the Investor Visa process and the subsequent issuance of the Emirates ID.
Emirates ID▸
UAE national ID. Essential for opening bank accounts, renting property, contracting utilities and public services.
GDRFA▸
General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs. UAE authority in charge of visas and residencies in Dubai.
ICP▸
Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs and Port Security. Federal body that manages Emirates ID and residency at UAE level.
MOHRE▸
Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation. UAE ministry regulating labour activity. Authorises Investor Visa holders to work in their own company.
Dependent Visa▸
Dependent visa that the Investor Visa holder may request to sponsor spouse, children and domestic employees.
Sponsor▸
In the Investor Visa, the sponsor is the holder's own company, unlike the Employment Visa where it is an external employer.
Ejari▸
Official tenancy contract registration system in Dubai. Document required to evidence address during processing.
AED▸
Emirati Dirham, official currency of UAE. Fixed exchange rate approximately 1 USD = 3.67 AED.
What people ask us most.
Do I need to permanently reside in the UAE with an investor visa?
No, but if you remain outside the country for more than 6 consecutive months, the visa may become invalid. Exceptions exist for Golden Visa holders.
Can I have more than one company with an investor visa?
Yes. The visa allows you to be a partner or shareholder in multiple Emirati companies, provided at least one of them qualifies you for an active visa.
Can I work for another company with an investor visa?
Not directly. The investor visa enables you to manage your own company or companies. To work as an employee you need a separate employment visa or a change of status.
Can I sponsor my family and employees?
Yes. With an active investor visa and trade licence you can sponsor a spouse, children, parents in specific cases, domestic employees and company staff.
Can I convert my investor visa into a Golden Visa?
Yes, if you meet the Golden Visa requirements (property ≥ 2M AED, invested capital ≥ 2M AED or other criteria). The status change is handled without leaving the UAE.
How much is the minimum capital required for an investor visa?
It varies depending on the activity and legal structure. In many cases there is no fixed minimum: setting up a company in a Free Zone or Mainland and meeting the jurisdiction's operational requirements is sufficient.
How long is the investor visa valid?
Generally 2 years, renewable as long as the investment or business activity is maintained. The Golden Visa, as a premium variant, is issued for 5 or 10 years.
The trust of those who already work with us
Your investor residency linked to a real business project.
Book an initial consultation with no commitment. We will analyse your case and design the optimal path: company, visa, banking and Emirates ID, all through a single point of contact.
Book a consultation →Dubai Marina, UAE