To get a partner visa in Dubai, UAE, follow these steps:
- Set up or join a UAE-based company with a valid trade license and Memorandum of Association (MOA) listing you as a partner.
- Invest at least AED 1 million in the business, providing proof like bank statements or share certificates.
- Apply for an Immigration Establishment Card through the General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs (GDRFA).
- Complete a medical fitness test at a UAE-approved health center.
- Register for an Emirates ID and submit documents like a valid passport, partnership agreement, and health insurance.
Pay visa fees (starting at AED 200) and await approval, typically within 5-15 days.
This UAE Partner Visa, often a Green Residence Visa, offers 5-year residency, family sponsorship, and access to business ownership opportunities.
How to Get a Partner Visa in Dubai, UAE
Do you plan to launch a business or get employed at a reputable firm situated in Dubai? A partner visa in Dubai lets you live and work in one of the world’s most active economic centers. This 5 years residency visa also allows you to manage a business without a local sponsor, which is referred to as the Green Residence Partner Visa. For those looking for an investor, this guide has everything in 2025. From UAE partner visa regulations to partner visa fees in Dubai, we will detail steps, eligibility requirements, and tips that guarantee success with your application. Let us start this process and fully realize your boundless investment opportunities in Dubai!
What Is a Partner Visa in Dubai?
A partner visa in UAE, also called the Green Residence Partner Visa, is a self-sponsored residency visa for one who has considerable interest and stake in a UAE company. Unlike other visas, there is no need for a local Emirati sponsor, which enables you to manage your business setup in UAE with ease. This applies to visas for shareholders or partners actively engaging in business ownership in Dubai. This type of visa is valid for five years; family sponsorship in the UAE, access to a golden visa, and local markets are also available.
Partner Visa vs. Investor Visa: Key Differences
Both the partner visa Dubai and investor visa UAE are frequently mixed up but have distinctive characteristics:
- Partner Visa: Requires one to operate and, at the very least, contribute AED one million or more towards the business. It is suitable for people active in business partnerships in UAE.
- Investor Visa: Commonly has a higher threshold of AED two million. Concentrates on non-operational business activities such as real estate or capital.
Pro Tip: For business setup in freezone, the partner visa is often preferred due to its flexibility in managing operations without a local sponsor.
Who Needs a Partner Visa in the UAE?
In the case of floors who seek to run or put up a business in Dubai or any other emirates, the UAE Partner Visa is best suited. It encourages global investment and business talent in the region as well as promoting UAE business ownership.
Eligible Categories for a Partner Visa
- Investors: Those who buy into a company registered in the UAE, such as a limited liability company or private joint stock company.
- Shareholders: Individuals who own a sizeable stake in the shares of a registered company included in MOA.
- Entrepreneurs: International individual(s) starting a business in Dubai or associating with a local investor(s).
- Professionals: Medical practitioners, legal professionals, or business consultants establishing a practice or associating with a company in the UAE.
Additional Tip: Business setup consultants in Dubai can help professionals navigate industry-specific UAE partner visa rules, ensuring compliance with regulatory bodies.
Benefits of the Partner Visa in UAE
Why partner visa in UAE? Here is why it shifts the direction of your business and lifestyle.
- 5-Year Residency: Reside in the UAE with a renewable Green Residence Visa, offering permanence for business setup in the UAE.
- Family Sponsorship: Provide residency to your spouse, children, and parents promoting family connections to a UAE visa.
- No Local Sponsor: Complete ownership of your enterprise in Dubai without the need for an Emirati guarantor.
- GCC Travel: Unrestricted access to other GCC countries facilitates networking and market expansion, which enhances investment opportunities.
- Tax Benefits: Utilize the tax-exempt environment to aid in setting up a company in Dubai.
- Pathway to the Golden Visa: Establish a 10-year UAE Golden Visa through immense growth in business.
- Access to Services: Avail healthcare, education, and banking services in the UAE, which, together with other factors, enhances the benefits of residing in Dubai.
UAE Partner Visa Requirements
Eligibility for a partner visa in Dubai requires meeting certain conditions related to partner visa qualifications in UAE. Here is what you need:
Minimum Investment and Documentation
- Investment: A minimum of AED 1 million in a remittance company in the UAE, and this must be confirmed through bank statements or share certificates.
- Partnership Agreement: A valid partnership MOA exists, which indicates your name as a partner in the UAE.
- Trade License: A trade license from the authorized economic department of Dubai or the free zone authority.
- Business Plan: A comprehensible outline that details a company’s objectives, market analysis, and strategy.
- Financial Stability: Financial statements such as bank documents proving financial self-sufficiency along with dependents are required.
Medical and Legal Prerequisites
- Valid Passport: Applicant must hold an international passport with a minimum validity of 6 months and the latest passport-sized pictures.
- Medical Fitness Test: Passing good character and health tests at a Dubai Health Authority-approved center is mandatory.
- Emirates ID Registration: Employed in the United Arab Emirates and resident of UAE.
- Health Insurance: An insurance policy covering medical expenses must be obtained for visa application.
- Good Conduct: Maintain a clean criminal record as confirmed by a police clearance certificate.
Pro Tip: For business setup in freezone, ensure your trade license aligns with free zone regulations to avoid visa processing delays.
How to Apply for a Partner Visa in Dubai: Step-by-Step Process
Are you ready to apply for a partner visa in Dubai? With this guide, each step of the application process for the UAE Partner Visa will be clear.
Step 1: Set Up or Join a Company:
You will need to set up a new business venture in Dubai or purchase stakes in an existing company. You also need to ensure that you are listed in the Memorandum of Association (MOA) and trade license.
Step 2: Obtain an Immigration Establishment Card:
Your business needs to possess this card from the GDRFA for sponsorship of the visa.
Step 3: Apply for an Entry Permit:
If you are outside the UAE, you will need a 60-day entry permit, which can be obtained from the GDRFA portal. If you are inside, you will need to change your visa type.
Step 4: Complete a Medical Fitness Test:
You will need to attend a medical examination in Dubai, also known as the UAE Medical, at a Dubai Health Authority center.
Step 5: Register for Emirates ID
You will first need to submit to an ICA service center.
Step 6: Secure Health Insurance and Accommodation:
You need to provide proof of health insurance and a tenancy contract.
Step 7: Submit Visa Application:
You will need to pay the visa fees through the GDRFA portal after uploading all supporting documents like the passport copy, partnership agreement, business plan, etc.
Step 8: Await Visa Stamping:
After the approval, the visa will be stamped on your passport and will permit a stay of five years.
Additional Tip: Business setup consultants in Dubai can expedite Company Formation in Dubai, ensuring your trade license and MOA meet GDRFA standards.
Mainland vs. Free Zone Company Applications
- Land Companies: Obtained with trade licenses issued by Dubai’s Economic Department, requires additional approvals for further steps.
- Free Zone Companies: Exempted from local sponsors and simplified procedures for business setup in free zones.
Partner Visa Cost in Dubai 2025
How much does a partner visa cost in Dubai? Costs vary based on services and location. Here’s a breakdown:
Breakdown of Fees and Additional Expenses
| Service/Document | Cost (AED) | Notes |
| Residence Permit Fee | 200 | Standard visa issuance fee |
| Medical Fitness Test | 300-500 | Varies by health center |
| Emirates ID (5 years) | 1,000-1,200 | Includes processing fees |
| Health Insurance | 700-1,500 | Depends on coverage |
| Immigration Establishment Card | 650-1,500 | Required for sponsorship |
| Typing/Service Fees | 500-1,000 | For document processing |
| VAT (5%) | 10 | On residence permit fee |
| Knowledge/Innovation Dirham | 20 | If applying inside UAE |
| Additional Residency Fee | 100/year | For visas over 2 years |
Total Estimated Cost: AED 3,380–AED 7,030, depending on additional services like document translation or business setup costs.
Pro Tip: Budget for business setup in UAE costs, such as licensing fees, which can impact your overall investment criteria.
Processing Time for a UAE Partner Visa
The processing time for a partner visa in Dubai ranges from 5 to 15 working days, depending on document accuracy and GDRFA workload. An entry permit approval may take 2–5 days.
Factors Affecting Processing Delays
- Incomplete documentation or missing partnership agreement UAE.
- Delays in medical fitness test results.
- High application volumes at GDRFA or ICA.
Additional Tip: Work with Business Setup Consultants in Dubai to avoid visa processing delays by ensuring all documents are complete.
Family Sponsorship with a Partner Visa
A key UAE partner visa benefit is family sponsorship in Dubai. You can sponsor your spouse, children, and parents for a 5-year family visa in UAE.
Requirements for Sponsoring Family Members
- Minimum Salary: AED 4,000 or AED 3,000 with accommodation.
- Documents: Attested marriage certificate, birth certificates, No Objection Certificate for stepchildren, and medical clearance for those over 18.
- Special Cases: Mothers can sponsor children with ICP approval, and parents require a deposit and proof of sole support.
Transitioning to a UAE Golden Visa
The partner visa can lead to a 10-year UAE Golden Visa, offering long-term visa validity and enhanced benefits.
How to Qualify for Long-Term Residency
- Investment Threshold: Own a business with assets or revenue of AED 2 million.
- Documentation: Submit audited financial statements, business licenses, and shareholder agreements.
- Clean Record: Maintain a good conduct history with no visa extension policy violations.
Pro Tip: Reinvesting profits into your company formation in Dubai can help meet Golden Visa eligibility faster.
Common Challenges and Solutions
Applying for a partner visa in Dubai can have hurdles. Here’s how to tackle them:
Visa Rejection Reasons and Appeal Process
- Rejection Reasons: Incomplete documentation, insufficient investment criteria, or failure of the medical examination test.
- Appeal Process: Submit a revised application to GDRFA with corrected documents or appeal through ICA within 30 days.
Pro Tips for a Successful Partner Visa Application
- Hire Experts: Use business setup consultants in Dubai for company formation in Dubai and visa processing.
- Double-check documentsCheck Documents: Verify your partnership agreement UAE and trade license for accuracy.
- Plan finances finances: Budget for business setup costs and visa fees to meet financial stability requirements.
- Stay updatedUpdated: Check UAE or Ministry of Interior GDRFA for 2025 UAE partner visa rules.
- Free zoneZone advantageAdvantage: Opt for business setup for free for local sponsor exemptions and faster approvals.
FAQs
Q1. How long is the validity of the Partner visa? Valid in Dubai?
A Partner visa is typically valid for 5 years in Dubai, Green Residence Partner Visa, with the option for renewal after this initial period of 5 years.
Q2. How much does apply for a partner for a visa partner visa?
Partner visa Dubai cost A2025: Partner visa costs AED 200 AED 4000, with a range of AED 3,380 to AED 7,030, depending on a visa, medical fitness test, Emirates ID registration, and other services fees*.
Q4. What are the requirements for sponsoring happens family if members of my partner’s visa are refused? Rejected?
To address UAE partner visa Green Visa rejection reasons (e.g., incomplete documentation, insufficient sponsorship documents or investment criteria) or failing the medical examination and appeal through GDRFA within 30 days via GDRFA.
Q5. How does what is the difference between a UAE partner Visa and an investor visa differ from an investor visa in Dubai?
The UAE typically grants an A partner visa. Dubai requires an investor visa to individuals actively managing a substantial UAE-based company with a significant financial investment without directly involving themselves in a business’s daily operations. Conversely, the issuance of a partner visa is for those involved in UAE, business management, with a focus on partnership agreement.
Q6. What are the requirements for UAE visa extension policies for the partner visa?
Yes, you can renew your partner visa in UAE every 5 years, ensuring a valid business license and partnership agreement are active.
Conclusion: Start Your UAE Business Journey Today
Securing a partner visa in Dubai, UAE, opens the world’s doors to opportunities in a vibrant city. With the As a Green Residence Visa, you’ll enjoy UAE partner visa benefits, like a 5-year residency, family sponsorship UAE, and business ownership Dubai, without a local sponsor. By meeting UAE partner visa requirements, investing in a business setup in Dubai, and following our step-by-step guide for the UAE application process, you’re ready to thrive in Dubai’s vibrant business environment economy. Whether you choose a business setup in freezone or a mainland, the Dubai partner visa cost in Dubai is a small price for Dubai’s flexibility and long-term success. Start your business setup in UAE journey with company formation in Dubai today, and unlock the Dubai residency benefits and residency advantages that await you!
