Visa Services
Partner Visa
Residence visas for company shareholders and partners
Get a fixed quote
Four fields. We reply within one working day.
Or call Jaleel +971 52 432 9060 or Mis Shabi +971 50 314 9109
What this involves
A partner visa is a residence visa issued on the basis of owning a share in a UAE company. It is the standard route for founders and co-owners who want UAE residency through their own business rather than through employment.
Unlike an employment visa, a partner visa does not require a labour contract or a work permit from the labour ministry — the shareholding itself is the basis for sponsorship. The visa is normally valid for two years and renewable.
Requirements vary between mainland and free zone, and by the size of the shareholding. Some authorities set a minimum share value before a partner visa can be issued.
What's included
- Eligibility assessment against your shareholding
- Entry permit application
- Status change for applicants already in the UAE
- Medical fitness test coordination
- Emirates ID registration
- Residence visa stamping
- Guidance on sponsoring family afterwards
Who this is for
- Founders and co-founders of a UAE company
- Shareholders wanting UAE residency
- Business partners relocating to the UAE
- Owners who want to sponsor family afterwards
Not sure if you need this?
A short call will tell you whether this applies to your situation and what it actually costs — before you commit to anything.
Ask a questionDocuments you'll need
We'll confirm exactly which of these apply to your case before you start gathering anything.
- Passport copy, minimum 6 months validity
- Passport-size photograph, white background
- Company trade licence
- Memorandum of Association or share certificate showing your holding
- Immigration establishment card
- Existing UAE visa copy, if applicable
How long it takes
Typical government processing times. Individual cases vary by nationality and emirate.
Eligibility check
1 working dayConfirming your shareholding meets the authority's threshold.
Entry permit application
3–5 working daysSubmitted through the licensing authority.
Status change or entry
1–3 working daysFor applicants already in the country.
Medical and Emirates ID
3–5 working daysFitness test and biometric capture.
Visa stamping
3–5 working daysResidence visa issued, normally for two years.
What it costs
| Item | From |
|---|---|
| Partner visa, inside the UAE | AED 4,600 |
| Partner visa, from outside the UAE | AED 5,300 |
| Establishment card, if not already held | AED 1,200 |
| Medical fitness test | AED 350 |
| Emirates ID, 2-year | AED 390 |
These are indicative 2026 market ranges, shown so you can budget realistically. Government fees change and every case differs — we send a fixed written quote covering your exact activity, visa count and facility before you commit to anything.
Common questions
What is the difference between a partner visa and an investor visa?
They overlap heavily and the terms are often used interchangeably. In practice a partner visa is based on holding shares in an operating company, while an investor visa can also be based on property or capital investment. We will tell you which route fits your situation.
Can I sponsor my family on a partner visa?
Yes, once your own residence visa is issued and you meet the salary or income threshold. Spouse, children and in some cases parents can be sponsored. Requirements differ for sponsoring sons over 18.
Is there a minimum shareholding?
Some authorities set a minimum share value before issuing a partner visa. The threshold varies by emirate and free zone, and we confirm it against your specific structure before you apply.
Let's get this handled
Tell us your situation and we'll tell you exactly what's involved, what it costs and how long it takes.
Or call Jaleel +971 52 432 9060 or Mis Shabi +971 50 314 9109