Complete Guide to Obtaining a Partner Visa in Dubai

Who Needs a Partner Visa in the UAE?

In short, a Partner Visa is issued to expatriates and foreigners who want to open a business in the Emirates, own an already existing company, or hold shares in one. The purpose of this residency visa is the promotion of international cooperation in the business sphere, as well as the attraction and facilitation of foreign investments in the Emirates’ economy.

As such, this visa type is aimed at the following categories of foreign nationals:

Investors. Foreign individuals who wish to invest in a UAE-based company and become partners in the business are eligible for a Partner Visa.

Shareholders. Individuals who own shares in a UAE-based company and have a substantial ownership stake in the business.

Entrepreneurs. Foreign entrepreneurs who want to establish a business in the UAE and partner with local Emirati investors.

Professionals. In some cases, professionals such as doctors, lawyers, engineers, and consultants who want to partner with a UAE-based business or start their own practice may require a Partner Visa to work in the country.

Family members. Partner Visas also allow their owners to sponsor their family members, including spouses and children, to live with them in the UAE. Family members will need to apply for UAE Family visas.

Benefits of the UAE Partner Visa

Securing a Partner Visa in the Emirates can provide the following benefits:

1. 2 years of legal residency

The visa allows foreign investors to legally reside in the UAE and take an active part in the management of their business for 2 years, giving them access to the country's various opportunities and business prospects.

2. Access to local markets

Holding a Partner Visa provides access to local markets and networks, allowing for easier business operations inside the country and a huge growth potential in the thriving economy of the Emirates.

3. Visa sponsorship for family members

As already mentioned, Partner Visa holders are able to sponsor their family members for residency visas, allowing them to live together in the UAE and providing them with all the opportunities the country can offer.

4. Easier traveling

With a Partner Visa, individuals can easily enter and exit the Emirates and travel to GCC countries without having to apply for a separate visa each time. This allows for a broader range of business opportunities and easier time management.

5. Tax benefits

The UAE offers advantageous tax regulations for businesses, which can result in lower tax liabilities for business partners.

6. Potential for long-term or permanent residency

Business partners can apply for a long-term visa to stay in the Emirates, depending on certain criteria and regulations set by the government. In some cases, holding a Partner Visa can be a way to secure permanent residency in the Emirates through such government programs as the UAE Golden Visa, giving individuals and their families long-term benefits and stability in the country.

Difference between Partner and Investor Visas

UAE Partner and Investor visas are similar in their concept, which is why some people confuse them. However, there are substantial differences.

The Investor Visa in the UAE is a visa type provided to foreign nationals who have invested a particular sum of money in the UAE economy. This visa is typically granted to individuals who have made a significant financial investment by establishing a new business, purchasing property, or investing in an existing business.

The key difference between the Investor and Partner Visa lies in the fact that the Investor Visa does not imply active engagement in the operations of the company its holder had invested in, instead requiring a larger amount of invested capital. In turn, the Partner Visa implies owning a considerable share of the company and engaging in its management.

Requirements for the Partner Visa in the UAE

There are several elements in the eligibility criteria for the UAE Partner Visa. To apply for one, the individual must suit the following requirements:

Partnership agreement and shareholding. The applicant needs to own a significant portion of a registered company in the Emirates or a valid partnership agreement with the local Emirati sponsor or partner specifying their roles, responsibilities, and profit-sharing arrangement. This company can be in any sector or industry.

Minimal investment. Depending on the emirate and the type of business, the smallest size of investment necessary for securing a Partner Visa can vary. However, according to the General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs (GDRFA), a partner's minimum investment must amount to AED 1 million or its equivalent in other currencies.

Financial stability. The applicant must showcase the amount of funds sufficient for supporting themselves and any dependents while in the Emirates. This may include bank statements, proof of income, or a letter of support from the local sponsor.

Good conduct. The applicant must have evidence of a clean criminal record and present proof of good character. Any previous legal issues or violations may result in visa denial.

Business plan. The applicant must have a clear and detailed business plan outlining the goals, objectives, products or services offered, target market, and marketing strategy of the company.

Trade license. The partner company of the applicant must possess an effective trade license registered with the UAE authorities.

Local sponsor. The applicant must have a local sponsor in the UAE who will act as a guarantor and provide him with support while the visa is being applied for and processed by the authorities.

Visa application. The candidate must submit a filled-in visa application form together with all the necessary supporting documents to the relevant government agencies in the Emirates.

Medical examination. The applicant will be mandated to pass a medical examination to ensure they are in good health and do not pose a threat to public health in the UAE.

Passport requirements. In order to be able to apply for this visa type, the applicant must hold a passport with a minimum remaining validity period of six months along with recent passport-sized photos.

Visa fees. The candidate must pay all relevant visa fees and charges for the Partner Visa in the UAE.

Document Requirements for the UAE Partner Visa

Make sure to collect the following set of documents in order to apply for a Partner Visa:

• Filled-in visa application form
• Copy of valid passport
• Passport-size photographs
• Copy of the trade license of the sponsoring company
• Copy of the partnership agreement
• Memorandum of Association (MOA)
• Proof of financial stability of the sponsoring company
• Bank statements of the sponsoring company
• Business plan outlining the company’s activities
• Medical fitness certificate
• Emirates ID application form
• Visa fee payment receipt
• Any other supporting documents as requested by the UAE authorities

UAE Partner Visa Application Process

The following are the step-by-step instructions for acquiring a Partner Visa in the Emirates.

1. Enter a partnership agreement with a UAE-based company. You should have a partnership agreement thoroughly specifying each partner’s shareholding percentage, profit-sharing conditions, work responsibilities, and other arrangements.
2. Find a local sponsor. Applying for a Partner Visa requires you to have an Emirati national or a locally-based company that will act as the local sponsor for your visa application.
3. Apply for the Immigration Establishment Card. Your partner company requires an Immigration Establishment Card from the GDRFA, which is necessary for visa sponsorship.
4. Obtain the necessary documents. Collect all the required documents listed above.
5. Submit the visa application. Fill out and submit the visa application form along with all the necessary documents to the relevant immigration authority or government agency in the UAE.
6. Pay the visa fees. Make sure to pay the required visa fees for the application processing. Keep the payment receipt as proof of payment.
7. Pass the medical checkup. For this visa type, you will be mandated to take and pass a medical test to confirm that you are in good health and comply with the health standards introduced by the UAE authorities for public safety.
8. Complete and hand in the Emirates ID application. Fill in the application for an Emirates ID, which is an obligatory identity document for all UAE residents. Hand in the completed Emirates ID application form as well as a set of necessary paperwork.
9. Await visa approval. Once you have submitted all the necessary documents and completed the required steps, you will need to wait for visa approval from the relevant immigration authority or government agency in the UAE.
10. Collect your visa. If your visa application is approved, you will receive the Partner Visa giving you the right to stay and work in the UAE as a business partner in the sponsoring company.

It is important to follow all the regulations and guidelines set by the UAE authorities when going through the visa application procedures to make the process as smooth as possible and achieve the necessary results.

Processing Time of the UAE Partner Visa

The length of the time period required for processing a Partner Visa in the Emirates can vary depending on the specific circumstances of the application. In general, it can take anywhere from 5 to 15 work days for the visa to be processed and approved. However, it is important to note that factors such as the completeness of the application, the workload of the immigration authorities, any additional required documents, and the time required for certain procedures (such as medical examination) can impact the processing time.

It is recommended to submit all necessary documents and information accurately to expedite the processing of the visa. Additionally, using the services of a reliable visa processing agency can also help streamline the process.

Costs of a Partner Visa in the UAE

The total cost of obtaining a Partner Visa can heavily vary due to a number of elements involved. Although the cost of the UAE Partner Visa itself is only 200 AED, the process of applying for and obtaining the visa is associated with various costs for mandatory and additional services. Here are some general cost estimates for obtaining a Partner Visa in the Emirates.

Other expenses associated with the Partner Visa may include health insurance, visa processing agency fees, consultancy services, company establishment costs, shareholder or investment capital, etc. Combined, they can affect the total required sum drastically.

It is recommended to check with the relevant authorities, a visa processing agency, or local consultants for the most up-to-date and accurate information on the current costs associated with acquiring a Partner Visa in the UAE.

Conclusion

A Partner Visa is a great way for foreign investors and entrepreneurs to secure residency in the UAE for themselves and their family members. Although it implies a business partnership with a local UAE company, which may require a significant investment in its shares, this visa type has a 3-year validity period and a number of other specific advantages.