How to Secure a SHAMS Investor Visa for UAE Residency?

If you’re looking to invest in the UAE and secure residency, the SHAMS investor visa is a powerful one. Unlike employment visas, it’s built for entrepreneurs and shareholders who want ownership, flexibility & family sponsorship privileges. Here’s what you need to know in to get started with your UAE Investor Visa journey.

1. Introduction

SHAMS Free Zone (Sharjah Media City) is becoming a go-to destination for investors who want a simple, cost-effective & flexible business setup. The SHAMS Investor Visa allows you to establish your company & gain long-term UAE residency, which opens doors to opportunities across the country.

If your goal is an easy UAE Investor Visa process with minimal fuss, this article will show you exactly what to do.

2. What is a SHAMS Investor Visa?

The SHAMS Investor Visa is a residence visa issued to investors who set up a company in SHAMS Free Zone. Here’s what sets it apart:

• Designed for entrepreneurs, startup founders, and shareholders
  The SHAMS Investor Visa is created for business-minded individuals who want to establish companies & build startups or invest as shareholders who are gaining residency in the UAE.
  
• Provides ownership-based residency (unlike employment visas tied to a job)
  Unlike employment visas that depend on an employer, this visa gives residency rights based on business ownership. This ensures independence, stability & freedom to manage your own venture.
  
• Supports multiple shareholders in the same company
  SHAMS allows more than one shareholder under the same company license, so partners and co-founders can invest together while enjoying equal residency and ownership benefits.

This visa is essentially your gateway to living and investing in the UAE while holding full control of your business.

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3. Why Choose SHAMS Free Zone for Investment?

Investors are increasingly picking SHAMS Free Zone, and here’s why: 

• Low-cost company setup packages –SHAMS Free Zone offers affordable business setup options that let investors launch their companies without overspending. Also, you’ll receive full support and essential free zone services.
  
• 100% foreign ownership – Investors gain complete control over their business since SHAMS allows full foreign ownership, which excludes the need for a local partner or sponsor & this also simplifies operations.
  
• Strategic location – SHAMS Free Zone is ideally located near major airports that provide convenient travel, efficiency of logistics & easy access to clients, partners & international markets.
  
• Growth hub for media, tech, and startups – The free zone grows innovation by attracting media, tech & startup companies. This creates networking opportunities and a vibrant environment for collaboration and business growth.

When you opt for SHAMS, you’re not just setting up a company; you’re stepping into a thriving business ecosystem. 

4. Benefits of a SHAMS Investor Visa

What this really means for you:

• Long-term UAE residency
  The SHAMS Investor Visa grants you stable, long-term residency in the UAE that allows you to live, work & invest freely without worrying about frequent visa renewals or dependency on employment-based permits.
  
• Ability to sponsor family members
  Investors can sponsor their spouse, children & even domestic staff, which ensures they can live with you comfortably in the UAE & also enjoy access to education, healthcare & other services.
  
• Easy access to UAE banking, real estate & investment opportunities
  With this visa, you can open corporate and personal bank accounts or purchase property & explore new investment avenues across the UAE. This provides a strong foundation for personal and business growth.
  
• Multiple shareholders allowed
  SHAMS Free Zone permits more than one shareholder in the same company. This makes it ideal for partnerships, joint ventures or co-founded businesses. This ensures clear ownership rights and residency benefits for all investors.
  
• Positioned as a free zone investor visa in the UAE
  This visa is recognized across the UAE as a free zone investor residency, which gives you flexibility to operate your business, travel & expand within the country without restrictions.
  

This isn’t just a visa; it’s a tool to grow your business and lifestyle in the UAE.

5. SHAMS Investor Visa Cost

Inside Country Visa – For people who are already in the UAE on a visit/tourist visa or another residency visa and want to change their status without exiting the country.

Outside Country (Out-Country) Visa – For people applying while they are not physically in the UAE. Once approved, they’ll need to enter the UAE with the entry permit linked to their visa application.

For those who require faster processing, the fast track SHAMS investor visa provides accelerated approval, priority handling & ensures investors can quickly start their business activities in the UAE without unnecessary delays.

In addition, there is another out-of-country investor visa service listed, which also covers legal entry and residency under the SHAMS authority.

SHAMS investor visa costs:

• Inside-Country SHAMS Investor Visa– AED 3,200
  
• Out-Country SHAMS Investor Visa – AED 4,230
  
• Fast Track SHAMS Investor Visa – AED 6,280

Compared to other free zones like IFZA, RAKEZ, SPC, SHAMS is highly competitive

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6. Duration and Renewal

The SHAMS Investor Visa typically comes with a validity of 2 or 3 years, which depends on the package you choose when setting up your company. When it’s time to renew, the process is straightforward. You need to submit your updated documents to the authorities & pay the applicable fees. After this, you’ll receive approval for the next term. Renewal costs are generally similar to the original investment, which makes it easy to plan financially. The entire process usually takes a few weeks, which allows investors to maintain continuous residency without disruption & continue to grow their business and family life in the UAE.

7. Step-by-Step Process to Apply for a SHAMS Investor Visa

• Register your company in SHAMS Free Zone
  You can begin by officially registering your business in SHAMS Free Zone, which secures your company license & establishes a legal presence in the UAE.
  
• Apply for the investor visa through the SHAMS authority
  Next is to submit your investor visa application directly to the SHAMS authority, which provides all the required documents to start the residency approval process.
  
• Entry permit issuance
  After initial approval, you will now receive an entry permit, which allows you to legally enter the UAE to complete the visa process.
  
• Medical fitness test and biometrics
  Now complete a mandatory medical fitness test and provide biometric data, which includes fingerprints and photographs, as part of the UAE residency requirements.
  
• Emirates ID and visa stamping
  Once approved, you obtain your Emirates ID and have the investor visa stamped in your passport to finalize legal residency.

This process aligns naturally with the UAE Investor Visa procedure, which makes expansion across the country easy.

8. Additional Privileges with SHAMS Investor Visa

• Sponsor family members, including spouse and children
  Investors can sponsor their spouse and children, which ensures the entire family can live in the UAE with full legal residency rights.
  
• Sponsor domestic staff or drivers
  The visa allows you to sponsor household staff or drivers. This provides legal residency for employees supporting your family or business needs.
  
• Eligibility to upgrade to Golden Visa later
  Holders of the SHAMS Investor Visa may become eligible for a UAE Golden Visa, which offers long-term residency and broader investment opportunities.
  
• Expand your business across the UAE without relocating
  This visa gives flexibility to grow or manage multiple business ventures throughout the UAE while maintaining residency in SHAMS Free Zone.

9. How Arnifi Supports SHAMS Investor Visa Applicants

• End-to-end handling of paperwork and approvals
  Arnifi manages all documentation and approvals from start to finish, which ensures your SHAMS Investor Visa application progresses easily without delays
  
• Transparent cost advisory
  We provide clear & upfront guidance on all fees and expenses involved, which helps you plan your investment and avoid unexpected costs
  
• Guidance on choosing the right SHAMS package
  Arnifi advises on the best SHAMS Free Zone package for your company setup and investor visa for maximum efficiency

10. FAQs

Q1. What is the cost of a SHAMS Investor Visa?

A: Approximately AED 4,230, including government fees and services.

Q2. How long does it take to process a SHAMS Investor Visa?

A: Typically 2 – 4 weeks if documents are complete.

Q3. Can I sponsor my family with a SHAMS Investor Visa?

A: Yes, spouses and children can be sponsored.

Q4. Is the SHAMS Investor Visa valid across the UAE?

A: Yes, it allows you to live and do business anywhere in the UAE.

11. Conclusion

The SHAMS Investor Visa is more than a residence permit; it’s a pathway to secure, flexible, and strategic investment in the UAE. Start your UAE Investor Visa journey with Arnifi today and take the first step toward long-term residency and business growth in SHAMS Free Zone. We also support you with visas, accounting, bookkeeping & other essential business services which ensure your company operates smoothly while you focus on expanding your investment and building your business presence across the UAE.