Topic Summary

1. Long-Term Residency

The Investor Visa allows foreign investors and partners to obtain long-term residency permits, providing stability and security for entrepreneurs and their families.

2. Business Ownership and Control

This visa category enables investors to establish or co-own businesses in Dubai, offering significant flexibility and control over operations, whether entering as shareholders or local partners.

3. Access to Meydan Free Zone Facilities

Eligible entrepreneurs can obtain a free zone investor visa through Meydan Free Zone, benefiting from streamlined processes, state-of-the-art infrastructure, and favorable commercial regulations designed to support business growth.

4. Work and Live in Dubai

Holders of the Partner and Investor Visa are legally entitled to live and work in Dubai, facilitating direct involvement in business activities and enhancing lifestyle convenience.

5. Family Sponsorship

Investors can sponsor their immediate family members, including spouses and children, allowing them to reside in Dubai under the same visa framework, ensuring family unity during the tenure of business activities.

If you are looking to set up a business or invest in the UAE, the Investor Visa in Dubai provides a practical and strategic way to secure long-term residency.

Whether you are entering as a shareholder in a new venture or joining forces with a local partner, this visa category offers flexibility, control and a direct path to living and working in Dubai.

Through Meydan Free Zone, eligible entrepreneurs can obtain a free zone investor visa in Dubai along with a streamlined business setup — all fully digital and backed by government support.

Understanding What is an Investor Visa in Dubai’s Meydan Free Zone  

An investor visa allows you to legally reside in the UAE based on your ownership or partnership in a registered business.  

Unlike a standard employment visa, which is sponsored by an employer, the business partner visa in the UAE is self-sponsored and directly tied to your role in a company.

This makes it ideal for business owners, co-founders and startup partners who want to retain control over their immigration status.  

Once issued, the visa allows you to sponsor family members, open a bank account, lease property and access local services.

At Meydan Free Zone, we support entrepreneurs and investors through a simplified application process, helping you secure your visa quickly and compliantly.

The Difference Between Investor Visa and Partner Visa

There’s a fine line between an investor visa and a partner visa — and it all comes down to structure.  

If you’re the sole or majority shareholder, the investor visa gives you direct, self-sponsored residency tied to your ownership. If you're sharing that ownership with others, the partner visa applies.  

Both offer long-term residency, full control, and the ability to sponsor your family. At

Meydan Free Zone, your visa type aligns seamlessly with how your business is built — and whichever route you take, the process stays fast, digital, and future-ready.

Dubai Investor Visa Requirements

To be eligible for an Investor Visa in Dubai, you must either:

  • Own a share in a licensed business
  • Be listed as a partner on a valid company trade license
  • Hold a management or decision-making role with legal backing​

The basic Dubai investor visa requirements include:

  • A valid business license (free zone or mainland)
  • Memorandum of Association listing you as a shareholder or partner
  • Passport copy and recent photograph
  • Immigration file and Emirates ID application
  • Medical fitness test and biometrics

Meydan Free Zone simplifies each of these steps by managing the entire journey on your behalf.

UAE Partner Visa Eligibility

The UAE partner visa eligibility criteria are designed to support real business owners. If you are named on a trade license in the UAE, you can apply for this visa whether you are part of a startup, holding company or professional services firm.

Unlike employees who depend on company sponsorship, partners are considered self-sponsors and can maintain their visa independently. This is especially useful for those who manage their own business or operate in joint ventures.

Meydan Free Zone issues licenses that qualify you for both the partner visa Dubai and free zone investor visa Dubai, depending on your ownership structure.

Visa Options for Business Owners

Criteria Mainland Investor Visa Free Zone Investor Visa Meydan Free Zone Investor Visa
Ownership Requirement Partner or shareholder Partner or shareholder Partner or full owner
Sponsorship Self-sponsored Self-sponsored Self-sponsored
Process Complexity Varies by emirate Faster and more centralised 100 percent digital and guided
Visa Validity 2 to 3 years 2 to 5 years 2 to 5 years
Access to Family Sponsorship Yes Yes Yes
Ideal For Local partnerships Global entrepreneirs Startup founders and solo owners

Dubai Investment Visa Through Meydan Free Zone

The Dubai investment visa process typically involves multiple steps, but with Meydan Free Zone, we streamline every part of the journey.

  • Step 1: Select your license and business activity.​
  • Step 2: Register your company and issue your digital trade license.​
  • Step 3: Apply for an establishment card and open an immigration file.​
  • Step 4: Submit your investor visa application, including medical test and Emirates ID.​
  • Step 5: Once approved, receive your residency permit and begin operations.

This process can be completed within days, and our team ensures each step is handled clearly, legally and efficiently.

UAE Investor Visa Benefits with Meydan Free Zone

Choosing a free zone investor visa in Dubai through Meydan Free Zone gives you access to a wide range of advantages beyond just residency.

You receive:

  • 100 percent foreign ownership
  • Full profit repatriation
  • Fast-track banking support
  • Access to office solutions, visas and renewals
  • The ability to expand or pivot your business without restarting the visa process​

For entrepreneurs who want more control, fewer restrictions and long-term security in the UAE, the investor visa through Meydan Free Zone is a powerful solution. issues licenses that qualify you for both the partner visa Dubai and free zone investor visa Dubai, depending on your ownership structure.

FAQs

1. What is an investor visa in Dubai?​

It is a residency visa issued to individuals who invest in a business within the UAE. It is self-sponsored and valid for two to five years.

2. Who is eligible for a partner visa in Dubai?​

Any individual who holds shares or a named partnership in a registered company is eligible to apply for a partner visa.

3. How long is the investor visa valid in the UAE?​

The visa is usually issued for two to five years and is renewable as long as the company remains active and compliant.

4. Can I sponsor my family with an investor visa?​

Yes. Investor visa holders can sponsor their spouse, children and domestic staff.

5. What documents are required for a Dubai investor visa?​

You will need your trade license, share certificate, Emirates ID application, passport copy, and medical test results.

6. How long does it take to get a partner visa in Dubai?​

With Meydan Free Zone, the process is typically completed within 5 to 10 working days, depending on approvals.

7. Is the investor visa only available for large businesses?​

No. Even solo entrepreneurs with a Meydan Free Zone license can qualify for a free zone investor visa.

8. Can I work in Dubai with an investor visa?​

Yes. As a shareholder or partner, you are legally permitted to work and manage your business in the UAE.

9. Do I need a local sponsor to get an investor visa through Meydan?​

No. Meydan Free Zone offers full foreign ownership and does not require a local sponsor.

10. Can I apply for a Green Visa if I hold an investor visa?​

Yes. Depending on your business activity and compliance, you may be eligible for a Green Visa under the investor category.

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