Visa Services 
An investor visa gives a company owner UAE residence based on their shareholding rather than an employment contract, issued through the Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs and Port Security. It lets you sponsor family and can be the step toward a Golden Visa for larger holdings.
What is an investor visa in the UAE?
It is a residence visa granted on the basis of your ownership in a UAE company, rather than employment by someone else. As the owner or a partner, you sponsor your own residency through the company, which also lets you sponsor your family once the salary and housing conditions are met. It is the natural residency route for a founder, and for most new companies it is issued as part of the setup rather than as a separate exercise.
How long is an investor visa valid and what does it cost?
Typically two to three years and renewable, depending on the licensing authority and the structure. With Layerz the investor visa starts from AED 3,999. The figure depends on the free zone or mainland route, the medical and Emirates ID steps, and whether it is issued alongside the licence. We quote it as part of your all-in setup so there is no separate surprise later.
What is the difference between an investor visa and a Golden Visa?
Duration and threshold. The investor visa is a two to three year residency tied to owning your operating company, renewable as long as the company runs. The Golden Visa is a five or ten year residency that needs a larger qualifying basis, such as UAE property worth AED 2 million or an accredited talent or salary route, and it carries longer-term benefits including easier family sponsorship. Many founders start on an investor visa and move to a Golden Visa once they qualify.
Can an investor visa sponsor my family?
Yes, once you meet the sponsorship conditions. As an investor visa holder you can sponsor a spouse and children subject to the standard salary and accommodation requirements, with attested marriage and birth documents and medical insurance. The mechanics are the same as any resident sponsor. If family residency is a priority from the start, we line up your own investor visa and the family sponsorship together so they move in sequence rather than as separate projects.
What do I need to get an investor visa?
The core requirements: a valid trade licence showing your ownership, your passport, the establishment card, and the medical and Emirates ID steps. For a partner visa the shareholding must be documented. The process is straightforward when the company documents are in order, and the common delay is a mismatch between the licence, the shareholding and the visa application. We assemble the file so it goes through the first time and handle the medical, Emirates ID and stamping through the General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs.
Frequently asked questions
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What is an investor visa in the UAE?
A residence visa granted on the basis of owning a UAE company, rather than employment. As the owner you sponsor your own residency through the company, and can sponsor family once the salary and housing conditions are met. -
How long is an investor visa valid and what does it cost?
Typically two to three years and renewable, depending on the authority and structure. With Layerz it starts from AED 3,999, quoted as part of your all-in setup. -
What is the difference between an investor visa and a Golden Visa?
The investor visa is a two to three year residency tied to owning your company. The Golden Visa is a five or ten year residency needing a larger qualifying basis, such as AED 2 million in property or an accredited talent route. -
Can an investor visa sponsor my family?
Yes, once you meet the standard salary and accommodation conditions, with attested marriage and birth documents and medical insurance. The mechanics are the same as any resident sponsor.