UAE residency visa pathways.
For founders setting up a UAE company. Investor visa, partner visa, and the long-term Golden Visa — compared and explained.
The standard founder path: Investor Visa
If you own shares in a UAE-licensed company (free zone or mainland), you can apply for an Investor Visa as the visa is sponsored by your own company. Most common for founders. Valid 2 years, renewable indefinitely.
Cost: approximately USD 1,100 all-in per visa (government fees including medical, biometrics, Emirates ID, visa stamping). Family dependents (spouse, children, parents) sponsored separately at approximately USD 600–900 each.
The path in steps
- Establishment card — issued with your trade licence, links your company to the immigration system.
- Entry permit (e-visa) — issued 3–5 days after application. Allows entry into the UAE.
- Medical examination — at any approved Tasjeel / Wajeel centre. 30 minutes.
- Emirates ID biometrics — fingerprint and photo capture.
- Visa stamping — visa stamped in your passport, valid 2 years.
- Emirates ID issuance — physical card mailed within 5–7 days.
Total time on the ground: 3–5 working days, ideally consecutive. We coordinate the medical and biometrics appointments before you arrive.
Visa quotas per jurisdiction
| Jurisdiction | Standard quota | Scalable to |
|---|---|---|
| IFZA | 1–3 included | Up to 9 |
| Meydan | 1–3 included | Up to 3 typical |
| DMCC | Office-based | Unlimited |
| JAFZA | Office-based | Unlimited |
| ADGM | Up to 4 (Cat B) | Scalable with office |
| DIFC | Office-based | Unlimited |
| Mainland (DED/ADDED) | Office-based | Unlimited (1 per 9 sqm) |
Family sponsorship
Once you have your residency visa and Emirates ID, you can sponsor: spouse, children (sons under 25 if dependent, daughters until married), and parents (subject to salary criteria typically AED 20k+/month or property ownership). Domestic helpers under a separate scheme.
Golden Visa — when to choose long-term
For serious long-term commitment, the Golden Visa gives 10 years self-sponsored residency — decoupled from your company. Requires property worth AED 2m+, AED 2m+ investment, or qualifying credentials. Full Golden Visa guide →
Visa cancellation
If you leave the UAE permanently, sell your company, or change visa categories, your existing visa must be cancelled before the new one is issued. We handle cancellation, exit-visa processing and Emirates ID retrieval.
Updated 16 May 2026. UAE immigration fees and rules change periodically.