By 
- Shareholders can usually get an investor or partner visa through their own company.
- The company needs its license and establishment card before visas can start.
- The steps: entry permit or status change, medical test, Emirates ID biometrics, residence visa.
- Once you have a visa, you can usually sponsor your spouse and children.
Who can get a visa through a company?
- Shareholders and partners: usually through an investor or partner visa.
- Employees: through an employment visa sponsored by the company.
- Family members: sponsored by a visa holder who meets the salary and housing requirements.
Offshore companies can’t sponsor visas. If you need one, choose a free zone or mainland company.
Before you apply
Your company needs a valid trade license and an establishment card, which opens its immigration file. The number of visas you can apply for depends on your free zone package or, on the mainland, your office size.
Step by step
- Entry permit: if you’re outside the UAE, the company applies for an entry permit so you can enter as a resident-to-be.
- Status change: if you’re already in the UAE on another visa, your status can usually be changed without leaving.
- Medical test: a short medical fitness test at an approved centre.
- Emirates ID biometrics: fingerprints and a photo for your Emirates ID.
- Residence visa: issued and linked to your Emirates ID. In most cases it’s now recorded electronically instead of stamped in your passport.
Documents you’ll usually need
- Passport valid for at least six months
- Passport photo
- Your entry permit or current visa
- The company’s license and establishment card
- Health insurance meeting the applicable residence and employment requirements
How long is the visa valid?
Investor and partner visas are usually valid for two or three years, depending on the authority, and can be renewed. Keep in mind that a residence visa can lapse if you stay outside the UAE for more than six months in a row.
Sponsoring your family
Visa holders can sponsor their spouse and children if they meet the minimum salary requirement (commonly AED 4,000, or AED 3,000 with accommodation) and have suitable housing. Marriage and birth certificates usually need to be attested.
What about the Golden Visa?
Investors, entrepreneurs and some professionals who meet specific criteria may qualify for a 10-year Golden Visa. Ask an adviser whether you’re eligible before you plan your setup around it.
Our visa and Emirates ID service books every appointment and files every form for you.
