Dubai welcomes founders and investors who want to build for the long term. If you’re an Indian national planning to set up or buy into a UAE mainland or free zone company, the Investor/Partner Visa in Dubai gives you the legal right to live, work, and sponsor your family while you operate your business. In this guide from Business Setup Service Dubai, you’ll learn the exact requirements, step-by-step process, key timelines, and smart tips to avoid delays—so you can focus on growth, not guesswork.
Investor vs Partner Visa — what’s the difference?
Functionally, people use both terms for the same residency category issued to business owners. The visa links to a trade license where you appear as an owner/partner or shareholder. Whether you set up on the mainland (Dubai Economy & Tourism—DET) or in a free zone (e.g., IFZA, DMCC, RAKEZ), the residency flows from your equity position in the licensed entity.
- Investor Visa: often used for single-owner structures or majority owners.
- Partner Visa: commonly used for multi-partner companies.
At any rate, the steps broadly match; the difference sits in the license structure rather than the residency benefits. Get details on Business setup in Dubai.
Eligibility:- who qualifies?
As an Indian passport holder, you typically qualify if you:
- Hold shares in a UAE company (new or existing), reflected on the license and company registry.
- Meet any minimum capital or share value requirements specified by the jurisdiction.
- clean immigration record and Have a valid passport (-usually six plus months remaining-) .
- Can present standard KYC documents when banks or authorities request them.
If you don’t want to set up a company, you may explore property-based or employment-based visas; however, this article focuses on the Investor/Partner Visa tied to a business license.
Mainland vs Free Zone (for Indians): which makes sense?
Mainland (DET/DED):
- Trade anywhere in the UAE; invoice onshore clients directly.
- Access to wider government tenders and local contracts.
- Requires Ejari (tenancy) for license issuance in most cases.
- Strong choice for services, agencies, consultancies, and B2B.
- Fast incorporation, bundled facilities, simplified customs.
- 100% foreign ownership and easy onboarding for many sectors.
- Ideal for export, online services, holding companies, and regional HQs.
- Direct onshore trade may require a mainland branch/agent depending on activity.
You can secure an Investor Visa in both. Therefore, choose based on your go-to-market strategy rather than visa convenience.
Step-by-step: Investor/Partner Visa process in Dubai
1) Set up or acquire the company
Firstly, form a mainland or free zone entity, or buy shares in an existing company. Ensure your name and shareholding appear correctly on the trade license and company registry (MOA/Share Certificate). Because this data drives immigration approvals, accuracy here saves days later.
2) Apply for the Investor Entry Permit
Next, your company applies for a Dubai Investor Entry Permit via the GDRFA (Dubai) or ICP systems (federal). If you’re outside the UAE, the permit works as an e-visa for entry. If you’re already inside on another status, you’ll do a status change rather than exit/re-enter.
- Typical validity: 60 days to complete the remaining steps.
- Pro tip: Keep your passport copy crisp, and match names across documents exactly.
3) Status change (if you’re in the UAE)
If you’re already in Dubai on a visit/tourist visa, you can convert your status to “investor” internally without exiting. This step activates the permit and lets you proceed to medical and ID.
4) Medical test and biometrics
Book the medical fitness test (blood test and chest X-ray) at an approved centre. Immediately afterwards, complete biometrics for your Emirates ID. Because the systems interlink, doing these back-to-back shortens the overall timeline.
5) Health insurance
Dubai requires health insurance for residency. Choose a plan appropriate for your age, visa tenure, and family plans. Many free zones and mainland PRO desks can connect you with approved insurers.
6) Emirates ID processing
Your Emirates ID is your resident identity card—used at banks, airports (e-gates), and government portals. After biometrics, your card goes into production. Meanwhile, you can track progress in the ICP app.
7) Visa stamping (-e-sticker-)
Apparently, Dubai now issues an e-residence visa (e-sticker) instead of physical passport stamps. Therefore, Once your medical and ID clear, immigration updates your status in the system, and you receive the visa electronically. Save PDFs securely for KYC and bank use.
Typical end-to-end duration (once the company exists): 7–12 working days, assuming complete documents and smooth medical/ID appointments. Timelines vary by jurisdiction and season. Looking for a Visa Service in Dubai?
Documents checklist (for Indian investors)
- Passport (clear copy, 6+ months validity)
- Passport-size photos (as per specs)
- UAE trade license showing you as owner/partner
- MOA/Share Certificate (or corporate documents if a holding company invests)
- Entry Permit printout
- Status change receipt (if applicable)
- Medical fitness result
- Health insurance certificate
- Emirates ID application/receipt
- Tenancy/Ejari or free zone facility letter (as needed for bank KYC)
- Any additional NOCs required by the free zone or activity
Because banks and authorities may request minor variations, keep digital copies ready and name files clearly.
Sponsoring your family as an investor
One of the biggest benefits of the Partner/Investor Visa is the ability to sponsor dependents—spouse, children, and sometimes parents (with additional requirements). After your own visa activates and you have a tenancy (Ejari) plus minimum salary documents, you can file dependent visas through GDRFA/Amer or the free zone portal. Prepare attested marriage and birth certificates; since you’re an Indian national, ensure they carry the correct MEA + UAE Embassy attestation and MOFA stamps.
Banking and NRI considerations
Indian investors usually open a UAE corporate bank account for the company and may open a personal account for resident use. Banks will request:
- Company formation pack (license, MOA, share certificate)
- Your Investor/Partner Visa and Emirates ID
- Ejari or facility letter, plus utility bill if available
- Brief business profile and expected turnover/markets
- Sample contracts or invoices (if trading already)
Because compliance is strict, a tidy file and clear activity description speed approvals. Get details on Business Bank Account Opening Service in Dubai.
Renewals and good housekeeping
- Visa validity: commonly 2 or 3 years depending on jurisdiction; renew with medical and Emirates ID renewal.
- Company license: renew annually; visa remains valid only if the company stays active.
- Travel reminders: keep your insurance and Emirates ID current; also renew passports early to prevent overlap issues.
- Payroll & WPS : if you file on time,draft compliant contracts,register for WPS, and hire,.
- Tax & VAT: if you hit thresholds, register for UAE Corporate Tax (9%) and VAT (5%); maintain clean books.
Additionally, running a company in Dubai is straightforward when you keep documents aligned and follow calendars.
Typical costs
Moreover,exact fees vary by service level,jurisdiction and medical category, anyhow, budget for:
- Entry permit + status change
- Medical test + Emirates ID
- Visa issuance (e-sticker)
- Health insurance
- PRO/service charges (if you use a setup partner)
We normally offer an all-inclusive quote before kickoff so you can plan cash flow without surprises.
Common mistakes (-and how to avoid them-)
- Record/Name mismatches: Even small spelling differences between MOA, license, and passport, cause delays. Therefore Use one consistent format.
- Expired entry permits: Book medical/ID quickly after status change; don’t let the permit lapse.
- No Ejari for family visas: Secure housing documents early if you plan to sponsor dependents.
- Bank KYC gaps: Prepare a simple business summary and sample contracts; banks appreciate clarity.
- Insurance left to last: Buy health insurance right after medical so stamping doesn’t stall.
Related Articles:
» Golden Visa Service in Dubai
» Everything you need to know about Dubai Investor Visa
» Understanding Dubai’s Visa System: Types and Requirements
» Complete Guide About Freelance Visa in Dubai
» Trading license in Dubai for Indians
Why work with Business Setup Service Dubai?
Because we run the process like a project: one point of contact, clear checklists, and parallel scheduling for entry permits, status change, medical, and ID. We also coordinate company formation, license issuance, and bank account opening, then guide you on dependent visas—from attestation to final stamping. Consequently, you reduce back-and-forth and get your Investor/Partner Visa faster.
Navigating the Investor/Partner Visa Process in Dubai
Setting up a company and securing the Investor/Partner Visa in Dubai for Indians doesn’t have to be complicated. Pick the right jurisdiction, prepare documents once—and correctly—and follow the sequence: license, entry permit, status change, medical, Emirates ID, and e-stamping. With Business Setup Service Dubai coordinating each step, you’ll move from plan to residency smoothly, then scale your operations with confidence.
FAQs
No. The visa depends on your shareholding in a licensed entity. Incorporate first (or buy shares), then apply for the entry permit and residency.
Typically 7–12 working days to complete entry permit, status change, medical, Emirates ID, and e-stamping—assuming quick appointments and clean documents.
Not if you’re already in the UAE. You can complete an in-country status change and finish medical/ID locally.
Yes. After your visa activates—and with Ejari, insurance, and attested certificates—you can sponsor dependents through GDRFA/Amer or your free zone portal.
Residency in the UAE is separate from Indian tax residency tests. Consult a cross-border tax advisor to plan days in/out of India, DTAA implications, and salary vs dividend strategies.