UAE Partner Visa 2026 | Requirements, Cost, Eligibility & Application Process

Key Facts: A UAE Partner Visa is tied to your company shareholding, so selling your shares can affect your residency. You can apply while already in the UAE through a status change, and the visa may also let you sponsor your family. Unlike an employment visa, it is not dependent on an employer, giving business owners more flexibility over their residency. 

Introduction

If you own a share in a UAE company, you may be able to live in the country through a Partner Visa. It is commonly used by business owners who want to stay in the UAE while running their company, rather than relying on an employer for their residency. The requirements are not exactly the same for everyone. Your company type, shareholding, location and current visa status can all affect the process. This guide covers the eligibility requirements, documents, costs and application process, along with what happens when you renew, cancel or sell your shares. It also looks at family sponsorship and longer-term options such as the Green and Golden Visa.

What Is a UAE Partner Visa?

A UAE Partner Visa is a business visa that allows a foreign business owner or shareholder to live in the UAE with the company that they own. Partner visas are not dependent on employment (i.e., sponsored by an employer), but rather on your investment in a company on the mainland or a Free Zone Company.

Who Is It For?

• Mainland LLC shareholders
• Free zone company owners
• Business partners with documented shareholding
• Company founders and co-founders
• Existing investors expanding their UAE presence

Partner Visa vs Investor Visa

Partner Visa vs Spouse Visa

Who Is Eligible for a UAE Partner Visa?

You qualify if you:

• Hold shares in a UAE mainland or free zone company
• Have a valid trade licence and active company status
• Meet minimum shareholding requirements (varies by emirate/free zone)
• Have a passport valid for 6+ months
• Pass medical fitness (age 18+)
• Hold valid UAE health insurance

Mainland shareholders, free zone owners, business partners, and company founders all fall under this category.

Is There a Minimum Investment for a UAE Partner Visa?

It depends on the visa type:

• Standard partner visa: Often no fixed minimum, but shareholding must be genuine
• Green Visa (investor/partner): Requires AED 1 million paid-up capital
• Golden Visa (investor): Requires AED 1–2 million+ depending on investment type

Check with your free zone or DED for specific capital requirements.

UAE Partner Visa Requirements 2026

Personal requirements:

• Passport (6+ months validity)
• Personal photo (white background)
• Age 18+ (for medical test)
• Valid health insurance

Company requirements:

• Valid trade licence
• Active company status
• Incorporation documents (MOA, partnership agreement)

Shareholding requirements:

• Proof of shareholding (share certificate, MOA)
• Minimum shareholding percentage (varies)

Immigration requirements:

• Entry permit (outside UAE) or status change (inside UAE)
• Medical fitness certificate
• Emirates ID registration

Documents Required for a UAE Partner Visa

UAE Partner Visa Cost 2026

Dubai-Specific Costs

How to Apply for a Partner Visa in the UAE?

Step-by-step process:

• Incorporate or acquire shares in a UAE company
• Obtain trade licence and company documents
• Apply for entry permit (outside UAE) or status change (inside UAE)
• Enter UAE (if outside) on the entry permit
• Complete medical fitness test (age 18+)
• Apply for Emirates ID and complete biometrics
• Purchase health insurance
• Submit residence visa application
• Wait for approval (5–10 working days)
• Collect visa and Emirates ID

How Long Does a UAE Partner Visa Last?

Partner visas are typically issued for:

• 2 years: Most common
• 3 years: Available in some emirates/free zones
• 5 years: Green Visa (AED 1 million+ investment)
• 10 years: Golden Visa (AED 1–2 million+ investment)

All are renewable as long as you maintain shareholding and company compliance.

How Long Does It Take to Get a UAE Partner Visa?

Typical timeline:

• Entry permit: 3–7 working days
• Medical test: 1–3 working days
• Emirates ID: 5–10 working days
• Residence visa: 5–10 working days

Total: 10–20 working days from application to visa issuance.

Can I Apply for a Partner Visa From Inside the UAE?

Yes. If you’re already in the UAE on another visa (e.g., employment, tourist, or visit visa), you can apply for a status change instead of leaving and re-entering. This costs around AED 500–1,035 but saves travel time.

Can I Apply for a Partner Visa While Outside the UAE?

Yes. Most applicants apply from outside by:

1. Getting an entry permit
2. Travelling to the UAE
3. Completing medical, Emirates ID, and residence visa steps

This route avoids status change fees but requires travel.

Can a Partner Visa Holder Sponsor Their Spouse and Children?

Yes. Partner visa holders can sponsor:

• Spouse: Must provide a certified marriage license.
• Children: Sons up to age 25; unmarried daughters any age; special needs children, regardless of age.

Requirements:

• Lowest salary (which varies from AED 4,000 to 10,000 + depending on the emirate)
• Valid tenancy contract
• Family insurance for all relatives

Can I Work in the UAE on a Partner Visa?

Yes, but with conditions:

• Your own business:  You can measure and control your business
• Another employer: May require a separate work permit or labour card
• Freelancing: No special permit required but a Green Visa is required for tourism

Please always check with MOHRE or your free zone if you will be able to take up jobs outside your country of residence or visa.

How Do I Renew a UAE Partner Visa?

Renewal process:

1. Ensure company licence is active
2. Verify shareholding is still valid
3. Complete medical fitness (age 18+)
4. Renew Emirates ID
5. Renew health insurance
6. Submit renewal application via ICP/GDRFA or free zone
7. Pay renewal fees

Renewal costs: Similar to initial visa (AED 7,000–15,000+).

How Do I Cancel a Partner Visa in Dubai?

Cancellation is required when:

• You exit the company
• Company is liquidated or the licence cancelled
• You leave UAE permanently

Process:

1. Submit cancellation request via GDRFA/ICP or free zone
2. Provide licence cancellation/waiver certificate
3. Clear outstanding fines
4. Cancel Emirates ID
5. Exit UAE or change status within grace period

Fees: ~AED 50–150 plus any fines.

What Happens to My Partner Visa If I Sell My Shares?

Your partner visa is tied to your shareholding. If you sell all shares:

• Your visa becomes invalid
• You must cancel the visa or transfer to another visa type
• You have a grace period (typically 30–180 days) to exit or change status

If you retain partial shares, confirm with your free zone/DED whether you still qualify.

What Happens to My Partner Visa If My Company’s Trade Licence Expires?

An expired licence affects your visa:

• Visa renewal will be rejected
• Existing visa may be cancelled
• You may face fines for operating without a valid licence

Always renew your trade licence before visa renewal deadlines.

Can I Travel Outside the UAE While Holding a Partner Visa?

Yes. Partner visa holders can travel freely in and out of the UAE. Just ensure:

• Your visa and Emirates ID are valid
• You don’t stay outside the UAE for 6+ months continuously (may affect residency status)
• You have valid health insurance for re-entry

Is There a Minimum Investment or Shareholding Requirement?

• Standard partner visa: Often no fixed minimum, but shareholding must be genuine and documented
• Green Visa: AED 1 million paid-up capital required
• Golden Visa: AED 1–2 million+ depending on investment type

Free zones may have their own thresholds, so always verify before applying.

Common Reasons for Delays or Rejections

• Incomplete or incorrect documents
• Passport validity under 6 months
• Medical test failure (communicable diseases)
• Company licence expired or suspended
• Unclear shareholding structure
• Missing or invalid health insurance
• Outstanding immigration or company fines
• Name mismatches across documents

FAQs

1. What is a partner visa in the UAE?

It’s a residence permit for foreign business owners who hold shares in a UAE company, letting them live here and run their business.

2. Who is eligible for a UAE partner visa?

Anyone who owns shares in a mainland or free zone company, has a valid passport, passes the medical test, and has health insurance.

3. How much does a partner visa cost in the UAE?

Around AED 7,000–15,000+ for two years, not counting company setup costs.

4. How much does it cost in Dubai?

Usually AED 8,000–16,000+ depending on your free zone, insurance, and PRO fees.

5. What documents do I need?

Passport, photo, trade licence, partnership agreement, entry permit or status change, medical test, Emirates ID, insurance, and company papers.

6. How long does the visa last?

Most are 2–3 years. Green Visa gives 5 years, Golden Visa can give 10 if you invest more.

7. How long does it take to get?

Usually 10–20 working days if all your documents are in order.

8. Can I apply from inside the UAE?

Yes. You can do a status change instead of leaving and coming back.

9. Can I apply from outside the UAE?

Yes. Get an entry permit, come to the UAE, then finish the medical and ID steps.

10. Can I sponsor my spouse and kids?

Yes. You can sponsor your spouse and children if you meet salary, housing, and insurance requirements.

11. Can I work on a partner visa?

You can run your own business. If you want to work for someone else, you may need a separate work permit.

12. How do I renew it?

Renew your company licence, redo medical, renew Emirates ID and insurance, then submit the renewal and pay the fees.

13. How do I cancel it in Dubai?

Apply for cancellation through GDRFA or your free zone, cancel your licence, clear any fines, cancel Emirates ID, then exit or change status.

14. What if I sell my shares?

Your visa is no longer valid. You’ll need to cancel it or switch to another visa within the grace period.

15. What if my company licence expires?

Your visa can’t be renewed and might get cancelled. You could also face fines for operating without a valid licence.

16. Is there a minimum investment requirement?

Standard partner visas often have no fixed minimum. Green Visa needs AED 1 million. Golden Visa needs AED 1–2 million+ depending on where you invest.

References:

UAE Government – Investor Visa

GDRFA Dubai – Green Visa

ICP – Golden Visa for Investors