Green Visa (Investor/Partner)

The UAE Green Visa for Investors and Partners is a 5-year self-sponsored residence permit for foreign investors who establish or participate in commercial activities in the UAE. Introduced in October 2022, it replaced the previous 2-year investor/partner visa model with a longer duration and greater flexibility. The program requires a minimum investment of AED 1,000,000 (approximately USD 272,000) in a licensed UAE business and approval from the Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs and Port Security (ICP) based on an investor rating system.

• Invest a minimum of AED 1,000,000 in a licensed UAE business
• The investment can be in a public shareholding company, private joint stock company, limited liability company, simple recommendation company, or solidarity company
• Investments across multiple business licences can be combined to meet the threshold
• Approval from ICP based on the investor rating system
• Approval from competent local authorities
• No educational qualifications required

• Valid passport (6+ months validity)
• Personal photograph
• Partnership or memorandum of association, or investment contract
• Valid trade licence
• Proof of capital investment of AED 1,000,000
• Bank statements (personal and corporate accounts) for the past 6 months
• Health insurance documentation

The visa is granted for 5 years and renewable for another 5 years if the same investment conditions continue to be met. The trade licence must remain valid and the investment must still meet the AED 1,000,000 threshold at the time of renewal.

Holders may sponsor their spouse, children, and first-degree relatives. Dependant visas cannot exceed the sponsor's expiry date. Each dependant requires certified marriage or birth certificates and health insurance documentation.

The UAE does not levy personal income tax. A 9% corporate tax applies to business profits exceeding AED 375,000, and 5% VAT applies to goods and services. Holders residing 183+ days may apply for a Tax Residency Certificate from the Federal Tax Authority.

Applications begin with obtaining a business entry visa through the GDRFA smart services portal or ICP portal using UAE Pass, or in person at Amer Service Centers. The entry visa allows the applicant to remain for 60 days while completing residency formalities.

Fees include AED 200 base entry visa fee plus Knowledge and Innovation Dirhams (AED 20) and AED 500 in-country processing fee if applicable, plus 5% VAT. Residence permit fees total approximately AED 2,000–3,000. Entry visa processing takes approximately 48 hours via digital channels, with the full residence permit process taking 2–4 weeks.

Upon entry, applicants must complete medical fitness testing, biometric registration, and Emirates ID issuance within the 60-day entry visa validity.

• The ICP investor rating system means that meeting the AED 1,000,000 threshold alone does not guarantee approval — additional undisclosed criteria are evaluated
• The company must be registered as one of five specified legal forms (public shareholding, private joint stock, LLC, simple recommendation, or solidarity company)
• Free zone companies may have different requirements depending on the specific free zone authority
• Holders must maintain a valid trade licence and meet ongoing business registration requirements
• Investors qualifying for a higher investment may consider the Golden Visa (AED 2,000,000 threshold) which offers 10-year residency and exemption from the 180-day absence rule
• Grace period of 6 months after visa expiry or cancellation
• Overstay fines are AED 50 per day