The Dubai investor visa is one of the most sought after forms of residency in the UAE, especially by Romanian entrepreneurs who want stability, tax freedom, international mobility and direct access to an ever-growing business ecosystem. In 2025, the procedures for obtaining an Investor Visa are faster, clearer and more affordable than in previous years, and the advantages are significant: long-term residency, ownership of the business, the possibility of family sponsorship and access to banking and premium services in Dubai.
This guide explains in detail how the investor visa in Dubai works, what conditions must be met, what licenses are eligible, what documents are needed and what mistakes should be avoided.
What is Dubai investor visa and who is it for
The Dubai Investor Visa (Investor Visa or Partner Visa) is a residency visa granted to a founder or associate of a company registered in the United Arab Emirates. Basically, if you own shares in a Dubai firm, you can get legal residency in the UAE for 2 or 3 years, depending on the license and the area of registration.
In practice, Setting up a business in Dubai is the basic condition for obtaining an investor visa, since the status of an associate or founder in a licensed company allows applying for legal residence in the UAE.
This type of visa is ideal for:
• entrepreneurs opening a business in Free Zone or Mainland
• investors who want to manage business directly from the Emirates
• freelancers who want legal residency and tax freedom
• people who want to relocate to Dubai with their family
• Romanians moving their business or tax structure to a more stable environment
Dubai Investor Visa provides access to Emirates ID, UAE banking system, premium medical services and simplified administrative procedures.
Types of Investor Visa
Although essentially the concept is the same, there are important differences between visas obtained in the Free Zone and those from the Mainland.
Investor Visa in Free Zone
It is the most popular variant among Romanian entrepreneurs, as it offers:
• low cost
• very fast process (3—7 days)
• 100% company ownership (no local sponsor)
• Simplified access to banking
• no obligation to have a physical office in some areas
It is ideal for service activities, e-commerce, digital marketing, IT, consulting, training and other international operations.
Mainland Partner/Investor Visa
Advantages:
• you can operate directly in the domestic market of the Emirates
• ideal for companies with physical activity: medical, beauty, food, logistics, retail
• Greater access to local contracts
The process is similar, but there may be additional costs for office contracts or approvals DED (Department of Economy and Tourism).
Conditions for Dubai Investor Visa
A huge minimum investment is not required, as there is in other countries. In Dubai, the main condition is that the applicant is an associate or shareholder in a valid company.
General requirements:
• to own shares in a UAE licensed firm
• the company must be legally active and registered
• passport valid for at least 6 months
• passport type photo
• medical insurance (mandatory for issuing Emirates ID)
In some Free Zones, owning even 1% of the company is enough to obtain a visa.
The process of obtaining an investor visa in Dubai — updated steps
The process is very clear in 2025, and much of it is carried out digitally. Depending on the area in which the company is located, the procedure takes from 5 to 10 working days.
1. Entry Permit
It is issued electronically. It allows you to enter Dubai for medical and biometric procedures.
2. Medical test
Includes blood analysis and lung X-rays, standard process for all types of residency.
3. Biometrics for Emirates ID
The photo and fingerprint for the identity document are taken. Emirates ID will be delivered later via courier.
4. Application for a visa in the passport
Documents are processed by the authorities, and the visa is applied digitally (before it was a physical sticker).
5. Issuance of Emirates ID
This is the main document of residence, used for banking, contracts, medical services and internal mobility.
Advantages of a Dubai Investor Visa for Romanians
For entrepreneurs, the benefits are not only at the tax level, but also operational.
• Legal and stable residencein one of the safest countries in the world
• Access to personal and corporate bank accountin UAE
• 0% income tax
• 0% tax on dividends
• 0% VAT on exports
• Possibility to sponsor the family(spouse, children, even parents depending on income)
• Simplified international mobility
• Access to modern infrastructure, premium medical services and business ecosystem
For Romanians, the Dubai investor visa is often the gateway to relocation, stability and international growth.
Common Investor Mistakes and How to Avoid Them
Although the process is quick, some mistakes can delay or complicate obtaining a visa.
Common mistakes include:
• choosing a Free Zone unsuitable for the activity
• non-compliance with the requirements for Economic Substance
• lack of a valid bank account
• misunderstanding the differences between “administrative residence” and “tax residency”
• lack of proper medical insurance
Proper planning significantly reduces the risks of non-compliance and unnecessary costs.
When is the Dubai investor visa the best option
Dubai investor visa is ideal for:
• Digital Entrepreneurs Working Globally
• Startup founders with international market
• freelancers who want legal status and stable banking
• families wishing to relocate in a safe and modern environment
• investors restructuring their businesses in the UAE
If the goal is a combination of residency, tax freedom and international operation, this is the optimal solution.
Dubai investor visa remains one of the most flexible and advantageous ways to obtain residency in the UAE. For Romanian entrepreneurs, it means access to a dynamic market, a stable tax ecosystem, efficient banking and a modern infrastructure that allows global scaling without barriers.
If properly planned, it can become the foundation of a new chapter of business, international expansion and operational freedom.
If you want to get your Dubai investor visa without complications and with a fair tax structure from the start, the Business Arena Dubai team can guide you step by step — from license and firm, to visa, banking and residency.
Contact us now for a personalized consultation.
