Dubai is one of the leading global business epicenters that attracts entrepreneurs, investors, and ambitious professionals from all over the world. The city offers immense opportunities for potential business owners to embark on their entrepreneurial journey across various fields. However, if you are seeking business setup in Dubai, the UAE offers two key visa options: the Partner Visa and the Investor Visa. You might be thinking that both visas are similar, but they have slightly different purposes and specific requirements. It is important to understand their key differences to make a wise decision for your future in the UAE. Through this comprehensive blog, let’s understand the key purposes of both visas in detail, along with their benefits, eligibility, and more. 

What is a Partner Visa? 

A Partner Visa in Dubai is a type of visa that allows foreign individuals to reside in Dubai while owning shares in a company based in the UAE. This is a specific type of residency visa that allows the holder to easily operate their business in the city without any restrictions. Usually valid for 2-3 years, this visa is directly associated with the individual’s ownership and role in the company. Moreover, partner visa holders can also sponsor their family members to come and reside in Dubai.

UAE Partner Visa – Eligibility Criteria

To acquire a UAE partner visa, one must meet the eligibility criteria laid out by the UAE authorities.

Here is what you need to ensure: 

• Hold Shares in a UAE-Based Company: One must be a partner or shareholder in a UAE-based company. At least 25% ownership is required. 

• Pass Medical Fitness Test: The business owner must pass a medical fitness test in the UAE to acquire a partner visa in Dubai. It is applied to all applicants.

• Age Criteria: The applicant must be above 18 years of age to operate any business and hold this visa.  

• Have a Valid Trade License: The company license must be valid and active. The license should also be approved by the UAE government authorities. 

Documents Required for Partner Visa

A range of documents needs to be gathered when applying for a UAE partner visa. If you are not sure of the documentation, you can reach out to a reliable agency that offers professional Dubai visa services assistance.

The documents include: 

• Valid passport with a minimum 6-month validity.
• Company trade license and MOA (Memorandum of Association).
• Partner’s Emirates ID (if available).
• Recent passport-sized photo with white background.
• Entry permit or previous visa copy (if applicable).
• Company Bank Statements
• Visa Application Form
• Trade License Copy
• Medical Fitness Test Results

Benefits of a Partner Visa in Dubai

Partner visa in UAE comes with a range of advantages for ambitious individuals who wish to start a business in Dubai.

Let’s have a closer look at these benefits: 

• 100% Business Ownership: A UAE partner visa allows entrepreneurs to register their company in Dubai free zones and get complete ownership. This means that there is no need for a local sponsor, and you can independently run your business in Dubai. Also, you get complete control over your profits, operations, and decision-making. 

• 3-Year Residency Visa: When you acquire a partner visa with the help of UAE visa services, you get a 3-year residency permit in the nation. This is further beneficial as it allows you to work and live in Dubai with the utmost stability and security. 

• Family Sponsorship: Your spouse, children, and even parents can be sponsored with the help of a partner visa in Dubai. When your visa is valid and you meet the salary or income benchmark, you can apply for visas for your loved ones. 

• Multiple Entry and Exits: There are no restrictions on the number of entries or exits in the UAE if you hold a valid partner visa. Therefore, this makes this visa apt for businesspeople who travel frequently for meetings, trade, or networking. 

• Open Bank Account and Lease Properties: Holding a UAE partner visa allows you to easily open personal and corporate bank accounts. Apart from this, it also allows you to rent residential properties as well as commercial spaces for your business. Most banks and landlords require proof of legal residency, and this visa fulfills that requirement.

Partner Visa Cost in Dubai- Overview

The partner visa cost in Dubai is generally dependent on several factors, such as medical tests, Emirates ID fees, and visa stamping. However, the price range usually varies from AED 4,000 to AED 7,000. You might be charged extra for entry permits, status change, or typing center services. Moreover, if you are applying for your visa through an agency that offers Dubai visa services, the services charged may also be added. Moreover, budget separately for family sponsorship and health insurance, which are generally not included in the visa costs.

What is an Investor Visa? 

Unlike a partner visa in Dubai, an investor visa is granted to individuals who willingly make an investment into a business or real estate in the UAE.  This visa is usually for sole investors or prominent shareholders who fund companies personally in the UAE. This visa also allows for family sponsorship, access to government facilities, and even 10-year residency opportunity in the UAE. 

Eligibility Criteria for Investor Visa in UAE

Similar to a partner visa in UAE, the investor visa also demands a structured eligibility criterion.

Let’s have a closer look at these key requirements:  

• An individual should make an investment in a UAE-licensed business or property.
• Investment should meet minimum capital requirements, as set by the UAE authorities.
• The proof of investment must be provided by the investor to acquire their investor visa. 
• All the applicants must pass a medical fitness test.
• Individuals above 18 years of age are allowed to apply for this visa. 

Documents Required for Investor Visa in UAE 

Documents are one of the most important things when applying for a visa. However, if you face any kind of challenges, you can opt for UAE visa services from a reliable visa agency.

They will help you gather the following documents: 

• A passport valid for at least 6 months.
• Business license or property ownership documents are a must.
• Memorandum of Association (MOA) if applicable.
• Passport-sized photo with white background.
• Entry permit or old visa (if available).

Benefits of Investor Visa in UAE

Investor visa in UAE presents a range of benefits for individuals seeking investment in the UAE.

Here is a detailed overview of these benefits: 

• Long-Term Residency Options: Investor visa in UAE provides an opportunity to gain long-term residency in the UAE, depending on the amount you are investing. This further ensures security and stability for foreign nationals. 

• No Local Sponsor Needed: For some investments or visas, a local sponsor is generally required in the UAE. An investor visa does not impose any such conditions, which further makes it easier for individuals to invest and run ventures independently. 

• Family Sponsorship Included: Similar to a UAE partner visa, an investor visa also grants permission to individuals to bring their families to the nation. This includes their spouses, children, and even in some cases, parents. 

• Easy Access to Government Services: A person holding an investor visa in Dubai, UAE, is allowed access to all services offered by the government authorities. This includes healthcare facilities, financial facilities such as opening a bank account, and many more.

• Reputation and Trust in the Business Market: If you have an investor visa in Dubai, your reputation will be enhanced automatically. Therefore, such benefits make this visa a good choice for potential investors from all across the world. 

Making the Right Choice: Partner Visa vs Investor Visa

Whether you want a UAE partner visa or an investor visa entirely depends on your objectives, investment plans, and long-term goals.

Here are some of the key considerations that can help you make the right decision:

1. Nature of Your Investment

• Partner Visa: Partner visa in Dubai is best for individuals who wish to join an existing business or want to become a co-owner. 
• Investor Visa: On the other hand, an investor visa is ideal for those who are investing in a new UAE business or real estate market. 

2. Visa Duration and Stability

• Partner Visa: UAE Partner visa is usually active for 2-3 years. You can renew it before its expiration. 
• Investor Visa: An investor visa is for long-term stability, which is up to 10 years with extensive investments. 

3. Capital Requirements

• Partner Visa: This requires lower capital as you share investment with other partners.
• Investor Visa: In this case, a higher financial commitment is needed depending on the visa type and sector.

4. Flexibility and Business Control

• Partner Visa: In the case of a partner visa in UAE, business decisions might be shared with other stakeholders. 
• Investor Visa: An investor visa offers immense independence if you are the sole investor or majority owner. 

Both UAE partner visa and investor visa provide significant business opportunities in Dubai, UAE. One can opt for any visa, depending on their specific requirements and investment goals. However, if you are unaware of the application process, you can get assistance from a reliable visa service provider, Disha Global Tours. As one of the leading providers of Dubai visa services, we help ambitious entrepreneurs acquire a visa without any hassle. Our visa experts will manage everything on your behalf, including documentation, approvals, government talks, and more. You just focus on your goals, and we will handle the rest. So, get in touch with us and acquire your visa within no time.

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