The standard route to UAE residency for company owners: set up or own a licensed business and sponsor your own visa — and your family's. Here's who it suits, what it costs, and how it compares to the Golden and Green visas.
The quickest, lowest-cost residency when you own a UAE business — controlled by you, not an employer. Here's where it fits, and where another route is smarter.
An illustrative starting point for the visa itself, on top of your trade licence. Your all-in figure depends on:
The investor visa is usually quoted together with your company setup. We send one written breakdown covering the licence, your visa and any family visas — so there are no surprises at signing.
Split payments Setup fees can be paid in instalments with Tamara. Your advisor confirms eligibility and terms with your quote.
| Investor visa | Green visa | Golden visa | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Validity | 2–3 years | 5 years | 10 years |
| Sponsor | Your company | Self | Self |
| Needs a licence | Yes | Investor route only | No |
| Entry threshold | Low | Medium | High |
| Best for | New company owners | Skilled & freelance | Investors & talent |
| Family sponsorship | Yes | Yes | Yes |
In short: the investor visa is the natural first residency when you set up a company — quick, affordable and self-controlled. As the business grows, upgrade to a Green (5-year) or Golden (5 or 10-year, by route) visa for longer, licence-independent security.
A residence visa sponsored by your own UAE company. When you set up or own a licensed business, your shareholding entitles you to residency — usually two years in a free zone or up to three on the mainland — which you renew alongside the licence.
The visa itself typically starts from a few thousand dirhams on top of your trade licence, but it's usually quoted as part of your company setup. We send one combined written breakdown for the licence, your visa and any family visas.
Yes — the investor visa is sponsored by a licensed UAE company that you own or invest in. If you don't want to run a company, an employment visa or a Green freelance visa may suit you better.
Yes. Once your own visa is active, you can sponsor your spouse and children, and often your parents subject to income and housing requirements. We handle the family applications with yours.
Once your trade licence is ready, the visa is usually issued within one to two weeks, including the establishment card, medical test and Emirates ID.
The investor visa is the quick, low-cost way to get residency when you start a company. The Golden Visa is longer (10 years) and licence-independent but needs a bigger investment or qualifying profile. Many founders start on an investor visa and upgrade later.
An investor visa is tied to a live trade licence. If the company is closed or the licence lapses, the visa is cancelled. If you're winding down, we can advise on switching to another residency route first.
For companies with several shareholders — residency for each partner based on their share.
5-year, self-sponsored residency that isn't tied to your trade licence.
Longer, licence-independent residency for larger investors and recognised talent — 5 or 10 years by route.
Ask AgentBiz for a combined licence-and-visa plan, or talk to a human advisor. Honest guidance, an itemised quote, no obligation.