Would you want to launch a company in Dubai? Your key to starting your next business endeavour in the United Arab Emirates may be obtaining a partner visa in Dubai
Before you go on your adventure, however, we want you to be well educated and aware of the criteria and advantages. With a partner visa, you may live there for three years, sponsor family members, travel throughout the GCC more easily, and you may even be eligible for the UAE Golden Visa. On the other hand, the typical minimum investment in a UAE-based firm will be AED 1 million.
Whether you are launching a new business or investing in an existing one, it is essential to comprehend the requirements, costs, and legal frameworks. We will guide you through the requirements for eligibility, expenses, and the application procedure in order to get a partner visa.
Because partner and investor visas in the UAE facilitate commercial operations and residence in similar ways, they are sometimes confused for one another. We will explain the differences between the two, emphasising their special qualities and qualifying requirements.
A Partner Visa: What Is It?
A kind of residence permit reserved for those who are partners in a UAE-based business is called a partner visa in Dubai. This visa is designed for those who own a substantial portion of a company that operates in the nation. It enables partners to actively participate in the day-to-day operations or management of the business.
The visa usually relates to their position and ownership in the company, allowing them to lawfully live in the United Arab Emirates. Immediate family members may often be sponsored for residence by holders of a partner visa.
An Investor Visa: What Is It?
Conversely, those who invest a significant sum of money in the United Arab Emirates are granted an investor visa. This might include making national real estate investments or investing in startups and businesses. The investor visa is not always dependent on having a hands-on role in the day-to-day operations of a firm, in contrast to the partner visa. It is directed at those who make capital investments that support the UAE's economy.
What are the prerequisites for eligibility in Dubai for the Partner Visa?
Applicants must meet certain conditions in order to be eligible for a partner visa in the United Arab Emirates. These requirements usually include the following:
Ownership/Partnership Agreement: The applicant must own a substantial interest in a firm that is located in the United Arab Emirates. Presenting a partnership agreement or business registration paperwork with the applicant's name listed as a partner or shareholder often serves as validation for this.
Minimum Investment: Depending on the emirate and the kind of company, different minimum investments are often needed to get a partner visa in the United Arab Emirates. According to the GDRFA, a partner's minimum commitment must be one million AED or its equivalent in other currencies.
Valid Passport: Candidates must possess a passport that is currently valid and has enough time left on it.
UAE Entry Permit: Depending on their country, applicants may need to get an entry permit—either a visit or tourist visa—before submitting an application for a partner visa.
No Objection Certificate (NOC): A NOC from the applicant's present sponsor may be necessary if the applicant is currently residing in the United Arab Emirates on a different form of visa.
Medical Fitness Test and Health Insurance: Applicants must be in possession of a current UAE health insurance policy. They also have to pass a medical fitness exam administered by UAE health officials.
Registration for an Emirates ID: This procedure entails obtaining an Emirates ID, which is required of all UAE citizens.
Clear Criminal History: Usually, applicants must have a clean criminal history from both their home country and the United Arab Emirates.
Proof of Accommodation: Documentation such as a title deed or lease agreement may be required as proof of appropriate housing in the United Arab Emirates.
Financial Stability: Documentation demonstrating one's capacity to maintain oneself and any dependents financially may sometimes be needed.
Trade Licence Copy: The Department of Economic Development (DED) in Dubai issues trade licences, which you must get in order to invest in or launch a company.
Businesses wishing to invest in the United Arab Emirates must get an Immigration Establishment Card, which may be obtained from the appropriate immigration office.
Memorandum of Association (MOA): A Memorandum of Association describes the goals and regulations of a business and is required if you want to invest in it.
How to Apply for a Partner Visa in Dubai: A Step-by-Step Guide
In the UAE, applying for a partner visa entails a number of processes, most of which are as follows:
- Establish a relationship Agreement with a UAE-headquartered firm: Make sure you have a relationship with a firm that is headquartered in the UAE. Usually, the firm formation papers are used to verify this. A partnership agreement should specify each partner's share of the business's profits, duties, and ownership portion.
- Acquire the MOA and trade licence: Make sure your company has a current trading licence and that the Memorandum of Association (MOA) has your name on it as a partner.
- Obtain an Immigration Establishment Card Application: The General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs must issue an Immigration Establishment Card to your organisation (GDRFA). This card is necessary in order to sponsor a visa.
- Entry permission (if not in the UAE): To enter the UAE, you must apply for an entry permission if you are not already there. The GDRFA or internet portals like Amer can be used for this.
- Medical Fitness exam and Health Insurance: In order to be eligible for a resident visa, you must first pass a medical fitness exam and get health insurance after arriving in the UAE.
- Emirates ID Registration: Visit a Federal Authority for Identity and Citizenship (ICA) service facility to apply for an Emirates ID.
- Visa Stamping: To have your visa stamped, send the GDRFA your passport, visa application, Emirates ID application, test results, and proof of health insurance. Your partner's visa is finalised with this step.
- Pick Up Your Passport: After processing, pick up your passport with the partner visa stamp.
Dubai Partner Visa Processing Time
After submitting all relevant paperwork and completing the medical fitness exam, a partner visa usually takes a few days to a few weeks to process. The processing time depends on the emirate, the papers' completeness and correctness, and the immigration offices' workload at the time of application.
Faster processing is often available for a price.
Dubai Partner Visa Benefits
Partner visas in Dubai and the UAE provide several perks that might improve your living, working, and investment experience. Key benefits of each investor visa category include:
1. 3-Year Dubai Residential Visa
The 3-year resident visa lets you live and work in the UAE without frequent visa renewals, which is a major advantage.
2. Sponsoring Immediate Family
With a companion visa, you may sponsor your spouse, children, and even parents. Having family nearby might enhance your UAE experience.
3. Easier GCC travel
Partner visa holders may travel to GCC nations more easily, increasing networking, business cooperation, and regional market understanding.
4. UAE Golden Visa Possibility
With a partner visa, you may qualify for the UAE Golden Visa, which offers simpler GCC travel and special commercial prospects.
5. UAE Service Access
Partner visa holders may access government and commercial services including healthcare, education, and property rental or purchase in the UAE.
Dubai Partner Visa Cost
Know the expenses of each visa type and any extra application fees. The visa costs 200 AED (plus 5% VAT), but you'll also need a medical fitness exam, health insurance, Emirates ID, and an establishment card. Document translation and legal adviser fees may apply.
If you sponsor family members, each dependent's visa will cost extra.
Final thoughts: Dubai partner visas
In conclusion, Dubai partner visa applications are straightforward but have unique conditions and prices. Understanding qualifying requirements is essential for a smooth application. Dubai partner visas allow partners to live, work, and enjoy the city's bustling lifestyle.
