Everything You Need to Know About Partner Visas in the UAE

The UAE partner visa is a specialized residency permit for foreign business partners. A partner visa in the UAE (especially Dubai) is a special residence permit for foreign nationals who hold a significant share in a UAE company.

It allows you to live and work in the UAE and actively manage your company, while also giving the right to sponsor immediate family members (spouse, children, parents) for residency. Under the new UAE Green Visa scheme, qualifying partners can obtain a 5-year renewable residency, whereas traditional partner visas were typically issued for two years (renewable).

This comprehensive guide explains partner visas in detail: who is eligible, required documents, application steps, costs, benefits, and how it compares to other investor visas.

  1. What Is a Partner Visa?
  2. Benefits of the Partner Visa
  3. Eligibility and Requirements
  4. Application Process
  5. Costs and Fees
  6. Visa Duration and Renewal
  7. Partner Visa vs. Investor/Golden Visas
  8. Application Tips and Common Pitfalls
  9. Conclusion

What Is a Partner Visa?

A partner visa is essentially a business residency visa for company shareholders or partners in the UAE. It is granted to foreign entrepreneurs who have invested in or taken a stake in a UAE-registered business. Unlike a standard employment visa, the partner visa is tied to your company ownership.

The UAE government’s Green Visa program now offers a five-year partner/investor visa for those meeting the criteria, providing longer-term stability.

Traditionally (and still for some visas), Dubai partner visas are valid for two years and can be renewed as long as the business license stays active.

Benefits of Partner Visa

A UAE partner visa comes with several advantages for business owners and their families:

  • Residency and Work Rights. You gain legal residency and work authorization in the UAE through your business ownership. This lets you actively participate in running your company and accessing local opportunities.
  • Sponsor Family. You can sponsor immediate family members – including spouse, children, and even parents – for UAE residency. Families can enjoy the UAE’s high living standards (education, healthcare, etc.) while staying together.
  • Travel Flexibility. Partner visas allow extended travel: holders can exit and re-enter the UAE for up to one year without losing their residency status. This flexibility helps maintain ties abroad (for family or business) while keeping UAE residency.
  • Business Opportunities. With a partner visa, you can fully engage in your company’s growth and network within Dubai’s dynamic economy. It also paves the way for a future Golden Visa if your business grows (e.g. meeting higher investment thresholds).
  • Tax and Lifestyle. The UAE’s business-friendly environment (including no personal income tax) and lavish lifestyle (world-class malls, education, healthcare) are accessible on a partner visa.

Eligibility and Requirements

To qualify for a UAE partner visa, applicants must meet certain business and personal criteria:

  • Ownership Stake and Investment. You must own a significant share in a UAE company. Typically, your capital contribution or share must meet a minimum threshold (generally AED 1 million or more in paid-up capital). This is verified by company documents like the Memorandum of Association (MOA) or partnership agreement.
  • Registered Company. The sponsoring company must be properly registered in the UAE with a valid trade license. If you’re a partner, your name should appear on the license/MOA indicating your shareholding.
  • Business Type. The business can be in any sector (mainland or free zone). Note: Mainland companies often require an Emirati local sponsor, while many free zones allow 100% foreign ownership.
  • Legal and Personal Status. Applicants must be at least 18 years old, have a valid passport (with ≥6 months remaining), and a clean criminal record. A mandatory UAE medical fitness test must be passed to ensure good health.
  • Financial Standing. You should demonstrate financial stability. This may include bank statements or audited financials to show you have sufficient funds to support yourself (and any dependents).
  • Emirates ID Application. All UAE residents must apply for an Emirates ID card as part of the residency process.

Meeting these requirements is essential before the visa can be granted. Official sources like the GDRFA (Dubai’s immigration authority) explicitly state that the partner’s share cannot be less than AED 1 million in any chosen business legal form.

Required Documents

  • When applying for a partner visa, you will need to submit both personal and business documents. Commonly required documents include:
  • Passport Copy and Photos. A color copy of your passport (valid ≥6 months) and passport-size photos.
  • Company Documents. Copies of the company’s trade license and the Memorandum of Association (MOA) or partnership agreement showing your ownership share. If in a free zone, provide the equivalent partnership contract.
  • Proof of Investment. Financial evidence of the required capital (e.g. bank statements, share certificates) demonstrating you meet the minimum investment.
  • Immigration Establishment Card. For mainland companies, the sponsoring firm must obtain an Establishment Card from GDRFA to sponsor foreign visas.
  • Entry Permit (if applicable). If you are applying from outside the UAE, an entry permit (visa) may be issued first for you to enter and then adjust status.
  • Medical Test. Certificate of passing the UAE medical fitness test (HIV, TB, etc.).
  • Health Insurance. Proof of valid UAE health insurance coverage (mandatory for residency).
  • Emirates ID Application. Completed Emirates ID application form (fingerprinting will be done during the process).
  • Family Documents (if sponsoring). If you plan to sponsor family, you will need attested marriage and birth certificates, and proof of meeting minimum income requirements.

Note: Exact document lists can vary by emirate and visa type. It’s wise to prepare a comprehensive set (as above) to ensure a smooth application.

Application Process

The costs for a partner visa include:

  • Government Fees: Basic fees for entry permit and residency visa (e.g. GDRFA charges). Dubai’s GDRFA lists the partner/ investor entry permit fee at AED 200 (plus VAT), plus additional charges if applying within the UAE. The final visa issuance fee is charged separately.
  • Medical Test: Typically AED 300–500 for the fitness test (varies by center).
  • Emirates ID: Around AED 1,000 for a 5-year card.
  • Health Insurance: Depends on coverage; basic plans can start from ~AED 700/year.
  • Typing/Service Fees: If using a typing center or PRO service, expect around AED 500–1,000.
  • Miscellaneous: Any costs for document attestation/translation, legal services, or courier.

Example: GDRFA’s fee schedule shows entry permit AED 200+VAT, plus “fee inside country” AED 500, and additional small fees (knowledge and innovation Dirhams).

Overall, plan a few thousand Dirhams for the entire visa process. Always check the latest fees on official GDRFA or Amer sites, as they can change.

Visa Duration and Renewal

Partner visas in the UAE are typically two years in duration, renewable as long as the sponsoring company remains active. With a Green Visa approval, the residency can be issued for five years and is renewable. Key points:

  • Renewal: To renew, you generally need an active trade license, valid company documents, and to pass another medical test. The renewal is done before visa expiry through GDRFA.
  • Grace Period: If your visa expires or your job ends, the UAE grants a grace period (usually 30-90 days) to extend or exit.
  • Golden Visa Route: After holding a partner visa, you may become eligible for a UAE Golden Visa (10-year) by meeting higher investment or company growth criteria.

Planning ahead for renewal is important. Keep the company fully compliant and licenses renewed so your partner visa can be extended smoothly.

Partner Visa vs. Investor/Golden Visas

It’s helpful to understand how the partner visa compares to other business-related visas:

  • Investor Visa: This is for individuals who invest (but may not actively manage) in the UAE economy. Typically, an investor visa requires a larger capital injection (often AED 1–2 million) and is less about active business involvement. In contrast, a partner visa implies active ownership and management of the company and usually involves meeting a 1M AED share minimum.
  • Green Visa (5-year): The Green Visa (for investors/partners) is essentially the same as a partner/investor visa but with 5-year validity. It allows self-sponsorship without a local employer sponsor. The qualifications are similar (own share, AED1M capital). This replaced the older 2-year visa category.
  • Golden Visa (10-year): The Golden Visa is a long-term residency (10 years) for very high-investment entrepreneurs. It requires higher thresholds (e.g. AED 2 million in a company or assets). Many business owners start with a partner visa and later upgrade to a Golden Visa as their company grows.

In summary, the partner visa is ideal for company co-owners and active business partners. An investor visa is broader (can cover property or company investment). Both can be stepping stones toward the elite Golden Visa if you meet the expanded criteria.

Application Tips and Common Pitfalls

  • Prepare Complete Docs: Missing documents is the most common delay. Use a checklist (like the one above) and double-check all attestations.
  • Medical and ID Early: Start medical tests and Emirates ID processes promptly, as these are prerequisites.
  • Use Professional Help (Optional): Many applicants hire UAE PRO/consultancy firms (like Mind Bridge Pro) to streamline the process and navigate any local requirements.
  • Follow UAE Laws: Ensure your business complies with UAE regulations (e.g. shareholding rules, permitted activities). Non-compliance can cause visa denial.
  • Timing: Apply before your current visa expires. Entry permits have a limited validity window, so timing entry is important if applying from abroad.

By staying organized and informed, you can minimize delays and meet all the requirements for a successful partner visa application.

The UAE partner visa is more than just a residence permit. It is a gateway to building your business and securing a stable future for your family in one of the world’s most dynamic economies. From eligibility and required documents to application steps and costs, understanding the process is key to a successful application.

While the requirements may seem complex, having the right support can make all the difference.

How Mindbridge Can Help?

Applying for a partner visa in the UAE involves multiple steps, from company documentation to government approvals. With Mindbridge Business Consultants, you do not have to manage it alone. Our team assists with every detail, preparing documents, coordinating with authorities, and ensuring a smooth approval process.

📌 Ready to apply for your UAE Partner Visa? Contact Mindbridge today and let our experts guide you through each step with confidence.

Get Free Consultation!